However, he died very young; and it is remarkable,
that he continued to improve as he grew older; his last play, entitled
'The Beaux' Strategem', being the best of his productions. Addison, both
as a poet and prose writer, deserves the highest regard and imitation.
His 'Campaign', and 'Letter to Lord Halifax from Italy', are
masterpieces in the former, and his 'Essays' published in the
'Spectator' are inimitable specimens of the latter. Whatever he treated
of was handled with elegance and precision; and that virtue which was
taught in his writings, was enforced by his example. Steele was
Addison's friend and admirer; his comedies are perfectly polite, chaste,
and genteel; nor were his other works contemptible; he wrote on several
subjects, and yet it is amazing, in the multiplicity of his pursuits,
how he found leisure for the discussion of any. Ever persecuted by
creditors, whom his profuseness drew upon him, or pursuing impracticable
schemes, suggested by ill-grounded ambition.
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