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The lady looked on this unceremonious manner of asking a favour with diftafte, and pofitively refused him. He faid, the should fing, or he would make her. "Why, "Madam, I fuppofe, you take me for one of your

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poor English hedge parfons: fing when I bid you," As the Earl did nothing but laugh at this freedom, the lady was fo vexed, that she burst into tears, and retired.

His first compliment to her when he faw her again, was, "Pray, Madam, are you as proud, and as ill"natured now, as when I faw you laft?" To which The answered, with great good humour, "No, Mr. Dean; I'll fing for you, if you please." From which time he conceived great efteem for her. But who that knew him would take offence at his bluntnefs?

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Mrs. Pilkington could not recollect that ever she faw the Dean laugh; perhaps he thought it beneath him; for when any pleafantry paft, which might have excited it, he used to fuck his cheeks to avoid risibility. He used frequently to put her in mind of Shakespear's defcription of Caffius.

He is a great difcerner, and he looks
Quite through the deeds of men-

Seldom he fmiles, and fmiles in fuch a fort
As if he mock'd himself, and fcorn'd his fpirit,
That could be mov'd to fmile at any thing.
Ful. Cæfar.

Mrs. Pilkington believed the Dean's early youth did not promise that bright day of wit which has fince enHightened the learned would. Whilft he was at the univerfity of Dublin, he was fo far from being diftinguifhed for any fuperiority of parts or learning, that he was stopped of his degree as a dunce. When the heard the Dean relate this circumftance, fhe told him, the fuppofed he had been idle; but he affirmed to the contrary, affuring her he was really dull. Which, if true, is very furprifing.

I have," fays fhe, often been led to look on the world as a garden, and the human minds as fo many plants, fet by the hand of the great Creator "for utility and ornament. Thus fome, we fee, earVOL. I. f

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ly produce beautiful bloffoms, and as foon fade a-. "way; others, whofe gems are more flow in unfolding, but more permanent when blown; and others, again, who, though longer in arriving at perfec"tion, not only blefs us then with fhade and odour, "but alfo with delicious whole fome fruit."

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He was a perpetual friend to merit and learning; and utterly incapable of envy; for in true genuine wit, he could fear no rival.

It has been often obferved, that where great talents are bestowed, there the ftrongest paffions are likewife given. This great man did but too often let them have dominion over him, and that on the most trifling occafions. During meal-times he was evermore in a ftorm; the meat was always too much or too little done, or the fervants had offended in some point, imperceptible to the rest of the company; however, when the cloth was taken away, he made his guests rich amends for the pain he had given. For then

Was truly mingled in the friendly bowl.

The feat of reafon, and the flow of foul. Pope.

Yet he preferved ftrict temperance; for he never drank above half a pint of wine, in every glass of which he mixed water and fugar: yet, if he liked his company, would fit many hours over it, unlocking all the fprings of policy, learning, true humour, and inimitable wit. The following story the Dean told to Mrs. Pilking

ton.

A clergyman, who was a moft learned fine gentleman, but, under the fofteft and politeft appearance, concealed the most turbulent ambition, having made his merit as a preacher too eminent to be overlooked, had it early rewarded with the mitre. Dr. Swift went to congratulate him on it; but told him, he hoped, as his Lordship was a native of Ireland, and had now a feat in the houfe of Peers, he would employ his powerful elocution in the fervice of his diftreffed country. The prelate told him, the bifhopric was but a very fmali one, and he could not hope for a better, if he did not oblige the court. Very well," fays Swift, then it "is to be hoped, when you have a better, you will

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"become an honest man.” Ay, that I will, " Mr. Dean,” said he. "Till then, my Lord, fare"well," answered Swift. This prelate was twice tranflated to richer fees; and on every tranflation, Dr. Swift waited on him to remind him of his promise; but to no promife; there was now an archbishopric in view, and till that was obtained, nothing could be done. Having in a fhort time likewife got this, he then fent for the Dean, and told him, "I am now at the "top of my preferment; for I well know no Irishman "will ever be made primate; therefore, as I can rife "no higher in fortune or ftation, I will zealously promote the good of my country." And from that time he commenced a moft outrageous patriot.

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