Full text : Essays of Benjamin Franklin

XXIV
A DIALOGUE BETWEEN BRITAIN, FRANCE, SPAIN, HOL-LAND,
 SAXONY, AND AMERICA
Britain. Sister of Spain, I have a favor to ask of
you. My subjects in America are disobedient, and I
am about to chastise them; I beg you will not furnish
them with any arms or ammunition.
Spain. Have you forgotten, then, that when my
subjects in the Low Countries rebelled against me,
you not only furnished them with military stores, but
joined them with an army and a fleet? I wonder
how you can have the impudence to ask such a favor
of me, or the folly to expect it!
Britain. You, my dear sister France, will surely
not refuse me this favor.
France. Did you not assist my rebel Huguenots
with a fleet and an army at Rochelle? And have
you not lately aided privately and sneakingly my
rebel subjects in Corsica? And do you not at this
instant keep their chief pensioned, and ready to head
a fresh revolt there, whenever you can find or make an
opportunity? Dear sister, you must be a little silly!
Britain. Honest Holland! You see it is remembered
 I was once your friend; you will therefore be
mine on this occasion. I know, indeed, you are accustomed
 to smuggle with these rebels of mine. I
will wink at that; sell them as much tea as you please,

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