The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,418 pages of information about The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3.

The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,418 pages of information about The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3.
Such as these were let in here by Order of Eucrate, and had Audiences of Pharamond.  This Entrance Pharamond called The Gate of the Unhappy, and the Tears of the Afflicted who came before him, he would say were Bribes received by Eucrate; for Eucrate had the most compassionate Spirit of all Men living, except his generous Master, who was always kindled at the least Affliction which was communicated to him.  In the Regard for the Miserable, Eucrate took particular Care, that the common Forms of Distress, and the idle Pretenders to Sorrow, about Courts, who wanted only Supplies to Luxury, should never obtain Favour by his Means:  But the Distresses which arise from the many inexplicable Occurrences that happen among Men, the unaccountable Alienation of Parents from their Children, Cruelty of Husbands to Wives, Poverty occasioned from Shipwreck or Fire, the falling out of Friends, or such other terrible Disasters, to which the Life of Man is exposed; In Cases of this Nature, Eucrate was the Patron; and enjoyed this Part of the Royal Favour so much without being envied, that it was never inquired into by whose Means, what no one else cared for doing, was brought about.

  ’One Evening when Pharamond came into the Apartment of Eucrate, he
  found him extremely dejected; upon which he asked (with a Smile which
  was natural to him)

    “What, is there any one too miserable to be relieved by Pharamond,
    that Eucrate is melancholy?

I fear there is, answered the Favourite; a Person without, of a good Air, well Dressed, and tho’ a Man in the Strength of his Life, seems to faint under some inconsolable Calamity:  All his Features seem suffused with Agony of Mind; but I can observe in him, that it is more inclined to break away in Tears than Rage.  I asked him what he would have; he said he would speak to Pharamond.  I desired his Business; he could hardly say to me, Eucrate, carry me to the King, my Story is not to be told twice, I fear I shall not be able to speak it at all.”
Pharamond commanded Eucrate to let him enter; he did so, and the Gentleman approached the King with an Air which spoke [him under the greatest Concern in what Manner to demean himself. [2]] The King, who had a quick Discerning, relieved him from the Oppression he was under; and with the most beautiful Complacency said to him,
“Sir, do not add to that Load of Sorrow I see in your Countenance, the Awe of my Presence:  Think you are speaking to your Friend; if the Circumstances of your Distress will admit of it, you shall find me so.”

  To whom the Stranger: 

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The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.