I cultivate an Acquaintance with two Noblemen--am introduced to earl Strutwell--his kind Promise and Invitation--the Behaviour of his Porter and Lacquey--he receives me with an Appearance of uncommon Affection--undertakes to speak in my Behalf to the Minister--informs me of his Success, and wishes me Joy--introduces a Conversation about Fetronius Arbiter--falls in Love with my Watch, which I press upon him--I make a present of a Diamond Ring to Lord Straddle--impart my good Fortune to Strap and Banter, who disabuses me, to my utter Mortification Baffled hitherto in my matrimonial schemes, I began to question my talents for the science of fortune-hunting, and to bend my thoughts towards some employment under the government.

With the view of procuring which, I cultivated the acquaintance of Lords Straddle and Swillpot, whose fathers were men of interest at court.

I found these young noblemen as open to my advances as I could desire; I accompanied them in their midnight rambles, and often dined with them at taverns, where I had the honour of paying the reckoning.
I one day took the opportunity, while I was loaded with protestations of friendship, to disclose my desire of being settled in some sinecure, and to solicit their influence in my behalf.

Swillpot, squeezing my hand, said, I might depend upon his service by G--.

The other swore that no man would be more proud than he to run my errands.