One Day a Gentleman in a very good genteel Habit, knocks at my Door, which
I open'd my self, and ask'd him what he'd have? Upon which, coming in a
Doors, Madam, says he, I understand that you are a Person Charitably
Disposed, and do now and then help a Languishing Lady, or a Love-sick
Gallant: And therefore I took this Opportunity to Salute you, hoping that
you will shew the same kindness to me, that you have done to others upon
the same Considerations.--Sir, said I, you must give me leave to ask you
some Questions before we enter into any further conversation--With all my
heart, Madam, said he:--Then, said I, Pray who recommended you to me, on
that account? I hope you don't take me for a Bawd? Nay, Madam, said he,
pray don't affront me; Neither do I look like a Porter, common Soldier, or
Lacquey, so as to stand in need of a Bawds Assistance: Nor am I one of
those who will take up with what the Street affords: For I assure you I
don't eat _Baked Pudding_ or _Apple-Pye_ at _Holbourn-Bridge_, or such
other Places, as common Carmen do. Nor, to be plain with you, Madam, said
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