The mail-coach is considered the school; its driver, the great master of the art--the _Phidias_ of the statuary--the _Claude_ of the landscape-painter.

To approach him without preparatory instruction and study, would be like an attempt to copy the former without a knowledge of anatomy, or the latter, while ignorant of perspective.

The standard of excellence--the model of perfection, all that the highest ambition can attain, is to approach as near as possible the original; to attempt a deviation, would be to _bolt out of the course, snap the curb, and run riot_.

Sensible of the importance of his character, accustomed to hold the reins of arbitrary power; and seated where will is law, the mail-whip carries in his appearance all that may be expected from his elevated situation.
Stern and sedate in his manner, and given to taciturnity, he speaks sententiously, or in monosyllables.

If he passes on the road even an humble follower of the profession, with four tidy ones in hand, he views him with ineffable contempt, and would consider it an irreparable disgrace to appear conscious of the proximity.