 recommended and introduced into the world, with the whole art and
influence of the society.
    This affair being settled to the satisfaction of all present, an author of
some character stood up, and craved the advice and assistance of his fellows, in
punishing a certain nobleman of great pretensions to taste, who, in consequence
of a production which this gentleman had ushered into the world, with universal
applause, not only desired, but even eagerly courted his acquaintance. »He
invited me to his house (said he) where I was overwhelmed with civility and
professions of friendship. He insisted upon my treating him as an intimate, and
calling upon him at all hours, without ceremony; he made me promise to breakfast
with him at least three times a week. In short, I looked upon myself as very
fortunate, in meeting with such advances from a man of his interest and
reputation, who had it in his power to befriend me effectually in my passage
through life; and, that I might not give him any cause to think I neglected his
friendship, I went to his house in two days, with a view of drinking chocolate,
according to appointment: but he had been so much fatigued with dancing at an
assembly over night, that his valet de chambre would not venture to wake him so
early; and I left my compliments to his lordship, with a performance in
manuscript, which he had expressed a most eager desire to peruse. I repeated my
visit next morning, that his impatience to see me might not have some violent
effect upon his constitution; and received a message from his minister,
signifying, that he had been highly entertained with the manuscript I had left,
a great part of which he had read, but was at present so busy in contriving a
proper dress for a private masquerade, which would be given that same evening,
that he could not have the pleasure of my company at breakfast. This was a
feasible excuse, which I admitted accordingly, and in a day or two appeared
again, when his lordship was particularly engaged. This might possibly be the
case; and therefore I returned the fourth time, in hopes of finding him more at
leisure; but he had gone out about half an hour before my arrival, and left my
performance with his valet de chambre, who assured me, that his lord had perused
it with infinite pleasure. Perhaps I might have retired very well satisfied with
this declaration, had not I, in my passage through the hall, heard one of the
footmen, upon the top of the stair-case, pronounce with an
