University of Virginia Library

There is no vice more prevalent than the above, which, not content with slandering, where perhaps the lash is in some degree merited, will equally attack those whose lives are the most irreproachable; for, according to the French proverb, La moitiè du monde prend plaisir a medire, & lautre motiè a croire les medisances; which acts as a sufficient incentive to the garrulity of this class of fools. Yet howsoever the slanderer may conceive himself secure, danger will frequently attend this cacoethes loquendi, for none are more tenacious than those who feel convinced of their own integrity; and it should be remembered, that, “Fame damna majora, quam quæ estimari possuit;” let the fool therefore be prepared for the worst, whose pleasure consists in defamation. I had nearly forgotten to instance one set of men, who, although they pride themselves on their abilities, are notwithstanding the most determined advocates for this species of folly, by which I allude to the occupants of the opposition Bench in the House of Commons; who, while out of place, braud with every opprobrious epithet the very men and measures which they will the next day extol to the very skies, if taken into ministerial favour.