 business was to make ourselves easy for life, by means of his legacy, a task
very difficult, and, in the usual methods of laying out money, altogether
impracticable; so that after much canvasing, we could come to no resolution that
night, but when we parted, recommended the matter to the serious attention of
each other. As for my own part, I puzzled my imagination to no purpose; when I
thought of turning merchant, the smallness of our stock, and the risk of seas,
enemies and markets, deterred me from that scheme. - If I should settle as a
surgeon in my own country, I would find the business already overstocked; or if
I pretended to set up in England, must labour under want of friends and powerful
opposition, obstacles unsurmountable by the most shining merit; neither would I
succeed in my endeavours to rise in the state, inasmuch as I could neither
flatter nor pimp for courtiers, nor prostitute my pen in defence of a wicked and
contemptible administration. - Before I could form one feasible project, I fell
asleep, and my fancy was blessed with the image of my dear Narcissa, who seemed
to smile upon my passion, and offer her hand as a reward for all my toils.
    Early in the morning, I went to the lodgings of my friend, whom I found
exulting over his happy invention; for I no sooner entered his apartment, than
he addressed me in these words, with a smile of self-applause: »Well, Mr.
Random, a lucky thought may come into a fool's head sometimes. - I have hit it -
I'll hold you a button my plan is better than yours, for all your learning. -
But you shall have the preference in this as in all other things; therefore
proceed, and let us know the effects of your meditation, - and then I will
impart my own simple excogitations.« - I told him, that not one thought occurred
to me which deserved the least notice, and signified my impatience to be
acquainted with the fruits of his reflection. - »As we have not (said he) money
sufficient to maintain us during a tedious expectation, it is my opinion, that a
bold push must be made; and I see none so likely to succeed as your appearing in
the character of a gentleman (which is your due) and making your addresses to
some lady of fortune who can render you independant at once. - Nay, don't stare
- I affirm that this scheme is both prudent and honourable; for I would not
