was equally offended, surprised, and concerned, when he understood the nature of the debt, which he imagined his son had already discharged. Unwilling to pay such a considerable sum for a spendthrift, whom he had but too much indulged, and who in less than one week might involve himself in such another difficulty, the old gentleman wrote a letter to Peregrine, representing what a hardship it would be upon him to forfeit such sums by the indiscretion of a son, whose engagements he was not bound to fulfil, and desiring some mitigation in his demand, as it was not a debt contracted for value received, but incurred without subjecting him to the least damage or inconvenience.

Our adventurer no sooner received this letter, than he went in person to wait upon the author, to whom he, in a candid manner, related the particular circumstances of the match, together with the ingratitude and audacity of his son, which he owned had stimulated him to such measures as he otherwise would have scorned to take. The nobleman | acknowledged that the revenge was hardly adequate to the provocation, and condemned the conduct of his son with such justice and integrity, as disarmed Peregrine of his resentment, and disposed him to give an undoubted proof of his own disinterestedness, which he immediately exhibited, by producing the note, and tearing it to pieces, after having assured his lordship that the writ should be withdrawn, and the prisoner discharged before night.

The earl, who perfectly well understood the value of money, and was no stranger to the characters of mankind, stood amazed at this sacrifice, which Pickle protested was offered by his esteem for his lordship; and, after having complimented him upon his generosity, in a very uncommon strain of encomium, begged the favour of his acquaintance, and insisted upon his dining with him next day. The youth, proud of having met with such an opportunity to distinguish himself, in less than an hour performed every article of his promise; and in the morning was visited by the debtor, who came, by the express order of his father, to thank him for the obligation under which he was laid, and to ask pardon for the offence he had given.

was another proof of the young gentleman's benevolence, said, he would not fail to pay the utmost regard to his recommendation; and in six weeks a captain's commission was actually signed for the brother of Emilia, who was very agreeably surprised at the intimation he received from the war-office, though he was utterly ignorant of the canal through which he obtained that promotion.

CHAPTER LXXXV.

Peregrine is celebrated as a wit and patron, and proceeds to entertain himself at the expense of whom it did concern.

In the mean time, Peregrine flourished in the gay scenes of life, and, as I have already observed, had divers opportunities of profiting in the way of marriage, had not his ambition been a little too inordinate, and his heart still biassed by a passion, which all the levity of youth could not balance, nor all the pride of vanity overcome. Nor was our hero unmarked in the world of letters and taste: he had signalized himself in several poetical productions, by which he had acquired a good share of reputation: not that the pieces were such as ought to have done much honour to his genius; but any tolerable performance from a person of his figure and supposed fortune, will always be considered by the bulk of readers as an instance of astonishing capacity; though the very same production, ushered into the world with the name of an author in less affluent circumstances, would be justly disregarded and despised; so much is the opinion of most people influenced and overawed by ridiculous considerations.

Be this as it will, our young gentleman was no sooner distinguished as an author, than he was marked out as a patron by all the starving retainers to poetry; he was solemnized in odes, celebrated in epigrams, and fed with the milk of soft dedication. His vanity even relished this incense; and, though his reason could not help despising those that offered it, not one of them was sent away unowned by his munificence. He began to think himself, in good earnest, that superior genius which their flattery had described; This condescension was very glorious for he cultivated acquaintance with the wits of our hero, who graciously received his sub- fashion, and even composed in secret a nummission, and accompanied him to dinner, ber of bon mots, which he uttered in comwhere he was caressed by the old earl with pany as the impromptus of his imagination. marks of particular affection and esteem. In this practice, indeed, he imitated some of Nor was his gratitude confined to exterior the most renowned geniuses of the age, who, civility; he offered him the use of his in- if the truth were known, have laboured in terest at court, which was very powerful, secret, with the sweat of their brows, for and repeated his desire of serving him so many a repartee which they have vended as pressingly, that Peregrine thought he could the immediate production of fancy and exnot dispense with the opportunity of assist-pression. He was so successful in this exing his absent friend Godfrey, in whose be-ercise of his talents, that his fame actually half he begged the influence of his lordship. came in competition with that great man The earl, pleased with this request, which who had long sat at the helm of wit; and,

in a dialogue that once happened between | his security be liked, would accommodate them on the subject of a cork-screw, wherein him with the sum which he wanted to raise. the altercation was discharged, according to Before the hour of this double appointment, Bayes, slap for slap, dash for dash, our hero Pickle, with his friend Cadwallader, and a was judged to have the better of his lordship, few more gentlemen, to whom he had thought by some of the minor satellites, that com- proper to communicate the plan, went to the monly surround and reflect the rays of such coffee-house, and seated themselves near the mighty luminaries. place that was destined for their meeting.

In a word, he dipped himself so far in these literary amusements, that he took the management of the pit into his direction, putting himself at the head of those critics who call themselves the town: and in that capacity chastised several players, who had been rendered insolent and refractory by unmerited success. As for the new productions of the stage, though generally unspirited and insipid, they always enjoyed the benefit of his influence and protection: because he never disliked the performance so much as he sympathised with the poor author, who stood behind the scenes in the most dreadful suspense, trembling, as it were, on the very brink of damnation; yet, though he extended his generosity and compassion to the humble and needy, he never let slip one opportunity of mortifying villainy and arrogance. Had the executive power of the legislature been vested in him, he would have doubtless devised a strange species of punishment for all offenders against humanity and decorum; but, restricted as he was, he employed his invention in subjecting them to the ridicule and contempt of their fellow subjects.

It was with this view he set on foot the scheme of conjuration, which was still happily carried on, and made use of the intelligence of his friend Cadwallader: though he sometimes converted this advantage to the purposes of gallantry, being, as the reader may have perceived, of a very amorous complexion. He not only acted the reformer, or rather the castigator, in the fashionable world, but also exercised his talents among the inferior class of the people, who chanced to incur his displeasure.

The hope of getting money had such an evident effect upon their punctuality, that one of them arrived a considerable time before the hour; and having reconnoitred the room, took his station according to the direction he had received, fixing his eye upon a clock that stood before him, and asking of the bar-keeper if it was not too slow. He had not remained in this posture many minutes, when he was joined by a strange figure that waddled into the room, with a bundle of papers in his bosom, and the sweat running over his nose. Seeing a man in the box to which he had been directed, he took it for granted he was the lender and as soon as he could recover his breath, which was almost exhausted by the dispatch he had made,— "Sir," said he, "I presume you are the gentleman I was to meet about that loan." Here he was interrupted by the other, who eagerly replied,-"A. B., Sir, I suppose." "The same," replied the last comer, "I was afraid I should be too late, for I was detained beyond my expectation by a nobleman in the other end of the town that wants to mortgage a small trifle of his estate, about a thousand a-year; and my watch happens to be in the hands of the maker, having met with an accident a few nights ago, which set it asleep. But, howsomever, there is no time lost, and I hope this affair will be transacted to the satisfaction of us both. For my own part, I love to do good offices myself, and, therefore, I expect nothing but what is fair and honest of other people."

His new friend was exceedingly comforted by this declaration, which he considered as a happy omen of his success; and the hope of One mischievous plan that entered our fingering the cash operated visibly in his hero's imagination, was suggested by two countenance, while he expressed his satisadvertisements published in the same paper, faction at meeting with a person of such by persons who wanted to borrow certain candour and humanity. "The pleasure," sums of money, for which they promised to said he, "of dealing with an easy consciengive undeniable security. Peregrine, from tious man is, in my opinion, superior to that the style and manner of both, concluded they of touching all the money upon earth; for were written by attorneys, a species of peo- what joy can be compared with what a geple for whom he entertained his uncle's aver-nerous mind feels in befriending its fellowsion. In order to amuse himself and some creatures! I was never so happy in my life, of his friends with their disappointment, he as at one time, in lending five hundred pounds wrote a letter, signed A. B., to each advertiser, according to the address specified in the newspaper, importing, that if he would come with his writings to a certain coffeehouse near the Temple, precisely at six in the evening, he would find a person sitting in the right-hand box next to the window, who would be glad to treat with him about the subject of his advertisement; and, should

to a worthy gentleman in distress, without insisting upon rigid security. Sir, one may easily distinguish an upright man by his countenance. For example, now, I think I could take your word for ten thousand pounds." The other, with great joy, protested that he was right in his conjecture, and returned the compliment a thousand fold: by which means the expectation of

they left the choice of their fare to the discretion of the landlord, that they might save themselves the pains of exercising their own reason; and, in order to avoid the trouble o adjusting the bill, ordered the waiter to declare how much every individual must pay, without specifying the articles of the charge. This proportion generally amounted to two guineas per head for each dinner and supper, and frequently exceeded that sum; of which the landlord durst not abate, without running the risk of having his nose slit for his moderation.

both was wound up to a very interesting | properly styled the temple of excess, where pitch; and both, at the same instant, began to produce their papers, in the untying of which their hands shook with transports of eagerness and impatience; while their eyes were so intent upon their work, that they did not observe the occupation of each other. At length, one of them, having got the start of the other, and unrolled several skins of musty parchment, directed his view to the employment of his friend; and seeing him fumbling at his bundle, asked if that was a blank bond and conveyance which he had brought along with him. The other, without lifting up his eyes, or desisting from his endeavours to loose the knot, which by this time he had applied to his teeth, answered this question in the negative, observing that the papers in his hand were the security which he proposed to give for the money. This reply converted the looks of the in-gress of their debauches. This elegant diquirer into a state of infinite solidity, accompanied with the word Anan; which he pronounced in a tone of fear and astonishment. The other, alarmed at this note, cast his eyes towards the supposed lender, and was in a moment infected by his aspect. All the exultation of hope that sparkled in their eyes was now succeeded by disappointment and dismay; and while they gazed ruefully at each other, their features were gradually elongated, like the transient curls of a Middle-row periwig.

This emphatic silence was however broken by the last comer, who, in a faltering accent, desired the other to recollect the contents of his letter. "Of your letter!" cried the first, putting into his hands the advertisement he had received from Pickle; which he had no sooner perused, than he produced his own for the satisfaction of the other party: so that another gloomy pause ensued, at the end of which, each uttered a profound sigh or rather groan, and, rising up, sneaked off without further communication; he who seemed to be the most afflicted of the two, taking his departure, with an exclamation of -"humbugged, egad!"

But this was puny expense compared with that which they often incurred, by the damage done to the furniture and servants, in the madness of their intoxication, as well as the loss they sustained at hazard, an amusement to which all of them had recourse in the pro

version was introduced, encouraged, and promoted by a crew of rapacious sharpers, who had made themselves necessary companions of this hopeful generation, by the talents of pimping and buffoonery. Though they were universally known, even by those they preyed upon, to have no other means of earning their livelihood, than the most infamous and fraudulent practices, they were caressed and courted by these infatuated dupes, when a man of honour, who would not join in their excesses, would have been treated with the utmost indignity and contempt.

Though Peregrine, in his heart, detested those abandoned courses, and was a professed enemy to the whole society of gamesters, whom he considered, and always treated, as the foes of human kind, he was insensibly accustomed to licentious riot, and even led imperceptibly into play by those cormorants, who are no less dangerous in the art of cheating, than by their consummate skill in working upon the passions of unwary youth. They are, for the most part, naturally cool, phlegmatic, and crafty; and, by a long habit of dissimulation, have gained Such were the amusements of our hero, an absolute dominion over the hasty passions though they did not engross his whole time, of the heart; so that they engage with manisome part of which was dedicated to noc-fest advantage over the impatience and imturnal riots and revels, among a set of young noblemen, who had denounced war against temperance, economy, and common sense, and were indeed the devoted sons of tumult, waste, and prodigality. Not that Peregrine relished those scenes, which were a succession of absurd extravagance, devoid of all true spirit, taste, or enjoyment: but his vanity prompted him to mingle with those who were entitled the choice spirits of the age; and These penitential reflections were attended his disposition was so pliable, as to adapt with many laudable resolutions of profiting itself easily to the measures of his company, by the experience which he had so dearly where he had not influence enough to act in purchased; but he was one of those philosothe capacity of a director. Their rendez-phers who always put off, till another day, vous was at a certain tavern, which might be the commencement of their reformation.

petuosity of a warm undesigning temper, like that of our young gentleman, who, when he was heated with wine, misled by example, invited on one hand, and defied on the other, forgot all his maxims of caution and sobriety, and, plunging into the reigning folly of the place, had frequent occasions to moralize in the morning upon the loss of the preceding night.

the counterfeit, that he attacked the baboon | disrespect. He owned, indeed, he was not whip in hand, and, in all probability, would certain that she would appear in the same have sacrificed him to his resentment, had company with Pickle; but as she made no not he been prevented by the other fox-stipulations on that score, he would interpret hunters. They interposed, in order to make her silence in the most favourable manner, up the difference betwixt two brothers of the and keep her in ignorance of his design, sport, and were equally surprised and divert- until she should find it too late to retract ed, when they distinguished the quality of with any decency. The hope of seeing and Crookback's antagonist, which they rescued conversing with Emilia, and perhaps of being from his rage and reconveyed to its master. reconciled to her, after having suffered so Peregrine, at the request of his friend much and so long from her displeasure, Jack, took charge of his aunt's funeral, to raised a tumult of ideas in his breast, and which his parents were invited, though they produced a strange inquietude of joy and did not think proper to appear, or pay the perturbation. Gauntlet having staid with least regard to his solicitations, when he de- him a few days, and signified the time apsired permission to wait upon them in per- pointed for his espousals, took his leave, in son. Nevertheless, old Gamaliel, at the in- order to prepare for the occasion; while stigation of his wife, afterwards obtained an Peregrine, with his friend Hatchway, made order from Doctors' Commons, obliging a tour among his acquaintance in the counHatchway to produce the will of his wife, try, with a view of sounding their inclinaon the supposition that she had bequeathed tions touching a project which he had lately to him some part of the money, which, he conceived, of offering himself as a candidate knew, was at her own disposal. But from for a certain borough in the neighbourhood, this step he reaped no other satisfaction than at the ensuing election for members of parthat of finding himself altogether neglected liament. by the testatrix, who had left all her effects to her husband, except one thousand pounds, with her jewels, to Julia's daughter, the benefaction mentioned in the lieutenant's letter, and some inconsiderable legacies to her favourite domestics.

A few days after the interment of this good lady, our hero was agreeably surprised with a visit from his friend Godfrey, who had come to England in consequence of that promotion which he owed to his interest, though the soldier himself placed it to the credit of a certain courtier who had formerly promised to befriend him, and now finding his advancement unowned, very modestly arrogated the merit of it to himself. He communicated his good fortune to Pickle, who complimented him upon it as an event of which he had no precognition; and at the same time told him, that, in consequence of his preferment, his cousin at Windsor had consented to his being immediately united in the bands of wedlock with his lovely Sophy; that the wedding day was already fixed; and that nothing would be wanting to his happiness, if Peregrine would honour the nuptials with his presence.

Our hero accepted the invitation with great eagerness, when he learned that Emilia would be there in quality of bride's-maid; and now repeated what he had formerly written to his friend, namely, that he was not only willing, but extremely impatient, to atone for his mad behaviour to that young lady, by laying himself and his whole fortune at her feet. Godfrey thanked him for his honourable intention, and promised to use his influence, and that of Sophy, in his behalf, though he seemed dubious of their success, on account of his sister's delicacy, which could not pardon the least shadow of

This scheme, which was suggested to him by one of his quality patrons, would have succeeded according to his wish, had the election taken place immediately; but, before that happened, his interest was overbalanced by some small accidents that will be recorded in the sequel. In the mean time he repaired to Windsor on the eve of his friend's marriage, and understood from Godfrey that it was with the utmost difficulty he and Sophy could prevail upon his sister to be present at the wedding, when she was informed that her lover was invited; and that her consent had not been obtained until they had promised, on the part of Peregrine, that he should not renew the old topic, nor even speak to her in the style of a former acquaintance.

Our young gentleman was nettled at this preliminary, to which, however, he said he would adhere; and so well did he think himself fortified with pride and resentment, that he resolved to behave towards her with such indifference, as would, he hoped, mortify her vanity, and thereby punish her for the implacability of her disposition. Armed with these sentiments, he was next day introduced by Godfrey to the bride, who received him with her usual sweetness of temper and affability; and Emilia being present, he saluted her with a distant bow, which she acknowledged with a cold courtesy, and an aspect of ice. Though this deportment confirmed his displeasure, her beauty undermined his resolution; he thought her charms infinitely improved since their last parting; and a thousand fond images recurring to his imagination, he felt his whole soul dissolving into tenderness and love.

In order to banish those dangerous ideas, he endeavoured to enter into a gay conversa