he went on as follows:

"I came to my estate in my twenty-second year, and resolved to
follow the steps of the most worthy of my ancestors who have
inhabited this spot of earth before me, in all the methods of
hospitality and good neighbourhood, for the sake of my fame; and
in country sports and recreations, for the sake of my health. In
my twenty-third year I was obliged to serve as sheriff of the
county; and in my servants, officers, and whole equipage,
indulged the pleasure of a young man (who did not think ill of
his own person) in taking that public occasion of shewing my
figure and behaviour to advantage. You may easily imagine to
yourself what appearance I made, who am pretty tall, rid well,
and was very well dressed, at the head of a whole county, with
musick before me, a feather in my hat, and my horse well bitted.
I can assure you I was not a little pleased with the kind looks
and glances I had from all the balconies and windows as I rode to
the hall where the assizes were held. But when I came there, a
beautiful creature in a widow's habit sat in court, to hear the
event of a cause concerning her dower. This commanding creature
(who was born for the destruction of all who behold her) put on
such a resignation in her countenance, and bore the whispers of
all around the court with such a pretty uneasiness, I warrant
you, and then recovered herself from one eye to another, till she
was perfectly confused by meeting something so wistful in all she
encountered, that at last, with a murrain to her, she cast her
bewitching eye upon me. I no sooner met it, but I bowed like a
great surprised booby; and knowing her cause to be the first
which came on, I cried, like a captivated calf as I was! 'Make
way for the defendant's witnesses.' This sudden partiality made