deal to say with one of the upper clerks, who | the mean time, we sauntered about the town is very well known to the under secretary, to satisfy our curiosity, our conversation who, upon his recommendation, I hope, will turning on the subject of my designs, which recommend my affair to the first secretary, were not as yet fixed: neither can it be supand he again will speak to one of the lords posed that my mind was at ease, when I in my behalf; so that you see I do not want found myself reduced almost to extreme povfriends to assist me on occasion. As for the erty in the midst of foreigners, among whom fellow Crampley, tho'f I know him not, I am I had not one acquaintance to advise and sure he is neither seaman nor officer, by what befriend me. My uncle was sensible of my you have told me, or else he could never be forlorn condition, and pressed me to accomso much mistaken in his reckoning, as to run pany him to England, where he did not doubt the ship on shore on the coast of Sussex, of finding some sort of provision for me: but, before he believed himself in soundings; besides the other reasons I had for avoiding neither, when that accident happened, would that kingdom, I looked upon it at this time as he have left the ship until she had been stove the worst country in the universe for a poor to pieces, especially when the tide was honest man to live in, and therefore determaking; wherefore, by this time, I do sup- mined to remain in France at all events. I pose he has been tried by a court-martial and was confirmed in this resolution by a reverexecuted for his cowardice and misconduct." end priest, who, passing by at this time, and I could not help smiling at the description of overhearing us speak English, accosted us in my uncle's ladder, by which he proposed to the same language, telling us he was our climb to the attention of the board of admi- countryman, and wishing it might be in hi ralty; and though I knew the world too well power to do us any service. We thanked to confide in such dependence myself, I this grave person for his courteous offer, and would not discourage him with doubts, but invited him to drink a glass with us, which asked if he had no friend in London who he did not think proper to refuse, and we would advance a small sum of money to ena- went altogether into a tavern of his recomble him to appear as he ought, and make a mending. After having drank to our healths small present to the under secretary, who in a bumper of good Burgundy, he began to might possibly dispatch his business the inquire into our situation, particularly the sooner on that account. He scratched his place of our nativity; which we no sooner head, and, after some recollection, replied, named, than he started up, and, wringing our "Why, yes, I believe Daniel Whipcord, the hands with great fervour, shed a flood of ship-chandler in Wapping, would not refuse tears, crying,-"I come from the same part me such a small matter. I know I can have of the country! perhaps you are my own what credit I want, for lodging, liquor, and relations." I was on my guard against his clothes; but as to money I wont be positive: caresses, which I suspected very much, when had honest Block been living, I should not I remembered the adventure of the moneyhave been at a loss." I was heartily sorry dropper; but, without any appearance of difto find a worthy man so destitute of friends, fidence, observed, that, as he was born in that when he had such need of them; and looked part of the country, he must certainly know upon my own situation as less miserable than our family, which (howsoever mean our his, because I was better acquainted with the present appearance might be) was none of selfishness and roguery of mankind, conse- the most obscure or inconsiderable. Then quently less liable to disappointment and I discovered our names, to which I found he imposition. was no stranger. He had known my grandfather personally; and notwithstanding an absence of fifty years from Scotland, recounted so many particulars of the families in the neighbourhood, that my scruples were He takes his passage in a cutter for Deal- entirely removed, and I thought myself happy we are accosted by a priest, who proves in his acquaintance. In the course of our to be a Scotchman-his profession of conversation, I disclosed my condition withfriendship-he is affronted by the lieuten-out reserve, and displayed my talents to such ant, who afterwards appeases him by submission-my uncle embarks—I am introduced by a priest to a capuchin, in whose company I set out for Paris-the character of my fellow-traveller-an adventure on the road-I am shocked at his behaviour.

CHAPTER XLII.

advantage, that the old father looked upon me with admiration, and assured me, that if I staid in France, and listened to reason, I could not fail of making my fortune, to which he would contribute all in his power.

My uncle began to be jealous of the priest's insinuation, and very abruptly declared that, if ever I should renounce my religion, he WHEN our repast was ended, we walked would break off all connection and corresdown to the harbour, where we found a cut-pondence with me; for it was his opinion, ter that was to sail for Deal in the evening, that no honest man would swerve from the and Mr Bowling agreed for his passage: in principles in which he was bred, whether

for my uncle's embarking being come, I accompanied him to the harbour, and saw him on board. We parted not without tears, after we had embraced, and wished one another all manner of prosperity; and he entreated me to write to him often, directing to Lieutenant Bowling, at the sign of the Union flag, near the Hermitage, London.

Turkish, Protestant, or Roman. The father, | out to my advantage, and therefore resolved affronted at this declaration, with great ve- to cultivate it as much I could. With this hemence began a long discourse, setting forth view, we visited him at his convent, accordthe danger of obstinacy, and shutting one's ing to his invitation, where he treated us eyes against the light. He said, that igno- with wine and sweetmeats, and showed us rance would be no plea towards justification, every thing that was remarkable in the monwhen we had opportunities of being better astery. Having been thus entertained, we informed; and that, if the minds of people took our leave, though not before I had prohad not been open to conviction, the Chris-mised to see him next day; and the time fixed tian religion could not have been propagated in the world, and we should now be in a state of pagan darkness and barbarity. He endeavoured to prove, by some texts of scripture, and many quotations from the fathers, that the pope was the successor of St Peter, and vicar of Jesus Christ; that the Church of Rome was the true holy catholic church; and that the protestant faith was an impious heresy and damnable schism, by which many millions of souls would suffer everlasting perdition. When he had finished his sermon, which I thought he pronounced with more zeal than discretion, he addressed himself to my uncle, and desired to know his objections to what had been said. The lieutenant, whose attention had been wholly engrossed by his own affairs, took the pipe out of his mouth, and replied,-" As for me, friend, d'ye see, I have no objection to what you say; it may be either true or false for what I know; I meddle with nobody's affairs but my own; the gunner to his linstock, and the steersman to the helm, as the saying is. I trust to no creed but the compass, and do unto every man as I would be done by; so that I defy the pope, the devil, and the pretender, and hope, to be saved as well as another." This association of persons gave great offence to the friar, who protested, in a mighty passion, that, if Mr Bowling had not been his countryman, he would have caused him to be imprisoned for his insolence. I ventured to disapprove of my uncle's rashness, and appeased the old gentleman by assuring him there was no offence intended by my kinsman, who, by this time, sensible of his error, shook the injured party by the hand, and asked pardon for the freedom he had taken. Matters being amicably compromised, he invited us to come and see him in the afternoon at the convent to which he be-nal attachments, the grosser appetites sublonged, and took his leave for the present; dued and chastised, and the soul wafted to when my uncle recommended it strongly to divine regions of philosophy and truth on the me to persevere in the religion of my fore- wings of studious contemplation. But his fathers, whatever advantages I might propose eloquence was lost upon me, whom two conto myself by a change, which could not fail siderations enabled to withstand his temptaof disgracing myself, and dishonouring my tions, namely, my promise to my uncle, and family. I assured him no consideration my aversion to an ecclesiastical life; for, as to should induce me to forfeit his friendship the difference of religion, I looked upon it as and good opinion on that score; at which a thing of too small moment to come in comassurance he discovered great satisfaction, petition with a man's fortune. Finding me and put me in mind of dinner, which we im-immovable on this head, he told me he was mediately bespoke, and, when it was ready, ate together.

I imagined my acquaintance with the Scottish priest, if properly managed, might turn

I returned to the house in which we had met, where I passed the night in a very solitary manner, reflecting on the severity of my fate, and endeavouring to project some likely scheme of life for the future; but my invention failed me; I saw nothing but insurmountable difficulties in my way, and was ready to despair at the miserable prospect. That I might not, however, neglect any probable means, I got up in the morning, and went directly to the father, whose advice and assistance I implored. He received me very kindly, and gave me to understand that there was one way of life in which a person of my talents could not fail of making a great figure. I guessed his meaning, and told him once for all, I was fully determined against any alteration in point of religion; therefore, if his proposal regarded the church, he might save himself the trouble of explaining it. He shook his head, and sighed, saying,—“ Ah ! son, son, what a glorious prospect is here spoiled by your stubborn prejudice! Suffer yourself to be persuaded by reason, and consult your temporal welfare as well as the concerns of your eternal soul. I can by my interest procure your admission as a noviciate into this convent, where I will superintend and direct you with a truly paternal affection." Then he launched out into the praises of a monastic life, which no noise disturbs, no cares molest, and no danger invades, where the heart is weaned from car

more sorry than offended at my non-compli ance, and still ready to employ his good offices in my behalf. "The same erroneous maxims," said he, "that obstruct your

of my bed to a pretty maid who had a tendre for me? I must own, to my shame, that I suffered myself to be overcome by my passion, and with great eagerness seized the occasion, when I understood that the amiable Nanette was to be my bed-fellow. In vain did my reason suggest the respect that I owed to my dear mistress Narcissa; the idea of that lovely charmer rather increased than allayed the ferment of my spirits; and the young paysanne had no reason to complain of my remembrance. Early in the morning the kind creatures left us to our repose, which lasted till eight o'clock, when we got

promotion in the church, will infallibly prevent your advancement in the army; but if you can brook the condition of a servant, I am acquainted with some people of rank at Versailles, to whom I can give you letters of recommendation, that you may be entertained by some one of them in quality of maitre d'hotel; and I do not doubt that your qualifications will soon entitle you to better provision." I embraced his offer with great earnestness; and he appointed me to come back in the afternoon, when he would not only give me letters, but likewise introduce me to a capuchin of his acquaintance, who intended to set out for Paris next morn-up, and were treated at breakfast with chocoing, in whose company I might travel, without being at the expense of one livre during the whole journey. This piece of good news gave me infinite pleasure; I acknowledged my obligation to the benevolent father in the most grateful expressions; and he performed his promise to a tittle, in delivering the letters, and making me acquainted with the capuchin, with whom I departed next morning by break of day.

late and l'eau de vie by our paramours, of whom we took a tender leave, after my companion had confessed and given them absolution. While we proceeded on our journey, the conversation turned upon the night's adventure, being introduced by the capuchin, who asked me how I liked my lodging. I declared my satisfaction, and talked in rapture of the agreeable Nanette; at which he shook his head, and, smiling, said, she was a morceau pour la bonne bouche. I never valued myself," continued he, upon any thing so much as the conquest of Nanette; and, vanity apart, I have been pretty fortunate in my amours.' This information shocked me not a little, as I was well convinced of his intimacy with her sister; and though I did not care to tax him with downright incest, I professed my astonish

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supposed, the other was at his devotion. To this hint he answered, that, besides his natural complaisance to the sex, he had another reason for distributing his favours equally between them, namely, to preserve peace in the family, which could not other

It was not long before I discovered my fellow-traveller to be a merry facetious fellow, who, notwithstanding his profession and appearance of mortification, loved good eating and drinking better than his rosary, and paid more adoration to a pretty girl than to the Virgin Mary or St Genevieve. He was a thick brawny young man, with red eyebrows, a hook nose, a face covered with freckles; and his name was Frere Balthazar.ment at his last night's choice, when, I His order did not permit him to wear linen, so that, having little occasion to undress himself, he was none of the cleanliest animals in the world; and his constitution was naturally so strongly scented, that I always thought it convenient to keep to the windward of him in our march. As he was per-wise be maintained; that, moreover, Nanette fectly well known on the road, we fared sumptuously without any cost: and the fatigue of our journey was much alleviated by the good humour of my companion, who sung an infinite number of catches on the subjects of love and wine. We took up our lodging the first night at a peasant's house not far from Abbeville, where we were entertained with an excellent ragout, cooked by our landlord's daughters, one of whom was very handsome. After having eaten heartily, and drank a sufficient quantity of small wine, we were conducted to a barn, where we found a couple of carpets spread upon clean straw for our reception. We had not lain in this situation above half an hour, when we heard somebody knock softly at the door, upon which Balthazar got up, and let in our host's two daughters, who wanted to have some private conversation with him in the dark. When they had whispered together some time, the capuchin came to me, and asked if I was insensible to love, and so hard-hearted as to refuse a share

had conceived an affection for me, and he loved her too well to balk her inclination, more especially when he had an opportunity of obliging his friend at the same time. 1 thanked him for this instance of his friendship, though I was extremely disgusted at his want of delicacy, and cursed the occasion that threw me in his way. Libertine as I was, I could not bear to see a man behave so wide of the character he assumed. I looked upon him as a person of very little worth or honesty, and should have even kept a wary eye upon my pocket, if I had thought he could have any temptation to steal. But I could not conceive the use of money to a capuchin, who is obliged, by the rules of his order, to appear like a beggar, and enjoys all other necessaries of life gratis: besides, my fellowtraveller seemed to be of a complexion too careless and sanguine to give me any apprehension on that score; so that I proceeded with great confidence, in expectation of being soon at my journey's end.

CHAPTER XLIII.

We lodge at a house near Amiens, where I am robbed by the capuchin, who escapes while I am asleep-I go to Noyons in search of him, but without success-make my condition known to several people, but find no relief-grow desperate-join a company of soldiers-enlist in the regiment of Picardy-we are ordered into Germany-I find the fatigues of the march almost intolerable-quarrel with my comrade in a dispute about politics -he challenges me to the field, wounds and disarms me.

While I stood in the porch, forlorn and undetermined, venting ejaculations of curses against the thief who robbed me, and the old priest who recommended him to my friendship, a young gentleman, richly dressed, attended by a valet-de-chambre and two servants in livery, arrived at the inn. I thought I perceived a great deal of sweetness and good-nature in his countenance; therefore he had no sooner alighted than I accosted him, and, in a few words, explained my situation. He listened with great politeness, and, when I had made an end of my story, said," Well, Monsieur, what would you have me to do?" I was effectually abashed at this interrogation, which I believe no man of common sense or generosity could make, and made no other reply than a low bow. He returned the compliment still lower, and tript into an apartment, while the landlord let me know, that my standing there to interrupt company gave offence, and might do him infinite prejudice. He had no occasion to repeat his insinuation; I moved from the place immediately; and was so much transported with grief, anger, and disdain, that a torrent of blood gushed from my nostrils. In this ecstasy, I quitted Noyons, and betook myself to the fields, where I wandered

THE third night of our pilgrimage we passed at a house near Amiens, where Balthazar being unknown, we supped upon indifferent fare, and sour wine, and were fain to lie in a garret, upon an old mattrass, which, I believe, had been in the possession of ten thousand myriads of fleas, time out of mind. We did not invade their territory with impunity in less than a minute we were attacked by stings innumerable; in spite of which, however, we fell fast asleep, being excessively fatigued with our day's march, and did not awake till near nine next morn-about like one distracted, till my spirits were ing; when seeing myself alone, I started up quite exhausted, and I was obliged to throw in a terrible fright, and examining my pockets, myself down at the root of a tree, to rest my found my presaging fear too true. My wearied limbs. Here my rage forsook me; companion had made free with my cash, and I began to feel the importunate cravings of left me to seek my way to Paris by myself. nature, and relapsed into silent sorrow and I ran down stairs immediately, and, with a melancholy reflection. I revolved all the look full of grief and amazement, inquired crimes I had been guilty of, and found them for the mendicant, who, they gave me to so few and venial, that I could not compreunderstand, had set out four hours before, hend the justice of that Providence, which, after having told them I was a little indis- after having exposed me to so much wretchposed, and desired I might not be disturbed, edness and danger, left me a prey to famine but be informed when I should wake that he at last in a foreign country, where I had not had taken the road to Noyons, where he one friend or acquaintance to close my eyes, should wait for my coming at the Coq d'Or. I and do the last offices of humanity to my spoke not a word, but with a heavy heart miserable carcass. A thousand times I directed my course to that place, at which I wished myself a bear, that I might retreat arrived in the afternoon, fainting with weari-to woods and deserts, far from the inhospiness and hunger; but learned, to my utter confusion, that no such person had been there. It was happy for me that I had a good deal of resentment in my constitution, which ani- As I lay in this manner groaning over my mated me on such occasions against the hapless fate, I heard the sound of a violin, villainy of mankind, and enabled me to bear and, raising my head, perceived a company misfortunes otherwise intolerable. Boiling of men and women dancing on the grass at with indignation, I discovered to the host my some distance from me. I looked upon this deplorable condition, and inveighed with to be a favourable season for distress to great bitterness against the treachery of attract compassion, when every selfish Balthazar; at which he shrugged up his thought is banished, and the heart dilated shoulders, and, with a peculiar grimace in with mirth and social joy; wherefore I got his countenance, said, he was sorry for my up and approached those happy people, misfortune, but there was no remedy like whom I soon discovered to be a party of patience. At that instant some guests soldiers, with their wives and children, un arrived, to whom he hastened to offer his bending and diverting themselves at this service, leaving me mortified at his indiffer-rate, after the fatigue of a march. I had ence, and fully persuaded that an innkeeper never before seen such a parcel of scareis the same sordid animal all the world over. crows together; neither could I reconcile

table haunts of man, where I could live by my own talents, independent of treacherous friends and supercilious scorn.