Here’s a Perfect Emblem of the Practices and Friendships of the World;
for Men have their Toying Seasons: and their Pleasant Humours, as well
as _Dogs_ and _Cats_. We Contract Little Likings; enter into Agreeable
Conversations, and pass away the time so Merrily and Kindly together, (at
least while that Fit of Dalliance and Diversion Lasts,) that one would
think it impossible for any thing under the Sun to Break the _Intrigue_;
and yet upon the throwing in any Cross Interest among ’em; (which is all
One with the Bone under the Table,) nay, upon a Jealous Thought, or a
Mistaken Word or Look, all former Bonds are Cancell’d, the League Broken,
and the Farce Concludes in Biting and Scratching one another’s Eyes
out. The same Figure will serve for Princes and States, Publick Persons
and Private, Marry’d and Single; People in fine of all Professions and
Pretences.