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FABLES. 



they were conferred. Those which have been 

 acquired for virtuous actions, will be regarded as 

 illustrious signs of dignity; but if they have been 

 bestowed upon the worthless and base, as the 

 reward of vice or corruption, all the stars and gar- 

 ters, and collars of an illustrious order, all the 

 tinsel glories in which such creatures may strut 

 about in fancied superiority, will not mask them 

 from the sight of men of discernment, w r ho will 

 always consider the means by which their honours 

 have been obtained, and truly estimate them as 

 badges of abasement and disgrace. 



05' 



