$IO THE SPORT OF JFORTUNE. 



two years of age, he faw himfelf on a fummit, at which 

 the moll fortunate commonly fmifh their career. But 

 his active fpirit could not long remain quiet in the 

 bofom of idle repofe, nor yet content itfelf with the 

 fhining appendages of a greatnefs, to the folid ufes of 

 which he felt a fufficiency of courage and ability. 

 While the prince was running a round of pleafnres, 

 the young favourite employed himfelf in digging in the 

 mines of records and books ; and devoted himfelf with 

 laborious affiduity to the bufinefs of the Hate : in which 

 at length he rendered himfelf fo accomplifhed and 

 expert, that all affairs of any confequence palled 

 through his hands. From being a companion in the 

 pleafures, he became the chief - counfellor and prime 

 miniiter, and at la ft the mafter of his prince. There 

 was foon no way to the latter but through him. He 

 difpofed of all offices and dignities ; all recompences 

 and favours were received from his hands. 



Aloyfius had mounted to this pinnacle of grandeur at 

 too early a time of life and in too fndden a manner, for 

 enjoying it in moderation. The elevation to which he 

 law himfelf raifed, made him giddy with ambition,; 

 his modefry forfook him when he had reached the laft 

 aim of his willies. The tribute of humble fubmiffion 

 which was paid him by the firft perfons of the country,, 

 by all who were his fuperiors by birth, confide ration, 

 and fortune, and even by the veterans in office, in- 

 toxicated him with pride ; and the unbounded authority 

 with which he was inverted foon gave a certain hard- 

 nefs to his deportment, which thenceforward became a 

 main feature in his character, and attached itfelf to him 

 through all the viciilitudes of his fortune. No ferviees 

 % were 



