, as it is called, or, more properly
speaking, of human nature on the wrong side. He asked me if I had taken care to
provide myself with a bed, which was a circumstance I had never once attended
to.
    »That's unfortunate,« cried he, »as you are allowed here nothing but straw,
and your apartment is very large and cold. However you seem to be something of a
gentleman, and as I have been one myself in my time, part of my bed-cloaths are
heartily at your service.«
    I thanked him, professing my surprize at finding such humanity in a gaol in
misfortunes; adding, to let him see that I was a scholar, »That the sage ancient
seemed to understand the value of company in affliction, when he said, Ton
kosman aire, ei dos ton etairon; and in fact,« continued I, »what is the World
if it affords only solitude? «
    »You talk of the world, Sir,« returned my fellow prisoner; »the world is in
its dotage, and yet the cosmogony or creation of the world has puzzled the
philosophers of every age. What a medly of opinions have they not broached upon
the creation of the world. Sanconiathon, Manetho, Berosus, and Ocellus Lucanus
have all attempted it in vain. The latter has these words, Anarchon ara kai
atelutaion to pan, which implies« - »I ask pardon, Sir,« cried I, »for
interrupting so much learning; but I think I have heard all this before. Have I
not had the pleasure of once seeing you at Welbridge fair, and is not your name
Ephraim Jenkinson?« At this demand he only sighed. »I suppose you must
recollect,« resumed I, »one Doctor Primrose, from whom you bought a horse.«
    He now at once recollected me; for the gloominess of the place and the
approaching night had prevented his distinguishing my features before. - »Yes,
Sir,« returned Mr. Jenkinson, »I remember you perfectly well; I bought an horse,
but forgot to pay for him. Your neighbour Flamborough is the only prosecutor I
am any way afraid of at the next assizes: for he intends to swear positively
against me as a coiner. I am heartily sorry, Sir, I ever deceived you, or indeed
any man; for you see,« continued he, shewing his shackles, »what my tricks have
brought me to.«
    »Well, sir,« replied I, »your kindness in offering me assistance, when