I inquire for my Uncle, and understand he is gone to sea — take Lodgings1 at Charing2 Cross — go to the Play, where I meet with an adventure-Dine at an ordinary — the Guests described — become acquainted with Medlar and Doctor Wagtail
As soon as we alighted at the inn, I dispatched Strap3 to inquire for my uncle at the Union Flag in Wapping; and he returned in a little time, with an account of Mr. Bowling’s having gone to sea, mate of a merchant ship, after a long and unsuccessful application attendance at the Admiralty; where, it seems, the interest he depended upon was not sufficient to reinstate him, or recover the pay that was due to him when he quitted the Thunder.
Next day I hired very handsome lodgings not far from Charing Cross; and in the evening dressed myself in a plain suit of the true Paris cut, and appeared in a front box at the play, where I saw a good deal of company, and was vain enough to believe that I was observed with an uncommon4 degree of attention and applause. This silly conceit5 intoxicated6 me so much, that I was guilty of a thousand ridiculous coquetries; and I dare say, how favourable7 soever the thoughts of the company might be at my first appearance, they were soon changed by my absurd behaviour into pity or contempt. I rose and sat down, covered and uncovered my head twenty times between the acts; pulled out my watch, clapped it to my ear, wound it up, set it, gave it the hearing again; displayed my snuff-box, affected8 to take snuff, that I might have all opportunity of showing my brilliant, and wiped my nose with perfumed handkerchief; then dangled9 my cane10, and adjusted my sword-knot, and acted many more fooleries of the same kind, in hopes of obtaining the character of a pretty fellow, in the acquiring of which I found two considerable obstructions11 in my disposition12 — namely, a natural reserve and jealous sensibility. Fain would I have entered into conversation with the people around me: but I was restrained by the fear of being censured14 for my assurance, as well as by reflecting that I was more entitled to a compliment of this kind from them, than they to such condescension15 from a stranger like me. How often did I redden at the frequent whispers and loud laughter of my fellow beaux, which I imagined were excited by me; and how often did I envy the happy indifference16 of those choice spirits, who behold17 the distress18 of the scene without discovering the least symptom of approbation19 or concern. My attention was engaged in spite of myself, and I could not help weeping with the heroine of the stage, though I practised a great many shifs to conceal20 this piece of unpolite weakness.
When the play was ended, I sat waiting for an opportunity of handing some lady to her coach; but everyone was attended by such a number of officious gallants, that for a long time I was balked21 in my expectation. At length, however, I perceived a very handsome creature, genteelly dressed, sitting by herself in a box, at some distance from me; upon which I went up to her, and offered my service. She seemed to be in some confusion, thanked me for my complaisance22, and with a tender look declined giving me the trouble: looking at her watch, and testifying her surprise at the negligence23 of her footman whom she had ordered to have a chair ready for her at that hour. I repeated my entreaty24 with all the eloquence25 and compliment I was master of; and, in the event, she was prevailed upon to accept of a proposal I made, to send my servant for a chair or coach: accordingly, Strap was detached for that purpose, and returned without success. By this time the playhouse was quite empty, and we were obliged to retire. As I led her through the passage, I observed five or six young fellows of fashion standing26 in a corner, one of whom, as I thought, tipped my charmer the wink27, and when we were passed, I heard a loud laugh. This note aroused my attention, and I was resolved to be fully28 satisfied of this lady’s character, before I should have any nearer connection with her. As no convenience appeared, I proposed to conduct her to a tavern29, where we might stay a few minutes, until my servant could fetch a coach from the Strand30. She seemed particularly shy of trusting herself in a tavern with a stranger, but at last yielded to my pathetic remonstrances32, rather than endanger her health by remaining in a cold, damp thoroughfare. Having thus far succeeded, I begged to know what wine she would be pleased to drink a glass of; but she professed33 the greatest aversion to all sorts of strong liquors, and it was with much difficulty that I could persuade her to eat a jelly.
In the meantime, I endeavoured to alleviate34 the uneasiness she discovered, by saying all the agreeable things I could think of; at which she would often sigh, and regard me with a languishing35 look, that seemed, however, too near akin36 to the lewd37 leer of a courtesan. This discovery added to my former suspicion, while it put me upon my guard against her arts, divested38 me of reserve, and enabled me to entertain her with gaiety and freedom. In the course of our conversation, I pressed her to allow me the honour of waiting upon her next day at her lodgings, a request which she, with many apologues, refused, lest it should give umbrage39 to Sir John, who was of a disposition apt to be fretted40 with trifles. This information, by which I was to understand that her husband was a knight41, did not check my addresses, which became more and more importunate42, and I was even hardy43 enough to ravish a kiss. But, O heavens! instead of banqueting on the ambrosial44 flavour, that her delicacy45 of complexion46 promised, I was almost suffocated47 with the steams of Geneva! An exhalation of this kind, from a mouth which had just before declared an utter abhorrence48 of all spirituous liquors, not only changed my doubts into certainty, but my raptures49 into loathing50; and it would have been impossible for me to have preserved common complaisance five minutes longer, when my servant returned with a coach. I took the advantage of this occasion, and presented my hand to the lady, who put in practice against me the whole artillery51 of her charms, ogling52, languishing, sighing, and squeezing, with so little reserve that Strap perceived her tenderness, and rubbed his hands with joy as he followed us to the door; but I was proof against all her endearments53, and handed her into the coach with an intention to take my leave immediately. She guessed my design, and invited me to her house, whispering, that now Sir John was gone to bed, she could have the pleasure of my conversation for half-an-hour without interruption. I told her there was no mortification55 I would not undergo, rather than endanger the repose56 of her ladyship; and, bidding the coachman drive on, wished her a good night. She lost all temper at my indifference, and, stopping the coach, at the distance of about twenty yards from me, popped out her head, and howled with the lungs of a fishwoman, “D— n you, you dog, won’t you pay the coach-hire?” As I made no answer, she held forth57 against me with an eloquence peculiar58 to herself; calling me pitifull fellow, scoundrel, and a hundred such appellations59; concluding with an oath, that, for all my appearance, she believed I had got no money in my pocket.
Having thus vented60 her indignation, she ordered her coachman to proceed, and I returned to the tavern, where I bespoke61 something for supper, very well pleased at the issue of this adventure. I dispensed63 with the attendance of the waiter at table, on pretence64 that my own servant was present, and, when we were alone, said to Strap, “Well, Monsieur d’Estrapes, what d’ye think of this lady?” My friend, who had not opened his mouth since her departure, could make no other reply than the monosyllable “Think!” which he pronounced with a note of fear and astonishment66. Surprised at this emphasis, I surveyed my valet, and, perceiving a wildness in his looks, asked if he had seen his grandfather’s ghost? “Ghost!” said he, “I am sure I have seen a devil incarnate67! Who would have thought that so much devilish malice68 and Billingsgate could lurk69 under so much sweetness of countenance70 and modesty71 of behaviour? Ah! God help us! Fronti nulla fides — nimium ne crede colori — but we ought to down on our knees, and bless God for delivering us from the jaws72 of that painted sepulchre!” I was pretty much of Strap’s opinion, and, though I did not believe myself in any danger from the allurements73 of that sisterhood, I determined74 to act with great circumspection75 for the future, and shun76 all commerce of that kind, as equally prejudicial to my purse and constitution.
My next care was to introduce myself into a set of good acquaintance: for which purpose I frequented a certain coffee-house, noted77 for the resort of good company, English as well as foreigners, where my appearance procured78 all the civilities and advances I could desire. As there was an ordinary in the same house, I went upstairs to dinner with the other guests, and found myself at a table with thirteen people, the greatest part of whom were better dressed than myself. The conversation, which was mostly carried on in French, turned chiefly on politics; and I soon found the whole company were in the French interest, myself excepted, and a testy79 old gentleman, who contradicted everything that was advanced in favour of his Most Christian80 Majesty81, with a surliness truly English. But this trusty patriot82, who had never been out of his own country, and drew all his maxims84 and notions from prejudice and hearsay85, was very unequal to his antagonists86, who were superior to him in learning and experience, and often took the liberty of travellers in asserting things which were not strictly88 true, because they thought themselves in no danger of being detected by him. The claim of the Queen Of Spain to the Austrian dominions90 in Italy was fully explained and vindicated91, by a person who sat opposite to me, and, by the solemnity of his manner and the richness of his apparel, seemed to be a foreign ambassador. This dissertation92 produced another on the Pragmatic Sanction, handled with great warmth by a young gentleman at my right hand, dressed in a green frock, trimmed with gold, who justified93 the French king for his breach94 of that contract; and affirmed that he could not have observed it without injuring his own glory. Although I was not at all convinced by this gentleman’s arguments, I could not help admiring his vivacity95 which, I imagined, must be the effect of his illustrious birth and noble education, and accordingly rated him, in my conjecture96, as a young prince on his travels. The discourse97 was afterwards shifted by an old gentleman, of a very martial98 appearance, to the last campaign, when the battle of Dettingen was fought over again, with so many circumstances to the honour of the French and disadvantages if the Allies, that I began to entertain some doubts of my having been there in person, and took the liberty to mention some objections to what he advanced. This freedom introduced a dispute, which lasted a good while, to the mortification of all present; and was at last referred to the determination of a grave person, whom they styled Doctor, and who, under a show of great moderation, decided99 it against me, with so little regard to truth, that I taxed him with partiality in pretty severe terms, to the no small entertainment of the true English politician, who rejoiced at my defence of a cause he had so often espoused100 without success.
My opponent, pleased with the victory he had gained, affected a great deal of candour, and told me, he should not have been so positive, if he had not been at great pains to inform himself of each particular. “Indeed,” said he, “I am convinced that the previous steps considered, things could not happen otherwise; for we generals who have seen service, though we may not be on the spot ourselves, know by the least sketch101 of the disposition what must be the event.” He then censured, with great freedom, every circumstance of the conduct of those who commanded the Allies; from thence made a transition to the ministry102, which he honoured with many invectives for employing people who had neither experience nor capacity, to the prejudice of old officers, who had been distinguished103 for both; dropped many hints of his own importance, and concluded with observing, that the French and Spaniards knew better how to value generals of merit; the good effects of which are seen in the conquests they gain, and the discipline of their troops, which are at the same time better clothed and paid than any soldiers in the universe. These remarks furnished the green knight with an opportunity of launching out in the praise of the French government in general, civil as well as military; on which occasion he made many odious104 comparisons to the disadvantage of the English. Everybody, almost, assented105 to the observations he made, and the doctor gave his sanction, by saying, the people of France were undoubtedly106 the happiest subjects in the world. I was so much astonished and confounded at their infatuation and effrontery107, that I had not power to utter one word in opposition108 to their assertions; but my morose109 associate could not put up with the indignity110 that was offered to Old England, and therefore with a satirical grin addressed himself to the general in these words: “Sir, sir, I have often heard it said, She’s a villainous bird that befouls her own nest. As for what those people who are foreigners say, I don’t mind it; they know no better; but you who were bred and born, and have got your bread, under the English government, should have more regard to gratitude111, as well as truth in censuring112 your native country. If the ministry have thought fit to lay you aside, I suppose they have their own reasons for so doing; and you ought to remember, that you still live on the bounty113 of this nation. As for these gentlemen (meaning the prince and ambassador), who make so free with our constitution, laws, and genius of our people, I think they might show a little more respect for their benefactors114, who, I must own, are to blame in harbouring and protecting, and encouraging such ungrateful vagrants115 as they are.” At these words, the chevalier in green started up in a great passion, and laying his hand on the hilt of his hanger116, exclaimed, “Ah! foutre!” The Englishman on the other hand, grasping his cane cried, “Don’t foutre me, sirrah, or by G— d I’ll knock you down.” The company interposed, the Frenchman sat down again, and his antagonist87 proceeded — “Lookey, Monsieur, you know very well that had you dared to speak so freely of the administration of your own country in Paris as you have done of ours in London, you would have been sent to the Bastille without ceremony, where you might have rotted in a dungeon117, and never seen the light of the sun again. Now, sir, take my word for it, although our constitution screens us from such oppression, we want not laws to chastise118 the authors of seditious discourse, and if I hear another syllable65 out of your mouth in contempt or prejudice of this kingdom, I will give you a convincing proof of what I advance, and have you laid by the heels for your presumption119.” This declaration had an effect on the company as sudden as surprising. The young prince became as supple120 as a spaniel, the ambassador trembled, the general sat silent and abashed121, and the doctor, who it seems, had felt the rod of power, grew pale as death, and assured us all, that he had no intention to affront122 any person or people. “Your principles, doctor,” resumed the old gentleman, “are no secret — I have nothing to say upon that head; but am very much surprised, that a man who despises us so much, should notwithstanding live among us, when he has no visible motive123 for so doing. Why don’t you take up your habitation in your beloved France, where you may rail at England without censure13?” To this remonstrance31 the doctor thought proper to make no reply, and an unsocial silence ensued; which I perceiving, took notice, that it was pity such idle disputes, maintained very often through whim124 or diversion, should create any misunderstanding among gentlemen of good sense, and proposed to drink down all animosity in another bottle,
This motion was applauded by the whole company. The wine was brought, and the English champion, declaring he had no spleen against any man for differing in opinion from him, any more than for difference of complexion, drank to the good health of all present; the compliment was returned, and the conversation once more became unreserved though more general than before. Among other topics, the subject of war was introduced, on which the general declaimed with great eloquence, recounting many of his own exploits by way of illustration. In the course of his harangue125 he happened to mention the word epaulement, upon which the testy gentleman asked the meaning, of that term. “I’ll tell you what an epaulement is,” replied he, “I never saw an epaulement but once, and that was at the siege of Namur. In a council of war, Monsieur Cohorn, the famous engineer, affirmed that the place could not be taken.” “Yes,” said the Prince of Vandemont, “it may be taken by an epaulement.” “This was immediately put into execution, and in twenty-four hours Mareschal Boufflers was fain to capitulate.” Here he made a full stop, and the old gentleman repeated the question, “But pray what is an epaulement?” To this interrogation the officer made no immediate54 reply, but rang the bell, and called for the bill, which being brought, he threw down his proportion of the reckoning, and, telling the company he would show them an epaulement when his majesty should think fit to entrust126 him with the command of our army abroad, strutted127 away with great dignity. I could not imagine why he was so shy of explaining one of the most simple terms of fortification, which I forthwith described as a side-work composed of earth, gabions, or fascines; but I was very much surprised when I afterwards understood that his reserve proceeded from his ignorance.
Having paid our bill, we adjourned128 to the coffee-room, where my fellow-labourer insisted on treating me with a dish, giving me to understand, at the same time, that I had acquired his good opinion, both with respect to my principles and understanding. I thanked him for his compliment, and, professing129 myself an utter stranger in this part of the world, begged he would have the goodness to inform me of the quality and characters of the people who dined above. This request was a real favour to one of his disposition, which was no less communicative than curious; he therefore complied with great satisfaction, and told me, to my extreme astonishment, that the supposed young prince was a dancer at one of the theatres, and the ambassador no other than a fiddler belonging to the opera. “The doctor,” said he “is a Roman Catholic priest, who sometimes appears in the character of an officer, and assumes the name of captain; but more generally takes the garb130, title, and behaviour of a physician, in which capacity he wheedles131 himself into the confidence of weak-minded people, and by arguments no less specious132 than false, converts them from their religion and allegiance. He has been in the hands of justice more than once for such practices, but he is a sly dog, and manages matters with so much craft, that hitherto he has escaped for a short imprisonment133. As for the general, you may see he has owed his promotion134 more to his interest than his capacity; and, now that the eyes of the ministry are opened, his friends dead or become inconsiderable, he is struck off the list, and obliged to put up with a yearly pension. In consequence of this reduction, he is become malcontent135, and inveighs136 against the government in all companies, with so little discretion137, that I am surprised at the lenity of the administration, in overlooking his insolence138, but the truth of the matter is, he owes his safety to his weakness and want of importance. He has seen a little, and but a little, service, and yet, if you will take his word to it, there has not been a great action performed in the field since the Revolution, in which he was not principally concerned. When a story is told of any great general, he immediately matches it with one of himself, though he is often unhappy in his invention, and commits such gross blunders in the detail, that everybody is in pain for him. Caesar, Pompey, and Alexander the Great, are continually in his mouth; and, as he reads a good deal without any judgment139 to digest it, his ideas are confused, and his harangues140 as unintelligible141 as infinite; for, if once he begin, there is no chance of his leaving off speaking while one person remains142 to yield attention; therefore the only expedient143 I know, for putting a stop to his loquacity144, is to lay hold of some incongruity145 he has uttered, and demand an explanation; or ask the meaning of some difficult term that he knows by name; this method will effectually put him to silence, if not to flight, as it happened when I inquired about an epaulement. Had he been acquainted with the signification of that word, his triumph would have been intolerable, and we must have quitted the field first, or been worried with impertinence.”
Having thus gratified my curiosity, the old gentleman began to discover his own, in questions relating to myself, to which I thought proper to return ambiguous answers. “I presume, Sir,” said he, “you have travelled.” I answered, “Yes.” “I dare say you have found it very expensive,” said he. I replied, “To be sure, one cannot travel without money.” “That I know by experience,” said he, “for I myself take a trip to Bath or Tunbridge every season; and one must pay sauce for what he has on the road, as well in other countries as in this. That’s a pretty stone in your ring — give me leave, sir — the French have attained146 to a wonderful skill in making compositions of this kind. Why, now, this looks almost as well as a diamond.” “Almost as well, Sir!” said I, “Why not altogether? I am sure if you understand anything of jewels, you must perceive, at first sight, that this stone is a real diamond, and that of a very fine water. Take it in your hand and examine it.” He did so with some confusion, and returned it, saying, “I ask your pardon; I see it is a true brilliant of immense value.” I imagined his respect to me increased after this inquiry147; therefore to captivate his esteem148 the more, I told him, I would show him a seal of composition, engraved149 after a very valuable antique; upon which I pulled out my watch with a rich gold chain, adorned150 with three seals set in gold, and an opal ring, He viewed each of them with great eagerness, handled the chain, admired the chased case, and observed that the whole must have cost me a vast sum of money. I affected indifference, and replied in a careless manner, “Some trifle of sixty or seventy guineas.” He stared in my face for some time, and then asked if I was an Englishman? I answered in the negative. “You are from Ireland then, Sir, I presume,” said he. I made the same reply. “Oh! perhaps,” said he “you were born in one of our settlements abroad.” I still answered No. He seemed very much surprised, and said, he was sure I was not a foreigner. I made no reply, but left him upon the tenter-hooks of impatient uncertainty151. He could not contain his anxiety, but asked pardon for the liberties he had taken and, to encourage me the more to disclose my situation, displayed his own without reserve. “I am,” said he, “a single man, have a considerable annuity152, on which I live according to my inclination153, and make the ends of the year meet very comfortably. As I have no estate to leave behind, I am not troubled with the importunate officiousness of relations or legacy154 hunters, and I consider the world as made for me, not me for the world. It is my maxim83, therefore, to enjoy it while I can, and let futurity shift for itself.”
While he thus indulged his own talkative vein155, and at the same time, no doubt, expected retaliation156 from me, a young man entered, dressed in black velvet157 and an enormous tie-wig, with an air in which natural levity158 and affected solemnity were so jumbled159 together, that on the whole he appeared a burlesque160 on all decorum. This ridiculous oddity danced up to the table at which we sat, and, after a thousand grimaces161, asked my friend by the name of Mr. Medlar, if we were not engaged upon business. My companion put on a surly countenance, and replied “No great business, doctor — but however — ” “Oh! then,” cried the physician; “I must beg your indulgence a little; pray pardon me, gentlemen.” “Sir,” said he, addressing himself to me, “your most humble162 servant. I hope you will forgive me, sir — I must beg the favour to sit — sir — sir — I have something of consequence to impart to my friend Mr. Medlar — sir, I hope you will excuse my freedom in whispering, sir,” Before I had time to give this complaisant163 person my permission, Mr. Medlar cried, “I’Il have no whispering — if you have anything to say to me, speak with an audible voice.” The doctor seemed a little disconcerted at this exclamation164, and, turning again to me, made a thousand apologies for pretending to make a mystery of anything, a piece of caution which he said was owing to his ignorance of my connection with Mr. Medlar; but now he understood I was a friend, and would communicate what he had to say in my hearing. He then began, after two or three hems89, in this manner: “You must know, sir, I am just come from dinner at my Lady Flareit’s (then addressing himself to me), a lady of quality, sir, at whose table I have the honour of dining sometimes. There was Lady Stately and my Lady Larum, and Mrs. Dainty, and Miss Biddy Giggler165, upon my word, a very good-natured young lady, with a very pretty fortune sir. There was also my Lord Straddle. Sir John Shrug166, and Master Billy Chatter167, who is actually a very facetious168 young gentleman. So, sir, her ladyship seeing me excessively fatigued169, for she was the last of fifteen patients (people of distinction, sir) whom I had visited this forenoon, insisted upon my staying dinner, though upon my word I protest I had no appetite; however, in compliance170 with her ladyship’s request, sir, I sat down, and the conversation turning on different subjects, among other things, Mr Chatter asked very earnestly when I saw Mr. Medlar. I told him I had not had the pleasure of seeing you these nineteen hours and a half; for you may remember, sir, it was nearly about that time; I won’t be positive as to a minute.” “No,” says he, “then I desire you will go to his lodgings immediately after dinner, and see what’s the matter with him, for he must certainly be very bad from having eaten last night such a vast quantity of raw oysters171.” The crusty gentleman, who, from the solemnity of his delivery, expected something extraordinary, no sooner heard his conclusion, than he started up in a testy humour, crying, “Pshaw, pshaw! D— n your oysters!” and walked away, after a short compliment of, “Your servant sir,” to me. The doctor got up also, saying, “I vow172 and protest, upon my word, I am actually amazed;” and followed Mr. Medlar to the bar, which was hard by, where he was paying for his coffee: there he whispered so loud that I could overhear, “Pray who is this gentleman?” His friend replied hastily, “I might have known that before now, if it had not been for your impertinent intrusion,” — and walked off very much disappointed. The ceremonious physician returned immediately and sat down by me, asking a thousand pardons for leaving me alone: and giving me to understand that what he had communicated to Mr. Medlar at the bar, was an affair of the last importance, that would admit of no delay. He then called for some coffee, and launched out into the virtues173 of that berry, which, he said, in cold phlegmatic174 constitutions, like his, dried up the superfluous175 moisture, and braced176 the relaxed nerves. He told me it was utterly177 unknown to the ancients; and derived178 its name from an Arabian word, which I might easily perceive by the sound and termination. From this topic he transferred his disquisitions to the verb drink, which he affirmed was improperly179 applied180 to the taking of coffee, inasmuch as people did not drink, but sip181 or sipple that liquor; that the genuine meaning of drinking is to quench182 one’s thirst, or commit a debauch183 by swallowing wine; that the Latin word, which conveyed the same idea, was bibere or potare, and that of the Greeks pinein or poteein, though he was apt to believe they were differently used on different occasions: for example — to drink a vast quantity, or, as the vulgar express it, to drink an ocean of liquor, was in Latin potare, and in Greek poteein; and, on the other hand, to use it moderately, was bibere and pinein; — that this was only a conjecture of his, which, however, seemed to be supported by the word bibulous184, which is particularly applied to the pores of the skin, and can only drink a very small quantity of the circumambient moisture, by reason of the smallness of their diameters; — whereas, from the verb poteein is derived the substantive185 potamos, which signifies a river, or vast quantity of liquor. I could not help smiling at this learned and important investigation186; and, to recommend myself the more to my new acquaintance, whose disposition I was by this time well informed of, I observed that, what he alleged187, did not, to the best of my remembrance, appear in the writings of the ancients; for Horace uses the words poto and bibo indifferently for the same purpose, as in the twentieth Ode of his first Book.
“Vile potabis modicis sabinum cantharis —
— Et praelo domitam caleno tu bibes uvam.”
That I had never heard of the verb poteein, but that potamos, potema, and potos, were derived from pino, poso, pepoka, in consequence of which, the Greek poets never use any other word for festal drinking. Homer describes Nestor at his cups in these words,
“Nestora d’ouk elathen jache pinonta pcrempes.”
And Anacreon mentions it on the same occasion always in every page.
“Pinonti de oinon hedun.
Otan pino ton oinon.
Opliz’ ego188 de pino.”
And in a thousand other places. The doctor who doubtless intended by his criticism to give me a high idea of his erudition, was infinitely189 surprised to find himself schooled by one of my appearance; and after a considerable pause cried, “Upon my word, you are in the right, sir — I find I have not considered this affair with my usual accuracy.” Then, accosting190 me in Latin, which he spoke62 very well, the conversation was maintained full two hours, on a variety of subjects, in that language; and indeed he spoke so judiciously191, that I was convinced, notwithstanding his whimsical appearance and attention to trifles, that he was a man of extensive knowledge, especially in books; he looked upon me, as I afterwards understood from Mr. Medlar, as a prodigy192 in learning, and proposed that very night, if I were not engaged, to introduce me to several young gentlemen of fortune and fashion, with whom I had an appointment at the Bedford coffee house.
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lodgings
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charing
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| n.炭化v.把…烧成炭，把…烧焦( char的现在分词 )；烧成炭，烧焦；做杂役女佣 | |
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strap
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| n.皮带，带子；v.用带扣住，束牢；用绷带包扎 | |
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uncommon
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conceit
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intoxicated
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favourable
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affected
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dangled
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| 悬吊着( dangle的过去式和过去分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
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cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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obstructions
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disposition
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censure
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| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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censured
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| v.指责，非难，谴责( censure的过去式 ) | |
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15
condescension
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| n.自以为高人一等，贬低(别人) | |
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16
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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17
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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18
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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19
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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20
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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21
balked
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| v.畏缩不前，犹豫( balk的过去式和过去分词 )；（指马）不肯跑 | |
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22
complaisance
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| n.彬彬有礼，殷勤，柔顺 | |
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23
negligence
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| n.疏忽，玩忽，粗心大意 | |
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24
entreaty
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| n.恳求，哀求 | |
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25
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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26
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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27
wink
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| n.眨眼，使眼色，瞬间；v.眨眼，使眼色，闪烁 | |
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28
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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29
tavern
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| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
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30
strand
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| vt.使（船）搁浅，使（某人）困于（某地） | |
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31
remonstrance
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| n抗议，抱怨 | |
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32
remonstrances
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| n.抱怨，抗议( remonstrance的名词复数 ) | |
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33
professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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34
alleviate
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|
| v.减轻，缓和，缓解(痛苦等) | |
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35
languishing
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| a. 衰弱下去的 | |
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36
akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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37
lewd
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| adj.淫荡的 | |
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38
divested
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|
| v.剥夺( divest的过去式和过去分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
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39
umbrage
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|
| n.不快；树荫 | |
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40
fretted
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|
| 焦躁的，附有弦马的，腐蚀的 | |
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41
knight
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|
| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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42
importunate
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|
| adj.强求的；纠缠不休的 | |
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43
hardy
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|
| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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44
ambrosial
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| adj.美味的 | |
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45
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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46
complexion
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|
| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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47
suffocated
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|
| （使某人）窒息而死( suffocate的过去式和过去分词 )； （将某人）闷死； 让人感觉闷热； 憋气 | |
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48
abhorrence
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|
| n.憎恶；可憎恶的事 | |
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49
raptures
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| 极度欢喜( rapture的名词复数 ) | |
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50
loathing
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|
| n.厌恶，憎恨v.憎恨，厌恶( loathe的现在分词)；极不喜欢 | |
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51
artillery
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|
| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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52
ogling
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| v.（向…）抛媚眼，送秋波( ogle的现在分词 ) | |
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53
endearments
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|
| n.表示爱慕的话语，亲热的表示( endearment的名词复数 ) | |
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54
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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55
mortification
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| n.耻辱，屈辱 | |
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56
repose
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|
| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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57
forth
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|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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58
peculiar
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|
| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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59
appellations
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| n.名称，称号( appellation的名词复数 ) | |
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60
vented
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| 表达，发泄（感情，尤指愤怒）( vent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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61
bespoke
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|
| adj.（产品）订做的；专做订货的v.预定( bespeak的过去式 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
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62
spoke
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|
| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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63
dispensed
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| v.分配( dispense的过去式和过去分词 )；施与；配（药） | |
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64
pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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65
syllable
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|
| n.音节；vt.分音节 | |
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66
astonishment
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|
| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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67
incarnate
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|
| adj.化身的，人体化的，肉色的 | |
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68
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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69
lurk
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| n.潜伏，潜行；v.潜藏，潜伏，埋伏 | |
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70
countenance
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|
| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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71
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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72
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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73
allurements
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|
| n.诱惑( allurement的名词复数 )；吸引；诱惑物；有诱惑力的事物 | |
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74
determined
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|
| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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75
circumspection
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|
| n.细心，慎重 | |
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76
shun
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|
| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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77
noted
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|
| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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78
procured
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|
| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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79
testy
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|
| adj.易怒的；暴躁的 | |
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80
Christian
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|
| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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81
majesty
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|
| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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82
patriot
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| n.爱国者，爱国主义者 | |
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83
maxim
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|
| n.格言，箴言 | |
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84
maxims
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|
| n.格言，座右铭( maxim的名词复数 ) | |
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85
hearsay
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|
| n.谣传，风闻 | |
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86
antagonists
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|
| 对立[对抗] 者，对手，敌手( antagonist的名词复数 )； 对抗肌； 对抗药 | |
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87
antagonist
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|
| n.敌人，对抗者，对手 | |
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88
strictly
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|
| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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89
hems
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| 布的褶边，贴边( hem的名词复数 )； 短促的咳嗽 | |
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90
dominions
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|
| 统治权( dominion的名词复数 )； 领土； 疆土； 版图 | |
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91
vindicated
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|
| v.澄清（某人/某事物）受到的责难或嫌疑( vindicate的过去式和过去分词 )；表明或证明（所争辩的事物）属实、正当、有效等；维护 | |
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92
dissertation
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| n.（博士学位）论文，学术演讲，专题论文 | |
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93
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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94
breach
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|
| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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95
vivacity
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|
| n.快活，活泼，精神充沛 | |
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96
conjecture
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|
| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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97
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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98
martial
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|
| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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99
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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100
espoused
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| v.（决定）支持，拥护（目标、主张等）( espouse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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101
sketch
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| n.草图；梗概；素描；v.素描；概述 | |
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102
ministry
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| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
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103
distinguished
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|
| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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104
odious
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|
| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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105
assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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106
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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107
effrontery
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| n.厚颜无耻 | |
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108
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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109
morose
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| adj.脾气坏的，不高兴的 | |
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110
indignity
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| n.侮辱，伤害尊严，轻蔑 | |
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111
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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112
censuring
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| v.指责，非难，谴责( censure的现在分词 ) | |
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113
bounty
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| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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114
benefactors
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| n.捐助者，施主( benefactor的名词复数 )；恩人 | |
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115
vagrants
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| 流浪者( vagrant的名词复数 )； 无业游民； 乞丐； 无赖 | |
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116
hanger
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| n.吊架，吊轴承；挂钩 | |
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117
dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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118
chastise
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| vt.责骂，严惩 | |
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119
presumption
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| n.推测，可能性，冒昧，放肆，[法律]推定 | |
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120
supple
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| adj.柔软的，易弯的，逢迎的，顺从的，灵活的；vt.使柔软，使柔顺，使顺从；vi.变柔软，变柔顺 | |
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121
abashed
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|
| adj.窘迫的，尴尬的v.使羞愧，使局促，使窘迫( abash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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122
affront
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| n./v.侮辱，触怒 | |
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123
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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124
whim
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| n.一时的兴致，突然的念头；奇想，幻想 | |
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125
harangue
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| n.慷慨冗长的训话，言辞激烈的讲话 | |
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126
entrust
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| v.信赖，信托，交托 | |
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127
strutted
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| 趾高气扬地走，高视阔步( strut的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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128
adjourned
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| （使）休会， （使）休庭( adjourn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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129
professing
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| 声称( profess的现在分词 )； 宣称； 公开表明； 信奉 | |
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130
garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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131
wheedles
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| v.骗取（某物），哄骗（某人干某事）( wheedle的第三人称单数 ) | |
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132
specious
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|
| adj.似是而非的；adv.似是而非地 | |
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133
imprisonment
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| n.关押，监禁，坐牢 | |
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134
promotion
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| n.提升，晋级；促销，宣传 | |
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135
malcontent
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|
| n.不满者，不平者；adj.抱不平的，不满的 | |
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136
inveighs
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| v.猛烈抨击，痛骂，谩骂( inveigh的第三人称单数 ) | |
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137
discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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138
insolence
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| n.傲慢；无礼；厚颜；傲慢的态度 | |
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139
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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140
harangues
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|
| n.高谈阔论的长篇演讲( harangue的名词复数 )v.高谈阔论( harangue的第三人称单数 ) | |
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141
unintelligible
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|
| adj.无法了解的，难解的，莫明其妙的 | |
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142
remains
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|
| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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143
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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144
loquacity
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| n.多话，饶舌 | |
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145
incongruity
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| n.不协调，不一致 | |
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146
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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147
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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148
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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149
engraved
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| v.在（硬物）上雕刻（字，画等）( engrave的过去式和过去分词 )；将某事物深深印在（记忆或头脑中） | |
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150
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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151
uncertainty
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| n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物 | |
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152
annuity
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| n.年金；养老金 | |
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153
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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154
legacy
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| n.遗产，遗赠；先人(或过去)留下的东西 | |
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155
vein
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| n.血管，静脉；叶脉，纹理；情绪；vt.使成脉络 | |
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156
retaliation
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| n.报复，反击 | |
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157
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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158
levity
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| n.轻率，轻浮，不稳定，多变 | |
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159
jumbled
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| adj.混乱的；杂乱的 | |
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160
burlesque
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| v.嘲弄，戏仿；n.嘲弄，取笑，滑稽模仿 | |
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161
grimaces
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| n.（表蔑视、厌恶等）面部扭曲，鬼脸( grimace的名词复数 )v.扮鬼相，做鬼脸( grimace的第三人称单数 ) | |
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162
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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163
complaisant
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| adj.顺从的，讨好的 | |
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164
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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165
giggler
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166
shrug
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| v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等) | |
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167
chatter
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| vi.／n.喋喋不休；短促尖叫；(牙齿)打战 | |
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168
facetious
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| adj.轻浮的，好开玩笑的 | |
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169
fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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170
compliance
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| n.顺从；服从；附和；屈从 | |
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171
oysters
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| 牡蛎( oyster的名词复数 ) | |
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172
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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173
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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174
phlegmatic
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| adj.冷静的，冷淡的，冷漠的，无活力的 | |
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175
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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176
braced
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| adj.拉牢的v.支住( brace的过去式和过去分词 )；撑牢；使自己站稳；振作起来 | |
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177
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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178
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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179
improperly
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| 不正确地，不适当地 | |
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180
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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181
sip
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| v.小口地喝，抿，呷；n.一小口的量 | |
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182
quench
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| vt.熄灭，扑灭；压制 | |
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183
debauch
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| v.使堕落，放纵 | |
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184
bibulous
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| adj.高度吸收的，酗酒的 | |
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185
substantive
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| adj.表示实在的；本质的、实质性的；独立的；n.实词，实名词；独立存在的实体 | |
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186
investigation
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| n.调查，调查研究 | |
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187
alleged
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| a.被指控的，嫌疑的 | |
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188
ego
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| n.自我，自己，自尊 | |
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189
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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190
accosting
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| v.走过去跟…讲话( accost的现在分词 )；跟…搭讪；（乞丐等）上前向…乞讨；（妓女等）勾搭 | |
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191
judiciously
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| adv.明断地，明智而审慎地 | |
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192
prodigy
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| n.惊人的事物，奇迹，神童，天才，预兆 | |
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