be no compliment to a man; and yet this ridic ulous pre-eminence would be all the advantage you could expect from such boorish companions: which likewise, if not purchased, would not be allowed; for those who pay an equal share of the reckoning, allow no precedency, and our countrymen are too proud, I had like to have said, too insolent, to make any concessions, unless they are paid for them.

Of Sots.

In advising you to shun excess of wine yourself, it must be understood I have already advised you to shun such as are mighty to drink strong drink. Bears and lions ought not to be more dreadful to the sober, than men made such by inflaming liquors. Danger is ever in their company; and reason, on your side, is no match for the phrenzy on theirs. In short, he that is drunk is possessed; and though, in other cases, we are to resist the devil, that he may fly from us, in this, to fly from the devil, is an easier task, than to make him fly from us.

Of False Complaisance.

I shall express but a few words on this topic. Beware of a false complaisance, or a too easy ductility in being swayed by another person's humour. If business calls, or you dislike the

conversation, or you incline to go home, or whatever the call is, if it is reasonable, obey it. A man ought to be able to say no, as well as a woman. And not to have a will of one's own, renders one ridiculous, even to the very per sons who govern us. Take leave then resolutely, but civilly; and you will find a very few instances of steadiness, on such occasions, will secure you from future importunities.

Of Friendship.

Though I have said much under the head of companions, it is still necessary to add something concerning friends. Friend and companion are terms often used as meaning the same thing; but no mistake can be greater. Many persons have a variety of companions; but how few, through their whole lives, ever meet with a friend? Old stories, indeed, talk of friends who mutually contended which should die for the other; and talkative Greece has not been sparing to trumpet out their praises. But, even by the manner of celebrating these heroes of friendship, it is very evident such examples are extremely rare. Our records, at least, show none such. The love of interest seems to be the reigning spirit in our bosoms, and wherever this pure and delicate union is to be expected, meum and tuum must be words utterly unknown. Friendship, therefore, in the strict meaning of

the word, is not likely to be the growth of our clime; and, according to the idea we entertain of it, is confined within very narrow bounds. For example, I may have lived, for a number of years, in the strictest intimacy with a particular man; we may have adventured in the same business, shared in the same pleasures, interchanged continual good offices, and treated one another with an unrestrained confidence : but all on these premises, that nothing should be exacted on either side to the prejudice of our darling interest; that obligations should be exactly balanced, and that, on the least rupture, we should be free to complain mutually of mutual ingratitude. Whence you are to understand, that our very friendships are but a barter of services and civilities, and are not so much calculated to gratify the honest undesigninstincts of the heart, as for snares to re-demand our own with usury.

[Genuine friendship, it is true, is seldom met with in this selfish world; but still, it is not an utter stranger. One of the best evidences of it may perhaps be found, in adherence to the true interests of others, not merely in prosperity, but also in adversity. Conduct of this character, illustrates the sterling value of real friendship, and must always command the greatest respect.]

Of the choice of Friends.

This being the foundation of modern intimacies, you cannot be too wary in the choice of him you would call your friend; nor suffer your affections to be so far engaged, as to be wholly at his devotion. It is dangerous trusting one's happiness in another person's keeping; or to be without a power to refuse what may be your ruin to grant. But, if ever the appearance of wisdom, integrity, and every other virtue, should lead you to cultivate a more than ordinary friendship, never profess more than you design to make good; and, when you oblige, let it be freely, gallantly, and without the mercenary view of a rigid equivalent. Neither put your friend to the pain of soliciting a good of fice, but spare his modesty, and make it appear that you are happy in an opportunity of doing him service but, in this, as in all other things, be guided by discretion. As I would never have you apply to another for what would endanger his fortune, and of course ruin his family; so never be induced, on any consideration, to run the like risk yourself. What interest you can make, what time you can devote, what ready money you can spare, for the advantage of your friend, is nobly disposed of; and never upbraid him, even should he prove ungrateful.

Of Bonds and Securities.

But, bonds, notes, or securities, which it is pos sible neither he nor you may be able to make good, I caution you, on my blessing, never to engage in. It is not only mortgaging your whole credit and fortune, but peace of mind: you will never think of your obligation without terror, and the nearer the day of payment approaches, the more exquisite will be your pangs. In a word, I have seen as many men dragged into ruin by these fatal incumbrances, as by a life of riot and debauchery. Consider, therefore, that it is a breach of friendship for any man to ask so unreasonable a kindness; and, from that moment, be upon your guard! it being but a poor consolation to be pitied under calamities. undeserved; or have it said of you, he was a good natured man, and nobody's enemy but his

own.

In fine, as to what concerns yourself, live in such a manner as may challenge friendship and favour from all men; but defend yourself with the utmost vigilance, from ever standing in need of assistance from any. Though it is a glorious thing to bestow, it is a wretched thing to apply; and, over and above the tyranny, the capriciousness, ingratitude and insensibility you will expose yourself to, when reduced to such expedients, you will then see human nature in such a light, as will put you out of humour with