 present occasion, took a direction for the taylor who
arrested me, and went away, in order to discharge the debt, telling me at
parting, that he would soon fetch up all my lee-way with a wet sail.
    I was utterly confounded at this sudden transition, which affected me more
than any reverse I had formerly felt; and a crowd of incoherent ideas rushed so
impetuously upon my imagination, that my reason could neither separate nor
connect them; when Strap, whose joy had manifested itself in a thousand
fooleries, came into my room with his shaving utensils, and without any previous
intimation, began to lather my beard, whistling with great emotion all the
while. - I started from my reverie, and being too well acquainted with Strap, to
trust myself in his hands while he was under such agitation, desired to be
excused, sent for another barber, and suffered myself to be trimmed. - Having
performed the ceremony of ablution, I shifted, and dressing in my gayest
apparel, waited for the return of my uncle, who was agreeably surprized at my
sudden transformation.
    This beneficent kinsman had satisfied my creditor, and obtained an order for
my discharge, so that I was no longer a prisoner; but as I had some reluctance
to part with my friends and fellows in distress, I prevailed upon Mr. Bowling to
favour us with his company, and invited Mr. Melopoyn and Jackson to spend the
evening at my apartment, where I regaled them with a supper, good wine, and the
news of my release, on which they heartily congratulated me, notwithstanding the
loss of my company, which, they were pleased to say, they would severely feel. -
As for Jackson, his misfortune made so little impression on himself, and he was
altogether so loose, indifferent and indiscreet, that I could scarce pity his
situation: But I had conceived a veneration and friendship for the poet, who was
in all respects, an object much more worthy of compassion and regard. - When our
guests withdrew, and my uncle had retired, with an intention to visit me next
morning, I made up a bundle of some linnen, and other necessaries, and bidding
Strap carry them to Mr. Melopoyn's lodging, went thither myself, and pressed it
upon his acceptance with five guineas, which with much difficulty he received,
assuring me at the same time, that he should never have it in his power to make
satisfaction. I then asked if I could serve him any other way, to which he
answered, »You have already done too much,«
