So Swallow tried no more; but if they came
To seek his friendship, that remain'd the same:
Thus he retired in peace, and some would say
He'd balk'd his partner, and had learn'd to pray.
To this some zealots lent an ear, and sought
How Swallow felt, then said "a change is wrought."
'T was true there wanted all the signs of grace,
But there were strong professions in their place;
Then, too, the less that men from him expect,
The more the praise to the converting sect;
He had not yet subscribed to all their creed,
Nor own'd a Call, but he confess'd the need:
His acquiescent speech, his gracious look,
That pure attention, when the brethren spoke,
Was all contrition, — he had felt the wound,
And with confession would again be sound.
True, Swallow's board had still the sumptuous
treat;

But could they blame? the warmest zealots eat:
He drank-'twas needful his poor nerves to brace;
He swore -'twas habit; he was grieved—'t was

grace:

What could they do a new-born zeal to nurse?
"His wealth's undoubted-let him hold our purse;
"He'll add his bounty, and the house we'll raise
"Hard by the church, and gather all her strays :
"We'll watch her sinners as they home retire,
"And pluck the brands from the devouring fire."

Alas! such speech was but an empty boast;
The good men reckon'd, but without their host;
Swallow, delighted, took the trusted store,
And own'd the sum: they did not ask for more,

Till more was needed; when they call'd for aid And had it?—No, their agent was afraid : "Could he but know to whom he should refund, "He would most gladly — nay, he'd

-

go beyond; "But when such numbers claim'd, when some were

gone,

"And others going - he must hold it on;

"The Lord would help them"-Loud their anger

grew,

And while they threat'ning from his door withdrew, He bow'd politely low, and bade them all adieu. (1) But lives the man by whom such deeds are done? Yes, many such-but Swallow's race is run;

His name is lost, for though his sons have name, It is not his, they all escape the shame;

Nor is there vestige now of all he had,

His means are wasted, for his heir was mad :
Still we of Swallow as a monster speak,

A hard bad man, who prey'd upon the weak. (2)

(1) ["The character of Archer, the honest but stern and suspicious attor ney, and also that of the cunning and unprincipled Swallow, are admirably drawn; but in the latter Mr. Crabbe takes care to throw in some sarcasms on the zealots, who were too ready to claim him, as a convert, and trust him as their treasurer."- Eclectic Review.]

(2) I entertain the strongest, because the most reasonable hope, that no liberal practitioner in the Law will be offended by the notice taken of dishonourable and crafty attorneys. The increased difficulty of entering into the profession will in time render it much more free than it now is, from those who disgrace it: at present such persons remain, and it would not be difficult to give instances of neglect, cruelty, oppression, and chicanery; nor are they by any means confined to one part of the country. Quacks and impostors are indeed in every profession, as well with a licence as without one. The character and actions of Swallow might doubtless be contrasted by the delineation of an able and upright solicitor; but this letter is of sufficient length, and such persons, without question, are already known to my readers.

THE BOROUGH.

LETTER VII.

PROFESSIONS -PHYSIC.

Finirent multi letho mala; credula vitam

Spes alit, et melius cras fore semper ait. - TIBULLUS

He fell to juggle, cant, and cheat...
For as those fowls that live in water
Are never wet, he did but smatter;
Whate'er he labour'd to appear,
His understanding still was clear.

A paltry wretch he had, half-starved,

That him in place of zany served. - BUTLER's Hudibras.

The Worth and Excellence of the true Physician-Merit, not the sole Cause of Success Modes of advancing Reputation - Motives of medical Men for publishing their Works The great Evil of Quackery-Present State of advertising Quacks-Their Hazard - Some fail, and why-Causes of Success - How Men of understanding are prevailed upon to have Recourse to Empirics, and to permit their Names to be advertised-Evils of Quackery: to nervous Females: to Youth to Infants- History of an advertising Empiric, &c.