THE COUNTY ASSIZES.

A man's first care should be to avoid the reproaches of his own
heart; his next, to escape the censures of the world. If the
last interferes with the former, it ought to be entirely
neglected; but otherwise there cannot be a greater satisfaction
to an honest mind, than to see those approbations which it gives
itself seconded by the applauses of the publick: a man is more
sure of his conduct, when the verdict which he passes upon his
own behaviour is thus warranted and confirmed by the opinion of
all that know him.

My worthy friend Sir Roger is one of those who is not only at
peace within himself, but beloved and esteemed by all about him.
He receives a suitable tribute for his universal benevolence to
mankind, in the returns of affection and good-will, which are
paid him by every one that lives within his neighbourhood. I
lately met with two or three odd instances of that general
respect which is shewn to the good old Knight. He would needs
carry Will Wimble and myself with him to the county-assizes. As
we were upon the road, Will Wimble join'd a couple of plain men
who rid before us, and conversed with them for some time; during
which my friend Sir Roger acquainted me with their characters.

The first of them, says he, that has a spaniel by his side, is a
yeoman of about an hundred pounds a year, an honest man: he is
just within the game-act, and qualified to kill an hare or a
pheasant. He knocks down a dinner with his gun twice or thrice a
week; and by that means lives much cheaper than those who have