"
Pallet, interrupting him with great eagerness, begged for the love
of God that he would no longer keep him in the torture of suspense,
but mention that same remedy, which he was resolved to follow, let
it be ever so unpalatable.
Peregrine, having thus played upon his passions of fear and hope,
answered, "that as the offence was committed in the habit of a
woman, which was a disguise unworthy of the other sex, the French
court was of opinion that the delinquent should be reduced to the
neuter gender; so that there was no alternative at his own option,
by which he had it in his power to regain immediate freedom."--"What!"
cried the painter, in despair, "become a singer? Gadzooks! and
the devil and all that! I'll rather be still where I am, and let
myself be devoured by vermin." Then thrusting out his throat--"Here
is my windpipe," said he; "be so good, my dear friend, as to give
it a slice or two: if you don't, I shall one of these days be
found dangling in my garters. What an unfortunate rascal I am! What
a blockhead, and a beast, and a fool, was I to trust myself among
such a barbarous ruffian race! Lord forgive you, Mr.
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