434 ASS. 



a Man of consequence, and an Officer of the re- 

 venue, have an important air, and their habit 

 imposes on the spectators. On the contrary, the 

 labour of the Peasant has a mean and contemptible 

 appearance, because his dress is poor, and his con- 

 dition despised. But we really make a false esti- 

 mation of these particulars. It is the labour of the 

 Peasant which is most valuable, and alone truly 

 necessary. Of what importance is it to us when 

 a Manager of the revenue glitters from head to 

 foot with gold ? We have no advantage from his 

 labours. I confess. Judges and Advocates are, 

 in some measure, necessary ; but they are made so 

 by our folly and misbehaviour ; for they would 

 no longer be wanted, could we conduct ourselves 

 in a rational manner. But, on the other hand, 

 we could on no account, and in no season or con- 

 dition of life, be without the Peasant and the Ar- 

 tisan. These people may be considered as the 

 souls and sinews of the community, and the sup- 

 port of our life. It is from them we are con- 

 stantly i deriving some accommodations for our 

 wants. Our houses, our habits, our furniture, 

 and our sustenance, rise out of their labours. Now 

 what would become of your Vine-dressers, Gar- 

 deners, Masons, and the generality of country 

 people, that is to say, of two-thirds of all man- 

 kind, if they were destitute either of men or 

 horses to convey the commodities and materials 

 they employ and manufacture ? The Ass is per- 

 petually at their service : he carries fruit, herbs, 

 coal, wood, bricks^ tiles, plaister, lime, and straw. 



I 



