-- What daring Souls are cutting away the
flaming Roof to stop the Fires Progress to others! -- How vigorously
do these brave Fellows hand along the Water and work the Engines, and
assist the Ladders; and with what Presence of Mind, Readiness and
Clearness, do these fine Men observe, advise and direct. Here are
Heroes and effective Men fit to compose the Prime of an Army, and to
either lay or defend a Siege or Storm.
This little City, but esteem'd great of its Age, owes not more
at this Day for its long Streets and fair Stories, to Architects of
any kind, than to those worthy Inhabitants, who have always started
at the first Warning, to oppose and vanquish the Rage of Fire.
Besides the Pains freely taken by a great many good People in
putting out Fires, some are at the Expence of Buckets and Ladders;
without which the Business could not be done. And if it be a Duty
incumbent on all that can afford it, to provide such useful
Implements, I am of Opinion that it is most so on those, who being
decrepid or infirm, cannot assist in Person; or who wearing costly
Clothes, would not risque their being spoil'd. But such as can
neither advise nor labour, should not stand in the Way of others who
can, and are willing.
It is true indeed, as well among Men as Bees, that some Drones
are in every Hive or Swarm; but I hope there are few so void of
Consideration, and Regard to private and publick Safety, as a
vagabond Fellow at the late Fire, who, being smartly ask'd by an
industrious young Man, why he did not lend a Hand to the Buck ets,
answer'd, He car'd not if all the Houses in Town were o'Fire: For
which he receiv'd a Bucket of Water on his impudent Face.
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