to the stage, and met
with a repulse.

CHAPTER XCV.

The young Gentleman is introduced to a Virtuoso of the first Order, and
commences Yelper.

Hitherto Peregrine had professed himself an author, without reaping the
fruits of that occupation, except the little fame he had acquired by
his late satire; but now he thought it high time to weigh solid pudding
against empty praise; and therefore engaged with some booksellers in
a certain translation, which he obliged himself to perform for the
consideration of two hundred pounds. The articles of agreement being
drawn, he began his task with great eagerness, rose early in the morning
to his work, at which he laboured all day long, went abroad with the
bats in the evening, and appeared in the coffee-house, where he amused
himself with the newspapers and conversation till nine o'clock; then he
retired to his own apartment, and, after a slight repast, betook himself
to rest, that he might be able to unroost with the cock. This sudden
change from his former way of life agreed so ill with his disposition,
that, for the first time, he was troubled with flatulencies and
indigestion, which produced anxiety and dejection of spirits, and the
nature of his situation began in some measure to discompose his brain; a
discovery which he no sooner made, than he had recourse to the advice of
a young physician, who was a member of the college of authors, at this
time one of our hero's most intimate acquaintance.

The son of Esculapius, having considered his case, imputed his disorder
to the right cause, namely, want of exercise; dissuaded him from such
close application to study, until he should be gradually familiarized
to a sedentary life; advised him to enjoy his friend and his bottle in
moderation, and wean himself from his former customs by degrees;
and, above all things, to rise immediately after his first sleep, and
exercise himself in a morning's walk. In order to render this last part
of the prescription the more palatable, the doctor promised to attend
him in these early excursions, and even to introduce him to a certain
personage of note, who gave a sort of public breakfasting to the minor
virtuosi of the age, and often employed his interest in behalf of those
who properly cultivated his countenance and approbation.

This proposal was extremely acceptable to our young gentleman, who,
besides the advantage which might accrue to him from such a valuable
connection, fore