of a certain object so like to nature, that the bare sight of
it set a whole hog-sty in an uproar.

When he had examined and applauded all the productions of this minute
artist, they returned to the great church, and were entertained with
the view of that celebrated masterpiece of Rubens, in which he has
introduced the portraits of himself and his whole family. The doors
that conceal this capital performance were no sooner unfolded, than our
enthusiast, debarred the use of speech, by a previous covenant with his
friend Pickle, lifted up his hands and eyes, and putting himself in the
attitude of Hamlet, when his father's ghost appears, adored in silent
ecstasy and awe. He even made a merit of necessity; and, when they
had withdrawn from the place, protested that his whole faculties were
swallowed up in love and admiration. He now professed himself more than
ever enamoured of the Flemish school, raved in extravagant encomiums,
and proposed that the whole company should pay homage to the memory
of the divine Rubens, by repairing forthwith to the house in which he
lived, and prostrating themselves on the floor of his painting-room.

As there was nothing remarkable in the tenement, which had been rebuilt
more than once since the death of that great man, Peregrine excused
himself from complying with the proposal, on pretence of being fatigued
with the circuit they had already performed. Jolter declined it for the
same reason; and the question being put to the doctor, he refused his
company with an air of disdain. Pallet, piqued at his contemptuous
manner, asked, "if he would not go and see the habitation of Pindoor,
provided he was in the city where that poet lived?" and when the
physician observed, that there was an infinite difference between the
men, "That I'll allow," replied the painter, "for the devil a poet ever
lived in Greece or Troy, that was worthy to clean the pencils of our
beloved Rubens." The physician could not, with any degree of temper
and forbearance, hear this outrageous blasphemy, for which, he said,
Pallet's eyes ought to be picked out by owls; and the dispute arose,
as usual, to such scurrilities of language, and indecency of behaviour,
that passengers began to take notice of their animosity, and Peregrine
was obliged to interpose for his own credit.

CHAPTER LXIII.

Peregrine artfully foments a Quarrel between Pallet and the Physician,
who fight a Duel on the Ramparts.

The painter betoo