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which put an end to the meaſure; and in a few days after, Mr. Pitt, in converſing about his future plans, told the author, he had taken a fixed reſolution to return to the Bar, and to apply unremittingly to that profeſſion, in order to extricate himſelf from his difficulties, and to ſecure, as far as he ſhould be able, the means of future independence.
The author will not deny the perſonal ſatiſfaction which he feels in having it in his power to communicate this anecdote to his readers: but he conceives that its communication may have a uſe beyond the mere gratification of private feeling, or of public curioſity. It will ſhew the ſpirit of diſintereftedneſs and independence which may exiſt in times that have been repreſented as pregnant with ſelfiſhineſs, corruption, and venality; and will furniſh an example to future miniſters of that ſentiment of high and ſcrupulous honor (a prominent feature in the character of Mr. Pitt) which is the beſt pledge and guardian of public and private virtue. Were a miniſter like him to ariſe, (and who does not pray for ſuch an event?) who, beſides his own unavoidable expences, had a family to ſupport, his
