 and breakfast at this
philosophical board, without incroaching a great deal upon his other avocations.
    Measures being thus preconcerted, the physician conducted our adventurer to
the house of this celebrated sage, to whom he recommended him as a gentleman of
genius and taste, who craved the honour of his acquaintance; but he had
previously smoothed the way to this introduction, by representing Peregrine as a
young fellow of great ambition, spirit and address, who could not fail to make a
figure in the world; that, therefore, he would be a creditable addition to the
subordinates of such a patron, and by his qualifications, intrepidity and warmth
of temper, turn out a consummate herald of his fame. Upon these considerations,
he met with a most engaging reception from the entertainer, who was a well-bred
man, of some learning, generosity and taste; but his foible was the desire of
being thought the inimitable pattern of all three.
    It was with a view to acquire and support this character, that his house was
open to all those who had any pretensions to literature; consequently he was
surrounded by a strange variety of pretenders; but none were discouraged,
because he knew that even the most insignificant might, in some shape, conduce
to the propagation of his praise. A babbler, tho' he cannot run upon the scent,
may spring the game, and by his yelping help to fill up the cry: no wonder then,
that a youth of Pickle's accomplishments was admitted and even invited into the
pack. After having enjoyed a very short private audience in the closet, our
young gentleman was shewn into another room, where half a dozen of his
fellow-adherents waited for their Mæcenas, who in a few minutes appeared, with a
most gracious aspect, received the compliments of the morning, and sat down to
breakfast, in the midst of them, without any further ceremony.
    The conversation at first turned upon the weather, which was investigated in
a very philosophical manner by one of the company, who seemed to have consulted
all the barometers and thermometers that ever were invented, before he would
venture to affirm that it was a chill morning. This subject being accurately
discussed, the chief inquired about the news of the learned world; and his
inclination was no sooner expressed than every guest opened his mouth, in order
to gratify his curiosity: but he that first captivated his attention was a
meagre, shrivelled antiquary, who looked like an animated mummy, which had been
scorched among the sands of the desert. He told the patron, that he had by
accident met with a medal
