without
prejudice, can endure contradiction, and, as the company perceives, even
bear impertinent censure without passion or resentment. I quarrel with
none but the foes of virtue and decorum, against whom I have declared
perpetual war, and them I will everywhere attack as the natural enemies
of mankind."

"But that war," said the cynic, "may soon be brought to a conclusion, and
your adventures close in Bridewell, provided you meet with some
determined constable, who will seize your worship as a vagrant, according
to the statute." "Heaven and earth!" cried the stranger, starting up,
and laying his hand on his sword, "do I live to hear myself insulted with
such an opprobrious epithet, and refrain from trampling into dust the
insolent calumniator?"

The tone in which these words were pronounced, and the indignation that
flashed from the eyes of the speaker, intimidated every individual of the
society, and reduced Ferret to a temporary privation of all his
faculties. His eyes retired within their sockets; his complexion, which
was naturally of a copper hue, now shifted to a leaden colour; his teeth
began to chatter; and all his limbs were agitated by a sudden palsy. The
knight observed his condition, and resumed his seat, saying, "I was to
blame; my vengeance must be reserved for very different objects. Friend,
you have nothing to fear--the sudden gust of passion is now blown over.
Recollect yourself, and I will reason calmly on the observation you have
made."

This was a very seasonable declaration to Mr. Ferret, who opened his
eyes, and wiped his forehead, while the other proceeded in these terms:
"You say I am in danger of being apprehended as a vagrant. I am not so
ignorant of the laws of my country, but that I know the description of
those who fall within the legal meaning of this odious term. You must
give me leave to inform you, friend, that I am neither bearward, fencer,
stroller, gipsy, mountebank, nor mendicant; nor do I practise subtle
craft, to deceive and impose upon the king's lieges; nor can I be held as
an idle disorderly person, travelling from place to place, collecting
monies by virtue of counterfeited passes, briefs, and other false
pretences; in what respect, therefore, am I to be deemed a vagrant?
Answer boldly without fear or scruple."

To this interrogation the misanthrope replied, with a faltering accent,
"If not a vagrant, you incur the penalty for riding armed in affray of
the peace.