ainful and so long continued, that he never
after thought it proper to attempt any work of thought or labour. He was
always careful of his money, and was therefore no liberal entertainer,
but was less frugal of his wine than of his meat. When his friends of
either sex came to him in expectation of a dinner, his custom was to
give every one a shilling, that they might please themselves with their
provision. At last his avarice grew too powerful for his kindness; he
would refuse a bottle of wine, and in Ireland no man visits where he
cannot drink. Having thus excluded conversation, and desisted from
study, he had neither business nor amusement; for, having by some
ridiculous resolution, or mad vow, determined never to wear spectacles,
he could make like little use of books in his latter years; his ideas,
therefore, being neither renovated by discourse, nor increased by
reading, wore gradually away, and left his mind vacant to the vexations
of the hour, till at last his anger was heightened into madness.
He, however, permitted one book to be published, which had been the
production of former years--"Polite Conversation," which appeared in
1738. The "Directions for Servants," was printed soon after his death.
These two performances show a mind incessantly attentive, and, when it
was not employed upon great things, busy with minute occurrences. It is
apparent that he must have had the habit of noting whatever he observed;
for such a number of particulars could never have been assembled by
the power of recollection. He grew more violent, and his mental powers
declined, till (1741) it was found necessary that legal guardians should
be appointed of his person and fortune. He now lost distinction. His
madness was compounded of rage and fatuity. The last face that he knew
was that of Mrs. Whiteway; and her he ceased to know in a little time.
His meat was brought him cut into mouthfuls: but he would never touch
it while the servant stayed, and at last, after it had stood perhaps an
hour, would eat it walking; for he continued his old habit, and was on
his feet ten hours a day. Next year (1742) he had an inflammation in his
left eye, which swelled it to the size of an egg, with boils in other
parts; he was kept long waking with the pain, and was not easily
restrained by five attendants from tearing out his eye.

The tumour at last subsided; and a short interval of reason ensuing; in
which he knew his physician and his family, gave h