seem to be under the influence of reason, and do not keep up the proper conversation of human creatures, as imitating the language of different animals.  Thus, for instance, the affinity between Chatterers and Monkeys, and Praters and Parrots, is too obvious not to occur at once; Grunters and Growlers may be justly compared to Hogs; Snarlers are Curs that continually show their teeth, but never bite; and the Spitfire passionate are a sort of wild cats that will not bear stroking, but will purr when they are pleased.  Complainers are Screech-Owls; and Story-Tellers, always repeating the same dull note, are Cuckoos.  Poets that prick up their ears at their own hideous braying are no better than Asses.  Critics in general are venomous Serpents that delight in hissing, and some of them who have got by heart a few technical terms without knowing their meaning are no other than Magpies.  I, myself, who have crowed to the whole town for near three years past may perhaps put my readers in mind of a Barnyard Cock; but as I must acquaint them that they will hear the last of me on this day fortnight, I hope that they will then consider me as a Swan, who is supposed to sing sweetly at his dying moments.

—­Cowper.

* * * * *

It is almost a definition of a gentleman to say that he is one who never inflicts pain.  This description is both refined, and, so far as it goes, accurate.  He is mainly occupied in merely removing the obstacles which hinder the free and unembarrassed action of those about him, and he concurs with their movements rather than takes the initiative himself.  His benefits may be considered as parallel to what are called the comforts or conveniences in arrangements of a personal nature—­like an easy chair or a good fire, which do their best in dispelling cold and fatigue, tho nature provides both means of rest and animal heat without them.  The true gentleman in like manner carefully avoids whatever may cause a jar or a jolt in the mind of those with whom he is cast—­all clashing of opinion or collision of feeling, all restraint or suspicion or gloom or resentment, his great concern being to make every one at ease and at home.  He has his eyes on all his company, he is tender toward the bashful, gentle toward the distant, and merciful toward the absurd.  He can recollect to whom he is speaking; he guards against unseasonable allusions or topics which may irritate; he is seldom prominent in conversation, and never wearisome.  He makes light of favors when he does them, and seems to be receiving when he is conferring.  He never speaks of himself except when compelled, never defends himself by a mere retort; he has no ears for slander or gossip, is scrupulous in imputing motive to those who interfere with him, and interprets everything for the best.  He is never mean or little in his disputes, never takes unfair advantage, never mistakes personalities or sharp sayings for arguments, or insinuates evil which he