But Edgeworths, Smiths and Radcliffes so engross'd The dublic ear, that all her pains were lost. To keep a toy-shop was attempt the last, There too she fail'd, and schemes and hopes were past. The first-born tears of fallen pride were shed- And one poor robe through fifty fashions sent); Now with the menials crowding to the wall, At church she points to one tall seat, and "There Not quite correct in what she now relates, Touch'd by the pity he had felt before, For her sir Denys op'd the alms-house door; "And, as they say, she is allied to some Here she and Blaney meet, and take their view And mourn their grievous fall, and curse their rigorous fate. LETTER XVI. INHABITANTS OF THE ALMS-HOUSE. BENBOW. Thou art the knight of the burning lamp-If thou wast any way given to virtue, I would swear by thy face; my oath should be by this fire. Oh! thour'rt a perpetual triumph, thou hast saved me a thousand marks in links and torches, walking in a night betwixt tavern and tavern, Ebrietas tibi fida comes, tibi luxus, et atris Shakspeare. Silius Italicus. BENBOW.' An improper companion for the badgemen of the alms-house.-He resembles Bardolph.-Left in trade by his father.-Contracts useless friendships.-His friends drink with him, and employ others.-Called worthy and honest! Why.-Effect of wine on the mind of man.-Benbow's common subject-the praise of departed friends and patrons Squire Asgill, at the Grange: His manners, servants, friends.-True to his church: ought therefore to be spared.-His son's different conduct.-Vexation of the father's spirit if admitted to see the alteration.-Captain Dowling, a boon companion, ready to drink at all times, and with any company; famous in his club-room-His easy departure.-Dolly Murrey, a maiden advanced in years: abides by ratafia and cards. Her free manners.-Her skill in the game.Her preparation and death.-Benbow, how interrupted: his submission. LETTER XVI. INHABITANTS OF THE ALMS-HOUSE. BENBOW. SEE! yonder badgeman, with that glowing face, Vast sums were paid, and many years were past, Benbow, a boon companion, long approv'd By jovial sets, and (as he thought) belov'd, To trade, and fail'd; and some declar'd "'twas hard :" Of common kind ;-he sought and found disgrace; X |