_To the generous_ DORISLAUS:

'Irresistible destiny abandons these helpless infants
to your care.--They are twins, begot
by the same father, and born of the same mother,
and of a blood not unworthy the protection
they stand in need of; which if you vouchsafe to
afford, they will have no cause to regret the misfortune
of their birth, or accuse the authors of
their being.--Why they seek it of you in particular,
you may possibly be hereafter made sensible.--In
the mean time content yourself with
knowing they are already baptized by the names
of Horatio and Louisa.'


The astonishment he was in at so unexpected a present being made him,
may more easily be imagined than expressed; but he had then no time to
form any conjectures by whom or by what means it was left there: the
children wanted immediate succour, and he hesitated not a moment whether
it would become him to bestow it: he took the basket up himself, and
running as fast as he could with it into the house, called his
maid-servants about him, and commanded them to give these little
strangers what assistance was in their power, while a man was sent among
the tenants in search of nurses proper to attend them. To what person
soever, said he, I am indebted for this confidence, it must not be
abused.--Besides, whatever stands in need of protection, merits
protection from those who have the power to give it.