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nydus/The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, GentlemanPublic

A man describes his birth and upbringing through the adventures of his family.

Page 540 of 810
Table of Contents

XVIII

—Except dimity,⁠—replied my father:⁠⸺’Tis best of all,⁠—replied my mother.

⸺⁠One must not give him his death, however,⁠—interrupted my father.

By no means, said my mother:⁠⸺⁠and so the dialogue stood still again.

I am resolved, however, quoth my father, breaking silence the fourth time, he shall have no pockets in them.⁠—

⸺⁠There is no occasion for any, said my mother.⁠⸻

I mean in his coat and waistcoat,⁠—cried my father.

⸺⁠I mean so too,⁠—replied my mother.

⸺⁠Though if he gets a gig or top⁠⸺⁠Poor souls! it is a crown and a sceptre to them,⁠—they should have where to secure it.⁠⸻

Order it as you please, Mr. Shandy , replied my mother.⁠⸻

⸺⁠But don’t you think it right? added my father, pressing the point home to her.

Perfectly, said my mother, if it pleases you, Mr. Shandy .⁠⸻

⸺⁠There’s for you! cried my father, losing temper⁠⸺⁠Pleases me!⁠⸺⁠You never will distinguish, Mrs. Shandy , nor shall I ever teach you to do it, betwixt a point of pleasure and a point of convenience.⁠⸺⁠This was on the Sunday night:⁠⸺⁠and further this chapter sayeth not.

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