 new
one, the Fame of his Equipage had not yet sufficiently blazed in the
Neighbourhood: So that after a successless Enquiry till the Clock had struck
Eleven, Jones, at last, yielded to the Advice of Partridge, and retreated to the
Bull and Gate in Holborn, that being the Inn where he had first alighted, and
where he retired to enjoy that Kind of Repose, which usually attends Persons in
his Circumstances.
    Early in the Morning he again set forth in Pursuit of Sophia; and many a
weary Step he took to no better Purpose than before. At last, whether it was
that Fortune relented, or whether it was no longer in her Power to disappoint
him, he came into the very Street which was honoured by his Lordship's
Residence; and being directed to the House, he gave one gentle Rap at the Door.
    The Porter, who, from the Modesty of the Knock, had conceived no high Idea
of the Person approaching, conceived but little better from the Appearance of
Mr. Jones, who was drest in a Suit of Fustian, and had by his Side the Weapon
formerly purchased of the Serjeant; of which, tho' the Blade might be composed
of well-tempered Steel, the Handle was composed only of Brass, and that none of
the brightest. When Jones, therefore, enquired after the young Lady, who had
come to Town with his Lordship, this Fellow answered surlily, »That there were
no Ladies there.« Jones then desired to see the Master of the House; but was
informed that his Lordship would see no Body that Morning. And upon growing more
pressing, the Porter said, »He had positive Orders to let no Person in; but if
you think proper,« said he, »to leave your Name, I will acquaint his Lordship;
and if you call another Time, you shall know when he will see you.«
    Jones now declared, »that he had very particular Business with the young
Lady, and could not depart without seeing her.« Upon which the Porter, with no
very agreeable Voice or Aspect, affirmed, »That there was no young Lady in that
House, and,« consequently, »none could he see;« adding, »Sure you are the
strangest Man I ever met with; for you will not take an Answer.«
    I have often thought, that by the particular Description of Cerberus the
Porter of Hell, in the 6th Æneid, Virgil might possibly intend to satyrize the
Porters of the great Men in his Time; the Picture, at least, resembles those
