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sentiment, or by the relation of a laudable action. But although 

 a long period has elapsed in this practice, he has never yet met 

 with a person whose judgment he could prefer to his own: nay, 

 the most experienced statesmen, on beholding this ornament of 

 the throne, blush at their own insufficiency, and study anew the 

 arts of government; nevertheless, out of the abundance of his 

 sagacity, he will not suffer himself to quit the paths of inquiry. 

 Although he be surrounded with power and splendour, yet he 

 never suffers himself to be led away by anger or wrath. Others 

 employ story-tellers to lull them to sleep, but his majesty, on the 

 contrary, listens to them to keep him awake. From the excess 

 of his righteousness he exercises upon himself both inward and 

 outward austerities; and pays some regard to external forms, in 

 order that those who are attached to established customs, ma} 7 not 

 have any cause for reproach. 



" He never laughs at, nor ridicules any religion or sect. He 

 never wastes his time, nor omits the performance of any duty; so 

 that through the blessing of his upright intentions, every action of 

 his life may be considered as an adoration of the Deity. He is 

 continually returning thanks unto Providence, and scrutinizing his 

 own conduct. But he most especially so employs himself at the 

 following staled limes: at day-break, when the sun begins to 

 diffuse his rays; at noon, when that grand illuminator of the uni- 

 verse shines in full resplendence; in the evening, when he disap- 

 pears from the inhabitants of the earth ; and again at midnight, 

 when he recommences his ascent. His life is an uninterrupted 

 series of virtues and suund morality. God is witness that the 

 wise of all ranks are unanimous in this declaration/' 



