POOR PARENTS. "The King can make a belted Knight, "An honest man's aboon his might, THAT virtue is true nobility is a very trite saying; but I fear it is little more than a saying; for, the noble patent of a poor man is not much respected amongst us. I can sympathize with the young aspirant, who, destitute of the advantages of family and fortune, has to make his way through the ranks of a proud and illiberal profession-from my heart, I pity him, when he feels the silent sneer of wealthy ignorance, or the cold unbending look of pride. And what contributes materially to the mortifications of his life is the circumstance, and a painful one it is to the poor scholar, that his acute sensibility makes him feel the slightest wound. It is in every body's mouth, that ours is a constitution so wisely framed, and liberally fraught, that it affords to persevering merit an opportunity of acquiring the highest honours of the State. That talent some times meets its reward is true; but it is likewise true, that success is far more generally the prize of interest, or only to be purchased by the sacrifice of principle. This, however, is an idle complaint-the evil must continue whilst political institutions have patronage to bestow, or men can be found who are anxious to enjoy it. But what I most complain of is, the illiberal coldness with which a poor man is received in society; so that he is made to feel at every step the disadvantage of his situation, which is painful enough in other ways, without being thus administered to. But prudent fathers will estimate you by your purse, and cautious mothers strive to regulate by it their daughter's smiles. Thanks, however, to the unsophisticated feelings of youth, they are not always successful. I met my young friend Neville under circumstances that gave me a favourable opinion both of his talents and his principles. Of his family or his means I was totally unacquainted. It was in the company of numbers, young like himself, and destined for the same pursuit, that I first became known to him. His manner deeply interested me; and from the very moment of our meeting, I felt anxious that we should be on friendly terms. He was modest in his demeanour, and now and then I beheld in his countenance the indications of a social spirit and an amiable disposition. But when the smile had passed away that gave a momentary insight to his heart, he became cold and reserved-at intervals it appeared as if he was busily engaged in restraining his natural impulses, and disguising his thoughts and feelings. At other times I have seen him, after creating an interest in his favour not easily subdued, suddenly rise from his seat, and leave the social party to speculate on the mixture of frankness and reserve which their companion had displayed. At our second meeting, I happened to be conveniently placed for entering into conversation with Neville. He was more social than usual; and I gave him my card, accompanied with a wish to be better acquainted. This completely changed his manner-he thanked me with an air of fine feeling, but instantly left the table. The more reserved, however, that I saw my friend, the more anxious I became to know him intimately— and at length I succeeded in procuring a visit from him: this led to a frequent intercourse, and ultimately to a friendship which I trust may be as lasting as it is sin cere. One little adventure I shall notice, as it contributed materially to the frank interchange of sentiment between us: it shewed my friend in the most amiable light, at the same time that it accounts for that caution and reserve which circumstances induced him to adopt. I must confess that after a slight acquaintance with Neville, curiosity made me desirous of knowing something of his family and friends-it was natural enough, when speaking of the scenery of some of the most favoured spots in our country-a subject which always threw an enthusiasm into the converse of my friend,it was natural that I should fondly allude to the scenes of my boyhood, and repose again in that quiet valley where the harmony of nature first charmed my imagination. Oft have I spoken to him of the dearest associations connected with my earliest years; but they never drew his tale of boyhood from him; and yet he listened to me with the deepest interest, and always threw around the subject a soothing charm which his poetical mind could so easily create. Once I remember we spoke of the love of parents-one of mine had recently been taken from me-she who had nursed my mind and body with such care-and I dwelt upon the subject with that melancholy fondness which even time hath not removed. Neville," said I, "have you parents-sisters-yet alive?" He was disturbed at the question; his feelings were powerfully roused, and he replied " I have, my friend-but they are poor." The tone in which he said this prevented my continuing the subject; but I was often afterwards induced to speculate upon the worldly state of his friends, and to fancy where they resided. I confess too, with feelings of shame, that at times, when the customs and prejudices of the world operated upon me, I have felt disposed to disguise my acquaintance with a friend, for fear that I should fall in the estimation of the trifling and the proud, by being associated with a poor, though a highly-gifted man. On the other hand, so little of purity is there in our conduct, I was often led to vindicate his actions, and avow my friendship, from a feeling of pride which had nothing of principle to recommend it. I was convinced that Neville would one day fill an honourable station in society-his talents, and above all his perseverance seemed to justify this conclusion-therefore it was that I pictured to myself the ultimate success of my friend; and whilst my weakness would almost have abandoned him, my vanity and selflove made me cling to him with a firmness and devotion which I had the gratification of finding not unfrequently mistaken for a noble and generous sentiment. Besides, there was something of romance in being the first to notice and to cheer a friendless man; and there is likewise a deep mortification in being compelled reluctantly to admit the claims of an aspirant whom we have once slighted, when by his industry or talent he has placed himself far above the level of his early fortunes. Yes, I am indeed ashamed to confess that both my pride and fear contributed in the infancy of our friendship to keep me firm to Neville. He knew this but, as he has since acknowledged, he could hardly blame me for thus reckoning between my pride and liberality; however that may be, he must have felt a thorough contempt for my weakness, which led me too often to have recourse to a species of excuse for being known to him-a sort of mean justification before the prejudices of society. But in the midst of all this quibbling, my regard for him was great, and it increased with the developement of his character. It is too a source of great pleasure to me when I reflect that my notice of Neville has aided him more materially than I had ever hoped it would-it him gave society, and induced an energy and decision of action which, though eventually he must have shewn, would courage in |