affair proceeded so well
to an issue, that the same was brought to a head to a wish. Thus had I
the great satisfaction of going to my repose as a private citizen with a
very handsome silver cup, bearing an inscription in the Latin tongue, of
the time I had been in the council, guildry, and magistracy; and
although, in the outset of my public life, some of my dealings may have
been leavened with the leaven of antiquity, yet, upon the whole, it will
not be found, I think, that, one thing weighed with another, I have been
an unprofitable servant to the community. Magistrates and rulers must
rule according to the maxims and affections of the world; at least,
whenever I tried any other way, strange obstacles started up in the
opinions of men against me, and my purest intents were often more
criticised than some which were less disinterested; so much is it the
natural humour of mankind to jealouse and doubt the integrity of all
those who are in authority and power, especially when they see them
deviating from the practices of their predecessors. Posterity,
therefore, or I am far mistaken, will not be angered at my plain dealing
with regard to the small motives of private advantage of which I have
made mention, since it has been my endeavour to show and to acknowledge,
that there is a reforming spirit abroad among men, and that really the
world is gradually growing better--slowly I allow; but still it is
growing better, and the main profit of the improvement will be reaped by
those who are ordained to come after us.

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