University of Virginia Library

8500. TRANQUILLITY, Old age and.—[further continued] .

Tranquillity is the summum
bonum
of age. I wish, therefore, to offend
no man's opinion, nor to draw disquieting
animadversions on my own. While duty required
it, I met opposition with a firm and fearless
step. But loving mankind in my individual
relations with them, I pray to be permitted
to depart in their peace; and like the superannuated
soldier, “quadragenis stipendiis emeritis ”, to hang my arms on the post.—
To Spencer Roane. Washington ed. vii, 136. Ford ed., x, 142.
(P.F.,,
18191819)gt;