A KEY to the figures at the end of each piece; as, 16-iv. 2. id est, King John, act iv. scene 2.

Several pieces were mislaid, and not discovered until it was too late to have them inserted in their respective Sections: they are therefore placed in the Miscellaneous part.

MORAL PHILOSOPHY.

"It may be said of Shakspeare, that from his works may be collected a system of civil and economical prudence.

*

He has himself been imitated by all succeeding writers; and it may be doubted, whether from all his scccessors more maxims of theoretical knowledge, or more rules of practical prudence, can be collected, than he alone has given to his country."

DR. JOHNSON.

MORAL

PHILOSOPHY.

Gifts, not our own.

Heaven doth with us, as we with torches do;
Not light them for themselves: for if our virtues
Did not go forth of us, 'twere all alike

As if we had them not.a Spirits are not finely touch'd,
But to fine issues: nor nature never lends

The smallest scruple of her excellence,

But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines
Herself the glory of a creditor,

Both thanks and use.b

Thyself and thy belongings

Are not thine own so proper, as to waste
Thyself upon thy virtues, them on thee.

3

Faults, extenuation of.

Oftentimes, excusing of a fault,

Doth make the fault the worse by the excuse;
As patches, set upon a little breach,

Discredit more, in hiding of the fault,c
Than did the fault before it was so patch'd.

4

Modern and present opinions contrasted.
In this, the antique and well-noted face
Of plain old form is much disfigured:

5-i. 1.

5-i. 1.

16-iv. 2.

a Matt. v. 15, 16.

b Interest. Matt, xxv. 20, &c.

c i.e. Blemish.