MEMOIR OF THOMAS BEWICK. 



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reared and presented by their fair hands, ever 

 operate as a charm in ensuring the attentions and 

 unabating regard of all men! And of all good 

 men it will. In thus dictating to them, n6 embar- 

 rassment can follow; and, if they ever know of 

 the liberty I thus have taken, it will probably be 

 when all embarrassments are, with me, at an end. 

 And I can only further leave behind me a wish 

 that health may eternally blush their cheeks, and 

 virtue their minds. 



Next in consideration to the ladies, who they 

 must in courtesy follow, are the freeholders of this 

 favoured land. Such of these as, by their attain- 

 ments, arrive at the degree of gentlemen, are, or 

 ought to be, the pride and glory of'every civilised 

 country in the world. Placed in opulence and 

 independence, they are, and must be looked up 

 to as, the patrons of every virtue in the people, 

 who, in their station of life, may need such help 

 to encourage them. May gentlemen never lose 

 sight of this important duty, and ever be able 

 to stem the torrent of gambling and dissipation; 

 so that their ancient mansions may remain in 

 their names for ever, as pledges of their worth, 

 and as ornaments to the country. Without 

 their countenance, arts and sciences, and artisans, 

 would languish, industry would be paralysed, and 

 barbarism again rear its benumbed hands and 

 stupid head. It is to be hoped that the business 

 of their wine vaults, their horses, and their dogs, 

 may cease to be the main business of their lives, 

 and only be looked to as matters of amusement 

 wherewith to unbend their minds. And, as no 

 man can, while he is in possession of his faculties, 

 rest in happiness unless he is exercising them, 



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