'seemed reluctant to allow, or believe, that any of her 'fellow-creatures had a failing; while she gave them 'credit for many virtues.'

.

This humanity of judgment was worthy the mind which dictated the Essay against Inconsistency in our Expectations; but it is an example that ought not to be implicitly followed. One rules by fear, and another by affection; one judges by lights, and another by shadows. To justify where justification is at fault is like throwing water upon a fire it is unable to quench. The heat is inflamed, and becomes more difficult to subdue.

CLXXXIV.

WHO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF VIRTUOUS SENTIMENTS TO DO UNWORTHY ACTIONS.

RICHARD III. was one of the basest and most ungrateful of men; yet, when Bannister betrayed the Duke of Buckingham for a thousand pounds from his cottage, where he had taken refuge, Bannister having demanded the money, Richard refused to pay him, on the ground, that he who could be so great a traitor to so good a master would never be faithful to another.

That was certain; but what apology was that for breaking his word? It was only a reason why he should not receive the traitor into his service.

'We see the right, and we approve it too;

Condemn the wrong, and yet the wrong pursue.'

336

THE BOOK OF HUMAN CHARACTER.

CLXXXV.

WHO BELIEVE THEMSELVES BEYOND THE REACH OF

IMPOSITION.

HOPES and fears make all men credulous to a certain extent; not even excepting those, who have frequently had experience in the deceitful qualities which hope possesses. With some of these, every thing is hoped from the future, with a mild and unaffected sincerity. But with others

- Inconstant still and various,

There's no to-morrow in him like to-day.'

These are imposed upon almost every hour; but there is another order of men, deceived nearly as often; viz. those who are so astonishingly shrewd, as to ever fancy themselves beyond the reach of imposition. No men more easily deceived than they.

END OF VOL. I.

Printed by WILLIAM CLOWES and SONS, Stamford-street.