Phædrus was an old man when he wrote his Fables, and this he applies
to himself; intimating what we ought to judge of his youth, when his
old age was capable of such productions. It is at once a pleasing
and melancholy idea that is given us by the intercourse with elderly
persons, whose conversation is relishing and agreeable, and we cannot
help concluding that they must have been very engaging in the prime of
life, when in their decline they are still capable of yielding us so
much pleasure. Nor can we help feeling regret, that this fountain of
delight is now almost dried up, and going to forsake us for ever. On
the contrary, when people have neglected to cultivate their minds in
youth, their whole deportment through life is marked with the effects
of this great want, and their old age is burthensome to themselves, and
their conversation insipid to others; and like liquor of a thin body,
and vile quality, soon becomes sour, vapid, or good for nothing.
[Illustration: _An old filtering stone_]
[Illustration] [Page 139]