Page:An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals - Hume (1751).djvu/241

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A DIALOGUE.
227

together on that unhappy Man, when he was not aware, they had tore him with a hundred Wounds; and given him that Reward for all his past Favours and Obligations. Usbek, said the general Voice of the People, had many great and good Qualities: His very Vices were shining, magnificent, and generous: But this Action of Alcheic sets him far above Usbek in the Eyes of all Judges of Merit; and is one of the noblest, that ever perhaps the Sun shone upon.

Another Part of Alcheic's Conduct, which I also found highly applauded, was his Behaviour towards Calish, with whom he was join'd in a Project or Undertaking of some Importance. Calish, being a passionate Man, gave Alcheic, one Day, a sound Drubbing; which he took very patiently, waited the Return of Calish's good Humour, kept still a fair Correspondence with him; and by that Means brought the Affair, in which they were join'd, to a happy Issue, and gain'd himself immortal Honour by his remarkable Temper and Moderation.

I have lately receiv'd a Letter from a Correspondent in Fourli, by which I learn, that since my Departure, Alcheic, falling into a bad State of Health, has fairly hang'd himself; and has dy'd universally regreted and applauded by every one in that Country. So virtuous and noble a Life, says each Fourlian,could