 and pointing to the picture, said, the first inclosure represents human life, and the multitude at the gate, those who are daily entring into the world. That aged person you see on an eminence, directing with one hand, and holding in the other a roll, which is the code of reason, is the genius of mankind; benevolent, he seems to bend, and teach the people what they ought to do; shews them as they enter into life the path they ought to take; the way which leads to danger, and that which bears to safety and happiness.
T.
And which is the way, (I said) and how are they to find it?

O.
That you shall know hereafter: but at present you must take notice of that painted woman seated on a throne very near the gate. She is called Delusion, and by every art, with fawn and soft infection, presents a bowl of ignorance and error to all that enter into life. They take the cup, and in proportion to what they have drank of the intoxicating mixture, are led away by the women you, see, at a little distance from Imposture, to destruction some, and some to safety; less erring and less blind those being who have but tasted of delusion's cup.
These women so variously drest, and so profusely gay, are called the Opinions, Desires, and Pleasures: You observe how they embrace each mortal as he arrives within the gate, promise the greatest blessings, and compel their votaries to wander with them where they please.
T.
But who (I asked) is that woman placed on a globe, who appears not only blind, but seems to be wild and distracted? Incessantly she walks about, and flings her favours capriciously: From some she snatches their effects and possessions, and bestows them upon others.
O.
They call her Fortune, (replied the old man). Her attitude marks her character. Her gifts are as unstable as her tottering ball; and all who depend upon her specious promises,

are deceived when most they trust her, and find themselves exposed to the greatest misfortunes.
T.
There is a great crowd I perceive surrounding her, and if too commonly she meditates mischief, whene'er the smiles, what is the meaning of their attendance?
O.
These are the inconsiderate, and stand there to catch the toys she blindly scatters among them; (wealth, fame, titles, an offspring, strength or beauty, the victor's laurel, and arbitrary power:) Those who rejoice, and
