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take; you will find nobody here but this genius, my master, and me; and he, as you may perceive, is not very communicative: besides, there is nothing original in his character. As for me, it is true, I have a deal of wit, many virtues and accomplishments, and it will take you some time to know me.

I know you better, at present, replied Gelanor, smiling, than you seem to know yourself.

I now spoke in turn, and asked him what was his opinion of himself.

I am good, said he, but imperfect; yet cannot conceive, after having led a life of reftection, and of endeavours to know my own heart, how I can have so many defects and foibles. This idea, however, is so often present to my mind, that it preserves me from pride, and makes me indulgent. My public and private actions are irreproachable; but I often experience interior sensations which are humiliating; and were I to render an exact and circumstantial account of all the ideas, which present themselves to my imagi-