LETTER XIV.

_INHABITANTS OF THE ALMS-HOUSE._

BLANEY.

Sed [quam] cæcus inest vitiis amor, omne futurum Despicitur; suadent brevem præsentia fructum, Et ruit in vetitum damni secura libido.

_Claudian. in Eutrop._ [Lib. II. vv. 50-2].

Nunquam parvo contenta peracta Et quæsitorum terrâ pelagoque ciborum Ambitiosa fames et lautæ gloria mensæ.

Et Luxus, populator Opum, [cui] semper adhærens, Infelix humili gressu comitatur Egestas.

_Claudian. in Rufinum_ [Lib. I. vv. 35-6].

Behold what blessing[s] wealth to life can lend!

_Pope_ [Moral Essays, Ep. III. v. 297].

Blaney, a wealthy Heir, dissipated, and reduced to Poverty--His Fortune restored by Marriage: again consumed--His Manner of living in the West Indies--Recalled to a larger Inheritance--His more refined and expensive Luxuries--His Method of quieting Conscience--Death of his Wife--Again become poor--His Method of supporting Existence--His Ideas of Religion--His Habits and Connexions when old--Admitted into the Alms-House.