This letter, notwithstanding the poor butler's manner of writing it, gave us such an idea of our good old friend, (212: 5) that upon the reading of it there was not a dry eye in the club. Sir Andrew, opening the book, found it to be a collection of Acts of Parliament. There was in particular the Act of Uniformity, with some passages in it marked by Sir Roger's own hand. Sir Andrew found (10) that they related to two or three points which he had disputed with Sir Roger the last time he appeared at the club. Sir Andrew, who would have been merry at such an incident on another occasion, at the sight of the old man's handwriting burst into tears, and put the book (15) into his pocket. Captain Sentry informs me that the knight has left rings and mourning for every one in the club. O. XXXIII. CAPTAIN SENTRY AS MASTER OF COVERLEY HALL [No. 544. Monday, Nov. 24, 1712. STEELE.] Nunquam ita quisquam bene subducta ratione ad vitam fuit Quin res, aetas, usus semper aliquid apportet novi, Aliquid moneat: ut illa, quae te scire credas, nescias; Et, quae tibi putaris prima, in experiundo ut repudies. TER. There are, I think, sentiments in the following letter from my friend Captain Sentry, which discover a rational and equal frame of mind, as well prepared for an advantageous as an unfortunate change of condition. "Coverley Hall, Nov. 15, (213: 5) "Worcestershire. "Sir, "I am come to the succession of the estate of my honoured kinsman, Sir Roger de Coverley; and I assure you I find it no easy task to keep up the figure of master of the fortune which (10) was so handsomely enjoyed by that honest, plain man. I cannot (with respect to the great obligations I have, be it spoken) reflect upon his character, but I am confirmed in the truth which I have, I think, heard spoken at the club; to wit, that a man of a warm and well-disposed heart, with a very small capacity, is highly (15) superior in human society to him who, with the greatest talents, is cold and languid in his affections. "But, alas! why do I make a difficulty in speaking of my worthy ancestor's failings? His little absurdities and incapacity for the conversation[155] of the politest men are dead with him, and his greater qualities are even now useful to him. I know not whether by naming those disabilities I do not enhance his merit, since (214: 5) he has left behind him a reputation in his country which would be worth the pains of the wisest man's whole life to arrive at. [155] The society of. * * * * *