AMBITION 219 



from its tojDiuost round." In vain, then, has our great 



bard said, — 



" Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition ! " 



It was ambition that made that quondam butcher's 

 boy, into whose mouth the poet put these words, a priest 

 and a statesman, and by his talents and intrigues a ruler 

 of sovereigns. 



It was ambition, instigated by religious zeal, whether 

 real or assumed, aided by the most consummate art, that 

 subsequently enabled a private gentleman of Huntingdon 

 to obtain supreme power, to subvert an ancient dynasty, 

 and to govern by his own strong head and arm. 



It was ambition made a Corsican advocate's son 

 an Emperor, and the scourge and curse of Europe. 

 It is ambition that makes literary aspirants cabinet 

 ministers. Ambition makes a clever mechanic a million- 

 aire — an industrious journeyman a wealthy and pros- 

 perous master. Ambition also makes members of 

 parliament of fortunate speculators and successful 

 adventurers — and gentlemen of swindlers : and maybe 

 'twas ambition, " though not the true one," that made 

 coachmen of gentlemen and nobles. 



It was then the ambition of the humble individual now 

 inditing these pages to become a great coach proprietor. 

 From his father's position at the head of one of the 

 largest establishments in London, he had an opportunity 

 of contemplating the importance, the status it gave a man 

 in society ; and comported himself accordingly, to acquire 

 a knowledge of its relative duties and advantages. 



It will be recollected but by few, I fear, of my readers, 

 that the coaching world was comprised in a circle, and 



