Page:The Guardian (Vol 1).pdf/214

 148

THE GUARDIAN.

N ° 26.

diverſified with ſo many particulars asconfound the reſemblance, and make it almoſt impoffible for the reader to form any diſtinct idea of the perſon. It is not thus the antients drew their characters ; but in a few juſt and bold ſtrokes

gave you the diſtinguiſhing features of the mind

(if I may be allowed the metaphor) in ſo diſtinct a manner, and in ſo ſtrong a light, that yougrew intimate with your man him from a hundred.

immediately, and knew

After all, it muſt be conſidered in favour of my

lord Verulam, that he lived in an age wherein chaſte and correct writing was not in faſhion,

and when pedantry was the mode even at court ; ſo that it is no wonder if the prevalent humour of the times bore down his genius, though fupe rior in force perhaps to any of our countrymen ,

that have either gone before or ſucceeded him. N ° 26.

Friday, April 10, 1713. BY STEELE.

Non ego illam mihi dotem elle puto, qua dos dicitur, Sed pudicitiam et pudorem etſedatam cupidinem. PLAUT.

A woman's true dowry, in my opinion, is not that which is uſually ſo called ; but virtue, modefty, and reſtrained deſires.

An healthy old fellow, that is not a fool, is the happieſt creature living. It is at that time of

life only, men enjoy their faculties with pleaſure and fatisfaction. It is then we have nothing to

manage, as the phraſe is ; we ſpeak the down