fragrance
of perpetual spring, with the breezes of the morning sporting about
her. Being solicited by her sister Mirth, she readily promises her
assistance, flies away in a cloud, and impregnates the waters of Bath
with new virtues, by which the sickness of Belinda is relieved. As the
reputation of his abilities, the particular circumstances of his birth
and life, the splendour of his appearance, and the distinction which was
for some time paid him by Lord Tyrconnel, entitled him to familiarity
with persons of higher rank than those to whose conversation he had been
before admitted, he did not fail to gratify that curiosity which induced
him to take a nearer view of those whom their birth, their employments,
or their fortunes necessarily placed at a distance from the greatest
part of mankind, and to examine whether their merit was magnified or
diminished by the medium through which it was contemplated; whether
the splendour with which they dazzled their admirers was inherent in
themselves, or only reflected on them by the objects that surrounded
them; and whether great men were selected for high stations, or high
stations made great men.

For this purpose he took all opportunities of conversing familiarly with
those who were most conspicuous at that time for their power or their
influence; he watched their looser moments, and examined their domestic
behaviour, with that acuteness which nature had given him, and which
the uncommon variety of his life had contributed to increase, and that
inquisitiveness which must always be produced in a vigorous mind by
an absolute freedom from all pressing or domestic engagements. His
discernment was quick, and therefore he soon found in every person, and
in every affair, something that deserved attention; he was supported by
others, without any care for himself, and was therefore at leisure to
pursue his observations. More circumstances to constitute a critic on
human life could not easily concur; nor, indeed, could any man, who
assumed from accidental advantages more praise than he could justly
claim from his real merit, admit any acquaintance more dangerous than
that of Savage; of whom likewise it must be confessed, that abilities
really exalted above the common level, or virtue refined from passion,
or proof against corruption, could not easily find an abler judge or a
warmer advocate.

What was the result of Mr. Savage's inquiry, though he was not much
accustomed to conceal his