Hath not his spirit dar'd oppose

Our dearest measures, made our name
Stand forward on the roll of shame ?
Hath he not won the vulgar tribes
By scorning menaces and bribes?
And proving, that his darling cause
Is of their liberties and laws

To stand the champion ?-&c.

-he, without fear.

Hath dar'd to make the truth appear.

The Duellist.

Enough of Wilkes-with good and honest men
His actions speak much stronger than my pen;
And future ages shall his name adore,

When he can act and I can write no more.
England may prove ungrateful and unjust,
But fost'ring France shall ne'er betray her trust:
'Tis a brave debt which gods on men impose,
To pay with praise the merit e'en of foes.
When the great warrior of Amilcar's race
Made Rome's wide empire tremble to her base,-
To prove her virtue, though it gall'd her pride,
Rome gave that fame which Carthage had deny'd.
The Candidate.

And, tho' by fools despis'd, by saints unbless'd,
By friends neglected, and by foes oppress'd,
Scorning the servile arts of each court-elf,
Founded on honour, Wilkes is still himself.

Gotham.

CONCLUSION.

FROM these papers Mr. Wilkes's character may be drawn with fidelity and accuracy. The early part of his life is stated with truth and impartiality. Here was ample room for a malignant mind to indulge in acrimony; but the Editor's intimacy with Mr. Wilkes prevented all such impropriety. The private conduct of an individual can afford no interest to the public. When he emerged from a country-house, and entered the political hemisphere, he attracted the attention of all his friends. He came forward the well-bred gentleman, of excellent education and of polished manners; of expanded ideas gained in a foreign university, and improved by travel in different parts of Europe. In politics he adhered to the whigs, and his friendships and attachments lay amongst them.

His several contentions with the ministers of the crown are perfectly and candidly stated throughout; and many important facts are re

lated, which have never been laid before the public. From these contentions arose his popularity. The firmness he displayed in resisting the encroachments of power; the spirit and resolution he shewed in bringing those encroachments to a legal condemnation, inspired the whole nation with ardour and enthusiasm in his cause. Upon every victory gained over the ministry, the rejoicings of the people, in the metropolis and other places, were of the most extravagant kind: bonfires and illuminations were to be seen every where. The words Wilkes and Liberty became synonymous terms: they were written on every door, and on the pannels of every carriage, to obtain a free passage through the streets. Since the accession of the house of Brunswick, so general a ferment has not been known in the nation.

His correspondence with Mr. Cotes puts us in full possession of his situation-often critical and sometimes perilous. The mind is interested in these particulars.

His letters to and from miss Wilkes shew him to have been one of the most attentive

286

MEMOIRS OF JOHN WILKES, ESQ.

and most affectionate fathers, and her to have been one of the most amiable and accomplished ladies. Nor is his second daughter inferior to her sister, in every elegant grace that a finished education could give. Mr. Wilkes was, perhaps, the best lady's preceptor ever known.

The letters from the remaining parts of his family, shew him to have been no less engaged in their welfare and happiness.

These circumstances are sufficient to convince us, that he was endowed by nature with many good and excellent qualities.

As a magistrate, in Buckinghamshire and in the metropolis, he was highly esteemed.

As a member of parliament, he was dili gent and faithful; and though not blessed with the powers of elocution, his language was strong and classical. His speeches contain many bold truths.

As chamberlain of London, he was admired for his impartiality, penetration, and strict justice, in every case brought before him.

THE END.

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