SECTION XXXIV. OF DISCONTENTED FOOLS. Diruit, ædificat, mutat quadrata rotundis. HE* bears a fardel on his back, *It is difficult to discriminate to what class of men this folly is most applicable, as they all partake of it in a certain degree; and are so thoroughly convinced of their weakness on this score, as to allow, that the more they have, the more they want: travellers are peculiarly the slaves of this temperament of mind, as the globe itself is insufficient to gratify their thirst after inquiry: nor can a finer lesson be displayed than De Foe's Robinson Crusoe, which is a most finished picture of the instability of the human intellect. But navigators are not more unsettled than what are denominated men of science, whose labours have no termination, and whose brains are eternally conjuring up new speculations, which are too frequently hazarded without the warranty of reason. Toiling for that, which when attain'd, Whose primitive tradition reaches As far as Adam's first green breeches: And much of Terra Incognita, Th' intelligible world can say. Much has been said of the female part of the creation, in speaking of this folly; nevertheless I must candidly affirm, that I do not perceive any feature so prominent in women, as to brand them more than their lords with this failing; and if we talk of affection, which is, perhaps, one of the noblest characteristicks of the human mind, the feminine part of creation undoubtedly claims pre-eminence over the male. Where can we find inore extraordinary instances of heroism, than have been displayed by women who have been actuated by love for men in misfortune: they generally give proofs of possessing a greater portion of equanimity: and, in the hour of success, the same fervor of passion animates their bosoms: while men, yielding to the fascinations of pleasure, as universally waver from the fixed principle which honour, duty, and gratitude claim at their hands. In fine, the page of history displays one unvarying proof of the What most his folly doth augment, As April rays, the wav'ring mind discontented and unsteady humour of mankind; kings would be gods; lords would be kings: every captain would prove an Alexander; and every beggar an independent gentleman: and yet, if it were possible to change their several stations at pleasure, a something would still be wanting to realize the scene of fancied happiness; and it is therefore most certain, that he who knows and enjoys the least, approximates the nearest to that most envied of all earthly states-content. Un certo è meglio che dieci incerti. L'ENVOY OF THE POET. Curb, in thy bosom, ev'ry changeful thought; And o'er thy wishes hold the steady rein: For he who's fancy's fool, is folly fraught; Grasping mere phantoms of his ideot brain. THE POET'S CHORUS TO FOOLS. Come, trim the boat, row on each Rara Avis, Crowds flock to man my Stultifera Navis. SECTION XXXV. OF FOOLS WHO GO TO LAW FOR TRIFLES. Cum licet fugere, ne quære litem. THE fool, who doth at trifles claw; Time hath been when this nation was priest ridden, but now we are law ridden. Not that the professional gentlemen are so much to blame; for it is their province to exist on the folly of others: and if mankind will squabble about straws, lawyers are in the right to profit by their want of reason. As for my own part, I perfectly agree with the old French proverb, "Bon avocat, mauvais voisin ;" and will endeavour to profit by the advice, |