----But it is an indubitable verity, continued I, addressing myself to the commissary, changing only the form of my asseveration----that I owe the king of _France_ nothing but my good-will; for he is a very honest man, and I wish him all health and pastime in the world----
_Pardonnez moi_--replied the commissary, you are indebted to him six livres four sous, for the next post from hence to St. _Fons_, in your route to _Avignon_--which being a post royal, you pay double for the horses and postillion--otherwise 'twould have amounted to no more than three livres two sous----
----But I don't go by land; said I.
----You may if you please; replied the commissary----
Your most obedient servant----said I, making him a low bow----
The commissary, with all the sincerity of grave good breeding--made me one, as low again. ----I never was more disconcerted with a bow in my life.
----The devil take the serious character of these people! quoth I--(aside) they understand no more of IRONY than this----
The comparison was standing close by with his panniers--but something seal'd up my lips --I could not pronounce the name--

'But it is true,' continued I, 'that I owe the king of France nothing but my good-will.'
'Pardonnez moi,' replied the messenger, 'you owe him six livres four sous, for the next post-stage from here to St. Fons, in your route to Avignon. Since it is a post royal, you pay double for the horses and postillion - otherwise 'twould have been three livres two sous.'
'But I don't go by land,' said I.
'You may if you please,' replied he.
'Your most obedient servant,' said I, making him a bow - he bowed as low in return. - I was never more disconcerted with a bow in my life.
'The devil take the serious character of these people!' quoth I (aside). 'They understand no more of Irony than this-'
The comparison was standing close by with his panniers - but I could not say his name.
