Men of tenacious memory, who retain information a week old, may recollect, in my last number, a portrait of Meander.—
“A man so various, that he seem’d to be
“Not one, but all mankind’s epitome:
“Who, in the course of one revolving moon,
“Was poet, painter, lover, and buffoon;
“Then all for wenching, gambling, rhyming, drinking,
“Besides ten thousand freaks, that dy’d in thinking.”
Agreeably to a promissory note, given in a preceding essay, I now publish, from the diary of this fantastic wight, a selection, which, if judiciously improved, may sober giddy genius, may fix the volatile, and stimulate even Loungers.
MEANDER’s JOURNAL.
April 8, Monday.——Having lately quaffed plenteous draughts, of the dream of dissipation, I determine to bridle my fancy, to practice self-denial, to live soberly, and to study with ardor. That I may with ease discharge the various duties of the day, I propose, that “Strutting Chanticleer” and myself, should unroost at the same hour. With this resolve, I couple a determination, to study law with plodding diligence, and to make my profession, and a course of history, my capital objects.