nguarded expression, or
some little inadvertency in his behaviour, suffer a capital
sentence.

"Which is my case, if I have forfeited your Lordship's favour;
which God forbid! That man is involved in double ruin that is not
only forsaken by his friend, but, which is the unavoidable
consequence, exposed to the malice and contempt not only of
enemies, but, what is still more grievous, of all sorts of fools.

"It is not the talent of every well-meaning man to converse with
his superiors with due decorum; for, either when he reflects upon
the vast distance of their station above his own, he is struck
dumb and almost insensible; or else their condescension and
courtly behaviour encourages him to be too familiar. To steer
exactly between these two extremes requires not only a good
intention, but presence of mind, and long custom.

"Another article in my friend's letter was, 'That somebody had
informed your Lordship that I was a very sot.' When first I had
the honour to be known to your Lordship, I could easily foresee
that there would be persons enough that would envy me upon that
account, and do what in them lay to traduce me. Let Haman enjoy
never so much himself, it is all nothing, it does him no good,
till poor Mordecai is hanged out of his way.

"But I never feared the being censured upon that account. Here in
the University I converse with none but persons of the most
distinguished reputations both for learning and virtue, and
receive from them daily as great marks of respect and esteem,
which I should not have if that imputation were true. It is most
certain that I do indulge myself the freedom of drinking a
cheerful cup, at proper seasons, among my friends; but no
otherwise than is done by thousands of honest men, who never
forfeit their character by it. And whoever doth no more than so,
deserves no more to be called a sot, than a man that eats a hearty
meal would be willing to be called a glutton.

"As for those detractors, if I have but the least assurance of
your Lordship's favour, I can very easily despise them. They are
_Nati consumere fruges_. They need not trouble themselves about
what other people do; for whatever they eat and drink, it is only
robbing the poor. Resigning myself entirely to your Lordship's
goodness and pardon, I conclude this necessary apology with like
provocation. That _I would be content he should take my c