end for this exercise, I mean, the preservation of health, and
keeping all the organs of the soul in a condition to execute her
orders. Had that incomparable person, whom I last quoted, been a
little more indulgent to himself in this point, the world might
probably have enjoyed him much longer; whereas thro' too great an
application to his studies in his youth, he contracted that ill
habit of body, which, after a tedious sickness, carried him off
in the fortieth year of his age; and the whole history we have of
his life till that time, is but one continued account of the
behaviour of a noble soul struggling under innumerable pains and
distempers.

For my own part I intend to hunt twice a week during my stay with
Sir Roger; and shall prescribe the moderate use of this exercise
to all my country friends as the best kind of physick for mending
a bad constitution, and preserving a good one. I cannot do this
better, than in the following lines out of Mr. Dryden.

The first physicians by debauch were made;
Excess began, and sloth sustains the trade.
By chace our long-liv'd fathers earn'd their food;
Toil strung the nerves, and purify'd the blood;
But we their sons, a pamper'd race of men,
Are dwindled down to threescore years and ten.
Better to hunt in fields for health unbought,
Than fee the Doctor for a nauseous draught.
The wise for cure on exercise depend;
God never made his work for man to mend.