finished by his repeatedly thanking me for the comfort I had given to his dejected spirits; and some short time after, he told me that he had finished his most important concerns; and should, whenever he embarked, leave Marian and her little ones under my roof; which promise had reconciled her to his voyage." The second shock to his enfeebled frame left us little for hope. Yet he again rallied; but with the loss of all power in his legs, and with a general debility, that rendered every exertion fatiguing. He did not quit his apartment, and rarely his bed, for much time together. His faculties were notwithstanding less oppressed, than after his first attack; for he was more cheerful and equal in his spirits. During this term of his trial, how often have I heard him bless me for being the agent in the hands of Providence, in conducting to him Mr. Flamall, who so ably went through the business he was no longer in a condition to superintend, and whose society was a comfort to him! To say the truth, I was no less pleased with his conduct than my friend; 'for this fellow's talents are up to every thing _but honesty_.' One morning I went as usual to Cowley's; he was still in his bed, and the sun-blinds were down in the bow-windows of his spacious apartment. I stumbled on entering, from the sudden transition from light to darkness, against some moveable; and with the utmost cheerfulness, my friend said, 'Why, how now, Oliver! you are one of those 'who love darkness rather than light because your deeds are evil;' therefore take care of your shins.' Rubbing the one offended, I approached the bed, and then only perceived, that on a small table close to its side, was a sheet of parchment, with pen and ink, and that Flamall had quitted his station near it to receive me. 'You are busy,' observed I, thinking he was, adding a codicil to his will, for such the lessening obscurity discovered the parchment to be.--'I will call this evening.'--'I had finished, my dear Oliver,' replied he, grasping my hand. 'We have wished for your appearance; I have only to sign and seal.' He rung the bell and desired the servant to show the gentlemen into the room. His physician, with one of the most respectable men at Kingston, entered.--I retreated to the bow, and passing the blind, stood in the balcony. I heard him say something as an excuse for having so long detained them; and he added, 'I have been hearing Mr. Flamall read my will once more. I now, in a sound mind, declare it to be last will and testamentary act, which I am about to sign in your presence.' The business was performed with all due formalities; and his faithful Juba, to whom he had given good learning when he was in England, witnessed this act of his beloved master with such emotions, that he left the room the moment he had written his name. Mr. Flamall asked him where he should deposit the will; and Cowley answered, 'in the cabinet.' The gentlemen saw him place it in the cabinet, which stood opposite to the