every
person of rank and fortune that occurred to his view, recalled the gay
images of his former life, with such mortifying reflection as stabbed
him to the very soul. He lived, therefore, incessantly exposed to all
the pangs of envy and disquiet. When I say envy, I do not mean that
sordid passion, in consequence of which a man repines at his neighbour's
success, howsoever deserved: but that self-tormenting indignation which
is inspired by the prosperity of folly, ignorance, and vice. Without the
intervening gleams of enjoyment, which he felt in the conversation of a
few friends, he could not have supported his existence; or, at least,
he must have suffered some violent discomposure of the brain. But one
is still finding some circumstance of alleviation, even in the worst of
conjunctures, and Pickle was so ingenious in these researches, that he
maintained a good battle with disappointment, till the revolution of the
term at which he had received his pension of three hundred pounds.

However, seeing the day elapse without touching his allowance,
notwithstanding his significant method of presenting himself at the
minister's levee, when the year was expired, he wrote a letter to Sir
Steady, reminding him of his situation and promise, and giving him to
understand, that his occasions were such as compelled him to demand
his salary for the ensuing year. In the morning after this letter was
conveyed, the author went to his honour's house, in expectation of being
admitted by particular order; but was mistaken in his hope, the minister
not being visible. He then made his appearance at the levee, in hopes
of being closeted; but, though he took all opportunities of watching Sir
Steady's eyes, he could not obtain one glance, and had the pleasure of
seeing him retire, without being favoured with the least notice. These
circumstances of wilful neglect were not over and above agreeable to our
young hero, who, in the agonies of vexation and resentment, went
home, and composed a most acrimonious remonstrance to his honour; in
consequence of which he was not only deprived of all pretensions to a
private audience, but expressly denied admittance on a public day, by
Sir Steady's own order.

This prohibition, which announced his total ruin, filled him with rage,
horror, and despair. He insulted the porter who signified the minister's
command, threatening to chastise him upon the spot for his presumption,
and vented the most virulent impr