Laurence Sterne — The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy Gentleman Chap. 4.14

       &nbspWhen all was set to rights, I came down stairs again into the basse cour with my valet de place, in order to sally out towards the tomb of the two lovers, &c.—and was a second time stopp'd at the gate—not by the ass—but by the person who struck him; and who, by that time, had taken possession (as is not uncommon after a defeat) of the very spot of ground where the ass stood.        &nbspIt was a commissary sent to me from the post-office, with a rescript in his hand for the payment of some six livres odd sous.        &nbspUpon what account? said I.—'Tis upon the part of the king, replied the commissary, heaving up both his shoulders—        &nbsp—My good friend, quoth I—as sure as I am I—and you are you—        &nbsp—And who are you? said he.—Don't puzzle me; said I.