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the happiness of his future life, during a period of more than fifty years.

"The situation of Twickenham meadows, and the pleasing appearance they now assume, are very generally known; but it is a tribute of justice, due to his taste, to observe, that at the time when the place came into his hands, the river, with all the rich scenery on the opposite shore, was so entirely excluded from the house by high walls and terraces, and the grounds so crowded and disfigured by numerous avenues, and unmeaning masses of wood, that the aspect it bore was the very reverse of that gaiety and cheerfulness, which constitute its present character.

"As soon as he was in possession, he lost no time in making the improvements he wished; and, as his good nature and benevolence inclined him always to consider the pleasure he might afford to others, he was very attentive to the effect his alterations would have from the houses and grounds of his neighbours; but chiefly from Richmond - hill, whence he knew they would be seen and enjoyed by greater numbers, than from any other point of sight. On the good taste displayed on this occasion, he received many flattering compliments, particularly from the celebrated Mr. Browne.

"At the time of making this purchase, he gave due consideration to the step he was taking; well aware that a large and beautiful villa in so frequented a neighbourhood, in the possession of one fond of society, and whose acquaintance was already very extensive, might lead to habits of expense beyond the limits of his income, and prove an occasion of future embarrass

ment: but he felt at the same time, what has since been fully proved, that he knew, and could trust, himself; that he possessed a sufficient degree of self-command to incur only such expenses as were suited to his station, and essential to his comfort, and to avoid those which originate in vanity or ostentation.

"His mode of living at Twickenham was in the hospitable style of a country gentleman: his table was furnished in a plain but ample manner; his house was always open to his friends, and to those whom merit, talents, or knowledge entitled to his notice; and they were received by him with unvaried frankness and cordiality. When a select party was assembled to meet some literary character or ingenious traveller, from whom entertainment or information might be obtained, it was his care to suit the company to each other, and thus to avoid the interruptions which frequently defeat the object of such meetings. If the conversation wandered, or got into unskilful hands, he had a most happy ta lent of bringing it back to the proper point, and of suppressing the superfluous talker; which was al ways done with so much dexterity and such perfect good humour, that the person in question was generally the last in the company, who was sensible of any intention to take the conversation out of his hands.

"As he never was the dupe of flattery, and always superior to that meanness which leads men to sacrifice their time to unnecessary civilities or undue compliances from the fear of giving offence, he was freed from those intrusions of impertinence, of which Pope so bit

terly

terly complains. His attentions were limited to those who had a just claim to them, and towards such he never was deficient. Though he sought the conversation of all, who could amuse or inform him, and received a great variety of persons of almost every rank and description at his house, he never gave them reason to imagine, they had a greater share of his regard, than they really possessed by this uniform sincerity, and the constant care he took to avoid personalities, and severe reflexions, he never made an enemy, or lost a friend.

"In the choice of his acquaintance, neither titles or wealth were to him any recommendation; the qualities he looked for and regarded, were worth, talents, or accomplishments. It would not, indeed, be easy to say, whether his independent but respectful behaviour to those of superior station, or his kindness and condescension to inferiors, was most remarkable; by the former he was generally esteemed and admired, and by the latter he was universally respected and beloved. To these, indeed, his manner was peculiarly acceptable and engaging; those little attentions which he delighted to pay, where he thought they would give pleasure, were shown in a way almost peculiar to himself; and towards such as were connected with him he ever manifested a fatherly regard. His domestics were made happy in his service; they were seldom changed; and several, after age and infirmities had rendered them unequal to their duty, were still maintained in his house; which induced a lady, who was conversant with the northern parts of Europe, to observe, that his house

resembled a Polish family, where all the dependents continue to live under the same roof.

"From the time when my father settled at Twickenham, his name became known in the literary world as an author, for in the course of that year he published his Scribleriad. This work, which is a mock heroic poem, designed to ridicule and expose false taste and false science, could not be expected to attract the same share of public attention, as if the subject had been of a more popular nature, and the humour suited to readers of every description. This defect, however, if such it can be considered, is compensated by the wit and criticism it contains; which is of that durable kind, and founded on such just principles, that the poem may be read with equal pleasure, by men of judgement and learning, in all times. It was much noticed and admired, on its first appearance, by that class of readers, for whose use and entertainment it was chiefly written, and established the réputation of its author as a critic and a scholar. Several of his smaller pieces were published soon after, which, being of a livelier cast and adapted to the subjects of the day, were more generally read, and brought their author into further notice and estimation; of these the most celebrated were, the Elegy written in an Empty Assembly Room,' the Fakeer,' and the 'Borough Hunters.' But what most contributed to establish his reputation for humour, and a just insight into character, united with an extensive acquaintance with living manners, were his Essays published in The World; a periodical paper begun in the year 1752, and kept up with great spirit for four years. To an acquaintance with Mr.

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Moore,

Moore, the conductor of the work, he was introduced by lord Lyttelton, who was diligent to promote the success of this undertaking by interesting men of talents in its favour. Some of my father's intimate friends had already joined in the publication; and, finding Mr. Moore to be an amiable and deserving man, he gave him the promise of assistance whenever he was at a loss for an essay; of this indulgence Moore frequently availed himself, nor did he ever apply in vain. Many of these papers, therefore, were written in great haste, and none of them with laboured attention. They were, however, much relished and admired; and as his conversation was found to partake of the same wit and humour that characterised his writings, his company became more generally sought after. In what light he was regarded by men of superior talents, will be seen by the following character, drawn of him in one of these essays by the late earl of Chesterfield,

"Cantabrigius drinks nothing but water, and rides more miles in a year than the keenest sportsman, the former keeps his head clear, the latter his body in health; it is not from himself that he runs, but to his acquaintance, a synonimous term for his friends. Internally safe he seeks no sanctuary from himself, no intoxication for his mind. His penetra⚫tion makes him discover and divert himself with the follies of mankind, which his wit enables him to expose with the truest ri, dicule, though always without 'personal offence. Cheerful abroad because happy at home, and thus happy because virtuou».'

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"This character stands at the close of a paper written to expose

the folly and ill effects of hard drinking; and lord Chesterfield names my father, who was a water drinker, as a living example of one, who did not require the exhilarating aid of wine to enliven his wit or increase his vivacity.

"How far that even and regu lar flow of spirits, with which he was blessed, was the effect of con stitution, the consequence of temperance, or of an habitual activity; or whether it arose from an union of all the three, it may be difficult to determine; but, from whatever cause it proceeded, there is na doubt that he possessed in a superior degree the rare and happy talent not only of regulating his conversation, but even his spirits, by the temper and feelings of the com pany

he was in; who always found him equally disposed to listen or to converse, to be grave or gay, humourous or instructive, as best accorded with their wishes and inclinations: by such behaviour in society it was, that his acquaint, ance soon became a synonimous term for his friends.'

"In what manner 'he diverted himself with the follies of man kind,' the reader will have an op portunity of judging by a perusal of his works. Certain it is, there will be found in them none of that

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advanced in his eighty-third year before he was sensible, to any considerable degree, of the infirmities of age; but a difficulty of hearing, which had for some time gradually increased, now rendered conversation troublesome, and frequently disappointing to him. Against this evil, his books, for which his relish was not abated, had hitherto furnished an easy and acceptable resource; but, unfortunately, his sight also became so imperfect, that there were few books he could read with comfort to himself. His general health, however, remained the same, and his natural good spirits and cheerfulness of temper experienced no alteration. Having still the free use of his limbs, he continued to take his usual exercise, and to follow his customary habits of life; accepting of such amusement, as conversation would afford, from those friends who had the kindness to adapt their voices to his prevailing infirmity; and that he still retained a lively concern in all those great and interesting events, which were then taking place in Europe, may be seen in some of his latest productions. But as his deafness increased, he felt himself grow daily more unfit for the society of any but his own family, into whose care and protection he resigned himself with the most affectionate and endearing confidence; receiving those attentions, which it was the first pleasure of his children to pay him, not as a debt due to a fond and indulgent parent, but as a free and voluntary tribute of their affection. In the contemplation of these tokens of esteem and love, he seemed to experience a constant and unabating pleasure, which supplied, in no small degree, the want of other interesting ideas.

"It is well known, that among the many painful and humiliating effects that attend the decline of life, and follow from a partial decay of the mental powers, we have often to lament the change` it produces in the heart and affec tions; but from every consequence of this sort my father was most happily exempt. This I allow myself to say upon the authority of the medical gentleman, of considerable eminence, by whose skill and friendly attentions he was as sisted through the progressive stages of his slow decline; and who has repeatedly assured me, that, in the whole course of his extensive practice, he had never seen a simifar instance of equanimity and undeviating sweetness of temper.

"During this gradual increase of feebleness, and with the discouraging prospect of still greater suffering, which he saw before him, his exemplary patience and constant care to spare the feelings of his family were eminently conspicuous; nor did the distressing infirmities, inseparably attendant on extreme debility, ever produce a murmur of complaint, or even a hasty or unguarded expression. It is somewhat singular, and may be regarded as a proof of an unusually strong frame, that no symptom of disease took place; all the organs of life continued to execute their respective functions, until, nature being wholly exhausted, he expired without a sigh, on the 17th of September, 1802, leaving a widow, two sons, and a daughter.

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that his good breeding would only quit him with his life.' I shall hope for indulgence in applying the like observation to him, who is the subject of this memoir, and whose latest words were equally characteristic; expressing that fond attachment to his family, which had ever been his ruling passion. Having passed a considerable time in a sort of doze, from which it was

thought he had hardly strength to revive, he awoke, and upon seeing me, feebly articulated how do the dear people do?' when I an swered that they were well; with a smile upon his countenance, and with an increased energy of voice, he replied, I thank God!' and then reposed his head upon the pil low, and spoke no more."

CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE of LEWIS XVI. from the TIME of his PROJECTED FLIGHT to MONTMEDI.

[Extracted from Mrss WILLIAMS'S PUBLICATION of his LETTERS.]

TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF ARLES.

“T

June 29, 1791. O console the most unfortunate of kings, you recal, my lord archbishop, the example of David, compelled to flee before his son Absalom. Forsaken monarch, unfortunate father! it is not vengeance that David calls to his aid; it is not the thunderbolt of irritated heaven that he invokes; in the king of kings he places all his confidence. He prays for an ungrateful son; he pardons the monster by whom he is pursued, and who seems to thirst for his blood. This act of paternal affection is sublime; and I glory in having a conformity of sentiments and ideas with David. Persecuted by ungrateful children, who calumniate a tender father, I have only thought of their interests and their happiness. At the feet of religion I depose the injuries heaped upon the monarch: may the people be happy! and I am satisfied. I enjoy a scothing satisfaction, while, in my hours of solitude, I can bless providence, and submit myself to its decrees it is then that all injuries,

all injustice, all wrongs, are forgotten. Am I not too happy, my lord archbishop? and can divine justice be satisfied? I have been punished for having preferred that insolent philosophy, which had seduced, and plunged me into an abyss of misery: for that, I neglected the ancient worship of my forefathers, so dear to St. Lewis, from whom I am proud of descending. You, my lord archbishop, whose religious virtues inspire admiration, and who prefer them to those of which philosophers are proud, but which, viewed through the prism of religion, bear

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