page 65

A Dialogue

Touch (Sir R.): Such a one is a natural philosopher. Wast ever in Court, Professor? Cor (H.B.K.): No, truly. Touch: Then thou art damned. Cor: Nay, I hope. Touch: Truly thou art damned like an ill-roasted egg, all on one side. Cor: For not being at Court? Your reason. Touch: Why, if thou never wast at (my) Court, thou never sawest good manners; if thou never sawest good manners, then thy manners must be wicked; and wickedness is sin, and sin is damnation. Thou art in a parlous state, Professor. Cor: Not a whit, Sir R. Those that are good manners at the Court are as ridiculous in the country as the behaviour of the Professorial Board is most mockable at the Court.