He accordingly pronounced
a very learned discourse upon the nature of ideas, the power and
independence of the mind, the properties of stimulating medicines,
the difference between a proneness to venery, which many simples
would create, and a passion limited to one object, which can only
be the result of sense and reflection; and concluded with a pathetic
remonstrance, setting forth his unhappiness in being persecuted with
the resentment of a lady whom he had never injured, nor even seen
before that occasion, and whose faculties were, in all likelihood,
so much impaired by her misfortunes that an innocent person was in
danger of being ruined by her disorder. He had no sooner finished
his harangue, than the forlorn princess renewed her lamentations,
and cautioned the company against his eloquence, which, she said,
was able to bias the most impartial bench in Christendom. Ranter
advised him to espouse her immediately, as the only means to save
his reputation, and offered to accompany him to the Fleet for that
purpose; but Slyboot proposed that a father should be purchased for
the child, and a comfortable alimony settled on the mother. Ranter
promised to adopt the infant gratis. Wagtail was ready to worship
him for his generosity, and, though he persisted in protesting his
innocence, condescended to everything rather than his unblemished
character should be called into question.
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