“Merit, sir, is naturally inferred where an honorable title is bestowed, is it not? Surely no great mark of distinction would be given to an unworthy subject!"

"Oh! believe me, friend," replied the man of knowledge, with a sagacious smile, “merit is quite out of the question, upon such occasions. The public have long found out that the most contemptible subjects have been brought forward under a specious title. So that that mark of distinction commands but little attention at present, I assure you.

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They are not totally disregarded, however, sir," returned Scriblerus, unwilling to give up the point," they have still great weight with the majority of mankind, you may rest assured."

"At all events, you must not think of publishing an anonymous work, take my word for it," returned his adviser, "and as to your title, it is not worth a consideration; do not for a moment suppose, that may be the means of bringing you into notice-they have been too much abused of late to be held in any esteem."

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What, sir," ejaculated Scriblerus, have me renounce my title too? Your counsel may be good, but I must confess that I feel as little inclined to relinquish the one, as I do to proclaim the other. A dashing title, you may rely upon it, is a precious recommendation. There is a charm in it by which strangers are attracted, and attention called forth; it blinds half

the world," continued he with a smile, " and deprives the other half of the power of thinking."

"Gently, friend, gently," interrupted Lexicon, "perhaps I may be more competent to judge, from my daily experience in business of this nature; and, if you will not submit to my suggestions, I must beg to decline any further communication on the subject. Besides," continued he, twirling over the pages of the manuscript, "to cut the matter short, I have already more on my hands than I know what to do with ; and to be candid with you, the thing doesn't seem at all in my way."

Well-thought poor Scrib, you might as well have given me this piece of intelligence before. Thanking him, nevertheless, for his candour, though somewhat disconcerted at his want of courtesy, "You must allow me a day or two to reflect on your obliging observations," said he, and away he trudged with his manuscript under his arm, and feeling as little inclined to adopt his opinion in the one instance, as he was to satisfy idle curiosity in the other. But what's to be done now, “thinks he to himself” as he traced his steps homewards. "Why, return to your admonisher," whispered his friendly genius," and be guided by his better judgment." Never, thought he, though I may consent to meet him half way. So, after mature deliberation, he at length resolved, like other great personages, to sally forth incog. without the fear of being way

laid and attacked in all directions. Should I be disregarded, or meet with uncivil treatment on my way, said he, the fault is all my own. He who chuses to travel in disguise, has only to submit patiently, like the great Czar of Russia, to the difficulties to which he voluntarily exposes himself."

It is related of this August Personage, that during his sojourn in Holland, when the business of the day was over, he used to amuse himself with rambling about the suburbs of the town; and that in one of these peregrinations, being overtaken by a heavy shower of rain one day, he was about to enter a farm house for shelter; but before he could gain admittance, the boor's wife ran to the door, somewhat discomposed at his appearance, and the unceremonious manner in which he was about to enter her neat little dwelling. "Stop, stop, friend," cried she hastily, "take off your shoes before you come in, there's a pair of slippers," pointing to the mat, " put them on, but I am afraid you'll make my house in a sad mess!” The illustrious stranger, not wishing to make himself known, did as he was desired, and waited patiently in the passage till the rain abated: he then thanked the landlady for the accommodation he had received, and putting on his wet shoes again, walked off, more struck with her cleanliness and candour, than with her courtesy or hospitality.

NUMBER IX.

ON PATRIOTISM.

The Bookseller who heard him speak,
And saw him turn a page of Greek,
Thought what a genius have I found,
Then thus address'd, with bow profound:-
Learn'd Sir, if you'd employ your pen
Against the senseless sons of men,
Or write the history of Siam,

No man is better pay than I am;

Or since you're learn'd in Greek, let's see
Something against the Trinity.

"GOD forbid that I should ever receive the reward of blasphemy, by employing my talents in a manner unbecoming a Christian disciple," exclaimed Scriblerus, "or that I should ever be seduced by the bribe of corruption to desert my country's cause, for the paltry consideration of adding a few pounds to my yearly rents."

Scriblerus, a man of high spirit and superior abilities, as well known in the literary as in the political and fashionable circles of life, has for many years occupied his time and exercised his faculties for the public good, with a firmness of mind that reflects honor on himself, and a purity

of sentiment that does him equal credit. He has always stepped forward in moments of danger. High officers of state have acknowledged their obligations to him, and have in many instances availed themselves of his timely suggestions. But alas! he is still left at perfect leisure to project anew, or to take up arms against their adversaries, whenever circumstances may occur to call forth his exertions. The neglect to which he has been abandoned, would, long since, have transformed a less scrupulous partisan, with his abilities, into a seditious libeller; or would, at least, have lulled the energy of many a loyal subject. But, with a greatness of soul and strength of mind which few possess, he adheres, most steadily, to his avowed principles, wasting his time and his substance in a voluntary but unprofitable service.

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They manage these things better in France, and among revolutionary demagogues at home," say his friends. The supporters of faction, and the instigators of rebellious tenets, never fail to meet with encouragement,-never fail to be rewarded by their chiefs. Every political enormity that is calculated to inflame the mind, and bring the higher powers into disrepute, is by them, received with transport-applauded with enthusiasm—and recompensed with munificence; whilst many a worthy promoter of national benefits is lost to the country, through the caprice of upstarts in power, or the indiscriminate negligence of those, who have either too much pride