[The Antiquary by Sir Walter Scott]@TWC D-Link bookThe Antiquary CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH 12/12
See how the rascal assumes consequence, and plumes himself upon the credit of his success, and how poor Sir Arthur takes in the tide of nonsense which he is delivering to him as principles of occult science!" "You do see, my goot patron, you do see, my goot ladies, you do see, worthy Dr.Bladderhowl, and even Mr.Lofel and Mr.Oldenbuck may see, if they do will to see, how art has no enemy at all but ignorance.
Look at this little slip of hazel nuts--it is fit for nothing at all but to whip de little child"-- ("I would choose a cat and nine tails for your occasions," whispered Oldbuck apart)--"and you put it in the hands of a philosopher--paf! it makes de grand discovery.
But this is nothing, Sir Arthur,--nothing at all, worthy Dr.Botherhowl--nothing at all, ladies--nothing at all, young Mr.Lofel and goot Mr.Oldenbuck, to what art can do.
Ah! if dere was any man that had de spirit and de courage, I would show him better things than de well of water--I would show him"-- "And a little money would be necessary also, would it not ?" said the Antiquary. "Bah! one trifle, not worth talking about, maight be necessaries," answered the adept. "I thought as much," rejoined the Antiquary, drily; "and I, in the meanwhile, without any divining-rod, will show you an excellent venison pasty, and a bottle of London particular Madeira, and I think that will match all that Mr.Dousterswivel's art is like to exhibit." The feast was spread fronde super viridi, as Oldbuck expressed himself, under a huge old tree called the Prior's Oak, and the company, sitting down around it, did ample honour to the contents of the basket..
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