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No. V.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1816.

Vir bonus est quis?

HORACE.

THERE is no phrase more universally used, or more completely altered in its use at Westminster from its real etymològical meaning, than that of a goodnatured fellow; with which quality, as it is understood in Dean's Yard, neither selfishness nor cruelty are inconsistent. This subject, however, the following letter I have received from a correspondent, will be better able to elucidate, and at the same time be more serviceable and interesting than any comment I could produce of my own.

SIR,

Before I entered the World at Westminster,' I had always been taught to consider as good nature, not the effusions of mirth proceeding from satisfaction and the gratification of our own desires, not the thoughtless laughter and heedless good humour of the unprincipled libertine, nor even those attentions and civilities which prudence and a regard to our own interests directs us to pay to those with whom we principally associate; for, unless we intend to take upon us the character of Misanthropism, we cannot but attempt to please some part of those with whom we live; and if by so.doing a man deserves the character of a good-natured fellow, surely with exactly as much justice a thief may lay claim to the title of an honest fellow, because he has not plundered the common stock of his brethren in the profession;-I say, I had been taught to consider good-nature as a steady principle of good-will to all men,

and of humanity even to brutes, as unwilling to resent injuries, compassionate to the misfortunes of others, desirous to promote their good and gratify their wishes, even though it were to its own disadvantage. How then was I surprised to see, upon my first coming to Westminster, one who had obtained the appellation of a good-natured fellow among most of his school-fellows; at one time giving an unfortunate wretch a slap on the face without the slightest provocation; not indeed that I believe he bore any spite to him, but merely for his own amusement through thoughtlessness. At another time I have seen him by force strip the clothes off a boy's back for his own use; and yet with his own set he was the most complaisant affable creature alive. Again, if want of sensibility with regard to the brute creation be any obstacle to the character of real good nature, I fear on that score he would be lamentably deficient. He was to be seen at the head of

every Badger-bait, and Bull-bait within the confines of Westminster, and a Cathunt was one of his greatest delights. He had beside an insuperable aversion to all the Sunday Bucks, &c. &c. who passed through the yard, but rarely returned to the compter without receiving from his mischievous disposition some damage to their apparel, or perhaps a bloody nose; and he was, moreover, the terror of all the 'tea-drinking Fogeys,' as he called them, on this side of St. James's Park :yet for all this he was considered a paragon of good nature. I own I have my doubts on this subject: I hope in some of your papers soon you will do me the favour of giving me your opinion, till when, I shall not venture to make use of that term.

I remain, Sir, &c. &c.

The humble Petition of White Cotton Stockings to Thomas Brown the Younger.

WHEREAS, by the permission of a certain

personage, the use of long gaiters at all times and in all places, has been introduced, which heretofore has been prohibited :We, your petitioners, do humbly pray that you will represent in our name to the World at Westminster, that the said introduction of long gaiters is materially detrimental to us their humble and faithful servants; that it is the occasion of our being over worked; that we, who hitherto were scarcely ever in actual service more than two or three days at farthest without being relieved by our fellows, are, by means of our aforesaid enemies, the long gaiters, compelled to serve for a week-nay sometimes more than a week without intermission. We humbly therefore, request you to remind them of our past services; since we can safely boast, that notwithstanding we have been abused and trodden under foot from time immemorial, our fidelity, like a spaniel's, has not been diminished by injuries: And your petitioners in duty bounden will ever pray, &c.

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