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164 THE ADVENTURES OF PHILIP
in some things, was as obstinate as a mule, and in others as weak
as a woman. He had a childish sensibility for what was tender,
helpless, pretty, or pathetic ; and a mighty scorn of imposture,
wherever he found it. He had many good purposes, which were
often very vacillating, and were but seldom performed. He had a
vast number of evil habits, whereof, you know, idleness is said to
be the root. Many of these evil propensities he coaxed and cuddled
with much care ; and though he roared out peccavi most frankly
when charged with his sins, this criminal would fall to peccation
very soon after promising amendment. What he liked he would
have. What he disliked he could with the greatest difficulty be
found to do. He liked good dinners, good wine, good horses, good
clothes, and late hours ; and in all these comforts of life (or any
others which he fancied, or which were within his means) he
indulged himself with perfect freedom. He hated hypocrisy on his
own part, and hypocrites in general. He said everything that came
into his mind about things and people ; and, of course, was often
wrong and often prejudiced, and often occasioned howls of indignation
or malignant whispers of hatred by his free speaking. He
believed everything that was said to him until his informant had
misled him once or twice, after which he would believe nothing.
And here you will see that his impetuous credulity was as absurd as
the subsequent obstinacy of his unbelief. My dear young friend,
the profitable way in life is the middle way. Don't quite believe
anybody, for he may mislead you ; neither disbelieve him, for that
is uncomplimentary to your friend. Black is not so very black ;
and as for white, bon Dieu ! in our climate what paint will remain
white long ? If Philip was self-indulgent, I suppose other people
are self-indulgent likewise : and besides, you know, your faultless
heroes have ever so long gone out of fashion. To be young, to be
good-looking, to be healthy, to be hungry three times a day, to have
plenty of money, a great alacrity of sleeping, and nothing to do—
all these, I daresay, are very dangerous temptations to a man, but
I think I know some who would like to undergo the dangers of the
trial. Suppose there be holidays : is there not work-time too ?
Suppose to-day is feast-day : may not tears and repentance come
to-morrow ? Such times are in store for Master Phil, and so please
to let him have rest and comfort for a chapter or two.