Many such feats I have performed, too many to relate. Children, to
be sure, especially big blustering rude boys, have occasionally
played tricks with me. When they play Bombastes Furioso they come
for me."
"All right," said the musket.
"These little rogues have gapped my fine edge, and one good-for-
nothing scamp used me to cut down cabbages, but, as he came very
near cutting down his younger brother at the same time, he was sent
to bed supperless by his father. I have really never performed any
drudgery. Like Caesar, 'I came, I saw, I conquered.'"
At these words, there was a sort of scornful laugh from every
venerable person in the garret. Even the old baize gown shook with
merriment; this vexed the sword so completely that he stopped
speaking; and, notwithstanding their entreaties, would not resume
the story or speak another word.
There was a deep silence, for a few moments, which was broken, at
last, by the old wig, who called upon the warming pan to tell her
story; the warming pan obeyed, and spoke as follows:--
"I pass over my early life. Time was when I was thought much of in
this family. Early in the autumn, I was rubbed and polished till you
could see your face in me.
On the first cold night, some nice walnut wood embers were carefully
put into me; I had the pleasure and honor of being passed up and
down my mistress's bed till it was well warmed, and this service I
performed for her constantly till the warm weather returned.
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