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The Leodiensian.

FAME.

Sumus naturâ studiosi honestatis.

CICERO.

Though, generally speaking, we have much the same desires and propensities, yet there are some which appear more in. herent and more universal than others. Of these, there is, perhaps, none more conspicuous than the love of praise.

It seems to be an innate avidity of our nature, to gratify which, we think no undertaking too arduous, no assiduity too great. It is the cause of every virtuous action, every lau dable design; in fact, it appears to be the sole object of our lives, to procure either the applause of others, or those secret satisfactions which naturally result to ourselves from a conscious rectitude.

The desire of praise is attended with many beneficial effects, which, without it, would never appear. For, as the vernal sun brings forth the latent powers of embryo vegetation, so praise excites and cherishes those noble faculties of the mind, which would otherwise remain in a torpid state and it may truly be asserted, that if the mouth of fame were closed, the mental powers would decrease, and knowledge would be much less ardently pursued.

Happy indeed would it be, if it were exempt from that which is consequent on all terrestrial advantages,—much evil. That ambition which is the promoter of so many of the nobler virtues, should sometimes corrupt the soul with vain conceit, and frequently encourage sedition and licentiousness, can only be accounted for by that lamentable condition of human affairs, which is observed to counterbalance every good with some proportion of concomitant evil.

It is universally allowed, that next to the fame resulting from good and virtuous actions, which alone, says Cicero, is

true glory, that of learning is the most honourable, endures the longest, and is most to be desired; for learning, in every age and country has, sooner or later, met with its reward, and while the applause bestowed on riches and lineage, has "fled like the garish pageant of a dream," that of learning has withstood the corroding tooth of age, and has been transmitted to posterity with a more resplendent lustre than it possessed on its pristine acquirement. The names and works of Homer, Virgil, Horace, and Cicero, have acquired that fame, which neither the lapse of time, nor the caprice of fashion, is able to destroy. The acquisition of knowledge is not only the most pleasing and noble employment, but it is also the most esteemed and distinguished. And the parent in the middle ranks of life, who would procure that for his son, which will keep him above dependence, contributes more to his real happiness and solid comfort, by giving him an education which will cause him to delight in the classics, and those studies which will exalt his nature, than by putting him in a situation by which he might obtain the wealth of thousands, without the education and feelings of a gentleman. He who can perceive the inherent beauties of a Nomer, or a Virgil, feels far more pleasing sensations than were ever known to a Croesus, or a Clive. The love of letters, says Dr. Knox, is attended with the sweetest satisfaction, and the indulgence of it tends to soothe the importunities of many other propensities, which, as they are less innocent, can seldom be gratified without consequent misery.

Amongst theinnumerable advantages which England possesses, there is, perhaps, none greater than the opportunity which it gives persons of advancing to rank and power. For, whilst in other countries, high offices are only attainable by the great and powerful, without either the recommendation of virtue or learning; in this, the meanest subject has an opportunity of acquiring the highest national honours, and, like Wolsey,

"To sit beneath the canopy of Kings."

Instances, to prove the veracity of this assertion, are SO numerous, that to adduce any particular examples, would be superfluous.

But let it be remembered, that whatever may be a man's ambition, it ought to be circumscribed by honour and integrity. Fame should never be acquired by disreputable means. Virtue should never be sacrificed at the shrine of interest. For the favour of patrons is transitory, and the idols which are worshipped one day, are often deposed the next, but uprightness of conduct outlives vicissitude, and is in the end sure of commanding admiration and respect.

Leeds, 17th Nov. 1827.

H. T. W.

A SERIOUS THOUGHT.

How few, who through this vale of sorrow stray,
Worship the God that form'd them of the clay,
Or ever deem that his Almighty power

Still watches and sustains their every hour.
And, who profess his worship, oh ! how few
Display the zeal that Mammon's followers do.
Turn, where close avarice exerts its power,
And claims of vanquish'd sleep the midnight hour;
See the pale miser in his drear abode,
Bow to the coffers of his cherish'd God:

In sackcloth clad, with ashes cover'd o'er,
Did e'er repentant sinner suffer more?

See, where the warrior's plume attracts the eye,
Where agonising hosts contend to die,
Shed blood by oceans, hurl the madly brave
At every footstep to a gory grave;

Wading through carnage-toiling—for a name,
Unmeaning glory-perishable fame!

Leave we the scene, and turn we to survey
Majesty act the God, and courtiers pray;
The impious suppliants bow the easy knee,
Flatt'ring his Earth with immortality.

Or look,-where gazing on her worshipp'd brow, Or drinking in the dulcet sounds, that flow From sweetly parting lips,—the lover's eye Grows on the image of his deity;

And mark ye not, his soul is in that gaze,

The sun of all his hope the breathing of his praise?