, and
commences Yelper
 
Hitherto Peregrine had professed himself an author, without reaping the fruits
of that occupation, except the little fame he had acquired by his late satire;
but now he thought it high time to weigh solid pudding against empty praise; and
therefore engaged with some booksellers in a certain translation, which he
obliged himself to perform for the consideration of two hundred pounds. The
articles of agreement being drawn, he began his task with great eagerness, rose
early in the morning to his work, at which he laboured all day long, went abroad
with the bats in the evening, and appeared in the coffee-house, where he amused
himself with the news-papers and conversation till nine o'clock; then he retired
to his own apartment, and after a slight repast, betook himself to rest, that he
might be able to unroost with the cock. This sudden change from his former way
of life agreed so ill with his disposition, that, for the first time, he was
troubled with flatulencies and indigestion, which produced anxiety and dejection
of spirits, and the nature of his situation began in some measure to discompose
his brain; a discovery which he no sooner made, than he had recourse to the
advice of a young physician, who was a member of the college, and at this time
one of our hero's most intimate acquaintance.
    This son of Æsculapius having considered his case, imputed his disorder to
the right cause, namely, want of exercise; dissuaded him from such close
application to study, until he should be gradually familiarized to a sedentary
life, advised him to enjoy his friend and his bottle in moderation, and wean
himself from his former customs by degrees; and, above all things, to rise
immediately after his first sleep, and exercise himself in a morning-walk. In
order to render this last part of the prescription the more palatable, the
doctor promised to attend him in these early excursions, and even to introduce
him to a certain personage of note, who gave a sort of public breakfasting to
the minor virtuosi of the age, and often employed his interest in behalf of
those who properly cultivated his countenance and approbation.
    This proposal was extremely acceptable to our young gentleman, who, besides
the advantage which might accrue to him from such a valuable connexion, foresaw
much entertainment and satisfaction in the discourse of so many learned guests.
The occasions of his health and interest, moreover, coincided in another
circumstance, the minister's levee being kept betimes in the morning; so that he
could perform his walk, yield his attendance,
