 so very vile and deplorable a State, it can only be by the very Measures that Mr.
Veer
has recommended. The Character, as ye know, of a certain old Tempter is not over amiable, and I should be sorry that Any, whom I love and respect, should follow in his Steps.
And now, Gentlemen, take the Argument home to yourselves. The People have the Disposal of our Lives, Liberties, and Properties. Which of You then would like to have Life itself and all that is valuable in it, at the Arbitration of a Pack of Wretches who, being wholly selfish, can have no kindred Feelings or Compassion for You? Who being, themselves, devoid of Honour and Equity, cannot judge according to the One or the Other; who, being already accustomed to Influence and Prostitution, have their Ears and Hands open to All who would whisper or bribe them to your Prejudice?
I, as a Fool, Gentlemen, utter the Dictates of Wisdom, for I speak the Sentiments of a much wiser and much better Man than myself. Should a general Corruption take Place in the Land, adieu to all Virtue; adieu to Humanity and all social Connections! all Reason and Law, all Conscience and Magistracy, all public and private Weal, must vanish or be confounded in one Chaos together. And, from hence it is self-evident that He, who debauches the Morals of the Least of his Majesty's Subjects, is an Enemy to his King, to his Country and Mankind.
I protest, said his Lordship, with some little Confusion, I never beheld this Matter in the same Light before; but I shall take Care to inspect and examine it at better Leisure.
Here the Company rose to separate; when
Harry,
stepping toward
Veer
with an affectionate Pleasantry in his Countenance; Mr.
Veer,
says he, I fear I have misbehaved a little to Day, I am naturally warm, and am apt to be too much so on particular Subjects. O Sir, says
Veer,
I am an old Prizefighter, and accustomed to Cuts; but I now know my Man, and shall hereafter avoid engaging, or keep barely on the Defensive; do me the Honour, however, as old Combatants were wont, to shake Hands, at parting, in Token of Hearts free from Malice. In the Contest of Love, Mr.
Veer,
you never shall foil me, cried
Harry.
Now, my Lord, if you have any Commands for my Father, pray let me have the Pleasure of being your Messenger. Upon my Honour,
