lood, would be glad to have it as wholesome, and as really
untainted, as ours!--Surely these proud people never think what a short
stage life is; and that, with all their vanity; a time is coming, when
they shall be obliged to submit to be on a level with us: And true said
the philosopher, when he looked upon the skull of a king, and that of a
poor man, that he saw no difference between them. Besides, do they not
know, that the richest of princes, and the poorest of beggars, are
to have one great and tremendous judge, at the last day; who will
not distinguish between them, according to their circumstances in
life?--But, on the contrary, may make their condemnations the greater,
as their neglected opportunities were the greater? Poor souls! how do I
pity their pride!--O keep me, Heaven! from their high condition, if my
mind shall ever be tainted with their vice! or polluted with so cruel
and inconsiderate a contempt of the humble estate which they behold with
so much scorn!

But, besides, how do these gentry know, that, supposing they could trace
back their ancestry for one, two, three, or even five hundred years,
that then the original stems of these poor families, though they have
not kept such elaborate records of their good-for nothingness, as
it often proves, were not still deeper rooted?--And how can they
be assured, that one hundred years hence, or two, some of those now
despised upstart families may not revel in their estates, while their
descendants may be reduced to the others' dunghills!--And, perhaps, such
is the vanity, as well as changeableness, of human estates, in their
turns set up for pride of family, and despise the others!

These reflections occurred to my thoughts, made serious by my master's
indisposition, and this proud letter of the lowly Lady Davers, against
the high-minded Pamela. Lowly, I say, because she could stoop to such
vain pride; and high-minded I, because I hope I am too proud ever to do
the like!--But, after all, poor wretches that we be! we scarce know what
we are, much less what we shall be!--But, once more pray I to be kept
from the sinful pride of a high estate.

On this occasion I recall the following lines, which I have read; where
the poet argues in a much better manner:--

"------------Wise Providence
Does various parts for various minds dispense:
The meanest slaves, or those who hedge and ditch,
Are useful, by their sweat, to feed the rich.
The ric