maintaining that the Patriarchs regarded themselves as travellers here below, and that they aspired to the felicity of another life. Assuredly St. Paul, so perfectly versed in the doctrines of the Jews, ought to be taken as a competent judge of what they believed or denied; and it is really surprising, that to his authority should be opposed the opinion of some ignorant Rabbis.

190. ANECDOTE.

Mr. Stewart Mackenzie told me, that when he was at Paris, in 1743, there was then at St. Germain an Irish Abbé, who perfectly recollected having been present when Charles I. King of England was beheaded (it is, on the day in which I write, 150 years since). He was, at the time Mr. M. spoke of, 104 years old. On the memorable day above-mentioned, he was fourteen and so deep an impression did that tragic event make on his mind, that none of the circumstances were effaced from his memory, and he used to relate them with much interest. Louis XV. having heard of him, sent for him to come to Versailles;

and, although that was twelve miles distant from St. Germain, he went on foot, saw the King, and returned to St. Germain the same, day.

191. OF POLITICS.

A knowledge of politics is less acquired by study than by observation of men and circumstances.

192. OF THE Great.

All the great are not great Lords, but, they all have the same faults, with very little exception; and that of believing that all things are subservient to them, is not the least common among them. Hence the ingratitude with which they usually pay for the services done them. The profound sentiment of their importance, cleaving to them all, makes them in reality believe, that they do honor to their inferiors in admitting them to their acquaintance (even when they have need of them), and this distinction they expect will compensate for every sacrifice.

There was one of these with whom I

passed much of my life. I had opportunities to render him very considerable services, whose value could not be estimated in gold, of which, however he offered me some, though with moderation enough, and which I constantly refused. His credit at court furnished him with the means of acknowledging my services in a manner more delicate, more worthy of his own rank, and more useful to me; he neglected these. One day, he said to me, in great secrecy, "Mr. D you know I do not "like Mr. (he had lived many years in "his family and confidence), I have asked "for a good place for him, to get handsomely rid of him." It will be easily supposed that I did not say all I thought of this confidence.

The son of this nobleman observed to me, one evening with great simplicity—“ I do "not think my father's maxim quite right: "he said to me this morning, if you give "or procure places, let it be to those of "whom you are tired; but never do any "thing for those who are useful or agree"able to you; for then you lose them and their services."

Another great man, charged with an im portant affair, obtained permission from the court to name me his deputy, that he might have nothing to do. The business occupied me fully for eighteen months, during which I received no salary from my principal, although his was very great. When I had finished the affair, the secretary of state, in whose department it was, said to me "We are much pleased with you; we "wish you to be so with us: name a sum "for your recompense, and I will speak to "the King." I replied, I wished for no more than my expenditure during the time, which amounted to 5001.-"That is not "sufficient," returned the minister, "de"mand 1000l. and come back in three "days." Extremely gratified with this transaction, I communicated the news to my principal. What did he do? He hastened to the minister, assured him that 500l. was sufficient for the service, that I was very moderate, and would be well satisfied with that sum. Though I felt all the meanness of this proceeding, yet I never

gave room to Lord ** to think that I was informed of it.

Although rather confined to a circum-' scribed sphere, fortune once threw in my way an opportunity I did not neglect of rendering a pleasing service to a nobleman of distinguished rank. Five years afterwards this nobleman became prime minister: I repeatedly left my name at his door. I addressed my-' self to him by letter and called again; but still no answer or admission. When he

ceased to be at the head of affairs he often walked about the streets of London, and visited the booksellers' shops. I frequently met him; and I must do him the justice to say, he always did me the honor to take off his hat; and sometimes favoring me with the salutation of, 'How do you do?' never failed to say how happy he was to find me in good health. Nearly fifteen years thus elapsed when he had once more occasion for my services; and invited me to dine with him: but the object he had desired being accomplished, we immediately returned to our accustomed civilities of the hat and passing compliments in the street. I avoid men