TO MODESTY. Celestial guest! whose holy touch, True beauty can bestow; From thee youth's sweet, expanding flower, Receives its finest glow. Thine is her still increasing blush, No angel is there to protect, No guardian near the heart. Thou art the fairest ornament, Thou art a shelter plac'd by Heav'n, Thou art the morning dew of life, Dash not the dew-drop from the flow'r, When guilt, with ever anxious care, Thou art fair Virtue's loveliest throne; She views her foes from thence; A veil by heav'nly pow'r so wrought, That, screen'd by thee, the mind retires O, quit me not! thou essence pure, ON THE GRATITUDE OF DOMESTICS. VIRTUE, in every form, is lovely and imposing; but the endearing qualities of fidelity and gratitude claim particular regard; as they express not only a sense of duty in those who practise them, but seem to flow spontaneously from the heart. A man may be honest, because he ought to be so, and because the laws will compel him to be so. Another speaks the truth, or is sober, from respectable motives; but he who is faithful and grateful, is so, because he is attached to his benefactor, and is impressed with a strong sense of the benefits he has received. The wise author of our nature has so connected men with each other, that no one lives for himself alone. He that is most rich and powerful depends upon his fellowcreatures for a thousand comforts, which his wealth, however great, could never procure for him in a solitary desert. The labouring hand, of every class, looks to the opulent for the reward of his toil, and assistance in the time of difficulty. The relative connexions of magistrate and subject, parent and child, husband and wife, master and servant, mutually depend on each other for happiness and the performance of reciprocal duties, which opens a large field for the exercise of gratitude. History furnishes many striking examples of heroes who have devoted themselves to death, in the service of their country, as a grateful tribute for the benefits they have derived from it. The desire of transmitting a celebrated name to posterity, probably, had some influence in these illustrious deeds. Domestic life, though a less distinguished theatre of action, is fruitful in virtuous deeds which flow from a less suspected source; as, from their privacy, they cannot attract admiration, beyond the circle of those who are immediately concerned in them; and are of the highest value, from the frequent opportunities of performing them, and being within the reach of the lowest classes. In civilised society the different degrees of master and servant are unavoidable: those who abound in wealth, will not labour; and those who are destitute, gladly exchange their industry for a share of the good things possessed by their neighbours. At the first view, this order of things excites pity for those who are obliged to - devote their time and talents to the service of others; and their lot is considered as less fortunate than that of their employers: but, on further reflection, this variety of stations is a means of calling forth the most amiable dispositions in both parties: kindness and tender consideration, from the masters towards their servants; and fidelity and gratitude, from them to their benefactors and protectors. Though an undistinguishing outcry of the ingratitude of servants is a common topic of discourse, it by no means follows that it is a universal fault. The want of it may often be attributed to a defect of education; a strong jealousy that prevails between the two ranks; and the inconsiderate unkindness of superiors, who too seldom think of cultivating a lasting friendship with them. Inmates of a day, can they feel a strong regard for the interests of a master or a mistress, who will discharge them for the most trifling fault; and perhaps, for a hasty word, throw a helpless girl unprotected on the wide world? Numerous instances might be collected of servants, who, from kind treatment, have formed the strongest attachment to their masters, and have shown it at the risk of every thing that was valuable to them. Two shall suffice, as a proof that it is well worth the endeavour to win the regard of those people whom we proudly call our inferiors; though events may so turn out, as to convince us that we stand as much in need of their friendship, as they do of ours. A gentleman was travelling, with his valet de chambre, in a sledge, through one of the extensive forests in Poland, when they were suddenly attacked by a number of wolves, which leaped furiously at the carriage. The servant, who instantly perceived that either he or the gentleman must fall a victim to their fury, exclaimed, "Protect my wife and children;" and without hesitation rushed into the midst of them, perished in a moment, and by this generous act saved his master, who fled from the danger by driving on with the greatest rapidity. When M. Barthelemy was sent, with several others, into banishment into Cayenne, his servant Le Tellier, came running up, as he was getting into the carriage, with an order from the Directory, permitting him to accompany his master. He delivered it to Augereau, who, having read it: said: "You are determined then, to share the fate of these men, who are lost for ever. Whatever events await them, be assured they will never return." "My mind is made up," answered Le Tellier; "I shall be but too happy to share the misfortunes of my master." "Well, then," replied Augureau, go, fanatic, and perish with him :" at the same time adding: "Soldiers, let this man be watched as closely as these miscreants." 66 Le Tellier threw himself on his knees before his master, who felt exquisite pleasure at this awful moment, to press so affectionate a friend to his bosom. This worthy fellow continued to show the same courage and attachment during the voyage and after they arrived at |