BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF THE LATE WILLIAM BUDGE, ESQ

Summary

“Nought can his firmness shake, nothing seduce

His zeal, still active for the common weal;

Nor stormy tyrants, nor Corruption's tools—

To virtue so determined, public zeal,

And honour of such adamantine proof

As even Corruption, hopeless and o'er-aw'd,

Durst not have tempted.”

—Thomson.

THOSE who have lived any time in this world, who have had opportunities of observing the vicissitudes attendant on the life of man, and who, at the same time, have not been indifferent spectators, must have been forcibly struck with the elevation of some men, and of others remaining in a state of comparative obscurity, although possessed of equal abilities and zeal in their profession.

The abilities of some men are not indeed easily to be discovered, even by those of considerable penetration, much less by superficial observers; they hide themselves from the eyes of vain curiosity and prying censoriousness; while some, from elevation in rank, assume to themselves a degree of wisdom and judgment to which they have no real title; and may domineer over, and hold in apparent contempt, others, who excel them in these qualities, as much as the lucid orb of the sun excels that of the moon, reflecting a borrowed light.

Shallow streams make a great noise, while those of depth move on silently in their course.