THJS SPORT OP FORTUNE. 509 



his fovereign ; to whom he was not long unknown as a 

 young man of great merit and of ftill greater hopes. 

 Aloyfius was in the full ardour of youth, and the 

 prince was fo likewife ; Aloyfius was impetuous and en- 

 terprifing; the prince, who was fo too, was fond of 

 fuch characters. By a copious vein of wit, and a full 

 Hock of knowledge, Aloyfius was the foul of every 

 company he frequented ; enlivened every circle into 

 which he happened to fall, by a jovial ty always equal, 

 and diffufed life and gaiety over every object that came 

 in his way ; and the prince knew how to prize the vir- 

 tues which he himfelf poffeffed in an eminent degree. 

 Whatever he took in hand, not excepting his very 

 paftimes, had a tincture of elevation : no obflacle could 

 affright him, and no difappointment could conquer 

 his fpirit. The value of thefe qualities was enhanced 

 by a graceful figure ; the perfect picture of blooming 

 health and herculean vigour was animated by the elo- 

 quent play of an active mind; an inborn natural 

 majefty in mien and gait and air was tempered by a 

 noble modefty. If the prince was charmed with the. 

 mind of his young companion, this captivating exterior 

 impreffed his fenfes with an irrefiftible force. Equality 

 of age, harmony of difpolitions and character, foofl 

 formed a connection between them, that partook of all 

 the energy of friendfhip, and all the vehemence of 

 ardent affection. Aloyfius rather flew than was raifed 

 from one promotion to another : but thefe outward 

 marks of favour feemed very far fhort of the lively 

 efleem the prince had for him. His fortune fprung 

 up with aftonilning rapidity, as the creator of it was 

 his admirer, his paffionate friend. Not yet twenty- 

 two 



