Such are the sentiments with which we finally review the effects of passion, but which we sometimes delay till we can no longer rectify our errours. Let us, therefore, make haste to do what we shall certainly at last wish to have done; let us return the caresses of our friends, and endeavour by mutual endearments to heighten that tenderness which is the balm of life. Let us be quick to repent of injuries while repentance may not be a barren anguish, and let us open our eyes to every rival excellence, and pay early and willingly those honours which justice will compel us to pay at last. ATHANATUS. No. 55. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1750. _Maturo propior desine funeri_ _Inter ludere virgines,_ _Et stellis nebulam spargere candidis._ _Non siquid Pholoen satis,_ _Et te, Chlori, decet._ HOR. Lib. iii. Ode xv. 4. Now near to death that comes but slow, Now thou art stepping down below; Sport not amongst the blooming maids, But think on ghosts and empty shades: What suits with Pholoe in her bloom, Grey Chloris, will not thee become; A bed is different from a tomb. CREECH. TO THE RAMBLER. SIR, I have been but a little time conversant in the world, yet I have already had frequent opportunities of observing the little efficacy of remonstrance and complaint, which, however extorted by oppression, or supported by reason, are detested by one part of the world as rebellion, censured by another as peevishness, by some heard with an appearance of compassion, only to betray any of those sallies of vehemence and resentment, which are apt to break out upon encouragement, and by others passed over with indifference and neglect, as matters in which they have no concern, and which if they should endeavour to examine or regulate, they might draw mischief upon themselves. Yet since it is no less natural for those who think themselves injured to complain, than for others to neglect their complaints, I shall venture to lay my case before you, in hopes that you will enforce my opinion, if you think it just, or endeavour to rectify my sentiments, if I am mistaken. I expect at least, that you will divest yourself of partiality, and that whatever your age or solemnity may be, you will not, with the dotard's insolence, pronounce me ignorant and foolish, perverse and refractory, only because you perceive that I am young.