"'Feth, I weel believe that, sir,' interposed Willie. 'It's just incredible the villany that's practised in this trade o' ours. Some men hae nae conscience, and wad sell their very souls for gould--gould--gould--that curse o' the human race, that some think was 'Sent to keep the fools in play, For some to heap and some to throw away. But _I_, who think more highly of our kind (And surely Heaven and _I_ are of a mind), Opine that Nature, as in duty bound, Deep hid the shining mischief under ground.' That's my opinion, sir,' continued Willie; 'and I houp ye'll excuse the liberty I hae taen o' gi'ein ye't in poetry, but Pope comes tricklin' aff my tongue, whether I will or no, just like water aff a dyuck's back.' "'Excuse ye, my friend!' said the astonished and delighted Mr Darsy, with a gracious smile. 'My dear sir, your quotation requires no apology. It is appropriate, and to the purpose. A fine idea--tersely and pithily expressed. The man, sir, who studies Pope as he ought to be studied, and who acts on the principles he inculcates, will infallibly secure 'What nothing earthly gives or can destroy-- The soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy.' "'Yes, sir,' replied Willie:-- 'Say, in pursuit of profit and delight, Who risk the most--that take wrong means, or right, Of vice or virtue, whether blest or curst; Which meets contempt, or which compassion first; Count all the advantage prosperous vice attains-- 'Tis but what virtue flies from and disdains.' "'It is, it is!' shouted Mr Darsy, in ecstasy. 'Enough, my dear sir, enough,' he said, extending his hand to Willie, while a tear of emotion glistened in his eye. 'Come into the house, and take a little refreshment, and let us see if we cannot make a bargain about these horses. They look very well, and, I daresay, will suit my purpose.' "'Just the very thing, sir, ye may depend on't,' replied Willie, who had now dismounted, and was holding both horses by the halters. 'There's that black ane, I'm unco sweer to part wi't; but the want o' siller gars a puir man mak mony a sacrifice baith to his interest and to his feelins. O' that black horse, sir, I may safely say there's no his match in the county; yet I daurna, nor wadna, ask his price for him, for it wad be considered just an imposition.' "'But, my good friend,' interposed Mr Darsy, 'I hope you do not think that I would take advantage of you in any way--that I would avail myself of the urgency of your necessities, to give you less than the just value of your horse. God forbid! You shall have his price, be that what it may.' "'Oh, I'm no misdootin that, sir, no the least; but----'