The colonel was mortified to see himself over-topped by upstart
generals, some of whom he had once commanded; and, being a man of
a liberal turn, could ill put up with a moderate annuity, for
which he had sold his commission. As for the baronet, having run
himself considerably in debt, on a contested election, he has
been obliged to relinquish his seat in parliament, and his seat
in the country at the same time, and put his estate to nurse; but
his chagrin, which is the effect of his own misconduct, does not
affect me half so much as that of the other two, who have acted
honourable and distinguished parts on the great theatre, and are
now reduced to lead a weary life in this stew-pan of idleness and
insignificance. They have long left off using the waters, after
having experienced their inefficacy. The diversions of the place
they are not in a condition to enjoy. How then do they make shift
to pass their time? In the forenoon they crawl out to the Rooms
or the coffeehouse, where they take a hand at whist, or descant
upon the General Advertiser; and their evenings they murder in
private parties, among peevish invalids, and insipid old women --
This is the case with a good number of individuals, whom nature
seems to have intended for better purposes.

About a dozen years ago, many decent families, restricted to
small fortunes, besides those that came hither on the score of
health, were tempted to settle at Bath, where they could then
live comfortably, and even make a genteel appearance, at a small
expence: but the madness of the times has made the place too hot
for them, and they are now obliged to think of other migrations --
Some have already fled to the mountains of Wales, and others have
retired to Exeter. Thither, no doubt, they will be followed by
the flood of luxury and extravagance, which will drive them from