eet his silk stockings,
which rose without spot or wrinkle on his meagre legs, from shoes of
blue Meroquin, studded with diamond buckles that flamed forth rivals to
the sun! A steel-hilted sword, inlaid with gold, and decked with a knot
of ribbon which fell down in a rich tassel, equipped his side; and an
amber-headed cane hung dangling from his wrist. But the most remarkable
parts of his furniture were, a mask on his face, and white gloves on his
hands, which did not seem to be put on with an intention to be pulled
off occasionally, but were fixed with a curious ring on the little
finger of each hand.

In this garb, Captain Whiffle, for that was his name, took possession of
the ship, surrounded with a crowd of attendants, all of whom, in their
different degrees, seemed to be of their patron's disposition; and the
air was so impregnated with perfumes, that one may venture to affirm the
climate of Arabia Felix was not half so sweet-scented. My fellow-mate,
observing no surgeon among his train, thought he had found an occasion
too favourable for himself to be neglected; and, remembering the old
proverb, "Spare to speak, and spare to speed," resolved to solicit the
new captain's interest immediately, before any other surgeon could be
appointed for the ship. With this view he repaired to the cabin in his
ordinary dress, consisting of a check shirt and trousers, a brown linen
waistcoat, and a nightcap of the same (neither of them very clean,)
which, for his further misfortune, happened to smell strong of tobacco.
Entering without any ceremony into this sacred place, he found Captain
Whiffle reposing upon a couch, with a wrapper of fine chintz about his
body, and a muslin cap bordered with lace about his head; and after
several low congees began in this manner: "Sir, I hope you will forgive,
and excuse, and pardon, the presumption of one who has not the honour of
being known to you, but who is, nevertheless a shentleman porn and pred,
and moreover has had misfortunes, Cot help me, in the world."

Here he was interrupted by the captain, who, on seeing him, had started
up with great amazement, at the novelty of the apparition; and, having
recollected himself, pronounced with a look and tone signifying disdain,
curiosity and surprise, "Zauns! who art thou?" "I am surgeon's first
mate on board of this ship," replied Morgan: "and I most vehemently
desire and beseech you, with all submission, to be pleased to condescend
and vouchs