His untimely Death.

dear to him; the habit of diffusing good to others, was continued, from systematic order, but it gave not its accustomed glow to his benevolent mind; it was become habitual only, and mechanical, as 'the hourly time-piece strikes, unconscious itself of the effect it produces.

Worked up to a state of melancholy frenzy, this useful life was closed by his own rash hand *. We have been persuaded to believe, that a chronic disorder, gradually ascending to the recesses of the brain, produced this fatal event: we sincerely trust it was so.

We hope for the honour of the female sex, that his wife, however suspected by

* These beautiful lines might be well applied to this unfortunate man.

"Ho core anch'io che morte sprezza e crede "Che ben si cambi con l'Onor la Vita."

Observations on Suicide.

the fancies of melancholy, engendered chiefly, perhaps, by severe indisposition, was yet innocent: that he was in a state of lunacy, at the time he committed the fatal deed, is certain; so is nearly every one who perpetrates the act of suicide,' however seemingly predetermined: nature, in herlucid moments, shudders at the thought of being her own destroyer, and the preservation of life is the first law.

It may be urged that, there are many instances, where a person has acted very methodically and cooly, before he has lifted a daring hand against his own life: we acknowledge it all; but then the lunacy has already taken place; for the lunatic generally dwells on one subject; and what instances of regular method will their not occur in madness! how will a man, in all the raging fury of a brain fever, lay plans for his escape! how will he not watch the drowsy eyes of the Argusses who surround him, to see if

Conclusion.

they sleep, that he may effect this escape. In this instance there seems thought and apparent reason; but it is instinctive thought only; the brain is still on fire, and in such a case, if this febriculose man should emancipate himself from his keepers, and be found self-destroyed, would he be pronounced guilty of suicide, and condemned to be buried in the crossroads? surely no.

The whole nation mourns the loss of such a man as Sir Jacob Sampson, and laments that he could not remain in this scene of sorrow his appointed time: his name and memory will ever be held in veneration, and his remaining kindred, who bear that name, are equally revered ; they have the same means, and the same amiable propensity to do good, as their unfortunate brother, and we trust they will long enjoy that useful life, which reflects honour on human nature.

ANIMADVERSIONS,

&c.

"Quid files, Asterie ?"

HORAT. iii. 7.

"THIS will never, never do," said the Marquis of Waltham; "Charlotte has a tear trembling in her eye, the dear Duchess pensively leans her head on her hand, and I cannot but lament the fate of my unfortunate and munificent friend, Sir Jacob Sampson. But a truce to these mournful subjects: You, Charlotte, who are so firmly devoted to the belief of a future state, you must know that a man of his character, according to your creed, cannot fail of being happy. Come, my dear Duchess, the rain is over: the grounds are delightful on the gravelled path-way after this little shower-let me lead you.

"I do not much like these morning readings," continued the Marquis as they walked; "nothing shall again tempt me to it: to-morrow I will collect some

A ludicrous Adventure.

thing more gay for our evenings amusement. And now I must tell you a few of my ideas, as they start to my mind.

"In the character we have sketched of the Duke of Warton, and to which, Charlotte, your sweet candour gave the finishing touches, one curious anecdote of him was quite forgot; it is but little known, and I am certain you are both ignorant of it; it is, nevertheless, true. Sit down a little while, dear ladies, in the prospect-chair, and I will stand by and tell it you.

"His Grace was one day on his usual perambulations, coursing on foot, after some little uncautious leveret or other, that might perchance fall in his way; when, behold, a very well-dressed, finelooking woman crossed his path, and this amorous septuaginary swain immediately began his attacks. The lady at first took no notice of him; she was young, hand