knew several instances of his deceiving and imposing on people in the most egregious manner, only because they could not suspect such a head as his of forming any schemes; but if ever there was a visible proof that he had done any mischief, then the artful man (though perhaps he had never known anything of the matter) had set him on, and it was a thousand pities the poor innocent creature should thus be made a tool of another's villainy, for he certainly would never have thought of it himself. I could not help laughing sometimes to see how much this man endeavoured at the reputation of art (foolishly thinking it a sign of sense) without being able to attain it; while the other, with full as ill success, did all he could to get rid of it, that he might converse with mankind without their being afraid of him.
"The third gentleman of this community passed for the best-natured man in the world; he never heard of another's misfortunes but he shrugged up his shoulders, expressing a great deal of sorrow for them, although he never thought of them afterwards: the real truth was, he had not tenderness enough in his disposition to love anybody; and therefore kept up a continual cheerfulness, as he never felt the disappointments and torments of mind those people feel who are ill-used by the person they have set their affections on. He was beloved, that is, he was liked, by all who conversed with him; for, as he was seldom vexed, he had that sort of complaisance which makes people ready to dance, play, or do anything they are desired; and I believe such sort of reasons as Shakespeare put in Falstaff's mouth for Prince Harry's loving Poins,[1] are the grounds of
- ↑ That the reader may not have the trouble to turn to Shakespeare, to see what these strong ties of affection are which Falstaff speaks of, I have here set down the passage.
"Dol.—Why doth the prince love Poins so, then?
"Fal.—Because their legs are both of a bigness, and he
