If I would wish for truth, and not for show, The aged Saturn’s age, and rites to know; If I would strive to bring back times, and try The world’s pure gold, and wise simplicity, If I would virtue set, as she was young, And hear her speak with one and her first tongue; If holiest friendship naked to the touch I would restore, and keep it ever such, I need no other arts but study thee, Who prov’st all these were, and again may be. Not the less flattering to the talents and judgment of Sir Benjamin is the following-- Ep. CXXIII. _To the same._ Writing thyself, or judging others’ writ, I know not which thou’st most, candour or wit; But both thou hast so, as he who affects the state Of the best writer and judge should emulate. ❦ [Sidenote: King of Prussia’s Guard.] When Frederick the Great was forming his Regiment of Royal Guards, it is said, that the monarch was so anxious to obtain tall men, that his corporals often took them by force, wherever they could find them. On one occasion they carried the wish of their sovereign so far, that they took the “heyduc” of the French ambassador, the moment he had quitted his carriage to attend the levee. However, on a complaint from the ambassador, the servant was restored to his master. It is also related of this ambassador, that on his first audience he came highly perfumed; the great Frederick, who was more accustomed to the smell of gunpowder than of musk, could not refrain from very visibly showing his dislike. The ambassador observed it, and felt much embarrassed. The day being stormy, “De quel côté, sa Majesté croit-elle,” said he, “que le vent vient?” The king abruptly replied, “De France, votre Excellence.” ❦ [Sidenote: Premature Judgment.] Never judge harshly from appearances, or pertinaciously form a decided opinion, unless there is sufficient demonstration to prevent future regret. ❦