he, am I one of those Fellowes that usually Dine at any Greasie Ordinaries;
and therefore I am for something fit for a Gentleman, and will pay
accordingly. Very well, Sir, says I: I hope you will take nothing amiss; I
see you are a Gentleman; but I have sometimes had Tricks put upon me, and
therefore am as choice in the company I entertain, as you are in keeping
your Company. Upon which account be not angry if I repeat my Question, Pray
who recommended you to me? To which he reply'd, Madam, I thought you had
not been so very scrupulous at this time of Day, when Money is so very
scarce. But seeing you press me to it, I know that you help'd Esq; ---- to
a very fine Mistress.--The Gentleman he Named, being one I was well
acquainted with, and whose Necessities I had often supply'd with some of my
First-rate-Frigots, as he used to call 'em; I had no more mistrust of him;
and therefore taking him to be a Friend of his: Nay, now, said I to him,
you begin to speak Sense. Be pleased to go along with me; and so lead him
into a Room which joyn'd to my Parlour that was hung round with Pictures;
representing all the Amours of _Ovid_'s Heathen Gods; and amongst them were
intermix'd several of those Ladies of Pleasure I kept in my House, drawn in
very amorous and inviting Postures; One with her Golden Tresses dishelv'd
upon her Shoulders & her Brests Naked; another was drawn putting on her
Smock, a third tying her Garters, and a Fourth in the Arms of her Gallant:
When he had well looked round about him, _Madam_, said he, _I perceive you
have Entertainment to provoke the dullest Appetite; and if you have really
the Original of these Pictures, I don't much wonder that you insist upon
good Terms. Therefore pray let me know what you expect to Oblige me with
the dishelv'd Golden Locks._ Sir, said I, my lowest is a Guinea in hand,
and a Guinea a Week for the Accomodation of my House; and taking care that
you may have her ready for your use, so long as you continue my Pensioner:
But as for her own Terms, I leave that to your self and her--_But_, said
he, _may I not see the Person first, that I may be satisfied the Painter
has not flatter'd her?_ Yes, Sir, said I, provided that you don't spend too