CHAPTER LXXXIII.
IN WHICH THE KNIGHT OF THE SILVER SPECTACLES MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF THE SAGE 'BLACK DILLON,' AND CONFERS WITH HIM IN HIS RETREAT.
AT that time there had appeared in Dublin an erratic genius in the medical craft, a young surgeon, 'Black Dillon,' they called him, the glory and disgrace of his calling; such as are from time to time raised up to abase the pride of intellect, and terrify the dabblers in vice.

A prodigious mind, illuminating darkness, and shivering obstacles at a blow, with an electric force--possessing the power of a demigod, and the lusts of a swine.

Without order, without industry; defying all usages and morality; lost for weeks together in the catacombs of vice; and emerging to re-assert in an hour the supremacy of his intellect; without principles or shame; laden with debt; and shattered and poisoned with his vices; a branded and admired man.
In the presence of this outcast genius and prodigy of vice, stood Mr.
Dangerfield.

There were two other gentlemen in the same small room, one of whom was doggedly smoking, with his hat on, over the fire; the other snoring in a crazy arm-chair, on the back of which hung his wig.

The window was small and dirty; the air muddy with tobacco-smoke, and inflamed with whiskey.