THE NEW RICH.
the following Y—I sin,. Sir, &c. Oxus.
"CHARACTERS OF MEN.
It is in the relaxation of security, it is in the expansion of pro- sperity, it is in the hour of dilatation of the heart, and of its softening into festivity and pleasure, that the real character of men is dis- cerned. If there is any good in them, it appears then or never. Even wolves and tigers, when gorged with their prey, are safe and gentle. It is at such times that noble minds give all the reins to their good nature. They indulge their genius even to intemperance. in kindness to the afflicted, in generosity to the conquered ; for- bearing insults, forgiving injuries, overpaying benefits. Full of dignity themselves they respect dignity in all, but they feel it sacred in the unhappy. But it is then, and basking in the sunshine of unmerited fortune, that low, sordid, ungenerous and reptile souls swell with their hoarded poisons ; it is then that they display their odious splendour ; and shine out in the full lustre of their native villainy and baseness. It is in that season that no men of sense or honour. can be roiataken for one of them."
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