Overwhelmed with confusion, they walked towards the goldsmith's
shop, over which the oracle delivered wisdom; but being no longer
in a humour to heed his words, they presently resolved on driving
back to Whitehall with all possible speed. But alas! on turning
round they beheld their driver waging war with a crowd which had
gathered about his vehicle; for having left their oranges in the
coach, some boys had essayed to help themselves, whereon the man
fell foul of them. But he, being one against many, was like to
fare badly at their hands; seeing which, the maids of honour
persuaded him to let the crowd take the fruit and drive them back
at once. This conduct had not the effect of appeasing those who
profited by its generosity; for the gentlewomen were greeted with
most foul abuse, and many unworthy charges were laid to their
account in language more vigorous than polished. And having at
last arrived in safety at Whitehall, they resolved never to sally
forth in search of adventure again.
After various strange experiences in his character as doctor of
medicine and teller of fortunes, of the weakness of human nature
and strength of common credulity, the learned Alexander Bendo
vanished from the city; and about the same time the gallant Earl
of Rochester appeared at court, where he sought for and obtained
the merry monarch's pardon. The wonderful stories he was enabled
to relate, piquant in detail, and sparkling with wit, rendered it
delightful to the king, in whose favour he soon regained his
former supremacy.
Pages:
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214