my

upon him.'

wile falling imaediately into a dispute how the said “ I find but two couples in this first century that bacon should be dressed, it was, by order of the were successful : the first was a sea-captain and his judges, taken from him and hung up again in the wife, who since the day of their marriage had not

seen one another until the day of the claim. The :: Alison, the wife of Stephen Freckle, brought second was an honest pair in the neighbourhood; her said husband along with her, and set forth the the husband was a man of plain good sense, and a good conditions and behaviour of her consort, adding peaceable temper; the woman was dumb." withal, that she doubted pot but he was ready to altest the like of her, his wife; whereupon he, the said Stephes, shaking bis head, she turned short No. 609.) WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1714. upon him, aud gave him a box on the car. ". Philip de Waverland, having laid his hand

Farrago libelli.-Juv. Sat. i. 86. upon the book, when the clause, “were I sole and

The miscellaneous subjects of book. she sole,” was rehearsed, found a secret compunc- “ Mr. Spectator, tion rising in his mind, and stole it off again. ". Richard de Loveless, who was a courtier, and

“I have for some time desired to appear in your a very well-bred-man, being observed to hesitate at paper, and have therefore chosen a day* to steal the words “ after our marriage,” was thereupon will not have many spare minutes for speculations

into the Spectator, when I take it for granted you required to explain himself. He replied, by talking very largely of his exact complaisance while he was

of your own. As I was the other day walking witte a luver; and alleged that he had not in the least an honest country gentleman, he very ofteu was disobliged his wife for a year and a day before mar- expressing his astonishment to see the town so riage, which he hoped was the same thing.

mightily crowded with doctors of divinity; upon Rejected.

which I told him he was very much mistaken if he Joceline Jolly, Esq. making it appear, by un took all those gentlemen he saw in scarfs to be questionable testimony, that he and his wife had persons of that dignity; for that a young divine, preserved full and entire affection for the space of after bis first degree iu the university, usually comes ibe first month, commonly called the honey-moon,

hither only to show himself; and on that occasion, he had, in consideration thereof, one rasher bestowed is apt to think he is but half equipped with a gown

and cassock for his public appearance, if he hath After this, says the record, many years passed not the additional ornament of a scarf of the first over before any demandant appeared at Whiche- magnitude to entitle him to the appellation of dovre-hali; insomuch that one would have thought Doctor from his landlady and the boy at Child's. that the whole country were turned Jews, so little Now since I know that this piece of garniture is was their affection to the flitch of bacon.

looked

upon as a mark of vanity or affectation, as it " The next couple enrolled had liked to have car.

is made use of among some of the little spruce adried it

, if one of the witnesses had not deposed, that venturers of the town, I should be glad if you would, dining on a Sunday with the demandant, whose wife give it a place among those extravagances you have had sat below the Squire's lady at church, sbe the justly exposed in several of your papers, being very said wife dropped some expressions, as if she thought well assured that the

main body of the clergy, both her husband deserved to be knighted; to which he in the country and the universities, who are almost returned a passionate pish! The judges taking the to a man untainted with it, would be very well premises into consideration, declared the aforesaid pleased to see this venerable foppery well exposed. behaviour to imply an unwarrantable ambition in When my patron did me the honour to take me into the wife, and anger in the husband.

his family (for I must own myself of this order), ho " It is recorded as a sufficient disqualification of was pleased to say he took me as a friend and com. a certain wife that, speaking of her husband, she panion : and whether he looked upon the scart like said God forgive him.'

the lace and shoulder-koot of a footman, as a badge " It is likewise remarkable, that a couple were

of servitude and dependance, I do not know, but he rejected upon the deposition of one of their neigh

was so kind as to leave my wearing of it to my own bours, that the lady had once told her husband, that discretion ; and, not having any just title to is from it was her duty to obey' to which he replied, O my degrees, I am content to be without the ornamy dear; you are never in the wrong!

ment. The privileges of our nobility to keep a The violent passion of one lady for her lapdog; certain number of chaplains are undisputed, though the turning away of the old housemaid by another perhaps not one in ten of those reverend gentlemen A tavern bill torn by the wife, and a tailor's by the have any relation to the noble families their scari's husband; a quarrel about the kissing crust ; spoil- belong to: the right generally of creating all chaping of dinners, and coming in late of nights, are so

lains, except the domestic (where there is one), many several articles which occasioned the repro

being nothing more than the perquisite of a steward's bation of some scores of demandants, whose names place, who, if he happens to outlive any considerable are recorded in the aforesaid register.

number of his noble masters, shall probably at one “ Without enumerating other particular persons,

and the same time have fifty chaplains, all in their I shall content myself with observing that the sen- proper accoutrements, of his own creation ; though tenee pronounced against one Gervase Poacher is, perhaps there hath been neither grace nor prayer that he might have had bacon to his eggs, if he said in the family since the introduction of the first had not heretofore scolded his wife when they were

coronet.

“I aun," &c. over-boiled.' And the deposition against Dorothy

“ Mr. SrectATOR, Dolittle runs in these words, that she had so far “ I wish you would write a philosophical paper usurped the dominion of the coal fire (the stirring about natural antipathies, with a word or two con. whereof her husband claimed to himself) that by her good-will she never would suffer the poker out of her hand.'

• The 20th of October, 1714, 'vas the day of the coronation

of King George L. SPECTATOR-Nos. 87 & 88.

2 Y

a

cerning the strength of imagination. I can give

Calmly I shall resign my breath,

In life unknown, forgot in death you a list, upon the first notice, of a rational china

While he, o'ertaken unprepard, cup, of an egg that walks upon two legs, and a

Finds death an evil to be leard, quart-pot that sings like a nightingale. There is in

Who dies, to others too much knows, my neighbourhood a very pretty prattling shoulder

A stranger to himself alone.. of veal, that squalls out at the sight of a knife. I HAVE often wondered that the Jews should comThen, as for natural antipathies, I know a generad trive such a worthless greatness for the Deliserer officer who was never conquered but by a smothered whom they expected, as to dress him up in external rabbit; and a wife that domineers over her husband pomp and pageantry, and represent him to their by the help of a breast of mutton. A story that re- imagination as making havoc amongst bis ereatures, lates to myself on this subject may be thought not and actuated with the poor ambition of # Casal or unentertaining, especially when I assure you that it an Alexander, How much more illustrious doth be is literally true. I had long made love to a lady, in appear in his real character, when considered as the possession of whom I am now the happiest of the author of universal benevolence among ner, as mankind, whose hand I should have gained with refining our passions, exalting our natúre, giving us much difficulty without the assistance of a cat. You vast ideas of immortality, and teacbing us a coemust know then that my most dangerous rival had tempt of that little showy grandeur wherein the so strong an aversion to this species, that he infal. Jews made the glory of their Messiah to consist! libly swooned away at the sight of that harmless “Nothing,” says Longinus, can be great

, the creature. My friend Mrs. Lucy, her maid, having contempt of which is great." The possession of a greater respect for me and my purse than she wealth and riches cannot give a man a title to had for my rival, always took care to pin the tail of greatness because it is looked upon as a greatness a cat under the gown of her mistress, whenever she of mind to contemn these gifts of fortune, and to be kuew of his coming; which had such an effect, that above the desire of them. I have therefore been every time he entered the room, he looked more like inclined to think that there are greater men who one of the figures in Mrs. Salmon's wax-work* than lie concealed among the species, than those who a desirable lover. In short, he grew sick of her come out and draw upon themselves the eyes and company: which the young lady taking notice of admiration of mankind. Virgil would never have (who no more knew why than he did), she sent me been heard of, had not his domestic misfortunes à challenge to meet her in Lincoln’s-inn-chapel, driven him out of his obscurity, and brought him to which I joyfully accepted; and have, amongst other Rome. pleasures, the satisfaction of being praised by her If we suppose that there are spirits, or angels

, for my stratagem. “ I am, &c.

who look into the ways of men, as it is highly “ From the Hoop

“ Tom NIMBLE.” probable there are, both from reason and revelation, “ MR. SPECTATOR,

how different are the notions which they entertain “ The virgins of Great Britain are very much of us, from those which we are apt to form of one obliged to you for putting them upon such tedious another! Were they to give us in their catalogue drudgeries in needle-work as were fit only for the of such wortbies as are now living, how diferent Hilpas and the Nilpas that lived before the Flood. would it be from that which any of our own species Here is a stir indeed with your histories in em

would draw up! broidery, your groves with shades of silk and

We are dazzled with the splendour of titles, the streams of mohair! I would have you to know, ostentation of learning, the noise of victories; they, that I hope to kill a hundred lovers before the best on the contrary, see the philosopher in the cottage, housewife in England can stitch out a battle; and who possesses his soul in patience and thankfulness, do not fear but to provide boys and girls much under the pressures of what little minds call porerty faster than your disciples can embroider them. I and distress. They do not look for great men at the love birds and beasts as well as you, but am content head of armies, or among the pomps of a court, but to fancy them when they are really made. What often find them out in shades and solitudes, in the do you think of gilt leather for furniture ? There private walks and by-paths of life. The evening's is your pretty hangings for a chamber !+ and, what walk of a wise man is inore illustrious in their sight is more, our own country is the only place in Europe than the march of a general at the head of a where work of that kind is tolerably

done. Without hundred thousand men. A contemplation on God's minding your musty lessons, I am this minute going works; a voluntary act of justice to our own detrito Paul's church-yard to bespeak a screen and a set ment; a generous concern for the good of mankind; of hangings; and am resolved to encourage the tears that are shed in silence for the misery of manufacture of my country. “ Yours,

others; a private desire or resentment broken and " CLEORA.”

subdued; in short, an unfeigned exercise of bsmility, or any other virtue, are such actions as are

glorious in their sight, and denominate men great No. 610.) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1714. and reputable. The most famous among us are

often looked upon with pity, with contempt

, or Nullo cum strepitu dies,

with indignation; while those who are most obseurs

among their own species are regarded with love, Ili mors gravis incubat,

with approbation, and esteem,
Qui notus nimis omnibus,
Ignotus moritur sibi.-SENECA.

The moral of the present speculation amounts to
Thus, when my fleeting days, at last,

this: that we should not be led away by the cenUuheeded, silently, are past,

sures and applauses of men, but consider the figure

that every person will make at that time when * Opposite the same place, near Temple-bar, there was, till “Wisdom shall be justified of her children, an very lately, an exhibition of wax-work by a person of the nothing pass for great or illustrious which is ook

+ There was about this time a celebrated manufactory of ornament and perfection to human nature. tapestry at Chelsea

The story of Gyges, the rich Lydian monarch, ?

a

Sic cum transierint mei

Plebeius moriar senex :

same name.

& memurable instance to our present purpose. The Providence, in a very short time, to alter my oracle, being asked by Gyges, who was the happiest miserable condition. A gentleman saw me, liked man, replied, Aglais. Gyges, who expected to have me, and married nie. My parents were reconciled; beard bimself named on this occasion, was much and I might be as happy in the change of my con: surprised, and very curious to know who this Aglaüs dition, as I was before miserable, but for some should be. After much inquiry, be was found to be things, that you shall know, which are insupportable an obscure countryman, who employed all his time to me; and I am sure you have so much buuour in cultivating a garden, and a few acres of land and compassion as to let those persons know, in about his house.

some of your papers, how much they are in the Cowley's agreeable relation of this story shall wrong. I have been married near five years, and close is day's speculation.

do not know that in all that time I ever went abroad Thus Aplaus (a man unknown to men,

without my husband's leave and approbation. I am but the gods knew, and therefore lov'd him then), obliged, through the importunities of several of my Thus liv'd obscurely then without a name,

relations, to go abroad oftener than suits my temper. Aglaus, nox cousign d t' eternal fame. Yor Gyges, the rich king, wucked and great,

Then it is i labour under insupportable agonies, resum'd at wise Apollo's Delphic seat,

| That man, or rather monster, haunts every place I presuin'd to ask, o'thou the whole world's eye,

go to. Base villain! by reason I will not admit seest thou a man that happier is than 1? The god, who scorn d to flatter man, reply'd,

his nauseous wicked visits and appointments, he Aglaus happier is. But Gyges cryd,

strives all the ways he can to ruin me. He left me In a proud rage. Who can that Aglaus be ?

destitute of friend or money, nor ever thought ine We've heard as yet of no such king as he.

worth inquiring after, until he unfortunately hap And true it was, through the whole earth around, No king of such a uame was to be found.

pened to see me in a front box sparkling with Is some old hero of that name alive,

jewels. . Then his passion returned. Then the
Who his high race does from the gods der ve? hypocrite pretended to be a penitent. Then he
Is it sone mighty gen ral that has done
Wonders in hgbi, and godlike honours won?

practised all those arts that helped before to undo Is it some man of endless wealth? said he,

me. I am not to be deceived a second time by him. None, none of these. Who can this Aglaus be? I hate and abhor his odious passion; and as he After long search, and vain inquiries past,

plainly perceives it, either out of spite or diversion In an obscure Arcadian yale ai last (Th* Arcadian life has always shady been).

he makes it his business to expose me. I never fail Near Sopho's town, which he but once had seen, seeing him in all public company, where he is This Agiaus, who monarchs'envy drew,

always most industriously spiteful. He hath, in Whose happiness the gods stood witness to, This raighty Aglaus, was lab'ring found,

short, told all his acquaintance of our unhappy asWith his own hands, in his own little ground.

fair; they tell theirs; so that it is no secret among So, gracious God, if it may lawful be

his companions, which are numerous. They to whom Among those foolish gods to mention thee, So let me act, on such a private stage,

he tells it, think they have a title to be very famiThe last dull scenes of my declining age;

liar. If they bow to me, and I out of good manners After long toils and voyages in vain.

return it, then I am pestered with freedoms that are This quiet port let my tost vessel gain ;

no ways agreeable to myself or company. If I turn Of heavenly rest this earnest to me lend, Let my life sleep, and learn to love her end.

my eyes from them, or seem displeased, they sour upon it, and whisper the next person ; he his next;

until I have at last the eyes of the whole company No. 611.) MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1714.

upon me. Nay, they report abominable falsehoods,

under that mistaken notion, “She that will grant Perfide! sed duris genuit te cautibus horrens

favours to one man will to a hundred.' I beg you Caucasus, llyrcanæque admorunt ubera tigres. will let those who are guilty know how ungenerous

VIRG. Æn. iv. 366.
Perfidious man! thy parent was a rock,

this way of proceeding is. I am sure he will kuow And fierce Hyrcanian tigers gave thee suck.

himself the person aimed at, and perhaps put a stop

to the insolence of others. Cursed is the fate of I am willing to postpone every thing; to do any unhappy women! that men may boast and glory in the least service for the deserving and unfortunate. those things that we must think of with shame and Accordingly. I have caused the following lester to horror! You have the art of making such odious be inserted in my paper the moment that it came customs appear detestable. For my sake, and, I am to my hands, without altering one tittle in an ac sure, for the sake of several others who dare not count which the lady relates so handsomely herself. own it, but, like me, lie under the same misfortunes, “ MR. SPECTATOR,

make it as infamous for a man to boast of favours, " I fatter myself you will not only pity, but, if or expose our sex, as it is to take the lie or a box possible, redress a misfortune myself and several on the ear, and not resent it. others of my sex lie under. I hope you will not be “ Your constant Reader and Admirer, offended, nor think I mean by this to justify my

“ LESBIA. own imprudent conduct, or expect you should. No: “P.S. I am the more impatient under this miss I am sensible how severely, in some of your former fortune, having received fresh provocation, last papers, you have reproved persons guilty of the like Wednesday, in the Abbey." mismanagements. I was scarce sixteen, and I may I entirely agree with the amiable and unfortunate say, without vanity, handsome, when courted by a Lesbia, that an insult upon a woman in her cirSalse perjured man; who, upon promise of marriage, cumstances is as infamous in a man, as a tame berendered me the most unhappy of women. After haviour when the lie or a buffet is given : which he had deluded me from my parents, who were truth I shall beg leave of her to illustrate by the people of very good fashion, in less than three following observation. months he left me. My parents would not see nor It is a mark of cowardice passively to forbear rehear from me; and, had it not been for a servant senting an affront, the resenting of which would who bad lived in our family, I must certainly have lead a man into danger : it is no less a sigy of perished for want of bread. However, it pleased | cowardice to affront a creature that hath not pomer

a

to avenge itself. Whatever name, therefore, this Murranus, boasting of luis blood, that spring ungenerous man may bestow on the helpless lady he From a long royal race of Latian kings,

1s by the Trojan from his chariot thrown. hath injured, I shall not scruple to give him, in re- Crush'd with the weight of an unwieldy stone.-Daybe, turn for it, the appellation of coward. A man that can so far descend from his diguity

Ir is highly laudable to pay respect to men who as to strike a lady, can never recover his reputation of gratitude to those who have done good to man

are descended from worthy ancestors, not only out with either sex, because no provocation is thought kind, but as it is an encouragement to othets to strong enough to justify such treatment from the follow their example. But this is an honour to be powerful towards the weak. In the circumstances in which poor Lesbia is situated, she can appeal to received, not demanded, by the descendants of great no man whatsoever to avenge an insult more

men: and they who are apt to remind us of their grievous than a blow. If she could open her mouth, ancestors only put us upon making comparisons to the base man knows that a husband, a brother,

There is some pretence

their own disadvantage. generous friend, would die to see her righted.

for boasting of wit, beauty, strength, or wealth, beA generous mind, however enraged against an

cause the communication of them may give pleasure enemy, feels its resentments sink and vanish away ought we to claim any respect, because our father

or profit to others; but we can have no merit

, bor when the object of its wrath falls into its power. acted well whether we would or no. An estranged friend, filled with jealousy and discontent towards a bosom acquaintance, is apt to over.

The following letter ridicules the folly I hate flow with tenderness and remorse, when a creature mentioned, in a new, and I think, not disagreeable that was once dear to him undergoes any misfortune. light:What name then shall we give to his ingratitude,

“ MR. SPECTATOR, who (forgetting the favours he solicited with eager- “ Were the genealogy of every family preserved, ness, and received with rapture) can insult the there would probably be no man valued or despised miseries that he himself caused, and make sport on account of his birth. There is scarce a beggar with the pain to which he owes his greatest plea- in the streets, who would not find himself lioeally sure? There is but one being in the creation whose descended from some great man; nor any one of the province it is to practise upon the imbecilities of highest title, who would not discover several base frail creatures, and triumph in the woes which his and indigent persons among his ancestors. It would own artifices brought about; and we well know be a pleasant entertainment to see one pedigree of those who follow his example will receive his re- men appear together, under the same characters ward.

they bore when they acted their respective parts Leaving my fair correspondent to the direction of among the living. Suppose, therefore, a gentlenaa, her own wisdom and modesty; and her enemy, and full of his illustrious family, should, in the same his mean accomplices, to the compunction of their manner as Virgil makes Æneas looś over his de own hearts; I shall conclude this paper with a scendants, see the whole line of his progenitors pass memorable instance of revenge, taken by a Spanish in review before his eyes with how many varyu lady upon a guilty lover, which may serve to show passions would he behold shepherds and soldiers

, whát violent effects are wrought by the most tender statesmen and artificers, princes and beggars, walk passion, when soured into hatred; and may deter in the procession of five thousand years! How the young and unwary from unlawful love. The would his heart sink or flutter at the several sports story, however romantic it may appear, I have of fortune, in a scene so diversified with rags and heard affirmed for a truth.

purple, handicraft tools and sceptres, ensigns of dig

. Not many years ago an English gentleman, who, nity and emblems of disgrace!' And how would bis in a rencontre by night in the streets of Madrid, fears and apprehensions, bis transports and metilhad the misfortune to kill his man, fled into a cations, succeed one another, as the line of bis gechurch-porch for sanctuary. Leaning against the nealogy appeared bright or obscure! door, he was surprised to find it open, aud a gliin. “In most of the pedigrees hung up in old mapmering light in the church. Ho had the courage to sion-houses, you are sure to find the first in the advance towards the light; but was terribly startled catalogue a great statesman, or a soldier with an at the sight of a woman in white, who ascended honourable commission. The honest artificer that from a grave with a bloody knife in her hand. The begot him, and all his frugal ancestors before bia, phantom marched up to him, and asked him what are toru off from the top of the register; and you he did there. He told her the truth without re-are uot left to imagine that the noble founder of the serve, believing that he had met with a ghost ; upon family ever had a father Were we to trace many which she spoke to him in the following manner : boasted lines further backwards, we should lose them

Stranger, thou art in my power; I am a murderer in a mob of tradesmen, or a crowd of rustics, with: as thou ari. Know then that I am a nun of a noble out hope of seeing them emerge again : not unlike family. A base perjured man undid me, and boasted the old Appian way, which, after having fun inauy of it. I soon had him dispatched; but not content miles in length, loses itself in a bog. with the murder, I have bribed the sexton to let me “ I lately made a visit to an old country gentleenter his grave, and have now plucked out his false man, who is very far gone in this sort of family heart froin his body; and thus I use a traitor's madness. I found him in his study perusing an add heart." At these words she tore it in pieces and register of his family, which he had just lhes dos trampled it under her feet.

covered as it was branched out in the form of a tree, upon a skin of parchinent. Having the bir

nour to have some of his blood in my veins, being No, 512.) WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1714. permitted me to cast my eye over the bouglas of

this venerable plant; and asked my advice in de erurranum hic, atavos et avorum antiqua sonantem arNojnina, per regesque aclum genus omne Latinos,

reformning of some of the superfluous branches, Præcipitem scopulo atque ingentis turbine xaxi

" We passeci slightly over three or four of our Excuit, effunditque solo

immediate forefathers, shom he knew by tradition,

a

VIRG. Æn. xii. 529.

a

:

bat were soon stopped by an alderinan of London, time for future speculations; pick up hints which I. wtro I perceired made my kinsman's heart go pit-a- improve for the public good; give advice; redress pat. His confusion increased when he found the grievances; and by leaving commodious spaces bem alderman's father to be a grazier; but he recovered tween the several letters that I print, furnish out a his fright upon seeing justice of the quorum at the Spectator, with little labour and great ostentation. end of his titles. Things went on pretty well as we

** MR. SPECTATOR, ibrew our eyes frequently over the tree, when un. fortunately he perceived a merchant-tailor perched “ I was mightily pleased with your speculation of on a bough, who was said greatly to have increased Friday. Your sentiments are noble, and the whole the estate; he was just going to cut him off if he worked up in such a manner as cannot but strike had not seen gent, after the name of his son; who upon every reader. But give me leave to make this was recorded to have mortgaged one of the manors remark; that while you write so pathetically or his honest father had purchased. A weaver, who contentment, and a retired life, you soothe the pas. was burnt for his religion in the reign of Queen sion of melancholy, and depress the mind from Aary, was pruned away without mercy; a3 was actions truly glorious. Titles and honours are the likewise a yoeman who died of a fall from his own reward of virtue; we therefore ought to be affected cart. But great was our triumph in one of the with them; and though light minds are too much blood who was beheaded for high-treason : which, puffed up with exterior pomp, yet I cannot see why nevertheless, was not a little allayed by another of it is not as truly philosophical to admire the glows our ancestors who was hanged for stealing sheep. ing ruby, or the sparkling green of an emerald, as The expectations of iny good cousin were wonder the fainter and less permanent beauties of a rose or fully raised by a match into the family of a knight; a myrtle. If there are men of extraordinary capabut

unfortunately for us this branch proved barren! cities who lie concealed from the world, I should on the other hand, Margery the milk-maid, being impute it to them as a blot in their character, did twined round a bough, it flourished out into so many

not I believe it owing to the meanness of their for. shoots, and bent with so much fruit, that the old tuve rather than of their spirit. Cowley, who tells gentleman was quite out of countenance. To com

the story of Aglaüs with so much pleasure, was no fort me under this disgrace, he singled out a branch stranger to courts, nor insensible of praise. ten times more fruitful than the other, which he told

What shall I do to be for ever known, me he valued more than any in the tree, and bade

And make the age to come my own? me be of good comfort. This enormous bough was was the result of a laudable ambition. It was not a graft out of a Welsh heiress, with so many Aps until after frequent disappointments that he termed upon it that it might have made a little grove by it himself the melancholy Cowley; and he praised self

. From the trunk of the pedigree, which was solitude when he despaired of shining in a court. chiefly composed of labourers and shepherds, arose The soul of man is an active principle. He, therea buge sprout of farmers: this was branched out fore, who withdraws himself from the scene before into yeomen, and ended in a sheriff of the county, he has played his part, ought to be hissed off the who was knighted for his good service to the crown stage, and cannot be deemed virtuous, because he in bringing up an address. Several of the names refuses to answer his end. I must own I am fired that seemed to disparage the family, being looked with an honest ambition to imitate every illustrious upon as mistakes, were lopped off as rotten or example. The battles of Blenheim and Ramilies withered; as, on the contrary, no small number ap-have inore than once made me wish myself a soldier pearing without any titles, my cousin, to supply the And, when I have seen those actions so nobly celedefects of the manuscript, added esq. at the end of brated by our poets, I have secretly aspired to be each of them.

one of that distinguished class. But in vain I wish, “This tree, so pruned, dressed, and cultivated, in vain I pant with the desire of action. I am was, within a few days, transplanted into a large chained down in obscurity, and the only pleasure sheet of vellum, and placed in the great hall, where I can take is in seeing so many brighter geniuses it attrauts the veneration of his tenants every Sun- join their friendly lights to add to the splendour of day morning, while they wait until his worship is the throne. Farewell, then, dear Spec., and beready to go to church; wondering that a man who lieve me to be with great emulation, and no envy, had so many fathers before bim should not be nade

" Your professed Admirer, a kuight, or at least a justice of the peace.”

“ WILL HOPELESS." « Sir,

Middle Temple, Oct. 16, 1714. No. 613.) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1714.

“ Though you formerly made eloquence the sub

ject of one or more of your papers, I do not rememStudiis forentem ignobilis oti.

ber that you ever considered it as possessed by a set

Virg. Georg. iv. 564
Affecting studies of less noisy praise.-DBYDEN.

of people, who are so far from making Quintilian's

rules their practice, that, I dare say for them, they It is reckoned a piece of ill-breeding for one man never heard of such an author, and yet are no less to engross the whole talk to himself. For this rea- masters of it than Tully or Demosthenes among the 500, since I keep three visiting-days in the week, I ancients, or whom you please amongst the moderns. am content now and then to let my friends put in The persons I am speaking of are our common a sord. There are several advantages hereby ac- beggars about this town; and, that what I say is eruing both to my readers and myself. As first, true, I appeal to any man who has a heart one young and modest writers have an opportunity of degree softer than a stone. As for my part, who getting into print; again, the town enjoys the plea- do not pretend to more humanity than my veighsure of variety; and posterity will see the humour bours, I have oftentimes gone from my chambers of the present age, by the help of these little lights with money in my pocket, and returned to them not into private and domestic life. The benefits i re only pennyless, but destitute of a farthing, without ceive from thence are sueh as these: I gain more I bestowing of it any other way than on these seeme