"moriemur inultæ

"Sed moriamur, ait."

VIRGIL.

N

In this gentleman we behold a man, not striving by pecuniary acquisitions to insure himself that happiness, which he finds every reason to suspect his wife has for ever destroyed, but we see him sinking under the affliction, caused by his suspicions, and seeking refuge only in despair.

Sir Jacob Sampson, as his name sufficiently evinces, was of that race which were once the chosen favourites of their Maker; and if, as the liberal and well-informed mind assures its possessor, all religions are equal in the eye of OMNIPOTENCE, if mercy, justice, and integrity are the leading rules of their conduct, then we may safely say, that Sir Jacob was one who shone amongst the favourites of heaven.

His Character.

No man knew the value of money better than he did; but he knew its value only, as it served him to prop the State which protected him he had lavished it in support of government, and in affording the helping means of carrying on an arduous war he has employed it also in magnificently feasting the sons of his law ful Sovereign; and, though a merchant and citizen himself, in regaling those nobles, which he knew, how empty soever may be the mere sound of title, are yet necessary to support each proper gradation of government: while his liberal hand, ever open to succour distress, has blessed and comforted the poor in his vicinity.

But much as money may be deemed desirable, as for the pleasure it affords in dispensing it for good to others, in that delightful way Sir Jacob was ever assiduous to do; yet he well knew that the precious metal gold, is unable to

His Friend.

heal the lacerated heart, or calm the tortures of an anguished mind.

an humble

He had a friend, rat friend, because he was in a great measure, dependant upon him: he was possessed of a fine person, and great acquired endowments of learning. The study of the college may impart wisdom to the head, but it cannot give the more amiable virtues of the heart: yet how often do the learned follow that occupation, whose chief and Grst lesson of instruction is. virtue; and which early teaches the lisping infant to repeat the maxim, as you would be done by."

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Do

The polished ease of fashion, and a liberal mind and education, allow of freedoms and intimacies unknown to the middling and lower classes of life. Sir Jacob's connexions and acquaintance ranked amongst the highest circles, his Ami was l'Ami de la maison, and Sir

Imprudent conduct of his Wife.

Jacob well knew that a virtuous woman is in no danger with a male companion, if that man is an honourable man; for he often acts, in every correct sense, not only as a protector, but, at the same time, a cherished friend, and with whom, thought he, could his wife be so safe, as with a good and sensible man, whose calling is that of virtue and principle?

But the conduct of Lady Sampson seemed to be divested of its accustomed prudence; so that an affectionate husband began to be alarmed,

Just to his own honour, yet unwilling to make any eclat in the world, he was at first like Joseph, "minded to put her away privately:" yet her still endearing behaviour, the recollection of the happiness she had once diffused over his social and private hours, made him look into his own thoughts, and imagine that, perhaps, a spark of jealousy, almost insepa

Admonitions received with Contempt.

rable from true love, had crept into the enlarged composition of his heart; and still he would have stronger proofs before he came to extremities; as for a trial in Westminster Hall, and suing for damages, that never once entered his mind.

He became still more alarmed; and, as he imagined, with reason; and, it is said, he ventured to expostulate with her, on the unguarded partiality she evinced for his humble friend. We should hope all that has been spoken on this event is not strictly true; it is, however, confidently reported, that she not only refused to alter her conduct, but treated her unhappy husband, and his kind admonitions, with the utmost contempt. The pangs that inward agitations produce, especially those of the heart, are indescribable, and their result not to be accounted for: A settled and dark melancholy came over the once-active mind of Sir Jacob; the interests of his country were no longer