138 FABLES. 



a pleasing and melancholy idea that is given us by 

 the intercourse with elderly persons, whose conver- 

 sation is relishing and agreeable, and we cannot 

 help concluding that they must have been very 

 engaging in the prime of life, when in their decline 

 they are still capable of yielding us so much plea- 

 sure. Nor can we help feeling regret, that this 

 fountain of delight is now almost dried up, and 

 going to forsake us for ever. On the contrary, 

 when people have neglected to cultivate their minds 

 in youth, their whole deportment through life is 

 marked with the effects of this great want, and 

 their ol<i age is burthensome to themselves, and 

 their conversation insipid to others ; and like liquor 

 of a thin body, and vile quality, soon becomes sour, 

 vapid, or good for nothing. 



