 inspired, gave me
spirits to support my reverse of fortune; and to tell him, I despised his mean,
selfish disposition so much, that I would rather starve than be beholden to him
for one single meal. Upon which, out of my pocket-money, I paid him to the last
farthing of what I owed, and assured him, I would not sleep another night under
his roof. - This said, I sallied out, in a transport of rage and sorrow, without
knowing whither, to fly for shelter, having not one friend in the world capable
of relieving me, and only three shillings in my purse. - After giving way for a
few minutes to the dictates of my rage, I went and hired a small bed-room at the
rate of one shilling and six-pence per week, which I was obliged to pay per
-advance, before the landlord would receive me; hither I removed my luggage; and
next morning got up, with a view of craving the advice and assistance of a
person who had on all occasions, loaded me with caresses, and made frequent
offers of friendship, while I was under no necessity of accepting them. - He
received me with his wonted affability, and insisted on my breakfasting with
him, which I did not think fit to refuse. - But when I communicated the occasion
of my visit, he appeared so disconcerted, that I concluded him wonderfully
affected with the misery of my condition, and looked upon him as a man of the
most extensive sympathy and benevolence. - He did not leave me long under this
mistake; for recovering himself out of his confusion, he told me, he was grieved
at my misfortune, and desired to know what had passed between my landlord Mr.
Potion and me. Whereupon I recounted the conversation; and when I repeated the
answer I made to his ungenerous remonstrance with regard to my leaving his
house, this pretended friend affected a stare, and exclaimed, »Is it possible
you could behave so ill to the man who had treated you so kindly all along?« -
My surprise at hearing this, was not at all affected, whatever his might be; and
I gave him to understand, with some warmth, that I did not imagine he would so
unreasonably espouse the cause of a scoundrel, who ought to be expelled from
every social community. - This heat of mine, gave him all the advantage he
desired over me, and our discourse (after much altercation) concluded in his
desiring never to see me again in that place; to which I yielded my
