Aim. And married, you say?

Bon. Ay, and to a curious woman, sir. But he’s a—he wants it here, sir.

[Pointing to his forehead.

Aim. He has it there, you mean?

Bon. That’s none of my business; he’s my landlord, and so a man, you know, would not—But—ecod, he’s no better than—Sir. my humble service to you.—[Drinks.] Though I value not a farthing what he can do to me; I pay him his rent at quarterday; I have a good running-trade; I have but one daughter, and I can give her—but no matter for that.

Aim. You’re very happy, Mr. Boniface. Pray, what other company have you in town?

Bon. A power of fine ladies; and then we have the French officers.

Aim. Oh, that’s right, you have a good many of those gentlemen: pray, how do you like their company?

Bon. So well, as the saying is, that I could wish we had as many more of ’em; they’re full of money, and pay double for everything they have. They know, sir, that we paid good round taxes for the taking of ’em, and so they are willing to reimburse us a little. One of ’em lodges in my house.

Re-enter Archer.

Arch. Landlord, there are some French gentlemen below that ask for you.

Bon. I’ll wait on ’em.—[Aside to Archer.] Does your master stay long in town, as the saying is?

Arch. I can’t tell, as the saying is.

Bon. Come from London?

Arch. No.

Bon. Going to London, mayhap?

Arch. No.

Bon. [aside]. An odd fellow this.—[To Aimwell.] I beg your worship’s pardon, I’ll wait on you in half a minute.

[Exit.

Aim. The coast’s clear, I see.—Now, my dear Archer, welcome to Lichfield!

Arch. I thank thee, my dear brother in iniquity.

Aim. Iniquity! prithee, leave canting; you need not change your style with your dress.

Arch. Don’t mistake me, Aimwell, for ’tis still my maxim, that there is no scandal like rags, nor any crime so shameful as poverty.

Aim. The world confesses it every day in its practice though men won’t own it for their opinion. Who did that worthy lord, my brother, single out of the side-box to sup with him t’other night?