than it really was. But the hand of death rudely snatched him from the enjoyment of all his possessions. After a fit of intoxication at a city banquet, a stroke of apoplexy suddenly terminated his career. His only child, by name Francis, now nearly of age, became the sole heir of all that belonged to his deceased parent. This young man was endowed by nature with the most amiable dispositions and excellent talents, but, from too great a simplicity of mind, and a want of suspicion of the motives of others, he soon became a prey to the flattering troop of parasites, who allured him to habits of dissipation, that they themselves might share in the spoils of his extravagance. Though at his father’s death his exchequer was full to the brim, yet his expenditure being such, as that nothing could withstand the constant drain which it underwent, his money and credit, alas! rapidly decreased. Nay, it was now surmised in his native city, that the pavement of old dollars had been erased from their foundation, and that one of variegated marble had been substituted in its stead. No sooner did this rumour become current than all the creditors of Francis rushed eagerly to his house, to ascertain the truth of it. This was speedily done; the quondam silver floor was gone for ever, and it was no consolation to those who were
