Digital Paxton: Digital Collection, Critical Edition, and Teaching Platform

Observations on a Late "Epitaph" - 7

The Lawyers will say, Bring your Action? But what are the Damages which a Jury can give in recompence for the Injury done? Slander is like a slow Poison, which may long lye rankling and festering, and not break out, ‘till a critical Time, perhaps a Time when a good Name may stand a Man in the best stead. Besides, there is an aptitude in Mankind to receive an ill Report, when a good one passes unnoticed.

“On Eagles Wings immortal slanders fly,
Whilst virtuous Actions scarce are born and die.”

There are Libellers of both Parties. “‘Tis true, ‘tis Pity; and pity ‘tis, ‘tis true.”

These murderers of Reputation are the most cowardly of all murderers. They lurk in secret, and they stab in the dark. “Nor twangs the Bow, tho’ deep and sure the Wound. I should be heartily glad if I should never see another of these Party Pamphlets. Indeed, when Men of Ability, who have studied the Nature of Government, and have been instructed by the Society, write their Sentiments, for the Instruction of the

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