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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 723 of 810
Table of Contents

XXVIII

In love!⁠⸺⁠said the corporal⁠—your honour was very well the day before yesterday, when I was telling your honour the story of the King of Bohemia ⁠— Bohemia! said my uncle Toby - - - - musing a long time - - - What became of that story, Trim?

—We lost it, an’ please your honour, somehow betwixt us⁠—but your honour was as free from love then, as I am⁠⸺’twas just whilst thou went’st off with the wheelbarrow⁠⸺⁠with Mrs. Wadman , quoth my uncle Toby ⁠⸺⁠She has left a ball here⁠—added my uncle Toby ⁠—pointing to his breast⁠⸺⁠

⸺⁠She can no more, an’ please your honour, stand a siege, than she can fly⁠—cried the corporal⁠⸺⁠

⸺⁠But as we are neighbours, Trim ,⁠—the best way I think is to let her know it civilly first⁠—quoth my uncle Toby .

Now if I might presume, said the corporal, to differ from your honour⁠⸺⁠

—Why else do I talk to thee, Trim? said my uncle Toby , mildly⁠⸺⁠

—Then I would begin, an’ please your honour, with making a good thundering attack upon her, in return⁠—and telling her civilly afterwards⁠—for if she knows anything of your honour’s being in love, before hand⁠⸺⁠L⁠⸺⁠d help her!⁠—she knows no more at present of it, Trim , said my uncle Toby ⁠—than the child unborn⁠⸻

Precious souls!⁠⸻

Mrs. Wadman had told it, with all its circumstances, to Mrs. Bridget twenty-four hours before; and was at that very moment sitting in council

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