THOUGH vice and depravity of morals in a great measure predominated, yet England, nevertheless, could boast of many great and philanthropic characters: the foundation of several public charities, of the most laudable nature, were planned in this reign, and youth and unprotected innocence often found an asylum under the habitation, and the peculiar patronage of some of the virtuous nobility. /

This kindness sometimes met with the warmest and most affectionate returns of gratitude; but an instance occurred of a young lady, who had been reared and educated in the family of a respectable nobleman, and had arrived, through his munificence, to the attainment of all the elegant accomplishments: when, at the age of sixteen, she quitted her benefactors, to elope with a needy gentleman, above forty years of age.

The family she quitted, and to whom she was become dear as a daughter, were cruelly alarmed, when they found she was missing; every enquiry was made after her, for some time, but without success; till at length it was found that she and her lover had escaped, to the north, and that they had put themselves out of the reach of / further pursuit; by placing themselves under the protection of the king of Scotland.

As all good intentions are liable to abuse, the seeming protection of innocence was, however, but too often made a pretext, by the titled dotard to betray it: small elegant houses and detached wings of old castles have been fitted up, from pretended motives of generosity and charity; to carry on intrigue, or favour the worst designs against unsuspecting beauty and gratitude.

An old nobleman, on the verge of seventy, has been known to repair to his castle in the country, where he passed the greatest part of his time, and has corrupted, during his abode there, by his presents and example, all the peasantry in his vicinity; particularly / the females; while, to purchase the freedom of boroughs, and obtain parliamentary support, he would entertain continually at his table, and familiarize himself with his freeholders, though they might be hair-cutters, beard-trimmers, blacksmiths, and butchers.