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all, that man is happy in this art, who like a skillful, painter, retains the features and complexion, but still softens the picture into the most agreeable likeness. There can hardly, I believe, be imagined a more desirable pleasure, than that of praise unmixed with any possibility of Flattery. Such was that which Germanieus enjoyed, when, the night before a battle, desirous of some sincere mark of the esteem of his Legions for him, he is described by Tacitus listening in a disguise to the discourse of a soldier, and wrapt up in the fruition of his glory, whilst with an undesigned Sincerity they praised his noble and majestic mien, his affability, his valour, conduct, and success in war. How must a man have his heart full-blown with joy in such an article of glory as this? What a spur and encouragement still to proceed in those steps which had already brought him to so pure a taste of the greatest of mortal enjoyments? It sometimes happens, that even enemies and envious persons bestow the sincerest marks of esteem when the least design it. Such afford a greater pleasure, as extorted by merit, and freed from all suspicion of favour or flattery. A good name is fitly compared to a precious ointment, and when we are praised with skill and decency, it is indeed the most agreeable perfume, but if too strongly admitted into a brain of a less vigorous and happy texture, it will, like too strong an odour, overcome the sense, and prove pernicious
