midnight
-- a reverse , that not only robs her of these external comforts , and plunges her into all the miseries of want , but also murders her peace of mind , and entails upon her the curse of eternal infamy ! Of all professions I pronounced that of a courtesan the most deplorable , and her of all courtesans the most unhappy . She allowed my observation to be just in the main , but at the same time affirmed that notwithstanding the disgraces which had fallen to her share , she had not been so unlucky in the condition of a prostitute as many others of the same community . `` I have often seen , '' said she , `` while I strolled about the streets at midnight , a number of naked wretches reduced to rags and filth , huddled together like swine , in the corner of a dark alley , some of whom , but eighteen months before , I had known the favourites of the town , rolling in affluence , and glittering in all the pomp of equipage and dress . Miserable wretch that I am ! perhaps the same horrors are decreed for me ! '' `` No ! ''