and Frog would bear the charges of the suit. Even lying Ned, the
chimney-sweeper of Savoy, and Tom, the Portugal dustman, put in
their claims, and the cause was put into the hands of Humphry Hocus,
the attorney.

A declaration was drawn up to show "That Bull and Frog had undoubted
right by prescription to be drapers to the Lord Strutts; that there
were several old contracts to that purpose; that Lewis Baboon had
taken up the trade of clothier and draper without serving his time
or purchasing his freedom; that he sold goods that were not
marketable without the stamp; that he himself was more fit for a
bully than a tradesman, and went about through all the country fairs
challenging people to fight prizes, wrestling and cudgel play, and
abundance more to this purpose."



CHAPTER V. The true characters of John Bull, Nic. Frog, and Hocus.*

* Characters of the English and Dutch, and the General Duke of
Marlborough.

For the better understanding the following history the reader ought
to know that Bull, in the main, was an honest, plain-dealing fellow,
choleric, bold, and of a very unconstant temper; he dreaded not old
Lewis either at back-sword, single falchion, or cudgel-play; but
then he was very apt to quarrel with his best friends, especially if
they pretended to govern him. If you flattered him you might lead
him like a child. John's temper depended very much upon the air;
his spirits rose and fell with the weather-glass. John was quick