with a good Grace, and yet fewer who can come slow
enough into the World, that a Father, were he to
be actuated by his Desires, and a Son, were he to consult
himself only, could neither of them behave himself
as he ought to the other. But when Reason interposes
against Instinct, where it would carry either out
of the Interests of the other, there arises that happiest
Intercourse of good Offices between those dearest
Relations of human Life. The Father, according
to the Opportunities which are offered to him, is
throwing down Blessings on the Son, and the Son endeavouring
to appear the worthy Offspring of such a Father.
It is after this manner that Camillus and
his firstborn dwell together. Camillus enjoys
a pleasing and indolent old Age, in which Passion is
subdued, and Reason exalted. He waits the Day
of his Dissolution with a Resignation mixed with
Delight, and the Son fears the Accession of his Fathers
Fortune with Diffidence, lest he should not enjoy or
become it as well as his Predecessor. Add to
this, that the Father knows he leaves a Friend to
the Children of his Friends, an easie Landlord to
his Tenants, and an agreeable Companion to his Acquaintance.
He believes his Sons Behaviour will make him frequently
remembered, but never wanted. This Commerce
is so well cemented, that without the Pomp of saying,
Son, be a Friend to such a one when I am gone; Camillus
knows, being in his Favour, is Direction enough to
the grateful Youth who is to succeed him, without
the Admonition of his mentioning it. These
Gentlemen are honoured in all their Neighbourhood,
and the same Effect which the Court has on the Manner
of a Kingdom, their Characters have on all who live
within the Influence of them.
My Son and I are not of Fortune to communicate our good Actions or Intentions to so many as these Gentlemen do; but I will be bold to say, my Son has, by the Applause and Approbation which his Behaviour towards me has gained him, occasioned that many an old Man, besides my self, has rejoiced. Other Mens Children follow the Example of mine, and I have the inexpressible Happiness of overhearing our Neighbours, as we ride by, point to their Children, and say, with a Voice of Joy, There they go.
You cannot, Mr. SPECTATOR, pass your time better than insinuating the Delights which these Relations well regarded bestow upon each other. Ordinary Passions are no longer such, but mutual Love gives an Importance to the most indifferent things, and a Merit to Actions the most insignificant. When we look round the World, and observe the many Misunderstandings which are created by the Malice and Insinuation of the meanest Servants between People thus related, how necessary will it appear that it were inculcated that Men would be upon their Guard to support a Constancy of Affection, and that grounded upon the Principles of Reason, not the Impulses of Instinct.
It is from the common Prejudices which