Nor did one of the
spectators interpose in his behalf, or visit him in his confinement
with the least tender of advice or assistance; such is the zeal of
coffee-house friendship. This stroke was the more severe upon our
hero, as it was altogether unexpected; for he had utterly forgot
the debt for which he was arrested. His present indignation was,
however, chiefly kindled against the bailiff, who had done his
office in such a disrespectful manner; and the first use he made
of his recollection in the house to which they conducted him, was
to chastise him for the insolence and indecency of his behaviour.
This task he performed with his bare fists, every other weapon being
previously conveyed out of his reach; and the delinquent underwent
his discipline with surprising patience and resignation, asking
pardon with great humility, and protesting before God, that he had
never willingly and wittingly used any gentleman with ill manners,
but had been commanded to arrest our adventurer according to the
express direction of the creditor, on pain of forfeiting his place.
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