 Thing that I do not affect. There is, also, a kind of Delicacy requisite in tickling the Ribs of Vanity. I am at best but a downright sort of a Fellow. And, should I, aukardly presume to dash your Merits, full, into the Chops of your Modesty, I might deserve but ill at the Hands of your Respectableness.
My Grandmother, Peace be with her! I remember one thing among the many good Advices, which she gave and I forgot.
Never disgrace yourself,
quoth she,
in order to do Honour to any One breathing.
Think not, therefore, my most respectable Patron, that I will either debase myself by cajoling you to your Face, or do Violence, to Truth, by any kind of Panegyric when your Back shall be turned.
That I have received many Favours from your Greatness, and have a competent Sense of Gratitude for the same, is most certain. It is also true that all my Studies and Labours have been applied for your Service, and that I wish no other Death than that of laying down my Life for your Sake. Yet, with all my Love for your Person, and Endeavours for your Prosperity, I cannot find about me the smallest Scantling of Veneration for your Virtues.
You have, however, the Satisfaction to be quite easy upon this Score, and no way to be mortified at any Sentiments to your Disadvantage. Your Fund of good Humour on such Occasions is inexhaustible; and you have often joined with me in reproving and ridiculing your own Vices and Follies, which at all times you take more pleasure to rally, than I apprehend you will at any time take Pains to amend.
I remember that in my Youth I was a great Builder of Castles, and, having your Interest always at Heart, and seldom out of my Head, I employed my Time in forming a thousand romantic and airy Schemes for your Advantage.
I once proposed to build your Happiness on Religion, on Christian Piety, and a deep Sense of Duty; but, having in vain sought a Foundation whereon I might lay the first Stone, the Superstructure vanished like the Clouds of last
September.
I then attempted to plan the Establishment, of your Liberty and Renown, upon the ancient and approved Principles of the SPARTAN POVERTY. As this had been barely a heathen Virtue; as it had raised and supported that great and glorious People, through many succeeding Centuries, in an uninterrupted Enjoyment of Freedom, Power, and Prosperity; and, as nothing appeared to be wanting to the Accomplishment of this Scheme, save a few simple Articles,
