STAY—I have a small account to settle with the reader before _Trim_ can
go on with his harangue.—It shall be done in two minutes.
Amongst many other book-debts, all of which I shall discharge in due
time,—I own myself a debtor to the world for two items,—a chapter upon
_chamber-maids and button-holes_, which, in the former part of my work,
I promised and fully intended to pay off this year: but some of your
worships and reverences telling me, that the two subjects, especially
so connected together, might endanger the morals of the world,—I pray
the chapter upon chamber-maids and button-holes may be forgiven me,—and
that they will accept of the last chapter in lieu of it; which is
nothing, an’t please your reverences, but a chapter of _chamber-maids,
green gowns, and old hats._
_Trim_ took his hat off the ground,—put it upon his head,—and then went
on with his oration upon death, in manner and form following.