EARLY LIFE. 6l 



situation, in comes the uncle. As may easily be 

 imagined, he was armed cap-a-pie. His first words 

 were that he proposed (as was reasonable) killing 

 Memnon and his niece on the spot ; and the last 

 thing which escaped him was that he would pardon 

 them, if he was well paid for it. Memnon was forced 

 to give all he had about him. These were happy 

 days when one could get off so cheap. America was 

 not then known, and afflicted ladies were not half so 

 dangerous as they are in our times. Memnon went 

 home in shame and despair : he found a card invit- 

 ing him to dine with some of his intimate friends. 

 If (said he) I stay at home by myself, I shall think 

 on nothing but my sad adventure. I shall eat none, 

 and shall fall sick. I had much better go and make 

 a frugal meal with my companions. The sweets of 

 their society will make me forget the morning's folly. 

 He goes to the place appointed ; they perceive him 

 somewhat out of sorts ; they make him drink to 

 drown sorrow. A little wine taken in moderation is 

 a cure both for mind and body, so thinks the sage 

 Memnon; and so thinking, he gets drunk. They 

 propose to play after dinner. A little play, well 

 regulated, with one's friends, makes an honourable 

 pastime. He plays, loses all his ready money, and 

 four times more on tick. During the game a dispute 

 arises ; they turn warm. One of his particular friends 

 throws a decanter at Memnon's head ; and shuts up 

 an eye for him. The sage Memnon is carried home, 

 mortal drunk, with the loss of all his money, and 



