n
house, from whence he was to go to Oxford, in order to finish his
studies in the character of a gentleman-commoner.

But when every thing was preparing for this purpose, he came one morning
into the chamber of his patron, and throwing himself on his knees--
Think me not, sir, said he, too presuming in the request I am about to
make you.--I know all that I am is yours.--That I am the creature of
your bounty, and that, without being a father, you have done more for me
than many of those, who are so, do for their most favourite sons.--I
know also that you are the best judge of what is fit for me, and have
not the least apprehensions that you will not always continue the same
goodness to me, provided I continue, as I have hitherto done, the
ambition of meriting it.--Yet, sir, pardon me if I now discover a desire
with which I long have laboured, of doing something of myself which may
repair the obscurity of my birth, and prove to the world that heaven has
endued this foundling with a courage and resolution capable of
undertaking the greatest actions.

In speaking these last words a fire seemed to sparkle from his eyes,
which sufficiently denoted the vehemence of his inward agitations.
Dorilaus was extremely surprized, but after a little pause, what is it
you request of me? said that noble gentleman, (at the same time raising
him from the posture he was in) or by what means than such as I have
already taken, can I oblige you to think that, in being my foundling,
fortune dealt not too severely with you?

Ah! sir, mistake me not, I beseech you, replied the young Horatio, or
think me wanting in my gratitude either to heaven or you.--But, sir, it
is to your generous care in cultivating the talents I received from
nature, that I owe this emulation, this ardor for doing something that
might give me a name, which is the only thing your bounty cannot
bestow.--My genius inclines me to the army.--Of all the accomplishments
you have caused me to be instructed in, geography, fortification, and
fencing, have been my darling studies.--Of what use, sir, will they be
to me in an idle life? permit me then the opportunity of showing the
expense you have been at has not been thrown away.--I know they will say
I am too young to bear a commission, but if I had the means of going a
volunteer, I cannot help thinking but I should soon give proofs the
extreme desire I have to serve my country that way would well attone for
my want of years.

T