_Co._ You write finely, but your Paper sinks. Your Paper is damp, and
the Ink sinks through it.
_An._ Pray make me a Pen of this.
_Co._ I have not a Pen-knife.
_An._ Here is one for you.
_Co._ Out on't, how blunt it is!
_An._ Take the Hoan.
_Co._ Do you love to write with a hard-nip'd Pen, or a soft?
_An._ Make it fit for your own Hand.
_Co._ I use to write with a soft Nip.
_An._ Pray write me out the Alphabet.
_Co._ Greek or Latin?
_An._ Write me the Latin first; I'll try to imitate it.
_Co._ Give me some Paper then.
_An._ Take some.
_Co._ But my Ink is too thin, by often pouring in of Water.
_An._ But my Cotton is quite dry.
_Co._ Squeeze it, or else piss in it.
_An._ I had rather get some Body to give me some.
_Co._ It is better to have of one's own, than to borrow.
_An._ What's a Scholar without Pen and Ink?
_Co._ The same that a Soldier is without Shield or Sword.
_An._ I wish my Fingers were so nimble, I can't write as fast as another
speaks.
_Co._ Let it be your first chief Care to write well, and your next to
write quick: No more Haste than good Speed.
_An._ Very well; say to the Master when he dictates, no more Haste than
good Speed.
* * * * *
_A Form of giving Thanks.