, and broke it over the head of him who represented Ulysses; and
running to the consular bench, mistook a couple of senators for the sheep which
were to be slain. The audience applauded him to the skies; but so conscious was
the mimic of his own extravagance, when he recovered the use of his reason, that
he actually fell sick with mortification; and being afterwards desired to re-act
the piece, flatly refused to appear in any such character, saying, that the
shortest follies were the best, and that it was sufficient for him to have been
a madman once in his life.
 

                                  Chapter LVI

An Adventure happens to Pipes, in Consequence of which he is dismissed from
Peregrine's Service. The whole Company set out for Ghent in the Diligence. Our
Hero is captivated by a Lady in that Carriage; interests her spiritual Director
in his Behalf
 
The doctor being fairly engaged on the subject of the ancients, would have
proceeded the Lord knows how far, without hesitation, had not he been
interrupted by the arrival of Mr. Jolter, who in great confusion told them, that
Pipes having affronted a soldier, was then surrounded in the street, and would
certainly be put to death, if some person of authority did not immediately
interpose in his behalf.
    Peregrine no sooner learn'd the danger of his trusty squire, than snatching
up his sword, he ran down stairs, and was followed by the Chevalier, intreating
him to leave the affair to his management. Within ten yards of the door they
found Tom with his back to a wall, defending himself manfully with a mopstick
against the assault of three or four soldiers, who at sight of the Maltese cross
desisted from the attack, and were taken into custody by order of the knight.
One of the aggressors being an Irishman, begged to be heard with great
importunity, before he should be sent to the guard; and by the mediation of
Pickle, was accordingly brought into the Hotel, with his companions, all three
bearing upon their heads and faces evident marks of their adversary's prowess
and dexterity. The spokesman being confronted with Pipes, informed the company,
that having by accident met with Mr. Pipes, whom he considered as his
countryman, though fortune had disposed of them in different services, he
invited him to drink a glass of wine; and accordingly carried him to a Cabaret,
where he introduced him to his comrades; but in the course of the conversation,
which turned upon the power and greatness of the kings of France and England,
Mr. Pipes had been pleased to treat his Most
