Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1885 edition. Excerpt: ...adoration, contrived to introduce the word 'adelphe' into a toast. A guest, not equally learned or sharp-witted, was not to be outdone on the subject of favourites, and he therefore begged to propose, in very warm language, one additional toast--The Lyceum. During my rambles I met with a curious epitaph. The departed hero was a man who had pursued his ' worldly' course with a special tenacity and single-mindedness of purpose. In fact, he 'stuck to one party, and that was himself.' His charity, if it ever began at home, certainly never journeyed beyond the threshold, and, if he was ever guilty of the weakness which attends charitable deeds, his economical right-hand supporter never once communicated the fact to his sinister member. Instead of enjoying his fortune and witnessing the cheering effect arising from judicious and well-directed generosity during his life, he appeared to have hoarded his treasures in a selfish and miserly spirit, until the time came when he 'must' leave his ill-gotten gains to be divided amongst those who gave him no special thanks for an act which he could not veiy well have avoided committing. His 'grateful' friends rewarded him in a suitable manner by proclaiming to all the world his unwise and grudging character, instead of cheerfully hailing him as a generous benefactor, if he had behaved with more beneficient consideration. The following lines will convey to the reader the peculiar estimation in which the miser was held by an admiring circle of appreciative relations: --'Here lies Ralph Meld, Buried in his own field, Aged threescore and ten. He never did any good, And, in truth, he never would, If he had lived as long again.' No bad comment on a life passed without yielding pleasure to the selfish possessor..
