第四十六章
CHAPTER XLVI
Wagtail introduces me to a set of fine Gentlemen with whom I spend the Evening at a Tavern—our Conversation—the Characters of my new Companions—the Doctor is roasted—our Issue of our Debauch
Wagtail Introduces Random to His Tavern Companions
Wagtail Introduces Random to His Tavern Companions
Random accepts Wagtail’s invitation and they travel to a tavern by hackney coach, where Wagtail introduces him to a group of acquaintances gathered around the fire. The introductions are made in formal style: Wagtail presents Bragwell, Banter, Chatter, Slyboot, and Ranter. Random is insulted by Slyboot, who thrusts his tongue in his cheek, and by Ranter, a player, who mimics Random’s air, features, and voice. Random chooses to ignore the affronts for now, resolving to chastise Ranter at a more convenient time. Random also learns from Slyboot that the latter is a painter.
Banter Casts Doubt on Random’s Gentility
Banter Casts Doubt on Random’s Gentility
Banter privately asks Wagtail where he picked up his new friend, then openly conjectures that Random is “neither more nor less than a French valet-de-chambre.” Wagtail indignantly defends Random as a man of fortune from the ancient northern house of the Randoms and a distant relation of his own. Random is nettled at the slur but determines to bear such mortifications in the hope of gaining a wider acquaintance.
Group Repairs to a Tavern for an Evening of Revelry
Group Repairs to a Tavern for an Evening of Revelry
After a desultory conversation touching on weather, plays, politics, and other coffee-house topics, the company proposes to spend the evening together at a noted tavern in the neighbourhood, and they repair thither in a body.
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.