ng only when he was invited to the tables of his acquaintances, from
which the meanness of his dress often excluded him, when the politeness
and variety of his conversation would have been thought a sufficient
recompense for his entertainment. He lodged as much by accident as he
dined, and passed the night sometimes in mean houses which are set open
at night to any casual wanderers; sometimes in cellars, among the
riot and filth of the meanest and most profligate of the rabble; and
sometimes, when he had not money to support even the expenses of these
receptacles, walked about the streets till he was weary, and lay down
in the summer upon the bulk, or in the winter, with his associate, in
poverty, among the ashes of a glass-house.

In this manner were passed those days and those nights which nature had
enabled him to have employed in elevated speculations, useful studies,
or pleasing conversation. On a bulk, in a cellar, or in a glass-house,
among thieves and beggars, was to be found the author of "The
Wanderer," the man of exalted sentiments, extensive views, and curious
observations; the man whose remarks on life might have assisted the
statesman, whose ideas of virtue might have enlightened the moralist,
whose eloquence might have influenced senates, and whose delicacy might
have polished courts. It cannot but be imagined that such necessities
might sometimes force him upon disreputable practices; and it is
probable that these lines in "The Wanderer" were occasioned by his
reflections on his own conduct:

"Though misery leads to happiness and truth,
Unequal to the load this languid youth,
(Oh, let none censure, if, untried by grief,
If, amidst woe, untempted by relief),
He stooped reluctant to low arts of shame,
Which then, e'en then, he scorned, and blushed to name."

Whoever was acquainted with him was certain to be solicited for small
sums, which the frequency of the request made in time considerable;
and he was therefore quickly shunned by those who were become familiar
enough to be trusted with his necessities; but his rambling manner
of life, and constant appearance at houses of public resort, always
procured him a new succession of friends whose kindness had not been
exhausted by repeated requests; so that he was seldom absolutely without
resources, but had in his utmost exigencies this comfort, that he always
imagined himself sure of speedy relief. It was observed that he