They who generously shower benefits on their fellow-creatures, seldom
fail of inspiring the great bulk of them with a benevolent regard for
their benefactors, and often receive returns of kindness which they
never expected. Mercy is of all other virtues the most likely to kindle
gratitude in those to whom it is extended, and it is difficult to find
an instance of a conqueror who ever had occasion to repent of his
humanity and clemency. The Fable gives us to understand, that there is
no person in the world so little, but even the greatest may, at some
time or other, stand in need of his assistance; and consequently, it
is good to shew favour, when there is room for it, towards those who
fall into our power. As the lowest people in life may, upon occasion,
be able either to serve or hurt us, it is as much our interest as our
duty to behave with good-nature and lenity towards all with whom we
have any intercourse. A great soul is never so much delighted as when
an opportunity offers of making a return for favours received; and a
sensible man, however exalted his station, will never consider himself
secure from the necessity of accepting a service from the poorest.
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