scribed on certain tablets, when
another Astolfo shall visit the moon. This appointment, however, he lost
on the Tories resuming power--when the writer found him almost as radical
and patriotic as ever, just engaged in trying to get into Parliament,
into which he got by the assistance of his Radical friends, who, in
conjunction with the Whigs, were just getting up a crusade against the
Tories, which they intended should be a conclusive one.

A little time after the publication of "The Bible in Spain," the Tories
being still in power, this individual, full of the most disinterested
friendship for the author, was particularly anxious that he should be
presented with an official situation, in a certain region a great many
miles off. "You are the only person for that appointment," said he; "you
understand a great deal about the country, and are better acquainted with
the two languages spoken there than any one in England. Now I love my
country, and have, moreover, a great regard for you, and as I am in
Parliament, and have frequent opportunities of speaking to the Ministry,
I shall take care to tell them how desirable it would be to secure your
services. It is true they are Tories, but I think that even Tories would
give up their habitual love of jobbery in a case like yours, and for once
show themselves disposed to be honest men and gentlemen; indeed, I have
no doubt they will, for having so deservedly an infamous character, they
would be glad to get themselves a little credit, by a presentation which
could not possibly be traced to jobbery or favouritism." The writer
begged his friend to give himself no trouble about the matter, as he was
not desirous of the appointment, being in tolerably easy circumstances,
and willing to take some rest after a life of labour. All, however, that
he could say was of no use, his friend indignantly observing that the
matter ought to be taken entirely out of his hands, and the appointment
thrust upon him for the credit of the country. "But may not many people
be far more worthy of the appointment than myself?" said the writer.
"Where?" said the friendly Radical. "If you don't get it, it will be
made a job of, given to the son of some steward, or perhaps to some quack
who has done dirty work; I tell you what, I shall ask it for you, in
spite of you; I shall, indeed!" and his eyes flashed with friendly and
patriotic fervour through the large pair of spectacles which he wore.

And, in