death was pious and resigned. From his poem, entitled Reflections,
he appears, like some other authors, to have turned his mind, in old
age, entirely to those objects of sacred regard, which, sooner or later,
must engage the attention of every rational mind. To poetry he bids an
eternal adieu, in language which breathes no diminution of genius, at
the moment that he for ever recedes from the poetical character. But he
aspired to a better.

Whatever were Hamilton's errors, his general character was respectable.
He has been represented as grave, and even dull, in society; the very
reverse, in short, of what he appears in his Memoirs: but this is
probably exaggerated. Unquestionably, he had not the unequalled vivacity
of the Count de Grammont in conversation; as Grammont was, on the other
hand, inferior, in all respects, to Hamilton when the pen was in his
hand; the latter was, however, though reserved in a large society,
particularly agreeable in a more select one. Some of his letters remain,
in which he alludes to his want of that facility at impromptu which
gave such brilliancy to the conversation of some of his brother wits
and contemporaries. But, while we admit the truth of this, let it be
remembered, at the same time, that when he wrote this, he was by no
means young; that he criticised his own defects with severity; that he
was poor, and living in a court which itself subsisted on the alms of
another. Amidst such circumstances, extemporary gaiety cannot always be
found. I can suppose, that the Duchess of Maine, who laid claim to the
character of a patroness of wit, and, like many who assert such claims,
was very troublesome, very self-sufficient, and very 'exigeante',
might not always have found that general superiority, or even transient
lustre, which she expected in Hamilton's society: yet, considering the
great difference of their age and situation, this circumstance will
not greatly impeach his talents for conversation. But the work of real
genius must for ever remain; and of Hamilton's genius, the Grammont
Memoirs will always continue a beauteous and graceful monument. To
that monument may also be added, the candour, integrity, and unassuming
virtues of the amiable author.

CHAPTER FIRST. INTRODUCTION

As those who read only for amusement are, in my opinion, more worthy of
attention than those who open a book merely to find fault, to the former
I address myself, and for their entertainment commit the