 letters which he had received
from our adventurer. Had he known the young gentleman's talents for declamation
were so acute, perhaps he would never have given him cause to complain, but
employed him in the vindication of his own measures; nay, he might still have
treated him like some other authors whom he had brought over from the
opposition, had not the keenness of this first assault incensed him to a desire
of revenge. He, therefore, no sooner made this discovery, than he conveyed his
directions to his dependant the receiver-general, who was possessed of Pickle's
notes; and next day, while our author stood within a circle of his acquaintance,
at a certain coffee-house, holding forth with great eloquence upon the diseases
of the state, he was accosted by a bailiff, who entering the room with five or
six followers, told him aloud, that he had a writ against him for twelve hundred
pounds, at the suit of Mr. Ravage Gleanum.
    The whole company were astonished at this address, which did not fail to
discompose the defendant himself, who (as it were instinctively) in the midst of
his confusion, saluted the officer across the head with his cane; in consequence
of which application, he was surrounded and disarmed in an instant by the gang,
who carried him off to the next tavern in the most opprobrious manner. Nor did
one of the spectators interpose in his behalf, or visit him in his confinement
with the least tender of advice or assistance; such is the zeal of a
coffee-house friendship.
    This stroke was the more severe upon our hero, as it was altogether
unexpected; for he had utterly forgot the debt for which he was arrested. His
present indignation was, however, chiefly kindled against the bailiff, who had
done his office in such a disrespectful manner: and the first use he made of his
recollection in the house to which they conducted him, was to chastise him for
the insolence and indecency of his behaviour. This task he performed with his
bare fists, every other weapon being previously conveyed out of his reach; and
the delinquent underwent his discipline with surprising patience and
resignation, asking pardon with great humility, and protesting before God, that
he had never willingly and wittingly used any gentleman with ill manners, but
had been commanded to arrest our adventurer according to the express direction
of the creditor, on pain of forfeiting his place.
    By this declaration Peregrine was appeased, and out of a delirium of
passion, waked to all the horrors of reflection. All the glory of his youth was
now eclipsed
