PHILIP Duke of WHARTON,


The unhappy nobleman, the memoirs of whose life we are now about to
relate, was endowed by nature with all those shining qualifications by
which a great man can be formed. He possessed a most extensive memory,
a strong and lively imagination, and quick and ready apprehension.

By the immediate authority of his father, our noble author's studies
were confined to one particular branch of learning; with a view, no
doubt, that his son's uncommon genius might make the greater progress,
and shine with a superior lustre in that species of erudition he had
made choice of for him. On this account it was, that the earl his
father would not permit the young lord to go to public or private
schools, or to any college, or university, but had him carefully
instructed by domestic tutors; and as he gave an early display of the
most astonishing parts, the earl bent all his thoughts how to improve
them in the best manner, for his son's future advantage.

As soon as this sprightly genius, had laid a sufficient foundation in
classical learning, he studied history, particularly that of his
own country, by which he was able to discern the principles of
the constitution, the revolutions it has undergone, the variety of
accidents by which it may be endangered, and the true policy by
which it can be preserved. While he thus read history, he became a
politician; and as he did not neglect other sciences, he acquired a
general knowledge both of life and things, before most other persons
of distinction begin to read, or think at all.