failings might escape contempt though he shall never attain much regard.-Johnson.

CCCXIX.

You may take my word, that nine parts in ten of a man's sense or his nonsense, his successes and miscarriages in the world depend upon their motions and activity, and the different tracks and trains you put them into; so that when they are once set a going, whether right or wrong, 'tis not a half-penny matter,-away they go clattering like hey-go mad; and by treading the same steps over and over again, they presently make a road of it, as plain and as smooth as a garden-walk, which, when they are once used to, the d-1 himself sometimes shall not be able to drive them off it.-Sterne.

CCCXX.

Love looks aloft, and laughs to scorn all such as griefs

annoy,

The more extreme their passions be, the greater is his

joy;

Thus Love, as victor of the field, triumphs above the

rest,

And joys to see his subjects lie with living death in breast;

But dire Disdain lets drive a shaft, and galls this brag

ging fool,

He plucks his plumes, unbends his bow, and sets him new to school;

Whereby this boy that bragged late, as conqueror over all,

Now yields himself unto Disdain, his vassal, and his thrall.

CCCXXI.

Hunnis.

A man of the best parts, and the greatest learning, if he does not know the world by his own experience and observation, will be very absurd: and consequently very unwelcome in company. He may say very good things; but they will be probably so ill-timed, misplaced, or im

properly addressed, that he had much better hold his tongue.-Chesterfield.

СССХХІІ.

Most people are so unseasonable, not to say shameless, as to desire their friends should be what they themselves cannot attain to; and expect more from them than they are willing to give in return. In justice, however, one should first be a good man himself, and then cultivate friendship with those of his own character.-Cicero.

СССХХІІІ.

All wit does but divert men from the road
In which things vulgarly are understood,
And force mistake and ignorance to own
A better sense than commonly is known.

CCCXXIV.

Butler.

As there are no laws extant against ingratitude, so it is utterly impossible to contrive any, that in all circumstances shall reach it. If it were actionable, there would not be courts enough in the whole world to try the causes in. There can be no setting a day for the requiting of benefits, as for the payment of money; nor any estimate upon the benefits themselves; but the whole matter rests in the conscience of both parties: and then there are so many degrees of it, that the same rule will never serve all.-Seneca.

CCCXXV.

To the passionate fondness for distinction are owing various frolicksome and irregular practices, as sallying out into nocturnal exploits, breaking of windows, singing of catches, beating the watch, getting drunk twice a day, killing a great number of horses; with many other enterprises of the like fiery nature; for certainly many a man is more rakish and extravagant than he would willingly be, were there not others to look on and give their approbation.-Hughes.

CCCXXVI.

Our forefathers and ancestors, in all times, have been of this nature and disposition, that upon the winning of a battle, they have chosen rather, for a sign and memorial of their triumphs and victories, to erect trophies and monuments in the hearts of the vanquished, by clemency than by architecture in the lands which they have conquered. For they did hold in greater estimation the lively remembrance of men, purchased by liberality, than the dumb inscription of arches, pillars, and pyramids, subject to the injuries of storms and tempests, and to the envy of every one.-Rabelais.

CCCXXVII.

In private conversation between intimate friends, the wisest men very often talk like the weakest, for indeed the talking with a friend is nothing else but thinking aloud.-Addison.

CCCXXVIII.

An epithet or metaphor drawn from nature ennobles art; an epithet or metaphor drawn from art degrades nature.-Johnson.

CCCXXIX.

True wit is nature to advantage dress'd;

What oft was thought, but ne'er so well express'd;
Something, whose truth convinc'd at sight we find
That gives us back the image of our mind.
As shades more sweetly recommend the light,
So modest plainness sets off sprightly wit.

For works may have more wit than does 'em good,
As bodies perish through excess of blood.

CCCXXX.

Pope.

A man cannot possess any thing that is better than a good woman, nor any thing that is worse than a bad one. -Simonides.

CCCXXXI.

The passions and desires, like the two twists of a rope, mutually mix one with the other, and twinę inextricably

round the heart; producing good, if moderately indulged; but certain destruction, if suffered to become inordinate. -Burton.

CCCXXXII.

Egotism is more like an offence than a crime; though 'tis allowable to speak of yourself, provided nothing is advanced in favour: but I cannot help suspecting that those who abuse themselves, are, in reality, angling for approbation.-Zimmerman.

CCCXXXIII.

It is one thing to know the rate and dignity of things, and another to know the little nicks and springs of acting.-Seneca.

CCCXXXIV.

There is a jewel which no Indian mine can buy,
No chemic art can counterfeit;

It makes men rich in greatest poverty,

Makes water wine, turns wooden cups to gold,
The homely whistle to sweet music's strain;
Seldom it comes, to few from heaven sent,
That much in little-all in naught-Content.

From Wilbye's Madrigals, 1598.

CCCXXXV.

The little mind who loves itself, will write and think with the vulgar; but the great mind will be bravely eccentric; and scorn the beaten road, from universal benevolence.-Goldsmith.

CCCXXXVI.

Those have a short Lent who owe money to be paid at Easter.-Franklin.

CCCXXXVII.

The general cry is against ingratitude, but sure the complaint is misplaced, it should be against vanity; none but direct villains are capable of wilful ingratitude; but almost every body is capable of thinking he hath done more than another deserves, while the other thinks he hath received less than he deserves.-Pope.

CCCXXXVIII.

The two common shrines to which most men offer up the application of their thoughts and their lives, are profit and pleasure; and by their devotions to either of these, they are vulgarly distinguished into two sects, and are called busy or idle men: whether these words differ in meaning, or only in sound, I know very well may be disputed, and with appearance enough; since the covetous man takes as much pleasure in his gains, as the voluptuous in his luxury, and would not pursue his business unless he were pleased with it, upon the last account of what he most wishes and desires; nor would care for the increase of his fortunes, unless he thereby proposed that of his pleasures too, in one kind or other; so that pleasure may be said to be his end, whether he will allow to find it in his pursuit or no.— Sir W. Temple.

CCCXXXIX.

There is such a combination of natural gifts requisite to the formation of a complete actor, that it is more a case of wonder how so many good ones are to be found, than why so few instances of excellence can be produced. Every thing that results from nature alone, lies out of the province of instruction, and no rules that I know of will serve to give a fine form, a fine voice, or even those fine feelings, which are amongst the first properties of an actor. These, in fact, are the tools and materials of his trade, and these neither his own industry nor any man's assistance can bestow. But the right use and application of them is another question, and there he must look for his directions, from education, industry, and judgment.-Cumberland.

CCCXL.

The worthiest people are the most injured by slander, as we usually find that to be the best fruit which the birds have been pecking at.-Swift.

CCCXLI.

O gate, how cam'st thou here?

Gate. I was brought from Chelsea last year
VOL. II.

H