From the general account of her characters, this observation results, That such as she has stigmatized for want of charity, ought rather to be censured for want of decency.  There might be many reasons, why a person benevolent in his nature, might yet refuse to subscribe to her; but, in general, such as refused, did it (as she says) in a rude manner, and she was more piqued at their deficiency in complaisance to her, than their want of generosity.  Complaisance is easily shewn; it may be done without expence; it often procures admirers, and can never make an enemy.  On the other hand, benevolence itself, accompanied with a bad grace, may lay us under obligations, but can never command our affection.  It is said of King Charles I. that he bestowed his bounty with so bad a grace, that he disobliged more by giving, than his son by refusing; and we have heard of a gentleman of great parts, who went to Newgate with a greater satisfaction, as the judge who committed him accompanied the sentence with an apology and a compliment, than he received from his releasment by another, who, in extending the King’s mercy to him, allayed the Royal clemency by severe invectives against the gentleman’s conduct.

We must avoid entering into a detail of the many addresses, disappointments and encouragements, which she met with in her attendance upon the great:  her characters are naturally, sometimes justly, and often strikingly, exhibited.  The incidents of her life while she remained in London were not very important, though she has related them with all the advantage they can admit of.  They are such as commonly happen to poets in distress, though it does not often fall out, that the insolence of wealth meets with such a bold return as this lady has given it.  There is a spirit of keenness, and freedom runs through her book, she spares no man because he is great by his station, or famous by his abilities.  Some knowledge of the world may be gained from reading her Memoirs; the different humours of mankind she has shewn to the life, and whatever was ridiculous in the characters she met with, is exposed in very lively terms.

The next scene which opens in Mrs. Pilkington’s life, is the prison of the Marshalsea.  The horrors and miseries of this jail she has pathetically described, in such a manner as should affect the heart of every rigid creditor.  In favour of her fellow-prisoners, she wrote a very moving memorial, which, we are told, excited the legislative power to grant an Act of Grace for them.  After our poetess had remained nine weeks in this prison, she was at last released by the goodness of Mr. Cibber, from whose representation of her distress, no less than sixteen dukes contributed a guinea apiece towards her enlargement.  When this news was brought her, she fainted away with excess of joy.  Some time after she had tasted liberty, she began to be weary of that continued attendance upon the great; and therefore was resolved, if ever