“Could you tell me of some conqueror giving peace and happiness to the conquered? did he accept the gifts of their princes to use them for the comfort of those whose fathers, sons, or husbands, fell in battle? did he use his power to gain security and freedom to the regions of oppression and slavery? did he endear the British name by examples of generosity, which the most barbarous or most depraved are rarely able to resist? did he return with the consciousness of duty discharged to his country, and humanity to his fellow-creatures? did he return with no lace on his coat, no slaves in his retinue, no chariot at his door, and no burgundy at his table?—­ these were laurels which princes might envy—­which an honest man would not condemn!”

“Your maxims, Mr. Harley, are certainly right,” said Edwards.  “I am not capable of arguing with you; but I imagine there are great temptations in a great degree of riches, which it is no easy matter to resist:  those a poor man like me cannot describe, because he never knew them; and perhaps I have reason to bless God that I never did; for then, it is likely, I should have withstood them no better than my neighbours.  For you know, sir, that it is not the fashion now, as it was in former times, that I have read of in books, when your great generals died so poor, that they did not leave wherewithal to buy them a coffin; and people thought the better of their memories for it:  if they did so now-a-days, I question if any body, except yourself, and some few like you, would thank them.”

“I am sorry,” replied Harley, “that there is so much truth in what you say; but however the general current of opinion may point, the feelings are not yet lost that applaud benevolence, and censure inhumanity.  Let us endeavour to strengthen them in ourselves; and we, who live sequestered from the noise of the multitude, have better opportunities of listening undisturbed to their voice.”

They now approached the little dwelling of Edwards.  A maid-servant, whom he had hired to assist him in the care of his grandchildren met them a little way from the house:  “There is a young lady within with the children,” said she.  Edwards expressed his surprise at the visit:  it was however not the less true; and we mean to account for it.

This young lady then was no other than Miss Walton.  She had heard the old man’s history from Harley, as we have already related it.  Curiosity, or some other motive, made her desirous to see his grandchildren; this she had an opportunity of gratifying soon, the children, in some of their walks, having strolled as far as her father’s avenue.  She put several questions to both; she was delighted with the simplicity of their answers, and promised, that if they continued to be good children, and do as their grandfather bid them, she would soon see them again, and bring some present or other for their reward.  This promise she had performed now:  she came attended only