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 Nº. 44.

THE GUARDIAN.

253

“ TO THE GUARDIAN. "

• SIR ,

• As the depredations of time and fortune have been lamented in all ages, thoſe per

fons who have reſiſted and diſputed the tyranny

of either of theſe, have employed the ſublimeſt ſpeculations of the writers in all languages. As thefe deceaſed heroes have had their places judi

ciouſly aſſigned them already in the temple of fame, I would immortalize fome perſons now alive, who to me are greater objects of envy,

both as their bravery is exerciſed with the utmoſt tranquillity and pleaſure to themſelves, and as they are ſubſtantially happy on this ſidethe grave, in oppoſition to all the Greek and Latin fcraps to the contrary.

• As therefore I am naturally ſubject to cruel inroads from the ſpleen, as I affirm all evil to come from the eaſt, as I am the weather- glaſs of every company I come into, I ſometimes,

according to Shakſpeare, 6

' Sit like my grandsire, cut in alabaſter, Sleep while I wake, and creep into the jaundice By being peeviſh.

• I would furniſh out a table of merry fame,

in envious admiration of thoſe jovial blades, who diſappoint the ſtrokes of age and fortune with the famegaiety of foul, as when through youth or affluence they were in their prime for fancy, frolic, and atchievement. There are, you may obſerve, in all public walks, perſons who by a fingular ſhabbineſs of their attire, make a very