Though I was sensible I had said as many clever things to the commissary as came to six livres four sous, yet I was determined to note down the imposition amongst my remarks before I retired from the place; so putting my hand into my coat-pocket for my remarks⁠—(which, by the by, may be a caution to travellers to take a little more care of their remarks for the future) “my remarks were stolen”⁠⸺⁠Never did sorry traveller make such a pother and racket about his remarks as I did about mine, upon the occasion.

Heaven! earth! sea! fire! cried I, calling in everything to my aid but what I should⁠⸻My remarks are stolen!⁠—what shall I do?⁠⸺⁠Mr. Commissary! pray did I drop any remarks, as I stood besides you?⁠⸻

You dropp’d a good many very singular ones; replied he⁠⸺⁠Pugh! said I, those were but a few, not worth above six livres two sous⁠—but these are a large parcel⁠⸺⁠He shook his head⁠⸺⁠Monsieur Le Blanc! Madam Le Blanc! did you see any papers of mine?⁠—you maid of the house! run upstairs⁠—François! run up after her⁠⸺⁠

—I must have my remarks⁠⸺⁠they were the best remarks, cried I, that ever were made⁠—the wisest⁠—the wittiest⁠—What shall I do?⁠—which way shall I turn myself?

Sancho Pança, when he lost his ass’s furniture, did not exclaim more bitterly.