blic as usual; he was
incensed against his companions for their infidelity and irresolution,
and plunged into a profound reverie that lasted several weeks, during
which he shook off his boyish connections, and fixed his view upon
objects which he thought more worthy of his attention.

In the course of his gymnastic exercises, at which he was very expert,
he contracted intimacies with several youths who were greatly his
superiors in point of age, and who, pleased with his aspiring genius
and address, introduced him into parties of gallantry which strongly
captivated his inclination. He was by nature particularly adopted
for succeeding in all adventures of this kind: over and above a most
engaging person that improved with his years, he possessed a dignified
assurance, an agreeable ferocity which enhanced the conquest of the fair
who had the good fortune to enslave him, unlimited generosity, and a
fund of humour which never failed to please. Nor was he deficient in
the more solid accomplishments of youth: he had profited in his studies
beyond expectation; and besides that sensibility of discernment which
is the foundation of taste, and in consequence of which he distinguished
and enjoyed the beauties of the classics, he had already given several
specimens of a very promising poetic talent.

With this complexion and these qualifications, no wonder that our hero
attracted the notice and affections of the young Delias in town, whose
hearts had just begun to flutter for they knew not what. Inquiries
were made concerning his condition; and no sooner were his expectations
known, than he was invited and caressed by all the parents, while
the daughters vied with each other in treating him with particular
complacency. He inspired love and emulation wherever he appeared: envy
and jealous rage followed of course; so that he became a very desirable,
though a very dangerous acquaintance. His moderation was not equal to
his success: his vanity took the lead of his passions, dissipating his
attention, which might otherwise have fixed him to one object; and he
was possessed with the rage of increasing the number of his conquests.
With this view he frequented public walks, concerts, and assemblies,
became remarkably rich and fashionable in his clothes, gave
entertainments to the ladies, and was in the utmost hazard of turning
out a most egregious coxcomb.

While his character thus wavered between the ridicule of some and the
regard of