To the best of his means and ability he comments on all the ordinary actions and passions of life almost.

He takes upon himself to be the week-day preacher, so to speak.

Accordingly, as he finds, and speaks, and feels the truth best, we regard him, esteem him,--sometimes love him.

And as his business is to mark other people's lives and peculiarities, we moralise upon _his_ life when he is gone,--and yesterday's preacher becomes the text for to-day's sermon." Having thus explained his purpose, Thackeray begins his task, and puts Swift in his front rank as a humorist.

The picture given of this great man has very manifestly the look of truth, and if true, is terrible indeed.