WEAK MEN. [From the Morning Chronicle. MR. EDITOR. THERE is a prejudice which has much influence upon the public in favour of weak men. It is generally thought that because men are weak, they are therefore honeft, and require not to be guarded againft as knaves. What expreffion more frequent than this, He is a fimple, honeft, well-meaning man? Now there is a fenfe, the only proper fenfe indeed of the word fimple, borrowed from mechanics I believe, which expreffes all that is pure and grand in the character of human beings, a freedom from complex and hidden views, direct and honourable conduct in every tranfaction; a man, therefore, who fhould be entitled, in this fenfe of the word, to the character of one of a fimple mind, must be an excellent perfon. But a fimple honeft man, according to the vulgar import of the expreffion, is neither more nor lefs than a filly fellow, who is thought to be too great a fool to be a rogue. It is this common prejudice which I would combat, because it is not only mifchievous, but, in my opinion, extremely falfe. Weak perfons are commonly falfe; and men of fuperior understanding, men of integrity and truth, if I have been happy enough to make any correct obfervations. I think too, that my obfervations of facts are fupported by the best theory on the fubject. Men of talents have extenfive views, and perceive in a moment how very seldom it is that falfehood and deception can accomplish any purpose. Weak men, who never fee far, are always preffed to overcome prefent difficulty, and nothing feems to them more eafy than a lie or a trick. This is the habit of every child to efcape correction or gain a point; and what is a weak man but a grown child? Now, Sir, when Mr. Addington became Prime Minifter, it was the general cry, He is a fimple well-meaning man; and jealousy was laid asleep by this prejudice, that a weak man is not to be dreaded as deceitful. How has this fimple well-meaning man acted? He has made war under falfe pretences-by this the nation has been deceived. He has unfairly ftated the finances of the country, and tricked men into loans-by this the monied men have been deceived. He has talked fair to his old friends, who opened the door of his advancement-by this Mr. Pitt has been deceived, who ftill thinks himself the wifer of the two. He keeps his place in peace and war by trick and management aloneby this all parties have been deceived. His adminiftration is a scheme of low deception, a fyftem of expedients fuch as children adopt. He has proved that a weak man is most likely to be false; and that a great man of talents is most likely to be true, honourable, and useful, I hope the nation will one day believe and experience. It has often been remarked, that low minds are cunning; for the fame reafon, no doubt, because great minds know that cunning and trick cannot long fubferve any important purpose, and fuch folicit only the accomplishment of important purpofes; whilft low minds are ever upon the watch to obtain temporary advantages, and, looking no farther, leave their cha ́racters at risk. I am no partifan in politics; one word, however, may be pardoned upon a politician. Mr. Fox has fhut the door of office against himself, only by his open and ingenuous conduct. "There was in the nature of this man (fo his biographer will fay) fomething fo undisguifed, fimple, and direct, that he always gave offence to the Court; for thofe who required flattery from him, found that he was too proud to debafe himself." I fear Mr. Fox will not be foon in office; but when he thall be fo, let no vulgar maxim be oppofed to him; and because he he is a man of talents, let us not be told that therefore he will deceive us. Deception is exclufively the companion of the weak-he who can walk alone difdains to repofe on fuch a fupport. ANTHONY NOSNIBOR. From my Counting-houfe in Gracechurch Street, 31ft Jan. 1804. EPIGRAMS. [From the Oracle.] 1. UOTH Sir Chriftopher Croaker, "I've form'd a ftrong QUOTE notion The Machine of the State muft foon ftop in its motion; And the state of that crazy Machine plainly fhews That in two or three weeks we fhall fee them run down.” II. Wit is to madness always an ally; If fo, ye minifterial hearts, be glad; J. H. For though the Doctor, all muft know, can die, III. A COMPARISON. A plain country 'Squire, 't is a fact I relate, J. H. Hir'd a Coachman who fcarce knew the whip from the reins, Who, like him that now drives the great Coach of the State, Was complete, fave in one thing, and what was that?— Brains! A day or two pafs'd, and he pleas'd very well; J. H. J. H.. "THOU beft of Brothers!" fapient Hiley cries, To him you jobb'd for, all your voices raise; Then all that beft of men, the Doctor, praise! BRODUM. ON ON THE EXTRAORDINARY SILENCE OF A LATE TALKATIVE SENATOR, [From the fame.] WHEN firft in Britain's Senate tried His new-fledg'd pow'rs against the Miniftry, So when nor wit nor argument prevail'd, To raise his confequence, or ftamp his fame; Stept forth a Duellift, but niifs'd his aim. Not fo does Addington (with crafty minds } A FABLE. [From the fame.] T Saint Barthol'mew's annual feaft, AT A certain Noble Peer Bought Goodinan Punch for twice ten pounds, Two hours the titled fage had heard And "Sure," thought he, "my wooden friend "High in the Council of the land Full twenty years I've fat, And, though a Chriftian, ne'er could make A fpeech fo good as that." * See Mr. Tierney's first speech in Parliament. C 4 Pleas'd |