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MODERN LITERATURE.
CHAPTER I.
Hamilton, possessed of his lovely and
beloved Maria, was stimulated to more
constant and vigorous intellectual exertions
than at any former period of his
life. He consulted with his friends, and
balanced with himself, whether he should
persevere in the study of the law, or entirely
devote himself to literature. To the
latter his inclinations prompted; but the
former appeared the more conducive to
his interest. The ability and industry
which would enable an Erskine to acquire
twelve thousand in one year, could
