The Lame Lover. Foote Samuel

the choice of his company he gives an unanswerable instance of that.

Sir LUKE

      You are right, my dear girl. But now to give you a proof of his wit: You know Brentford's finances are a little out of repair, which procures him some visits that he would very gladly excuse.

SERJEANT

      What need he fear? His person is sacred; for by the tenth of William and Mary —

Sir LUKE

      He knows that well enough; but for all that —

SERJEANT

      Indeed, by a late act of his own house, (which does them infinite honour) his goods or chattels may be —

Sir LUKE

      Seiz'd upon when they can find them, but he lives in ready-furnish'd lodgings, and hires his coach by the month.

SERJEANT

      Nay, if the sheriff return "non inventus" —

Sir LUKE

      A pox o' your law, you make me lose sight of my story. One morning, a Welch coach-maker came with his bill to my Lord, whose name was unluckily Loyd. My Lord had the man up. You are call'd, I think, Mr. Loyd? – At your Lordship's service, my Lord. – What, Loyd with an L? – It was with an L indeed, my Lord. – Because in your part of the world I have heard that Loyd and Floyd were synonymous, the very same names. – Very often indeed, my lord. – But you always spell your's with an L? – Always. – That, Mr. Loyd, is a little unlucky; for you must know I am now paying my debts alphabetically, and in four or five years you might have come in with an F; but I am afraid I can give you no hopes for your L. – Ha, ha, ha!