 over all the east, but in
most parts of Europe; in our own country it gains ground apace, and in all
probability will become in a short time a more fashionable vice than simple
fornication. - Indeed there is something to be said in vindication of it, for
notwithstanding the severity of the law against offenders in this way, it must
be confessed that the practice of this passion is unattended with that curse and
burthen upon society, which proceeds from a race of miserable deserted bastards,
who are either murdered by their parents, deserted to the utmost want and
wretchedness, or bred up to prey upon the commonwealth: And it likewise prevents
the debauchery of many a young maiden, and the prostitution of honest men's
wives; not to mention the consideration of health, which is much less liable to
be impaired in the gratification of this appetite, than in the exercise of
common venery, which by ruining the constitutions of our young men, has produced
a puny progeny that degenerates from generation to generation: Nay, I have been
told, that there is another motive perhaps more powerful than all these, that
induces people to cultivate this inclination; namely, the exquisite pleasure
attending its success.«
    From this discourse, I began to be apprehensive that his lordship finding I
had travelled, was afraid I might have been infected with this spurious and
sordid desire abroad, and took this method of sounding my sentiments on the
subject. - Fired at this supposed suspicion, I argued against it with great
warmth, as an appetite unnatural, absurd, and of pernicious consequence; and
declared my utter detestation and abhorrence of it in these lines of the
satyrist:
 
»Eternal infamy the wretch confound
Who planted first, this vice on British ground!
A vice! that 'spite of sense and nature reigns,
And poisons genial love, and manhood stains!«
 
The Earl smiled at my indignation, told me he was glad to find my opinion of the
matter so conformable to his own, and that what he had advanced was only to
provoke me to an answer, with which he professed himself perfectly well pleased.
    After I had enjoyed a long audience, I happened to look at my watch, in
order to regulate my motions by it; and his lordship observing the chased case,
desired to see the device, and examine the execution, which he approved with
some expressions of admiration. - Considering the obligations I lay under to his
lordship, I thought there could not be a fitter opportunity than the present to
manifest, in some shape, my gratitude; I therefore begged he would do me the
