--If you have any objection, --said my father, addressing himself to Dr. _Slop_. Not in the least, replied Dr. _Slop_; --for it does not appear on which side of the question it is wrote; ----it may be a composition of a divine of our church, as well as yours, --so that we run equal risques. ----'Tis wrote upon neither side, quoth _Trim_, for 'tis only upon _Conscience_, an' please your Honours.
_Trim's_ reason put his audience into good-humour, --all but Dr. _Slop_, who turning his head about towards _Trim_, looked a little angry.
Begin, _Trim_, --and read distinctly, quoth my father. --I will, an' please your Honour, replied the Corporal, making a bow, and bespeaking attention with a slight movement of his right hand.
'Have you any objection?' my father asked Dr. Slop.
'Not in the least,' replied Dr. Slop; 'for it may be composed by a divine of my church, as well as of yours.'
'Begin, Trim, and read distinctly,' quoth my father.
'I will, an' please your Honour,' replied the Corporal, bowing, and requesting attention with a movement of his hand.