RECOMMENDING MERIT. 415 



and make much better use of my time than I have 

 done, to succeed in either. I have read and have by 

 heart also many of the beauties of the one : I have 

 seen and have by heart also many of the rascalities of 

 the other. I may point out to any man still less read 

 than myself, the works of the one for his admira- 

 tion : I may also point out to those who have seen less 

 of the thing than I have done, what, by arousing 

 their suspicions, may assist in saving them from 

 being deceived and victimised by the other as they 

 might have been by such means as I have particu- 

 larised. This is all I have attempted. If we teach a 

 man as many of the indications of an approaching 

 storm as may induce him to get under shelter in time, 

 it is enough for him, unless he wishes to become an 

 astronomer or natural philosopher: so, if he is told 

 enough of the practices of such fellows as Nickem to 

 shelter himself, in this case it is enough also ; for I 

 presume no man would wish to study rascality. If he 

 does, I am quite as incapable as I should be unwilling 

 to be his tutor : in this " the patient must minister to 

 himself." Should he, however, wish to prosecute his 

 studies quite professionally, I shall be happy to point 

 out to him several adepts who can give him that high 

 finish in roguery, only to be learned under the best 

 masters. Should I have the high honour of meeting 

 any individual wishing thus to finish his education, if 

 the meeting should take place in Oxford Street, or at 

 the Corner (on sale days), the probability is I may be 

 able to point out one who has been enthusiastic in his 

 pursuit of knowledge in the art of Nickemising, and 

 completed his education on the Continent : permit me 

 to recommend him as a master. Xay, the lad who 

 accompanies him in his gig is quite competent to bring 



