e and esteem, took his leave, and went home in a
state of confusion and perplexity; for, from the circumstances of the
tale he had heard, he plainly perceived, that her ladyship's heart
was too delicate to receive such incense as he, in the capacity of an
admirer, could at present pay; because, though he had in some measure
abridged the empire of Emilia in his own breast, it was not in his own
power to restrain it so effectually, but that it would interfere with
any other sovereign whom his thoughts should adopt; and unless Lady --
could engross his whole love, time, and attention, he foresaw that it
would be impossible for him to support the passion which he might have
the good fortune to inspire. He was, moreover, deterred from declaring
his love, by the fate of her former admirers, who seemed to have been
wound up to a degree of enthusiasm, that looked more like the effect of
enchantment, than the inspiration of human attractions; an ecstasy of
passion which he durst not venture to undergo. He, therefore, resolved
to combat with the impressions he had already received, and, if
possible, cultivate her friendship without soliciting her affection.
But, before he could fix upon this determination, he desired to know the
footing on which he stood in her opinion; and, by the intelligence of
Crabtree, obtained in the usual manner, understood that her sentiments
of him were very favourable, though without the least tincture of love.
He would have been transported with joy, had her thoughts of him been
of a more tender texture; though his reason was better pleased with
the information he received; in consequence of which he mustered up the
ideas of his first passion, and set them in opposition to those of this
new and dangerous attachment; by which means he kept the balance in
equilibrio, and his bosom tolerably quiet.

CHAPTER LXXXII.

He persuades Cadwallader to assume the Character of a Magician, in
which he acquires a great Share of Reputation, by his Responses to three
Females of Distinction, who severally consult the Researches of his Art.

His heart being thus, as it were, suspended between two objects that
lessened the force of each other's attraction, he took this opportunity
of enjoying some respite, and for the present detached his sentiments
from both, resolving to indulge himself in the exercise of that
practical satire which was so agreeable and peculiar in his disposition.
In this laudable determina