manner that shows it is all unnatural, and that the master's mind is not at home. There is a certain waste and carelessness in the air of everything, and the whole appears but a covered indigence, a magnificent poverty. (20) That neatness and cheerfulness which attends the table of him who lives within compass, is wanting, and exchanged for a libertine way of service in all about him. [68] Mortgaged. [69] Interest, not necessarily illegal interest. [70] Disposition, spirit; not frequently used in this sense, as here, with the adjective "proud." This gentleman's conduct, though a very common way of management, is as ridiculous as that officer's would be (25) who had but few men under his command, and should take the charge of an extent of country rather than of a small pass. To pay for, personate,[71] and keep in a man's hands a greater estate than he really has, is of all others[2] the most unpardonable vanity, and must in the end reduce (113: 5) the man who is guilty of it to dishonour. Yet, if we look round us in any county of Great Britain, we shall see many in this fatal error,--if that may be called by so soft a name which proceeds from a false shame of appearing what they really are,--when the contrary behavior (10) would in a short time advance them to the condition which they pretend to. [71] Represent, keep up the appearance of owning. Laertes has fifteen hundred pounds a year, which is mortgaged for six thousand pounds; but it is impossible to convince him that if he sold as much as would pay off (15) that debt he would save four shillings in the pound, which he gives for the vanity of being the reputed master of it. Yet, if Laertes did this, he would perhaps be easier in his own fortune; but then, Irus, a fellow of yesterday, who has but twelve hundred a year, would be his equal. (20) Rather than this shall be, Laertes goes on to bring well-born beggars into the world, and every twelvemonth charges his estate with at least one year's rent more by the birth of a child. Laertes and Irus are neighbours, whose way of living (25) are[72] an abomination to each other. Irus is moved by the fear of poverty, and Laertes by the shame of it. Though the motive of action is of so near affinity in both, and may be resolved into this, "That to each of them poverty is the greatest of all evils," yet are their manners very widely different. Shame of poverty makes Laertes launch into unnecessary equipage, vain expense, and lavish entertainments; (114: 5) fear of poverty makes Irus allow himself only plain necessaries, appear without a servant, sell his own corn, attend his labourers, and be himself a labourer. Shame of poverty makes Laertes go every day a step nearer to it, and fear of poverty stirs up Irus to make (10) every day some further progress from it. [72] Correct the English.