Chapter XLIV: Letter XVI: Inhabitants of the Alms-House

BENBOW.

Thou art the Knight of the Burning Lamp[....] ... If thou [wert] any way given to virtue, I would swear by thy face; my oath should be by this fire. [....] a perpetual triumph, [ ...] Thou hast saved me a thousand marks in links and torches, walking [with thee in the] night betwixt tavern and tavern ...

_Shakspeare_ [Henry IV. Part I. Act III. Sc. 3].

Ebrietas tibi fida comes, tibi Luxus, et atris
Circa te semper volitans Infamia pennis.

_Silius Italicus_ [Punica, Lib, V. vv. 96-7].

Benbow, an improper Companion for the Badgemen of the Alms-house--He
resembles Bardolph--Left in Trade by his Father--Contracts useless
Friendships--His Friends drink with him, and employ others--Called
worthy and honest! Why--Effect of Wine on the Mind of
Man--Benbow's common Subject--the Praise of departed Friends and
Patrons--'Squire Asgill, at the Grange: his Manners, Servants,
Friends--True to his Church: ought therefore to be spared--His
Son's different Conduct--Vexation of the Father's Spirit if
admitted to see the Alteration--Captain Dowling, a boon Companion,
ready to drink at all Times, and with any Company; famous in his
Club-room--His easy Departure--Dolley Murrey, a Maiden advanced in
Years: abides by Ratafia and Cards--Her free Manners--Her Skill in
the Game--Her Preparation and Death--Benbow, how interrupted; his
Submission.