132 FABLES. 



circumstances, and his humour; and also the neces- 

 sity of examining our own temper and disposition,, 

 to discover, if we can, ho\v far these may accord 

 with the genius of those with whom we are about 

 to form a connection; otherwise our associations, of 

 whatever kind they be, may prove the greatest 

 plague of our life. Young people, who are warm 

 in all their passions, and suffer them, like a veil, to 

 hoodwink their reason, often throw open their arms 

 at once, and admit into the greatest intimacy per- 

 sons whom they know little of, but by false and 

 uncertain lights, and thus, perhaps, take a Porcu- 

 pine into their bosom, instead of an inmate who- 

 might sooth the cares of life, as an amiable consort, 

 or a valuable friend. 



