Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 3.djvu/316

 because the hour hindered me from entering on my new lodging; however, I have now got one, but such an one as I believe nobody would chuse."

"I was arrested, at the suit of Mrs. Read, "just as I was going up stairs to bed, at Mr. Bowyer's; but taken in so private a manner, that I believe nobody at the White Lion is apprised of it, though I let the officers know the strength (or rather weakness) of my pocket, yet they treated me with the utmost civility; and even when they conducted me to confinement, it was in such a manner, that I verily believe I could have escaped, which I would rather be ruined than have done, notwithstanding the whole amount of my finances was but three pence halfpenny."

"In the first place I must insist, that you will industriously conceal this from Mrs. Ss, because I would not have her good-nature suffer that pain, which, I know, she would be apt to feel on this occasion."

"Next, I conjure you, dear Sir, by all the ties of friendship, by no means to have one uneasy thought on my account; but Rh