human
Do you know, Jacob, how the parish of Battersea came into the possession of those fields?
gpt
No, I do not.
human
Well, then, I'll tell you; it was because the Battersea people were more humane and charitable than their neighbours. There was a time when those fields were of no value; now they're worth a mint of money, they say. The body of a poor devil, who was drowned in the river, was washed on shore on those banks, and none of the parishes would be at the expense of burying it. The Battersea people, though they had least right to be called upon, would not allow the poor fellow's corpse to be lying on the mud, and they went to the expense. Now, when the fields became of value, the other parishes were ready enough to claim them; but the case was tried, and as it was proved that Battersea had buried the body, the fields were decided to belong to that parish. So they were well paid for their humanity, and they deserved it. Mr Drummond says you know the river well, Jacob.
gpt
I was born on it.
human
Yes, so I heard, and all about your father and mother's death. I was telling Tom of it, because he's too fond of _bowsing up his jib_.
gpt
Well, father, there's no occasion to remind Jacob; the tear is in his eye already,
human
I wish you never had any other _drop_ in your _eye_,--but never mind, Jacob, I didn't think of what I was saying. Look ye, d'ye see that little house with the two chimneys--that's mine, and there's my old woman.--I wonder what she's about just now.