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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
285

casion like the present, upon the compulsory bounty of my father! a misfortune that renders doubly unfortunate the robbery I have sustained, since I am well assured, that what will now be advanced for the purpose of my release, will be so much deducted from my children's future inheritance. It is a melancholy truth, and in common justice it is but myself I should blame, the culpable extravagance of my past conduct having led to this. I would fain think otherwise; but, believe me, if I outlive my father, you will find these words but too well verified."

Surrounded by the multiplicity of duties attending his high station near the crown, Sir Aubrey was sensible of a wound, ever probing his heart, inflicted by the mortifications he endured on his son's account; and that to a degree preventing the entire subjugation of his mind to those important councils and affairs of state that demanded his deepest attention.

In the full unbounded confidence and favour of His Majesty, there was no unreasonable request which the Royal bounty would withhold, either for his own aggrandisement or that of his family: so great were his talents, public virtues, and devotion to his monarch held in estimation, that in recompense for the valuable services he afforded