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suasions seemed but the second part of those which were received with so ill a grace in the morning. The dispute grew high, while poor Deborah, instead of reasoning stronger, talked louder, and at last was obliged to take shel

voured to take the advantage of every disap-dour, and I stood neuter. His present dis pointment, to improve their good sense in proportion as they were frustrated in ambition. "You see, my children," cried I, "how little is to be got by attempts to impose upon the world, in coping with our betters. Such as are poor, and will associate with none butter from a defeat in clamour. The conclusion the rich, are hated by those they avoid, and despised by those they follow. Unequal combinations are always disadvantageous to the weaker side: the rich having the pleasure, and the poor the inconveniences that result from them. But come, Dick, my boy, and repeat the fable that you were reading to day, for the good of the company."

of her harangue, however, was highly displeas ing to us all: she knew, she said, of some who had their own secret reasons for what they advised; but, for her part, she wished such to stay away from her house for the future. -"Madam," cried Burchell, with looks of great composure, which tended to inflame her more, "as for secret reasons, you are right; 1 have secret reasons, which I forbear to mention, because you are not able to answer those of which I make no secret: but I find my visits here are become troublesome; I'll take my leave therefore now, and perhaps come once more to take a final farewell when I am quitting the country." Thus saying he took up his hat, nor could the attempts of Sophia, whose looks seemed to upbraid his precipi tancy, prevent his going.

When gone, we all regarded each other for some minutes with confusion. My wife, who knew herself to be the cause, strove to hide her concern with a forced smile, and an air of assurance, which I was willing to reprove: "How, woman," cried I to her, "is it thus we treat strangers? Is it thus we return their kindness? Be assured, my dear, that these were the harshest words, and to me the most unpleasing that ever escaped your lips!”

"Once upon a time," cried the child, "a Giant and a Dwarf were friends and kept together. They made a bargain that they would never forsake each other, but go seek adventures. The first battle they fought was with two Saracens, and the Dwarf, who was very courageous, dealt one of the champions a most angry blow. It did the Saracen very little injury, who lifting up his sword, fairly struck off the poor Dwarf's arm. He was now in a woeful plight; but the Giant coming to his assistance, in a short time left the two Saracens dead on the plain, and the Dwarf cut off the dead man's head out of spite. They then travelled on to another adventure. This was against three bloody-minded Satyrs, who were carrying away a damsel in distress. The Dwarf was not quite so fierce now as before; but for all that struck the first blow, which was returned by another, that knocked out his eye; but the Giant was soon up with them, "Why would he provoke me then reand had they not fled, would certainly have plied she; "but I know the motives of his killed them every one. They were all very advice perfectly well. He would prevent my joyful for this victory, and the damsel who was girls from going to town, that he may have relieved fell in love with the Giant, and mar- the pleasure of my youngest daughter's comried him. They now travelled far, and farther pany here at home. But whatever happens, than I can tell, till they met with a company she shall choose better company than such of robbers. The Giant, for the first time, low-lived fellows as he."-" Low-lived, my was foremost now; but the Dwarf was not far dear, do you call him?" cried I; "it is very behind. The battle was stout and long. possible we may mistake this man's character, Wherever the Giant came, all fell before him; for he seems upon some occasions the most but the Dwarf had like to have been killed finished gentleman I ever knew.-Tell me, more than once. At last the victory declared Sophia, my girl, has he ever given you any for the two adventurers; but the Dwarf lost secret instances of his attachment ?"-" His his leg. The Dwarf was now without an arm, conversation with me, Sir," replied my daugha leg, and an eye, while the Giant was with- ter, "has ever been sensible, modest, and out a single wound. Upon which he cried out pleasing. As to aught else, no, never. to his little companion, my little hero, this is Once, indeed, I remember to have heard him glorious sport! let us get one victory more, say, he never knew a woman who could find and then we shall have honour for ever. No, merit in a man that seemed poor." "-"Such, cries the Dwarf, who was by this time grown my dear," cried I, "is the common cant of all wiser, no, I declare off; I'll fight no more: for the unfortunate or idle. But I hope you have I find in every battle that you get all the honour been taught to judge properly of such men, and rewards, but all the blows fall upon me." and that it would be even madness to expect I was going to moralize this fable, when our happiness from one who has been so very bad attention was called off to a warm dispute be- an economist of his own. Your mother and tween my wife and Mr Burchell, upon my I have now better prospects for you. The daughters' intended expedition to town. My next winter, which you will probably spend in wife very strenuously insisted upon the advan- town, will give you opportunities of making a tages that would result from it; Mr Burchell more prudent choice." on the contrary, dissuaded her with great ar

What Sophia's reflections were upon this

occasion I can't pretend to determine; but I was not displeased at the bottom, that we were rid of a guest from whom I had much to fear. Our breach of hospitality went to my conscience a little; but I quickly silenced that monitor by two or three specious reasons, which served to satisfy and reconcile me to myself. The pain which conscience gives the man who has already done wrong, is soon got over. Conscience is a coward, and those faults it has not strength enough to prevent, it seldom has justice enough to accuse.

CHAPTER XIV.

FRESH MORTIFICATIONS, OR A DEMONSTRATION THAT SEEMING CALAMITIES MAY BE REAL BLESSINGS.

THE journey of my daughters to town was now resolved upon, Mr Thornhill having kindly promised to inspect their conduct himself, and inform us by letter of their behaviour. But it was thought indispensably necessary that their appearance should equal the greatness of their expectations, which could not be done without expense. We debated therefore

in full council what were the easiest methods of raising money, or more properly speaking, what we could most conveniently sell. The deliberation was soon finished; it was found that our remaining horse was utterly useless for the plough, without his companion, and equally unfit for the road, as wanting an eye; it was therefore determined that we should dispose of him for the purposes above mentioned, at the neighbouring fair, and, to prevent imposition, that I should go with him myself. Though this was one of the first mercantile transactions of my life, yet I had no doubt about acquitting myself with reputation. The opinion a man forms of his own prudence is measured by that of the company he keeps; and as mine was mostly in the family way, I had conceived no unfavourable sentiments of my worldly wisdom. My wife, however, next morning, at parting, after I had got some paces from the door, called me back, to advise me, in a whisper, to have all my eyes about me.

I had, in the usual forms, when I came to the fair, put my horse through all his paces; but for some time had no bidders. At last a chapman approached, and after he had for a good while examined the horse round, finding him blind of one eye, he would have nothing to say to him: a second came up, but observing he had a spavin, declared he would not take him for the driving home: a third perceived he had a windgall, and would bid no money: a fourth knew by his eye that he had the botts: a fifth wondered what a plague I could do at the fair with a blind, spavined, galled hack, that was only fit to be cut up for a dog-kennel. By this time I began to have

a most hearty contempt for the poor animal myself, and was almost ashamed at the approach of every customer; for though I did not entirely believe all the fellows told me, yet I reflected that the number of witnesses was a strong presumption they were right; and St Gregory, upon Good Works, professes himself to be of the same opinion.

I was in this mortifying situation, when a brother clergyman, an old acquaintance, who had also business at the fair, came up, and shaking me by the hand, proposed adjourning to a public-house, and taking a glass of whatever we could get. I readily closed with the offer, and entering an ale-house, we were shown into a little back room, where there was only a venerable old man, who sat wholly intent over a large book, which he was reading. I never in my life saw a figure that prepossessed me more favourably. His locks of silver grey venerably shaded his temples, and his green old age seemed to be the result of health and benevolence. However, his presence did not interrupt our conversation; my friend and I discoursed on the various turns of fortune we had met; the Whistonian controversy, my last pamphlet, the archdeacon's reply, and the hard measure that was dealt me. But our attention was in a short time taken off by the appearance of a youth, who, entering the room, respectfully said something softly to the old stranger. "Make no apologies, my child," said the old man, "to do good is a duty we owe to all our fellow-creatures; take this, I wish it were more; but five pounds will relieve your distress, and you are welcome." The modest youth shed tears of gratitude, and yet his gratitude was scarcely equal to mine. I could have hugged the good old man in my arms, his benevolence pleased me so. He continued to read, and we resumed our conversation, until my companion, after some time, recollecting that he had business to transact in the fair, promised to be soon back; adding, that he always desired to have as much of Dr Primrose's company as possible. The old gentleman hearing my name mentioned, seemed to look at me with attention for some time, and when my friend was gone, most respectfully demanded if I was any way related to the great Primrose, that courageous monogamist, who had been the bulwark of the church. Never did my heart feel sincerer rapture than at that moment. "Sir," cried I, "the applause of so good a man, as I am sure you are, adds to that happiness in my breast which your benevolence has already excited. You behold before you, Sir, that Dr Primrose, the monogamist, whom you have been pleased to call great. You here see that unfortunate divine, who has so long, and it would ill become me to say, successfully, fought against the deuterogamy of the age.' "Sir," cried the stranger, struck with awe, "I fear I have been too familiar; but you'll forgive my curiosity, Sir: I beg pardon." Sir," cried I, grasping his hand, “you are so

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far from displeasing me by your familiarity, | in a very genteel livery. "Here, Abraham." that I must beg you'll accept my friendship, as cried he, go and get gold for this; you'll do it you already have my esteem."" Then with at neighbour Jackson's, or any where." gratitude I accept the offer," cried he, squeez- While the fellow was gone, he entertained me ing me by the hand, "thou glorious pillar of with a pathetic harangue on the great scarcity unshaken orthodoxy! and do I behold-" I of silver, which I undertook to improve, by here interrupted what he was going to say; deploring also the great scarcity of gold; so for though, as an author, could digest no that by the time Abraham returned, we had small share of flattery, yet now my modesty both agreed that money was never so hard to would permit no more. However, no lovers be come at as now. Abraham returned to in romance ever cemented a more instantane- inform us, that he had been over the whole ous friendship. We talked upon several sub- fair, and could not get change, though he had jects at first I thought he seemed rather de- offered half a crown for doing it. This was vout than learned, and began to think he de- a very great disappointment to us all; but the spised all human doctrines as dross. Yet old gentleman, having paused a little, asked this no way lessened him in my esteem; for me if I knew one Solomon Flamborough in I had for some time begun privately to har- my part of the country. Upon replying that bour such an opinion of myself. I therefore he was my next-door neighbour; "If that be took occasion to observe, that the world in the case then," returned he, "I believe we general began to be blamably indifferent as to shall deal. You shall have a draft upon him, doctrinal matters, and followed human specu- payable at sight; and let me tell you, he is as lations too much.--" Ay, Sir," replied he, as warm a man as any within five miles round if he had reserved all his learning to that mo- him. Honest Solomon and I have been acment," Ay, Sir, the world is in its dotage, and quainted for many years together. I remember yet the cosmogony or creation of the world I always beat him at three jumps; but be has puzzled philosophers of all ages. What could hop on one leg farther than I." A a medley of opinions have they not broached draft upon my neighbour was to me the same upon the creation of the world! Sanchonia- as money; for I was sufficiently convinced of thon, Manetho, Berosus, and Ocellus Luca- his ability. The draft was signed, and put nus, have all attempted it in vain. The latter into my hands, and Mr Jenkinson, the old has these words, Anarchon ara kai atelutaion gentleman, his man Abraham, and my horse, to pan, which imply that all things have neither old Blackberry, trotted off very well pleased beginning nor end. Manetho also, who lived with each other. about the time of Nebuchadon-Asser,-Asser After a short interval, being left to reflecbeing a Syriac word usually applied as a sur- tion, I began to recollect that I had done name to the kings of that country, as Teglat wrong in taking a draft from a stranger, and Phael-Asser, Nabon-Asser,-he, I say, form- so prudently resolved upon following the pured a conjecture equally absurd; for as we chaser, and having back my horse. But this usually say, ek to biblion kubernetes, which was now too late: I therefore made directly implies that books will never teach the world; homewards, resolving to get the draft changed so he attempted to investigate-But, Sir, I into money at my friend's as fast as possible. ask pardon, I am straying from the question." I found my honest neighbour smoking his pipe -That he actually was; nor could I for my at his own door, and informing him that I had life see how the creation of the world had any a small bill upon him, he read it twice over. thing to do with the business I was talking of; "You can read the name, I suppose," cried but it was sufficient to show me that he was a I," Ephraim Jenkinson."-"Yes," returned man of letters, and now I reverenced him the he, "the name is written plain enough, and I more. I was resolved therefore to bring him know the gentleman too, the greatest rascal to the touchstone; but he was too mild and under the canopy of heaven. This is the too gentle to contend for victory. Whenever very same rogue who sold us the spectacles. I made an observation that looked like a chal. Was he not a venerable looking man, with lenge to controversy, he would smile, shake grey hair, and no flaps to his pocket-holes ? his head, and say nothing; by which, I un- And did he not talk a long string of learning derstood he could say much, if he thought about Greek, and cosmogony, and the world? proper. The subject therefore insensibly To this I replied with a groan. Ay," conchanged from the business of antiquity to that tinued he, he has but that one piece of which brought us both to the fair: mine, I learning in the world, and he always talks it told him, was to sell a horse, and very luckily away whenever he finds a scholar in comindeed, his was to buy one for one of his ten-pany; but I know the rogue, and will catch ants. My horse was soon produced, and in fine we struck a bargain. Nothing now remained but to pay me, and he accordingly pulled out a thirty pound note, and bid me change it. Not being in a capacity of complying with this demand, he ordered his footuan to be called up, who made his appearance

him yet."

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Though I was already sufficiently mortified, my greatest struggle was to come, in facing my wife and daughters. No truant was ever more afraid of returning to school, there to behold the master's visage, than I was of going home. I was determined, however, te an

ticipate their fury, by first falling into a pas- | sion myself.

But alas! upon entering, I found the family no way disposed for battle. My wife and girls were all in tears, Mr Thornhill having been there that day to inform them, that their journey to town was entirely over. The two ladies having heard reports of us from some malicious person about us, were that day set out for London. He could neither discover the tendency, nor the author of these; but whatever they might be, or whoever might have broached them, he continued to assure our family of his friendship and protection. I found, therefore, that they bore my disappointment with great resignation, as it was eclipsed in the greatness of their own. But what preplexed us most, was to think who could be so base as to asperse the character of a family so harmless as ours, too humble to excite envy, and too inoffensive to create disgust.

CHAPTER XV.

ALL MR BURCHELL'S VILLANY AT ONCE DETECTED. THE FOLLY OF BEING OVER-WISE.

THAT evening, and a part of the following day, was employed in fruitless attempts to discover our enemies: scarcely a family in the neighbourhood but incurred our suspicions, and each of us had reasons for our opinions best known to ourselves. As we were in this perplexity, one of our little boys, who had been playing abroad, brought in a letter-case, which he found on the green. It was quickly known to belong to Mr Burchell, with whom it had been seen, and, upon examination, contained some hints upon different subjects; but what particularly engaged our attention was a sealed note, superscribed, The copy of a letter to be sent to the two ladies at Thornhill Castle. It instantly occurred that he was the base informer, and we deliberated whether the note should not be broke open. I was against it; but Sophia, who said she was sure that of all men be would be the last to be guilty of so much baseness, insisted upon its being read. In this she was seconded by the rest of the family, and at their joint solicitation I read as follows:

"LADIES,

“THE bearer will sufficiently satisfy you as to the person from whom this comes: one at least the friend of innocence, and ready to prevent its being seduced. I am informed for a truth, that you have some intention of bringing two young ladies to town, whom I have some knowledge of, under the character of companions. As I would neither have simplicity imposed upon, nor virtue contaminated, I must offer it as my opinion, that the impropriety of such a step will be attended with

dangerous consequences. It has never been my way to treat the infamous or the lewd with severity; nor should I now have taken th's method of explaining myself, or reproving folly, did it not aim at guilt. Take therefore the admonition of a friend, and seriously reflect on the consequences of introducing infamy and vice into retreats, where peace and innocence have hitherto resided."

There

As

Our doubts were now at an end. seemed indeed something applicable to both sides in this letter, and its censures might as well be referred to those to whom it was written, as to us; but the malicious meaning was obvious, and we went no farther. My wife had scarcely patience to hear me to the end, but railed at the writer with unrestrained resentment. Olivia was equally severe, and Sophia seemed perfectly amazed at his baseness. for my part, it appeared to me one of the vilest instances of unprovoked ingratitude I had met with; nor could I account for it in any other manner, than by imputing it to his desire of detaining my youngest daughter in the country, to have the more frequent opportunities of an interview. In this manner we all sat ruminating upon schemes of vengeance, when our other little boy came running in to tell us that Mr Burchell was approaching at the other end of the field. It is easier to conceive than describe the complicated sensations which are felt from the pain of a recent injury, and the pleasure of an approaching vengeance. Though our intentions were only to upbraid him with his ingratitude, yet it was resolved to do it in a manner that would be perfectly cutting. For this purpose we agreed to meet him with our usual smiles; to chat in the beginning with more than ordinary kindness; to amuse him a little; and then, in the midst of the flattering calm, to burst upon him like an earthquake, and overwhelm him with a sense of his own baseness. This being resolved upon, my wife undertook to manage the business herself, as she really had some talents for such an undertaking. We saw him approach; he entered, drew a chair, and sat down.—“ A fine day, Mr Burchell.”—“ A very fine day, Doctor; though I fancy we shall have some rain by the shooting of my corns"-" The shooting of your horns!" cried my wife in a loud fit of laughter, and then asked pardon for being fond of a joke-" Dear Madam," replied he, "I pardon you with all my heart, for I protest I should not have thought it a joke had you not told me."—" Perhaps not, Sir," cried my wife, winking at us; "and yet I dare say you can tell us how many jokes go to an ounce."-" I fancy, Madam," returned Burchell," you have been reading a jest book this morning, that ounce of jokes is so very good a conceit; and yet, Madam, I had rather see half an ounce of understanding."""I be. lieve you might," cried my wife, still smiling at us, though the laugh was against her;

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"and yet I have seen some men pretend to but look me full in the face: I say do you understanding that have very little."-" And know this letter?" That letter," returned no doubt," returned her antagonist, “you have he; "yes, it was I that wrote that letter.”— known ladies set up for wit that had none." "And how could you," said I, "so basely, I quickly began to find that my wife was so ungratefully presume to write this letter?" likely to gain but little at this business; so I" And how came you,” replied he with looks resolved to treat him in a style of more seve-- of unparalleled effrontery, "so basely to prerity myself. "Both wit and understanding," sume to break open this letter? Don't you cried I, "are trifles without integrity; it is know, now, I could hang you all for this? that which gives value to every character. All that I have to do is to swear at the next The ignorant peasant without fault, is greater Justice's, that you have been guilty of breakthan the philosopher with many; for what is ing open the lock of my pocket book, and so genius or courage without an heart? An hang you all up at this door." This piece of honest man is the noblest work of God." unexpected insolence raised me to such a pitch, that I could scarcely govern my passion. Ungrateful wretch! begone, and no longer pollute my dwelling with thy baseness! begone, and never let me see thee again! Go from my door, and the only punishment I wish thee is an alarmed conscience, which will be a sufficient tormentor!" So saying, I threw him his pocket-book, which he took up with a smile, and shutting the clasps with the utmost composure, left us, quite astonished at the serenity of his assurance. My wife was particularly enraged that nothing could make him angry, or make him seem ashamed of his villanies. "My dear," cried I, willing to calm those passions that had been raised too high among us, "we are not to be surprised that bad men want shame; they only blush at being detected in doing good, but glory in their vices."

"I always held that hackneyed maxim of Pope," returned Mr Burchell, "as very unworthy a man of genius, and a base desertion of his own superiority. As the reputation of books is raised, not by their freedom from defect, but the greatness of their beauties; so should that of men be prized, not for their exemption from fault, but the size of those virtues they are possessed of. The scholar may want prudence, the statesman may have pride, and the champion ferocity; but shall we prefer to these the low mechanic, who laboriously plods through life without censure or applause? We might as well prefer the tame correct paintings of the Flemish school, to the erroneous but sublime animations of the Roman pencil."

"Sir," replied I, "your present observation is just, when there are shining virtues and minute defects; but when it appears that great vices are opposed in the same mind to as extraordinary virtues, such a character deserves contempt."

"Perhaps," cried he, "there may be some such monsters as you describe, of great vices joined to great virtues; yet in my progress through life, I never yet found one instance of their existence on the contrary, I have ever perceived, that where the mind was capacious, the affections were good. And indeed Providence seems kindly our friend in this particular, thus to debilitate the understanding where the heart is corrupt, and diminish the power, where there is the will to do mischief. This rule seems to extend even to other animals: the little vermin race are ever treacherous, cruel, and cowardly, whilst those endow ed with strength and power, are generous, brave, and gentle."

"These observations sound well," returned I," and yet it would be easy this moment to point out a man," and I fixed my eyes stedfastly upon him, "whose head and heart form a most detestable contrast. Ay, Sir," continued I, raising my voice, "and I am glad to have this opportunity of detecting him in the midst of his fancied security. Do you know this, Sir, this pocket book ?"-" Yes, Sir," returned he, with a face of impenetrable assurance, "that pocket book is mine, and I am glad you have found it."-"And do you know," cried I," this letter? Nay, never falter, man;

"Guilt and Shame, says the allegory, were at first companions, and in the beginning of their journey, inseparably kept together. But their union was soon found to be disagreeable and inconvenient to both: Guilt gave Shame frequent uneasiness, and Shame often betrayed the secret conspiracies of Guilt. After long disagreement, therefore, they at length consented to part for ever. Guilt boldly walked forward alone, to overtake Fate, that went before in the shape of an executioner; but Shame being naturally timorous, returned back to keep company with Virtue, which in the beginning of their journey they had left behind. Thus, my children, after men have travelled through a few stages in vice, Shame forsakes them, and returns back to wait upon the few virtues they have still remaining."

CHAPTER XVI.

THE FAMILY USE ART, WHICH IS OPPOSED
WITH STILL GREATER.

WHATEVER might have been Sophia's sensations, the rest of the family was easily consoled for Mr Burchell's absence by the company of our landlord, whose visits now became more frequent, and longer. Though he had been disappointed in procuring my daughters the amusements of the town as he designed,

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