At this
time, when he is supposed by some, and represented by others, as
under the circumstances of oblivion and despondence, he proceeds
in his design with the utmost calmness and intrepidity, meditating
schemes, and ripening measures, that will one day confound his
enemies, and attract the notice and admiration of mankind."
Peregrine, having thanked the priest for his obliging information,
expressed his surprise at the scandalous inattention of the world
to an affair of such importance; observing, that, by such inhuman
neglect, this unfortunate young gentleman, Mr. A--, was absolutely
deprived of all the benefit of society; the sole end of which is,
to protect the rights, redress the grievances, and promote the
happiness of individuals. As for the character of M--, he said, it
was so romantically singular in all its circumstances, that, though
other motives were wanting, curiosity alone would induce him to seek
his acquaintance. But he did not at all wonder at the ungrateful
returns which had been made to his generosity by H-- and many
others, whom he had served in a manner that few, besides himself,
would have done; for he had been long convinced of the truth conveyed
in these lines of a celebrated Italian author:--
Li beneficii che, per la loro grandezza, non ponno esser guiderdonati,
con la scelerata moneta dell' ingratitudine sono pagati.
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