How shall I recognize an honest, hard working Frenchman?

A Frenchman used to accost English and other Strangers on the Pont-Neuf, with many Compliments, and a red hot Iron in his Hand; Pray Monsieur Anglois, says he, Do me the Favour to let me have the Honour of thrusting this hot Iron into your Backside? Zoons, what does the Fellow mean! Begone with your Iron, or I'll break your Head! Nay, Monsieur, replies he, if you do not choose it, I will not insist upon it. But at least, you will in Justice have the Goodness to pay me something for the heating of my Iron.

- Benjamin Franklin, 1766