Means of raijing an additional Tax for the Current Service. 345 
tion, oppofed to the calamitous effects of tardy payments, which 
produce no real benefit to the public ? There is a neighboring 
prince whofe revenues are not large, and yet he fupports a vafi: 
army, almoft by the mere force of punctuality, and a quick 
circulation. What a relief it would be to minifters in time of 
war, to be fure of fupplies by means which render the profped 
of peace delightful ! But if we ftill continue to run in debt, 
will not peace, with all her charms, look fad and gloomy ? 
With regard to our revenues, it is reafonable to believe that 
a naval war may be rendered fupportable to us, even if we fhould 
think it neceflary to give some afliftance to our allies. Every 
thing is impofiible to thofe who think it fo : and humanly 
fpeaking, nothing is impossible, when virtue, courage, skill, 
AND INDUSTRY, ARE EMPLOYED TO ACCOMPLISH IT. This is the 
way to achieve the greatest actions. — Thofe who are 
much abler to judge of this matter than myfelf, may look se- 
rious or laugh, but the truth does not feem to be unfathom- 
able to common apprehenfions. Whether thofe who write, 
or thofe who harangue, fucceed in their honeft labors, I hope 
heaven will afiift us in doing that which is best. Farewell. 
I am yours, &c. 
LETTER XXV. 
To the fame . 
Madam, 
T HE Spaniards have a proverbial faying, that “ there is 
“ but a quarter fo much nobility and riches in the 
“ world as men talk of.” Quality or high blood did once in- 
Y y elude 
6 
