to avoid the conversation of any man who seemed to desire it: for if good I might profit by his instruction; if bad he might be assisted by mine. I found this to be a knowing man of strong unlettered sense, but a thorough knowledge of the world, as it is called, or, more properly speaking, of human nature on the wrong side. He asked me if I had taken care to provide myself with a bed, which was a circumstance I had never once attended to.

That's unfortunate,' cried he, as you are allowed 'here nothing but straw, and your apartment is very 'large and cold. However, you seem to be something ' of a gentleman, and as I have been one myself in my time, part of my bed-clothes are heartily at your 'service.'

I thanked him, professing my surprise at finding such humanity in a gaol in misfortunes; adding, to let him see that I was a scholar, That the sage an'cient seemed to understand the value of company in ⚫ affliction when he said, Ton kosman aire, ei dos ton ⚫etairon; and in fact,' continued I, 'what is the world if it affords only solitude,'

You talk of the world, Sir,' returned my fellowprisoner, the world is in its dotage, and yet the cos• mogony or creation of the world has puzzled the philosophers of every age. What a medley of opinions ' have they not broached upon the creation of the world.

Saneoniathon, Manetho, Berosus, and Ocellus Luca" nus, have all attempted it in vain. The latter has these words, Anarchon ara kai atelutaion to pan, which 'implies I ask pardon, Sir.' cried I, for interrupting so much learning; but I think I have heard all this before. Have I not had the pleasure of once 'seeing you at Welbridge fair, and is not your name Ephraim Jenkinson ?' At this demand he only sighed. I suppose you must recollect,' resumed I,

one Doctor Primrose, from whom you bought a 'horse.'

He now at once recollected me; for the gloominess of the place and the approaching night had prevented his distinguishing my features before, Yes, Sir,' returned Mr. Jenkinson, I remember you perfectly 'well; I bought an horse but forgot to pay for him. Your neighbor Flamborough is the only prosecutor 'I am any way afraid of at the next assizes: for he in' tends to swear positively against me as a coiner. I ' am heartily sorry, Sir, I ever deceived you, or indeed any man; for, you see,' continued he, shewing his shackles, 'what my tricks have brought me to.' 'Well, Sir,' replied I, 'your kindness in offering 'me assistance when you could expect no return, shall be repaid with my endeavors to soften or totally sup 'press Mr. Flamborough's evidence, and I will send my son to him for that purpose the first opportunity; nor do I in the least doubt but he will comply with 'my request; and as to my own evidence, you need be under no uneasiness about that."

Well, Sir,' cried he, all the return I can make shall be yours. You shall have more than half my bed-clothes to-night, and I'll take care to stand your 'friend in the prison, where I think I have some in◄ fluence.'

I thanked him, and could not avoid being surprised at the present youthful change in his aspect; for at the time I had seen him before he appeared at least sixty. Sir,' answered he,' you are little acquainted with the world; I had at that time false hair; and have learnt the art of counterfeiting every age from <seventeen to seventy. Ah! Sir, had I but bestowed

half the pains in learning a trade that I have in learn**ing to be a scoundrel, I might have been a rich man at

this day. But rogue as I am, still I may be your 'friend, and that perhaps when you least expect it'

We were now prevented from further conversation by the arrival of the gaoler's servants, who came to call over the prisoner's names, and lock up for the night. A fellow also with a bundle of straw for my bed attended, who led me along a dark narrow passage into a room paved like the common prison, and in one corner of this I spread my bed and the clothes given me by my fellow prisoner; which done, my conductor, who was civil enough, bade me a good night. After my usual meditations, and having praised my heavenly corrector, I laid myself down and slept with the utmost tranquillity till morning.

3

CHAP. XXVI.

A reformation in the gaol. To make laws complete they should reward as well as punish.

THE next morning early I was awakened by my

fa

mily, whom I found in tears at my bed-side. The gloomy strength of every thing about us it seems had daunted them. I gently rebuked their sorrow, assuring them I had never slept with greater tranquillity, and next inquired after my eldest daughter, who was not among them. They informed me that yesterday's uneasiness and fatigue had increased her fever, and it was judged proper to leave her behind. My next care was to send my son to procure a room or two to lodge the family in. as near the prison as conveniently could be found. He obeyed; but could only find one apartment, which was hired at a small expence for his mother and sisters, the gaoler with humanity consenting

to let him and his two little brothers lie in the prison with me. A bed was therefore prepared for them in à corner of the room, which I thought answered very conveniently. I was willing however previously to know whether my little children chose to lie in a place which seemed to fright them upon entrance..

'Well,' cried I, my good boys, how do you like 'your bed? I hope you are not afraid to lie in this. • room dark as it appears.'

'No, papa,' says Dick, I am not afraid to lie any "where, where you are.'

' And I,' says Bill, who was yet but four years old, 'love every place best that my papa is in.'

After this I allotted to each of the family what they were to do. My daughter was particularly directed to watch her declining sister's health; my wife was to attend me; my little boys were to read to me; • And as for you, my son,' continued I, it is by the labor of your hands we must all hope to be supported. Your wages as a day-laborer will be fully sufficient, with proper frugality, to maintain us all, and comfortably too. Thou art now sixteen years old, and hast strength, and it was given thee, my son, for very useful purposes; for it must save from famine your helpless parents and family. Prepare then this even⚫ing to look out for work against to-morrow, and bring home every night what money you earn for our support.'

Having thus instructed him and settled the rest, I walked down to the common prison, where I could enjoy more air and room. But I was not long there when the execrations, lewdness, and brutality that invaded me on every side, drove me back to my apartment again. Here I sate for some time pondering upon the strange infatuation of wretches who, finding

all mankind in open arms against them, were laboring to make themselves a future and a tremendous enemy.

Their insensibility excited my highest compassion, and blotted my own uneasiness from my mind. It even appeared a duty incumbent upon me to attempt to reclaim them. I resolved therefore once more to return, and in spite of their contempt to give them my advice, and conquer them by perseverance. Going therefore among them again, I informed Mr. Jenkinson of my design, at which he laughed heartily, but communicated it to the rest. The proposal was received with the greatest good humour, as it promised to afford a new fund of entertainment to persons who had now no other resource for mirth, but what could be derived from ridicule or debauchery.

I therefore read them a portion of the service with a loud unaffected voice, and found my audience perfectly merry upon the occasion. Lewd whispers, groans of contrition burlesqued, winking and coughing alternately excited laughter. However, I continued with my natural solemnity to read on, sensible that what I did might amend some, but could itself receive no contamination from any.

After reading I entered upon my exhortation, which was rather calculated at first to amuse them than to reprove. I previously observed, that no other motive but their welfare could induce me to this; that I was their fellow-prisoner and now got nothing by preaching, I was sorry, I said, to hear them so very prophane; because they got nothing by it, but might lose a great deal: For be assured, my friends,' cried I, 'for you are my friends, however the world may dis'claim your friendship, though you swore twelve 'thousand oaths in a day, it would not put one penny in your purse. Then what signifies calling every moment upon the devil, and courting his friendship,