Tho' his spirit
is lofty, his heart is kind; and his manner so engaging, as to
command veneration and love, even from malice and indifference.
When I weigh my own character with his, I am ashamed to find
myself so light in the balance; but the comparison excites no
envy -- I propose him as a model for imitation -- I have endeavoured
to recommend myself to his friendship, and hope I have already
found a place in his affection. I am, however, mortified to
reflect what flagrant injustice we every day commit, and what
absurd judgment we form, in viewing objects through the
falsifying mediums of prejudice and passion. Had you asked me a
few days ago, the picture of Wilson the player, I should have
drawn a portrait very unlike the real person and character of
George Dennison. Without all doubt, the greatest advantage
acquired in travelling and perusing mankind in the original, is
that of dispelling those shameful clouds that darken the
faculties of the mind, preventing it from judging with candour
and precision.
The real Wilson is a great original, and the best tempered,
companionable man I ever knew -- I question if ever he was angry or
low-spirited in his life.
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