But his finances being at the last tide of ebb, the rich suit was put in buckle (a cant word for forty in the hundred interest).

One night, notice was given that the General would be present with the Government at the play, and all the performers on the stage were preparing to dress out in the suits presented.

The spouse of Johnny (as he was commonly called) try'd all her arts to persuade Mr.Holdfast, the pawnbroker (as it fell out, his real name) to let go the cloaths for that evening, to be returned when the play was over.

But all arguments were fruitless; nothing but the Ready, or a pledge of full equal value.

Such people would have despised a Demosthenes, or a Cicero, with all their rhetorical flourishes, if their oratorian gowns had been in pledge.