As I perceived the commissary of the post-office would have his six livres four sous, I had nothing else for it, but to say some smart thing upon the occasion, worth the money:
And so I set off thus:----
----And pray, Mr. Commissary, by what law of courtesy is a defenceless stranger to be used just the reverse from what you use a _Frenchman_ in this matter?
By no means; said he.
Excuse me; said I--for you have begun, Sir, with first tearing off my breeches--and now you want my pocket----
Whereas--had you first taken my pocket, as you do with your own people--and then left me bare a--'d after --I had been a beast to have complain'd----
As it is----
----'Tis contrary to the _law of nature_.
----'Tis contrary to _reason_.
----'Tis contrary to the GOSPEL.

As I perceived the messenger would have his six livres four sous, I had nothing else for it, but to say some smart thing worth the money:
And so I set off thus:
'Pray, sir, why is a defenceless stranger to be used just the reverse from how you use a Frenchman in this matter?'
'By no means,' said he.
'Excuse me,' said I; 'for you have begun by tearing off my breeches - and now you want my pocket. Whereas - if you had first taken my pocket, as you do with your own people - and then left me bare a__'d, - I would have been a beast to have complained.
'As it is- ''tis contrary to the law of nature.
''Tis contrary to reason.
''Tis contrary to the Gospel.'
