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diff --git a/13169-h/13169-h.htm b/13169-h/13169-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fb64d1f --- /dev/null +++ b/13169-h/13169-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,14461 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> + <title> + The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} + .x-small {font-size: 75%;} + .small {font-size: 85%;} + .large {font-size: 115%;} + .x-large {font-size: 130%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent25 { margin-left: 25%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + .indent35 { margin-left: 35%;} + .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13169 ***</div> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE PROSE WORKS OF JONATHAN SWIFT + </h1> + <h3> + VOL. IX + </h3> + <h2> + By Jonathan Swift, D.D. + </h2> + <h4>> + CONTRIBUTIONS TO "THE TATLER," "THE EXAMINER," "THE SPECTATOR," AND "THE + INTELLIGENCER" + </h4> + <h4> + LONDON GEORGE BELL AND SONS 1902 + </h4> + <h5> + CHISWICK PRESS: CHARLES WHITTINGHAM AND CO. TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE, + LONDON. + </h5> + <hr /> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> CONTRIBUTIONS TO "THE TATLER." </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 32. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 35. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 59. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 63. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 66. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 67. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 68. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 70. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 71. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 230. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 258. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> THE TATLER, NUMB. I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> THE TATLER, No. 2. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> THE TATLER, No. 5. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 298.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 302.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> THE TATLER, NUMB. 306.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> CONTRIBUTIONS TO "THE EXAMINER." </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> THE EXAMINER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> NUMB. 14.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> NUMB. 15.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> NUMB. 16.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> NUMB. 17.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> NUMB. 18.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> NUMB. 19.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> NUMB. 20.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> NUMB. 21.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> NUMB. 22.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> NUMB. 23.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> NUMB. 24.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> NUMB. 25.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> NUMB. 26.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> NUMB. 27.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> NUMB. 28.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> NUMB. 29.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> NUMB. 30.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> NUMB. 31.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> NUMB. 32.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> NUMB. 33.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> NUMB. 34.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> NUMB. 35.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0044"> NUMB. 36.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0045"> NUMB. 37.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0046"> NUMB. 38.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0047"> NUMB. 39.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0048"> NUMB. 40.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0049"> NUMB. 41.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0050"> NUMB. 42.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0051"> NUMB. 43.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0052"> NUMB. 44.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0053"> NUMB. 45.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0054"> NUMB. 46.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0055"> CONTRIBUTION TO "THE SPECTATOR." </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0056"> THE SPECTATOR, NUMB. L.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0057"> CONTRIBUTIONS TO "THE INTELLIGENCER." </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0058"> THE INTELLIGENCER, NUMB. 1.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0059"> THE INTELLIGENCER, NUMB. III.[1] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0060"> THE INTELLIGENCER, NUMB. XIX[1]. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0061"> INDEX. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <p> + Swift has been styled the Prince of Journalists. Like most titles whose + aim is to express in modern words the character and achievements of a man + of a past age, this phrase is not of the happiest. Applied to so + extraordinary a man as Jonathan Swift, it is both misleading and + inadequate. At best it embodies but a half-truth. It belongs to that class + of phrases which, in emphasizing a particular side of the character, + sacrifices truth to a superficial cleverness, and so does injustice to the + character as a whole. The vogue such phrases obtain is thus the measure of + the misunderstanding that is current; so that it often becomes necessary + to receive them with caution and to test them with care. + </p> + <p> + A prince in his art Swift certainly was, but his art was not the art of + the journalist. Swift was a master of literary expression, and of all + forms of that expression which aim at embodying in language the common + life and common facts of men and their common nature. He had his + limitations, of course; but just here lies the power of his special + genius. He never attempted to express what he did not fully comprehend. If + he saw things narrowly, he saw them definitely, and there was no mistaking + the ideas he wished to convey. "He understands himself," said Dr. Johnson, + "and his reader always understands him." Within his limitations Swift + swayed a sovereign power. His narrowness of vision, however, did never + blind him to the relations that exist between fact and fact, between + object and subject, between the actual and the possible. At the same time + it was not his province, as it was not his nature, to handle such + relations in the abstract. The bent of his mind was towards the practical + and not the pure reason. The moralist and the statesman went hand in hand + in him—an excellent example of the eighteenth century thinker. + </p> + <p> + But to say this of Swift is not to say that he was a journalist. The + journalist is the man of the hour writing for the hour in harmony with + popular opinion. Both his text and his heads are ready-made for him. He + follows the beaten road, and only essays new paths when conditions have + become such as to force him along them. Such a man Swift certainly was + not. Journalism was not his way to the goal. If anything, it was, as + Epictetus might have said, but a tavern by the way-side in which he took + occasion to find the means by which the better to attain his goal. If + Swift's contributions to the literature of his day be journalism, then did + journalism spring full-grown into being, and its history since his time + must be considered as a history of its degeneration. But they were much + more than journalism. That they took the form they did, in contributions + to the periodicals of his day, is but an accident which does not in the + least affect the contributions themselves. These, in reality, constitute a + criticism of the social and political life of the first thirty years of + the English eighteenth century. From the time of the writing of "A Tale of + a Tub" to the days of the Drapier's Letters, Swift dissected his + countrymen with the pitiless hand of the master-surgeon. So profound was + his knowledge of human anatomy, individual and social, that we shudder now + at the pain he must have inflicted in his unsparing operations. So + accurate was his judgment that we stand amazed at his knowledge, and our + amazement often turns to a species of horror as we see the cuticle flapped + open revealing the crude arrangement beneath. Nor is it to argue too + nicely, to suggest that our present sympathy for the past pain, our + amazement, and our horror, are, after all, our own unconscious tributes to + the power of the man who calls them up, and our confession of the lasting + validity of his criticism. + </p> + <p> + This is not the power nor is it the kind of criticism that are the + elements of the art of the journalist. Perhaps we should be glad that it + is not; which is but to say that we are content with things as they exist. + It requires a special set of conditions to precipitate a Swift. Happily, + if we will have it so, the conditions in which we find ourselves ask for + that kind of journalist whose function is amply fulfilled when he has + measured the movements of the hour by the somewhat higher standards of the + day. The conditions under which Swift lived demanded a journalist of an + entirely different calibre; and they got him. They obtained a man who + dissolved the petty jealousies of party power in the acid of satire, and + who distilled the affected fears for Church and State in the alembic of a + statesmanship that establishes a nation's majesty and dignity on the + common welfare of its free people. When Swift, at the beginning of the + November of 1710, was called in to assist the Tory party by undertaking + the work of "The Examiner," he found a condition of things so involved and + so unstable, that it required the very nicest appreciation, the most + delicate handling, and the boldest of hearts to readjust and re-establish, + without fearful consequences. Harley and St. John were safely housed, and, + apparently, amply protected by a substantial majority. But majorities are + often not the most trustworthy of supports. Apart from the over-confidence + which they inspire, and apart from the danger of a too-enthusiastic + following, such as found expression in the October Club, there was the + danger which might come from the dissatisfaction of the people at large, + should their temper be wrongly gauged; and at this juncture it was not + easy to gauge. The popularity of Marlborough and his victories, on the one + hand, was undoubted. On the other, however, there was the growing opinion + that those victories had been paid for at a price greater than England + could afford. If she had gained reputation and prestige, these could not + fill the mouths of the landed class, gradually growing poorer, and the + members of this class were not of a disposition to restrain their feelings + as they noted the growing prosperity of the Whig stock-jobbers—a + prosperity that was due to the very war which was beggaring them. If the + landed man cried for peace, he was answered by the Whig stock-jobber that + peace meant the ultimate repudiation of the National Debt, with the + certainty of the reign of the Pretender. If the landed man spoke for the + Church, the Whig speculator raised the shout of "No Popery!" The war had + transformed parties into factions, and the ministry stood between a Scylla + of a peace-at-any-price, on the one side, and a Charybdis of a + war-at-any-price on the other; or, if not a war, then a peace so one-sided + that it would be almost impossible to bring it about. + </p> + <p> + In such troubled waters, and at such a critical juncture, it was given to + Swift to act as pilot to the ship of State. His papers to "The Examiner" + must bear witness to the skill with which he accomplished the task set + before him. His appeal to the people of England for confidence in the + ministry, should be an appeal not alone on behalf of its distinguished and + able members, but also on behalf of a policy by which "the crooked should + be made straight and the rough places plain." Such was to be the nature of + his appeal, and he made it in a series of essays that turned every + advantage with admirable effect to the side of his clients. Not another + man then living could have done what he did; and we question if either + Harley or St. John ever realized the service he rendered them. The later + careers of these two men furnish no doubtful hints of what might have + happened at this period had Swift been other than the man he was. + </p> + <p> + But Swift's "Examiners" did much more than preserve Harley's head on his + shoulders; they brought the nation to a calmer sense of its position, and + tutored it to a juster appreciation of the men who were using it for + selfish ends. Let us make every allowance for purely special pleadings; + for indulgence in personal feeling against the men who had either + disappointed, injured, or angered him; for the party man affecting or + genuinely feeling party bitterness, for the tricks and subterfuges of the + paid advocate appealing to the passions and weaknesses of those whose + favour he was seeking to win; allowing for these, there are yet left in + these papers a noble spirit of wide-eyed patriotism, and a distinguished + grasp of the meaning of national greatness and national integrity. + </p> + <p> + The pamphleteers whom he opposed, and who opposed him, were powerless + against Swift. Where they pried with the curiosity and meanness of petty + dealers, Swift's insight seized on the larger relations, and insisted on + them. Where they "bantered," cajoled, and sneered, arousing a very mild + irritation, Swift's scornful invective, and biting satire silenced into + fear the enemies of the Queen's chosen ministers. Where their jejune + "answers" gained a simper, Swift's virility of mind, range of power, and + dexterity of handling, compelled a homage. His Whig antagonists had good + reason to dread him. He scoffed at them for an existence that was founded, + not on a devotion to principles, but on a jealousy for the power others + enjoyed. "The bulk of the Whigs appears rather to be linked to a certain + set of persons, than any certain set of principles." To these persons also + he directed his grim attention, Somers, Cowper, Godolphin, Marlborough, + and Wharton were each drawn with iron stylus and acid. To Wharton he gave + special care (he had some private scores to pay off), and in the character + of Verres, he etched the portrait of a profligate, an unscrupulous + governor, a scoundrel, an infidel to his religion and country, a reckless, + selfish, low-living blackguard. In the Letter to Marcus Crassus, + Marlborough is addressed in language that the simplest farm-labourer could + understand. The letter is a lay sermon on the vice of avarice, and every + point and illustration are taken from Marlborough's life with such telling + application that Marlborough himself must have taken thought as he read + it. "No man," Swift finely concludes, "of true valour and true + understanding, upon whom this vice has stolen unawares; when he is + convinced he is guilty, will suffer it to remain in his breast an hour." + </p> + <p> + But these attentions to the Whigs as a party and as individuals were, + after all, but the by-play of the skilled orator preparing the minds of + his hearers for the true purpose in hand. That purpose may originally have + been to fix the ministry in the country's favour; but Swift having + fulfilled it, and so discharged his office, turned it, as indeed he could + not help turning it, and as later in the Drapier's Letters he turned + another purpose, to the persuasion of an acceptance of those broad + principles which so influenced political thought during the last years of + the reign of Queen Anne. It is with these principles in his mind that Dr. + Johnson confessed that Swift "dictated for a time the political opinions + of the English nation." He recalled the nation to a consideration of the + Constitution; he attributed to the people (because, of course, they had + elected the new ministry into power) an appreciation of what was best for + the protection of their ancient privileges and rights. The past twenty + years had been a period of mismanagement, in which the Constitution had + been ignored; "but the body of the people is wiser; and by the choice they + have made, shew they do understand our Constitution, and would bring it + back to the old form." "The nation has groaned under the intolerable + burden of those who sucked her blood for gain. We have carried on wars, + that we might fill the pockets of stock-jobbers. We have revised our + Constitution, and by a great and united national effort, have secured our + Protestant succession, only that we may become the tools of a faction, who + arrogate to themselves the whole merit of what was a national act. We are + governed by upstarts, who are unsettling the landmarks of our social + system, and are displacing the influence of our landed gentry by that of a + class of men who find their profit in our woes." The rule of the tradesman + must be replaced by the rule of those whose lives are bound up with the + land of their country. The art of government was not "the importation of + nutmegs, and the curing of herrings;" but the political embodiment of the + will of "a Parliament freely chosen, without threatening or corruption," + and "composed of landed men" whose interests being in the soil would be at + one with the interests of those who lived on the soil. Whigs and Tories + may dispute as they will among themselves as to the best side from which + to defend the country; but the men of the true party are the men of the + National party—they "whose principles in Church and State, are what + I have above related; whose actions are derived from thence, and who have + no attachment to any set of ministers, further than as these are friends + to the Constitution in all its parts; but will do their utmost to save + their Prince and Country, whoever be at the Helm".[1] + </p> + <p> + In this spirit and in such wise did Swift temper his time and champion the + cause of those men who had chosen him. This was a kind of "examining" to + which neither the Whigs nor the Tories had been accustomed. It shed quite + a new light on matters, which the country at large was not slow to + appreciate. Throughout the length and breadth of the kingdom "The + Examiner" was welcomed and its appeals responded to. Its success was + notable, even magnificent; but it was not a lasting success. It did the + work that the ministry had intended it to do, and did it unmistakably; but + the principles of this National party were for men of a sterner mould than + either Harley or St. John. Swift had laid a burden on their shoulders + heavier than they could carry, and they fell when they were bereft of his + support. But the work Swift did bears witness to-day to a very unusual + combination of qualities in the genius of this man, whose personality + stands out even above his work. It was ever his fate to serve and never + his happiness to command; but then he had himself accepted servitude when + he donned the robe of the priest. + </p> + <p> + It is deserving of repeated record to note that Dr. Johnson in admitting + that Swift, in "The Examiner," had the advantage in argument, adds that + "with regard to wit, I am afraid none of Swift's papers will be found + equal to those by which Addison opposed him." To which Monck Mason + pertinently remarks: "The Doctor should have told us what these papers + were which Addison wrote in opposition to Swift's 'Examiner;' for the last + 'Whig Examiner,' written by Addison, was published October 12th, 1710, and + Swift's first 'Examiner' on the 2nd November following."[2] + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + In this volume have been collected those writings of Swift which form his + contributions to the periodicals of his time. Care has been taken to give + the best text and to admit nothing that Swift did not write. In the + preparation of the volume the editor has received such assistance from Mr. + W. Spencer Jackson that it might with stricter justice be said that he had + edited it. He collated the texts, revised the proofs, and supplied most of + the notes. Without his assistance the volume must inevitably have been + further delayed, and the editor gladly takes this occasion to acknowledge + his indebtedness to Mr. Jackson and to thank him for his help. + </p> + <p> + His further indebtedness must be acknowledged to the researches of those + writers already named in the previously published volumes of this edition, + and also cited in the notes to the present volume. + </p> + <p> + Temple Scott. + </p> + <p> + Glen Ridge, New Jersey, U.S.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>April</i> 8, 1902. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "Examiner," No. 44, p. 290.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "Hist. St. Patrick's Cathedral," p. 257, note g.] + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DETAILED CONTENTS + + CONTRIBUTIONS TO "THE TATLER" + Introductory Note + No. 32, June 23, 1709 + 35, " 30, " + 59, Aug. 25, " + 65, Sept. 3, " + 66, " 10, " + 67, " 13, " + 68, " 15, " + 70, " 22, " + 71, " 22, " + 230, Sept. 28, 1710 + 258, Dec. 2, " + + Note to Harrison's "Tatler" + No. 1 (of vol. v.), Jan. 13, 1710-11 + 2 ( " ), " 16, " + 5 ( " ), " 27, " + No. 298 (vol. v., No. 20), March 6, 1710-11 + 302 (vol. v., No. 24), " 15 " + 306 (vol. v., No. 28), " 24 " + + CONTRIBUTIONS TO "THE EXAMINER" + Introductory Note + No. 14 (13), Nov. 2, 1710 + 15 (14), " 9, " + 16 (15), " 16, " + 17 (16), " 23, " + 18 (17), " 30, " + 19 (18), Dec. 7, " + 20 (19), " 14, " + 21 (20), " 21, " + 22 (21), " 28, " + 23 (22), Jan. 4, 1710-11 + 24 (23), " 11, " + 25 (24), " 18, " + 26 (25), " 25, " + 27 (26), Feb. 1, " + 28 (27), " 8, " + 29 (28), Feb 15, 1710 11 + 30 (29), " 22, " + 31 (30), March 1, " + 32 (31), " 8, " + 33 (32), " 15, " + 34 (33), " 22, " + 35 (34), " 29, 1711 + 36 (35), April 5, " + 37 (36), " 12, " + 38 (37), " 19, " + 39 (38), " 26, " + 40 (39), May 3, " + 41 (40), " 10, " + 42 (41), " 17, " + 43 (42), " 24, " + 44 (43), " 31, " + 45 (44), June 7, " + 46 (45), " 14, " + + CONTRIBUTIONS TO "THE SPECTATOR" + Introductory Note + No 50, April 27, 1711 (The Four Indian Kings) + Paragraph from No 575, August 2, 1714 + + CONTRIBUTIONS TO "THE INTELLIGENCER" + Introductory Note + No 1, May 11, 1728 (Introduction) + 3, A Vindication of Mr. Gay, and the Beggar's Opera + 19, The Hardships of the Irish being deprived of their + Silver, and decoyed into America + +</pre> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CONTRIBUTIONS TO "THE TATLER." + </h2> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + In the original dedication of the first volume of "The Tatler" to Arthur + Maynwaring Richard Steele, its projector and editor, gives characteristic + expression to the motive which prompted him in its establishment. "The + state of conversation and business in this town," says Steele, "having + been long perplexed with pretenders in both kinds, in order to open men's + eyes against such abuses, it appeared no unprofitable undertaking to + publish a Paper which should observe upon the manners of the pleasurable, + as well as the busy, part of mankind." He goes on to say that "the general + purpose of this Paper is to expose the false arts of life, to pull off the + disguises of cunning, vanity, and affectation, and to recommend a general + simplicity in our dress, our discourse, and our behaviour." + </p> + <p> + That Steele succeeded in this laudable purpose has been amply made evident + by the effect "The Tatler" had upon his literary successors, both of his + own age and of the generations since his time. "The Tatler" was, if we + except Defoe's "Weekly Review," the earliest literary periodical which, in + the language of Scott, "had no small effect in fixing and refining the + character of the English nation." + </p> + <p> + Steele conducted his periodical under the name of Isaac Bickerstaff. He + chose this name purposely because he felt, as he himself expressed it, + that "a work of this nature required time to grow into the notice of the + world. It happened very luckily that a little before I had resolved upon + this design, a gentleman had written predictions, and two or three other + pieces in my name, which had rendered it famous through all parts of + Europe; and by an inimitable spirit and humour, raised it to as high a + pitch of reputation as it could possibly arrive at." The gentleman + referred to is, of course, Swift, whose pamphlets on Partridge had been + the talk of the town. + </p> + <p> + Steele very kindly ascribes the success of the periodical to this "good + fortune;" and though there may be something in what he said, we, in the + present day, can more justly appreciate the great benefit conferred upon + his countrymen by himself and his co-workers. + </p> + <p> + The influence of "The Tatler" on contemporary thought is acknowledged by + Gay in his "Present State of Wit," published in 1711. Gay remarks: "His + writings have set all our wits and men of letters upon a new way of + thinking, of which they had little or no notion before; and though we + cannot yet say that any of them have come up to the beauties of the + original, I think we may venture to affirm that every one of them writes + and thinks much more justly than they did some time since." + </p> + <p> + Among the contributors, in addition to the editor himself, were Swift, + Addison, Yalden, John Hughes, William Harrison, and James Greenwood. + </p> + <p> + It must always remain to a great extent a matter of conjecture as to the + exact authorship of "The Tatler" papers. In the preface to the fourth + volume the authorship of a very few of the articles was admitted. Peter + Wentworth wrote to his brother, Lord Raby, on May 9th, 1709, saying the + Tatlers "are writ by a club of wits, who make it their business to pick up + all the merry stories they can.... Three of the authors are guessed at, + viz.: Swift,... Yalden, and Steele" ("Wentworth Papers," 85). + </p> + <p> + Swift's first recognized prose contribution to "The Tatler" was in No. 32 + (June 23rd), and he continued from time to time, as the following reprint + will show, to assist his friend; but, unfortunately, party politics + separated the two, and Swift retired from the venture. + </p> + <p> + A particular meaning was attached to the place from which the articles in + "The Tatler" were dated. The following notice appeared in the first + number: "All accounts of gallantry, pleasure, and entertainment, shall be + under the article of White's Chocolate-house; poetry, under that of Will's + Coffee-house; learning, under the title of Grecian; foreign and domestic + news, you will have from St. James's Coffee-house; and what else I have to + offer on any other subject shall be dated from my own Apartment." + </p> + <p> + "The Tatler" was reprinted in Edinburgh as soon as possible after its + publication in London, commencing apparently with No. 130, as No. 31 + (Edinburgh, James Watson) is dated April 24th, 1710, and corresponds to + No. 160 of the original edition, April 18th, 1710. [T.S.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 32. + </h2> + <h3> + FROM TUESDAY JUNE 21. TO THURSDAY JUNE 23. 1709. + </h3> + <p> + "To ISAAC BICKERSTAFF ESQ;[1] + </p> + <p> + <i>June</i> 18. 1709. + </p> + <h3> + "SIR, + </h3> + <p> + "I know not whether you ought to pity or laugh at me; for I am fallen + desperately in love with a professed <i>Platonne</i>, the most + unaccountable creature of her sex. To hear her talk seraphics, and run + over Norris[2] and More,[3] and Milton,[4] and the whole set of + Intellectual Triflers, torments me heartily; for to a lover who + understands metaphors, all this pretty prattle of ideas gives very fine + views of pleasure, which only the dear declaimer prevents, by + understanding them literally. Why should she wish to be a cherubim, when + it is flesh and blood that makes her adorable? If I speak to her, that is + a high breach of the idea of intuition: If I offer at her hand or lip, she + shrinks from the touch like a sensitive plant, and would contract herself + into mere spirit. She calls her chariot, vehicle; her furbelowed scarf, + pinions; her blue manteau and petticoat is her azure dress; and her + footman goes by the name of Oberon. It is my misfortune to be six foot and + a half high, two full spans between the shoulders, thirteen inches + diameter in the calves; and before I was in love, I had a noble stomach, + and usually went to bed sober with two bottles. I am not quite six and + twenty, and my nose is marked truly aquiline. For these reasons, I am in a + very particular manner her aversion. What shall I do? Impudence itself + cannot reclaim her. If I write miserable, she reckons me among the + children of perdition, and discards me her region: If I assume the gross + and substantial, she plays the real ghost with me, and vanishes in a + moment. I had hopes in the hypocrisy of the sex; but perseverance makes it + as bad as a fixed aversion. I desire your opinion, Whether I may not + lawfully play the inquisition upon her, make use of a little force, and + put her to the rack and the torture, only to convince her, she has really + fine limbs, without spoiling or distorting them. I expect your directions, + ere I proceed to dwindle and fall away with despair; which at present I + don't think advisable, because, if she should recant, she may then hate me + perhaps in the other extreme for my tenuity. I am (with impatience) + </p> + <p> + "Your most humble servant, + </p> + <h3> + "CHARLES STURDY." + </h3> + <p> + My patient has put his case with very much warmth, and represented it in + so lively a manner, that I see both his torment and tormentor with great + perspicuity. This order of Platonic ladies are to be dealt with in a + peculiar manner from all the rest of the sex. Flattery is the general way, + and the way in this case; but it is not to be done grossly. Every man that + has wit, and humour, and raillery, can make a good flatterer for woman in + general; but a <i>Platonne</i> is not to be touched with panegyric: she + will tell you, it is a sensuality in the soul to be delighted that way. + You are not therefore to commend, but silently consent to all she does and + says. You are to consider in her the scorn of you is not humour, but + opinion. + </p> + <p> + There were some years since a set of these ladies who were of quality, and + gave out, that virginity was to be their state of life during this mortal + condition, and therefore resolved to join their fortunes, and erect a + nunnery. The place of residence was pitched upon; and a pretty situation, + full of natural falls and risings of waters, with shady coverts, and + flowery arbours, was approved by seven of the founders. There were as many + of our sex who took the liberty to visit those mansions of intended + severity; among others, a famous rake[5] of that time, who had the grave + way to an excellence. He came in first; but upon seeing a servant coming + towards him, with a design to tell him, this was no place for him or his + companions, up goes my grave impudence to the maid: "Young woman," said + he, "if any of the ladies are in the way on this side of the house, pray + carry us on the other side towards the gardens: we are, you must know, + gentlemen that are travelling England; after which we shall go into + foreign parts, where some of us have already been." Here he bows in the + most humble manner, and kissed the girl, who knew not how to behave to + such a sort of carriage. He goes on; "Now you must know we have an + ambition to have it to say, that we have a Protestant nunnery in England: + but pray Mrs. Betty——"—"Sir," she replied, "my name is + Susan, at your service."—"Then I heartily beg your pardon——"—"No + offence in the least," says she, "for I have a cousin-german whose name is + Betty."[6]—"Indeed," said he, "I protest to you that was more than I + knew, I spoke at random: But since it happens that I was near in the + right, give me leave to present this gentleman to the favour of a civil + salute." His friend advances, and so on, till that they had all saluted + her. By this means, the poor girl was in the middle of the crowd of these + fellows, at a loss what to do, without courage to pass through them; and + the Platonics, at several peepholes, pale, trembling, and fretting. Rake + perceived they were observed, and therefore took care to keep Sukey in + chat with questions concerning their way of life; when appeared at last + Madonella,[7] a lady who had writ a fine book concerning the recluse life, + and was the projectrix of the foundation. She approaches into the hall; + and Rake, knowing the dignity of his own mien and aspect, goes deputy from + his company. She begins, "Sir, I am obliged to follow the servant, who was + sent out to know, What affair could make strangers press upon a solitude + which we, who are to inhabit this place, have devoted to Heaven and our + own thoughts?"— "Madam," replies Rake, (with an air of great + distance, mixed with a certain indifference, by which he could dissemble + dissimulation) "your great intention has made more noise in the world than + you design it should; and we travellers, who have seen many foreign + institutions of this kind, have a curiosity to see, in its first + rudiments, this seat of primitive piety; for such it must be called by + future ages, to the eternal honour of the founders. I have read + Madonella's excellent and seraphic discourse on this subject." The lady + immediately answers, "If what I have said could have contributed to raise + any thoughts in you that may make for the advancement of intellectual and + divine conversation, I should think myself extremely happy." He + immediately fell back with the profoundest veneration; then advancing, + "Are you then that admired lady? If I may approach lips which have uttered + things so sacred—" He salutes her. His friends followed his example. + The devoted within stood in amazement where this would end, to see + Madonella receive their address and their company. But Rake goes on—"We + would not transgress rules; but if we may take the liberty to see the + place you have thought fit to choose for ever, we would go into such parts + of the gardens as is consistent with the severities you have imposed on + yourselves." + </p> + <p> + To be short, Madonella permitted Rake to lead her into the assembly of + nuns, followed by his friends, and each took his fair one by the hand, + after due explanation, to walk round the gardens. The conversation turned + upon the lilies, the flowers, the arbours, and the growing vegetables; and + Rake had the solemn impudence, when the whole company stood round him, to + say, "That he sincerely wished men might rise out of the earth like + plants;[8] and that our minds were not of necessity to be sullied with + carnivorous appetites for the generation, as well as support of our + species." This was spoke with so easy and fixed an assurance, that + Madonella answered, "Sir, under the notion of a pious thought, you deceive + yourself in wishing an institution foreign to that of Providence: These + desires were implanted in us for reverend purposes, in preserving the race + of men, and giving opportunities for making our chastity more heroic." The + conference was continued in this celestial strain, and carried on so well + by the managers on both sides, that it created a second and a second + interview;[9] and, without entering into further particulars, there was + hardly one of them but was a mother or father that day twelvemonth. + </p> + <p> + Any unnatural part is long taking up, and as long laying aside; therefore + Mr. Sturdy may assure himself, Platonica will fly for ever from a forward + behaviour; but if he approaches her according to this model, she will fall + in with the necessities of mortal life, and condescend to look with pity + upon an unhappy man, imprisoned in so much body, and urged by such violent + desires. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This letter is introduced by the following words: + </p> + <p> + "White's Chocolate-house, June 22. + </p> + <p> + "An Answer to the following letter being absolutely necessary to be + dispatched with all expedition, I must trespass upon all that come with + horary questions into my ante-chamber, to give the gentleman my opinion." + </p> + <p> + This paper is written in ridicule of some affected ladies of the period, + who pretended, with rather too much ostentation, to embrace the doctrines + of Platonic Love. Mrs. Mary Astell, a learned and worthy woman, had + embraced this fantastic notion so deeply, that, in an essay upon the + female sex, in 1696, she proposed a sort of female college, in which the + young might be instructed, and 'ladies nauseating the parade of the + world,' might find a happy retirement. The plan was disconcerted by Bishop + Burnet, who, understanding that the Queen intended to give £10,000 towards + the establishment, dissuaded her, by an assurance, that it would lead to + the introduction of Popish orders, and be called a nunnery. This lady is + the Madonella of the Tatler.... This paper has been censured as a gross + reflection on Mrs. Astell's character, but on no very just foundation. + Swift only prophesies the probable issue of such a scheme, as that of the + Protestant nunnery; and it is a violent interpretation of his words to + suppose him to insinuate, that the conclusion had taken place without the + premises. Indeed, the scourge of ridicule is seldom better employed than + on that species of <i>Précieuse</i>, who is anxious to confound the + boundaries which nature has fixed for the employments and studies of the + two sexes. No man was more zealous than Swift for informing the female + mind in those points most becoming and useful to their sex. His "Letter to + a Young Married Lady" and "Thoughts on Education" point out the extent of + those studies. [S.] + </p> + <p> + Nichols, in his edition of "The Tatler" (1786), ascribes this paper to + "Swift and Addison"; but he thinks the humour of it "certainly originated + in the licentious imagination of the Dean of St. Patrick's." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: John Norris (1657-1711), Rector of Bemerton, author of "The + Theory and Regulation of Love" (1688), and of many other works. His + correspondence with the famous Platonist, Henry More, is appended to this + "moral essay." Chalmers speaks of him as "a man of great ingenuity, + learning, and piety"; but Locke refers to him as "an obscure, enthusiastic + man." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Henry More (1614-1687), the famous Cambridge Platonist, and + author of "Philosophicall Poems" (1647), "The Immortality of the Soul" + (1659), and other works of a similar nature. Chalmers notes that "Mr. + Chishall, an eminent bookseller, declared, that Dr. More's 'Mystery of + Godliness' and his other works, ruled all the booksellers of London for + twenty years together." [T.S. ]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: The reference here is to Milton's "Apology for Smectymnuus." + Milton and More were, during one year, fellow-students at Christ's + College, Cambridge. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Said to refer to a Mr. Repington, a well-known wag of the + time, and a member of an old Warwickshire family, of Amington, near + Tamworth. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: The Betty here referred to is the Lady Elizabeth Hastings + (1682-1739), daughter of Theophilus, seventh Earl of Huntingdon. In No. 49 + of "The Tatler," Steele refers to her in the famous sentence: "to love her + is a liberal education." She contributed to Mrs. Astell's plans for the + establishment of a "Protestant nunnery." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: See previous note. Mrs. Mary Astell (1668-1731) the authoress + of "A Serious Proposal to the Ladies for the Advancement of their true and + greatest Interest" (1694), was the friend of Lady Elizabeth Hastings and + the correspondent of John Norris of Bemerton. There is not the slightest + foundation for the gross and cruel insinuations against her character in + this paper. The libel is repeated in the 59th and 63rd numbers of "The + Tatler." Her correspondence with Norris was published in 1695, with the + title, "Letters Concerning the Love of God". Later in life she attacked + Atterbury, Locke, and White Kennett. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: The reference here is to Sir Thomas Browne's "Religio + Medici," part ii., section 9. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: M. Bournelle—a pseudonym of William Oldisworth—remarks: + "The next interview after a <i>second</i> is still a <i>second</i>; there + is no progress in time to lovers" ("Annotations on 'The Tatler'"). + Chalmers reads here, "a second and a third interview." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 35. + </h2> + <h3> + FROM TUESDAY JUNE 28. TO THURSDAY JUNE 30. 1709. + </h3> + <h3> + "SIR,[1] + </h3> + <p> + "Not long since[2] you were pleased to give us a chimerical account of the + famous family of <i>Staffs</i>, from whence I suppose you would insinuate, + that it is the most ancient and numerous house in all Europe. But I + positively deny that it is either; and wonder much at your audacious + proceedings in this matter, since it is well known, that our most + illustrious, most renowned, and most celebrated Roman family of <i>Ix</i>, + has enjoyed the precedency to all others from the reign of good old + Saturn. I could say much to the defamation and disgrace of your family; + as, that your relations <i>Distaff</i> and <i>Broomstaff</i> were both + inconsiderate mean persons, one spinning, the other sweeping the streets, + for their daily bread. But I forbear to vent my spleen on objects so much + beneath my indignation. I shall only give the world a catalogue of my + ancestors, and leave them to determine which hath hitherto had, and which + for the future ought to have, the preference. + </p> + <p> + "First then comes the most famous and popular lady <i>Meretrix</i>, parent + of the fertile family of <i>Bellatrix, Lotrix, Netrix, Nutrix, Obstetrix, + Famulatrix, Coctrix, Ornatrix, Sarcinatrix, Fextrix, Balneatrix, + Portatrix, Saltatrix, Divinatrix, Conjectrix, Comtrix, Debitrix, + Creditrix, Donatrix, Ambulatrix, Mercatrix, Adsectrix, Assectatrix, + Palpatrix, Praeceptrix, Pistrix.</i> + </p> + <p> + "I am yours, + </p> + <h3> + "ELIZ. POTATRIX." + </h3> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This letter is introduced: + </p> + <p> + "From my own Apartment, June 29. + </p> + <p> + "It would be a very great obligation, and an assistance to my treatise + upon punning, if any one would please to inform me in what class among the + learned, who play with words, to place the author of the following + letter." + </p> + <p> + The proposed work had been promised in the 32nd number of "The Tatler," + where it was stated that, "I shall dedicate this discourse to a gentleman, + my very good friend, who is the Janus of our times, and whom, by his years + and wit, you would take to be of the last age; but by his dress and + morals, of this." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: In the 11th number of "The Tatler," by Heneage Twisden. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 59. + </h2> + <h3> + FROM TUESDAY AUGUST 23. TO THURSDAY AUGUST 25. 1709. + </h3> + <p> + <i>Will's Coffee-house, August 24.</i> + </p> + <p> + The author of the ensuing letter, by his name, and the quotations he makes + from the ancients, seems a sort of spy from the old world, whom we moderns + ought to be careful of offending; therefore I must be free, and own it a + fair hit where he takes me, rather than disoblige him. + </p> + <p> + "SIR, Having a peculiar humour of desiring to be somewhat the better or + wiser for what I read, I am always uneasy when, in any profound writer + (for I read no others) I happen to meet with what I cannot understand. + When this falls out, it is a great grievance to me that I am not able to + consult the author himself about his meaning; for commentators are a sect + that has little share in my esteem. Your elaborate writings have, among + many others, this advantage, that their author is still alive, and ready + (as his extensive charity makes us expect) to explain whatever may be + found in them too sublime for vulgar understandings. This, Sir, makes me + presume to ask you, how the Hampstead hero's character could be perfectly + new[1] when the last letters came away, and yet Sir John Suckling so well + acquainted with it sixty years ago? I hope, Sir, you will not take this + amiss: I can assure you, I have a profound respect for you; which makes me + write this, with the same disposition with which Longinus bids us read + Homer and Plato. + </p> + <p> + "'When in reading,' says he, 'any of those celebrated authors, we meet + with a passage to which we cannot well reconcile our reasons, we ought + firmly to believe, that were those great wits present to answer for + themselves, we should to our wonder be convinced, that we only are guilty + of the mistakes we before attributed to them.' If you think fit to remove + the scruple that now torments me, it will be an encouragement to me to settle + a frequent correspondence with you, several things falling in my way which + would not, perhaps, be altogether foreign to your purpose, and whereon + your thoughts would be very acceptable to + </p> + <p> + "Your most humble servant, + </p> + <h3> + "OBADIAH GREENHAT." + </h3> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In No. 57 of "The Tatler" Steele wrote: "Letters from + Hampstead say, there is a coxcomb arrived there, of a kind which is + utterly new. The fellow has courage, which he takes himself to be obliged + to give proofs of every hour he lives. He is ever fighting with the men, + and contradicting the women. A lady, who sent him to me, superscribed him + with this description out of Suckling: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "'I am a man of war and might, + And know thus much, that I can fight, + Whether I am i' th' wrong or right. + Devoutly. + 'No woman under Heaven I fear, + New oaths I can exactly swear; + And forty healths my brains will bear, + Most stoutly.'" +</pre> + <p> + The "description out of Suckling" is from that writer's rondeau, "A + Soldier." As the poet died in 1642, Swift ridicules the statement that + this kind of coxcomb was "utterly new." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 63. + </h2> + <p> + FROM THURSDAY SEPTEMBER I. TO SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3, 1709. "SIR,[1] + </p> + <p> + "It must be allowed, that Esquire Bickerstaff is of all authors the most + ingenuous. There are few, very few, that will own themselves in a mistake, + though all the World sees them to be in downright nonsense. You'll be + pleased, Sir, to pardon this expression, for the same reason for which you + once desired us to excuse you when you seemed anything dull. Most writers, + like the generality of Paul Lorrain's[2] saints, seem to place a peculiar + vanity in dying hard. But you, Sir, to show a good example to your + brethren, have not only confessed, but of your own accord mended the + indictment. Nay, you have been so good-natured as to discover beauties in + it, which, I will assure you, he that drew it never dreamed of: And to + make your civility the more accomplished, you have honoured him with the + title of your kinsman,[3] which, though derived by the left hand, he is + not a little proud of. My brother (for such Obadiah is) being at present + very busy about nothing, has ordered me to return you his sincere thanks + for all these favours; and, as a small token of his gratitude, to + communicate to you the following piece of intelligence, which, he thinks, + belongs more properly to you than to any others of our modern historians. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Madonella</i>, who as it was thought had long since taken her flight + towards the ethereal mansions, still walks, it seems, in the regions of + mortality; where she has found, by deep reflections on the revolution[4] + mentioned in yours of June the 23rd, that where early instructions have + been wanting to imprint true ideas of things on the tender souls of those + of her sex, they are never after able to arrive at such a pitch of + perfection, as to be above the laws of matter and motion; laws which are + considerably enforced by the principles usually imbibed in nurseries and + boarding-schools. To remedy this evil, she has laid the scheme of a + college for young damsels; where, instead of scissors, needles, and + samplers; pens, compasses, quadrants, books, manuscripts, Greek, Latin, + and Hebrew, are to take up their whole time. Only on holidays the students + will, for moderate exercise, be allowed to divert themselves with the use + of some of the lightest and most voluble weapons; and proper care will be + taken to give them at least a superficial tincture of the ancient and + modern Amazonian tactics. Of these military performances, the direction is + undertaken by Epicene,[5] the writer of 'Memoirs from the Mediterranean,' + who, by the help of some artificial poisons conveyed by smells, has within + these few weeks brought many persons of both sexes to an untimely fate; + and, what is more surprising, has, contrary to her profession, with the + same odours, revived others who had long since been drowned in the + whirlpools of Lethe. Another of the professors is to be a certain lady, + who is now publishing two of the choicest Saxon novels[6], which are said + to have been in as great repute with the ladies of Queen Emma's Court, as + the 'Memoirs from the New Atalantis' are with those of ours. I shall make + it my business to enquire into the progress of this learned institution, + and give you the first notice of their 'Philosophical Transactions[7], and + Searches after Nature.' + </p> + <p> + "Yours, &c. + </p> + <h3> + "TOBIAH GREENHAT." + </h3> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This letter was introduced: + </p> + <p> + "From my own Apartment, September 2. + </p> + <p> + "The following letter being a panegyric upon me for a quality which every + man may attain, an acknowledgment of his faults; I thought it for the good + of my fellow writers to publish it." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: The Rev. Paul Lorrain was ordinary of Newgate Prison from + 1698 until 1719. He issued the dying speeches and confessions of the + condemned criminals in the form of broadsheets. In these confessions, the + penitence of the criminals was most strongly emphasized, hence the term + "Lorrain's saints." Lorrain died in 1719. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Isaac Bickerstaff, commenting on the letter in No. 59, + printed above, says: "I have looked over our pedigree upon the receipt of + this epistle, and find the Greenhats are a-kin to the Staffs. They descend + from Maudlin, the left-handed wife of Nehemiah Bickerstaff, in the reign + of Harry II." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: See No. 32 <i>ante</i>. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Mrs. Mary de la Rivière Manley, author of "Memoirs of Europe, + towards the Close of the Eighth Century" (1710), which she dedicated to + Isaac Bickerstaff, and of "Secret Memoirs and Manners ... from the New + Atalantis" (1709). She was associated with Swift in the writing of several + pamphlets In support of the Harley Administration, and in his work on "The + Examiner" (see vol. v., pp. 41, 118, and 171 of the present edition of + Swift's works). + </p> + <p> + Epicene is an allusion to Ben Jonson's comedy, "Epicoene; or, the Silent + Woman" (1609). + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Manley seems to have credited Steele with this attack on her, for she + attacked him, in turn, in her "New Atalantis," and printed, in her + dedication to the "Memoirs of Europe," Steele's denial of the authorship + of this paper. This did not, however, prevent her making new charges + against him. "The Narrative of Guiscard's Examination," "A Comment on Dr. + Hare's Sermon," and "The Duke of Marlborough's Vindication," were written + either by herself, or at the suggestion of, and with instructions from, + Swift. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Mrs. Elizabeth Elstob (1683-1756), a niece of the learned Dr. + Hickes, issued, in 1709, "An English-Saxon Homily on the Birthday of St. + Gregory." The work was dedicated to Queen Anne. She was a friend of Mary + Granville, afterwards Mrs. Pendarves, and better known as Mrs. Delany. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: An allusion to "Useful Transactions in Philosophy," etc., + January and February, 1708/9, which commenced with an article entitled "An + Essay on the Invention of Samplers," by Mrs. Arabella Manly (<i>sic</i>). + She had a friend, Mrs. Betty Clavel. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 66. + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8. TO SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10. 1709. + </h3> + <p> + <i>Wills Coffee-house, September</i> 9. + </p> + <p> + We have been very much perplexed here this evening, by two gentlemen who + took upon them to talk as loud as if it were expected from them to + entertain the company. Their subject was eloquence and graceful action. + Lysander, who is something particular in his way of thinking and speaking, + told us, "a man could not be eloquent without action: for the deportment + of the body, the turn of the eye, and an apt sound to every word that is + uttered, must all conspire to make an accomplished speaker. Action in one + that speaks in public, is the same thing which a good mien is in ordinary + life. Thus, as a certain insensibility in the countenance recommends a + sentence of humour and jest, so it must be a very lively consciousness + that gives grace to great sentiments: For the jest is to be a thing + unexpected; therefore your undesigning manner is a beauty in expressions + of mirth; but when you are to talk on a set subject, the more you are + moved yourself, the more you will move others. + </p> + <p> + "There is," said he, "a remarkable example of that kind: Aeschines, a + famous orator of antiquity, had pleaded at Athens in a great cause against + Demosthenes; but having lost it, retired to Rhodes. Eloquence was then the + quality most admired among men; and the magistrates of that place having + heard he had a copy of the speech of Demosthenes, desired him to repeat + both their pleadings. After his own, he recited also the oration of his + antagonist. The people expressed their admiration of both, but more of + that of Demosthenes. 'If you are,' said he, 'thus touched with hearing + only what that great orator said, how would you have been affected had you + seen him speak? for he who hears Demosthenes only, loses much the better + part of the oration.' Certain it is, that they who speak gracefully, are + very lamely represented, in having their speeches read or repeated by + unskilful people; for there is something native to each man, that is so + inherent to his thoughts and sentiments, which it is hardly possible for + another to give a true idea of. You may observe in common talk, when a + sentence of any man's is repeated, an acquaintance of his shall + immediately observe, 'That is so like him, methinks I see how he looked + when he said it.' But of all the people on the earth, there are none who + puzzle me so much as the clergy of Great Britain, who are, I believe, the + most learned body of men now in the world; and yet this art of speaking, + with the proper ornaments of voice and gesture, is wholly neglected among + them; and I will engage, were a deaf man to behold the greater part of + them preach, he would rather think they were reading the contents only of + some discourse they intended to make, than actually in the body of an + oration, even when they are upon matters of such a nature as one would + believe it were impossible to think of without emotion. + </p> + <p> + "I own there are exceptions to this general observation, and that the + Dean[1] we heard the other day together, is an orator. He has so much + regard to his congregation, that he commits to his memory what he is to + say to them; and has so soft and graceful a behaviour, that it must + attract your attention. His person it is to be confessed is no small + recommendation; but he is to be highly commended for not losing that + advantage, and adding to the propriety of speech (which might pass the + criticism of Longinus)[2] an action which would have been approved by + Demosthenes. He has a peculiar force in his way, and has many of his + audience[3] who could not be intelligent hearers of his discourse, were + there not explanation as well as grace in his action. This art of his is + used with the most exact and honest skill: he never attempts your + passions, till he has convinced your reason. All the objections which he + can form, are laid before you and dispersed, before he uses the least + vehemence in his sermon; but when he thinks he has your head, he very soon + wins your heart; and never pretends to show the beauty of holiness, till + he has convinced you of the truth of it. + </p> + <p> + "Would every one of our clergymen be thus careful to recommend truth and + virtue in their proper figures, and show so much concern for them as to + give them all the additional force they were able, it is not possible that + nonsense should have so many hearers as you find it has in dissenting + congregations, for no reason in the world but because it is spoken <i>extempore</i>: + For ordinary minds are wholly governed by their eyes and ears, and there + is no way to come at their hearts but by power over their imagination. + There is my friend and merry companion Daniel[4]: he knows a great deal + better than he speaks, and can form a proper discourse as well as any + orthodox neighbour. But he knows very well, that to bawl out, 'My + beloved;' and the words 'grace! regeneration! sanctification! a new light! + the day! The day! aye, my beloved, the day!' or rather, 'the night! The + night is coming! and judgment will come, when we least think of it!'—and + so forth—He knows, to be vehement is the only way to come at his + audience; and Daniel, when he sees my friend Greenhat come in, can give + him a good hint, and cry out, 'This is only for the saints! the + regenerated!' By this force of action, though mixed with all the + incoherence and ribaldry imaginable, Daniel can laugh at his diocesan, and + grow fat by voluntary subscription, while the parson of the parish goes to + law for half his dues. Daniel will tell you, 'It is not the shepherd, but + the sheep with the bell, which the flock follows.' Another thing, very + wonderful this learned body should omit, is, learning to read; which is a + most necessary part of eloquence in one who is to serve at the altar: for + there is no man but must be sensible, that the lazy tone, and inarticulate + sound of our common readers, depreciates the most proper form of words + that were ever extant in any nation or language, to speak our own wants, + or His power from whom we ask relief. + </p> + <p> + "There cannot be a greater instance of the power of action than in little + parson Dapper,[5] who is the common relief to all the lazy pulpits in + town. This smart youth has a very good memory, a quick eye, and a clean + handkerchief. Thus equipped, he opens his text, shuts his book fairly, + shows he has no notes in his Bible, opens both palms, and shows all is + fair there too. Thus, with a decisive air, my young man goes on without + hesitation; and though from the beginning to the end of his pretty + discourse, he has not used one proper gesture, yet at the conclusion, the + churchwarden pulls his gloves from off his head; 'Pray, who is this + extraordinary young man?' Thus the force of action is such, that it is + more prevalent (even when improper) than all the reason and argument in + the world without it." This gentleman concluded his discourse by saying, + "I do not doubt but if our preachers would learn to speak, and our readers + to read, within six months' time we should not have a dissenter within a + mile of a church in Great Britain." + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In his original preface to the fourth volume, Steele explains + that "the amiable character of the Dean in the sixty-sixth 'Tatler,' was + drawn for Dr. Atterbury." Steele cites this as a proof of his + impartiality. Scott thinks that it must have cost him "some effort to + permit insertion of a passage so favourable to a Tory divine." At the time + the character was published Atterbury was Dean of Carlisle and one of the + Queen's chaplains. He was later created Bishop of Rochester. There is no + doubt that Atterbury was deeply implicated in the various Jacobite plots + for the bringing in of the Pretender. Under a bill of pains and penalties + he was condemned and deprived of all his ecclesiastical offices. In 1723 + he left England and died in exile in 1732. His body, however, was + privately buried in Westminster Abbey. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "De Sublimitate," viii. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: For twenty years Atterbury was preacher at the chapel of + Bridewell Hospital. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Daniel Burgess (1645-1713), the son of a Wiltshire clergyman, + was a schoolmaster in Ireland before he became minister to the + Presbyterian meeting-house people in Brydges Street, Covent Garden. A + chapel was built for him in New Court, Carey Street, Lincoln's Inn, and + this was destroyed during the Sacheverell riots in 1710. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Dr. Joseph Trapp (1679-1747), professor of poetry at Oxford, + where he published his "Praelectiones Poeticae" (1711-15), He assisted + Sacheverell and became a strong partisan of the High Church party. Swift + thought very little of him. To Stella he writes, he is "a sort of + pretender to wit, a second-rate pamphleteer for the cause, whom they pay + by sending him to Ireland" (January 7th, 1710/1, see vol. ii., p. 96). + This sending to Ireland refers to his chaplaincy to Sir Constantine + Phipps, Lord Chancellor of Ireland (1710-12). On July 17th, 1712, Swift + again speaks of him to Stella: "I have made Trap chaplain to Lord + Bolingbroke, and he is mighty happy and thankful for it" (<i>ibid</i>., p. + 379). Trapp afterwards held several preferments in and near London. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 67. + </h2> + <h3> + FROM SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10. TO TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13. 1709. + </h3> + <p> + <i>From my own Apartment, September</i> 12. + </p> + <p> + No man can conceive, till he comes to try it, how great a pain it is to be + a public-spirited person. I am sure I am unable to express to the world, + how much anxiety I have suffered, to see of how little benefit my + Lucubrations have been to my fellow-subjects. Men will go on in their own + way in spite of all my labour. I gave Mr. Didapper a private reprimand for + wearing red-heeled shoes, and at the same time was so indulgent as to + connive at him for fourteen days, because I would give him the wearing of + them out; but after all this I am informed, he appeared yesterday with a + new pair of the same sort. I have no better success with Mr. + Whatdee'call[1] as to his buttons: Stentor[2] still roars; and box and + dice rattle as loud as they did before I writ against them. Partridge[3] + walks about at noon-day, and Aesculapius[4] thinks of adding a new lace to + his livery. However, I must still go on in laying these enormities before + men's eyes, and let them answer for going on in their practice.[5] My + province is much larger than at first sight men would imagine, and I shall + lose no part of my jurisdiction, which extends not only to futurity, but + also is retrospect to things past; and the behaviour of persons who have + long ago acted their parts, is as much liable to my examination, as that + of my own contemporaries. + </p> + <p> + In order to put the whole race of mankind in their proper distinctions, + according to the opinion their cohabitants conceived of them, I have with + very much care, and depth of meditation, thought fit to erect a Chamber of + Fame, and established certain rules, which are to be observed in admitting + members into this illustrious society. In this Chamber of Fame there are + to be three tables, but of different lengths; the first is to contain + exactly twelve persons; the second, twenty; the third, an hundred. This is + reckoned to be the full number of those who have any competent share of + fame. At the first of these tables are to be placed in their order the + twelve most famous persons in the world, not with regard to the things + they are famous for, but according to the degree of their fame, whether in + valour, wit, or learning. Thus if a scholar be more famous than a soldier, + he is to sit above him. Neither must any preference be given to virtue, if + the person be not equally famous. When the first table is filled, the next + in renown must be seated at the second, and so on in like manner to the + number of twenty; as also in the same order at the third, which is to hold + an hundred. At these tables no regard is to be had to seniority: for if + Julius Caesar shall be judged more famous than Romulus and Scipio, he must + have the precedence. No person who has not been dead an hundred years, + must be offered to a place at any of these tables: and because this is + altogether a lay society, and that sacred persons move upon greater + motives than that of fame, no persons celebrated in Holy Writ, or any + ecclesiastical men whatsoever, are to be introduced here. + </p> + <p> + At the lower end of the room is to be a side-table for persons of great + fame, but dubious existence, such as Hercules, Theseus, Aeneas, Achilles, + Hector, and others. But because it is apprehended, that there may be great + contention about precedence, the proposer humbly desires the opinion of + the learned towards his assistance in placing every person according to + his rank, that none may have just occasion of offence. + </p> + <p> + The merits of the cause shall be judged by plurality of voices. + </p> + <p> + For the more impartial execution of this important affair, it is desired, + that no man will offer his favourite hero, scholar, or poet; and that the + learned will be pleased to send to Mr. Bickerstaff, at Mr. Morphew's near + Stationers' Hall, their several lists for the first table only, and in the + order they would have them placed; after which, the composer will compare + the several lists, and make another for the public, wherein every name + shall be ranked according to the voices it has had. Under this chamber is + to be a dark vault for the same number of persons of evil fame. + </p> + <p> + It is humbly submitted to consideration, whether the project would not be + better, if the persons of true fame meet in a middle room, those of + dubious existence in an upper room, and those of evil fame in a lower dark + room. + </p> + <p> + It is to be noted, that no historians are to be admitted at any of these + tables, because they are appointed to conduct the several persons to their + seats, and are to be made use of as ushers to the assemblies. + </p> + <p> + I call upon the learned world to send me their assistance towards this + design, it being a matter of too great moment for any one person to + determine. But I do assure them, their lists shall be examined with great + fidelity, and those that are exposed to the public, made with all the + caution imaginable. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "N.B. Mr. How'd'call is desired to leave off those buttons."—No. + 21. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Dr. William Stanley (1647-1731), master of Corpus Christi + College, Cambridge, was Dean of St. Asaph in 1706-31. In No. 54 of "The + Tatler," he is described as a person "accustomed to roar and bellow so + terribly loud in the responses that . . . one of our petty canons, a + punning Cambridge scholar, calls his way of worship a <i>Bull-offering.</i>" + In the sixty-first number a further reference is made to him: "A person of + eminent wit and piety [Dr. R. South] wrote to Stentor: 'Brother Stentor,' + said he, 'for the repose of the Church, hearken to Bickerstaff; and + consider that, while you are so devout at St. Paul's, we cannot sleep for + you at St. Peter's.'" [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: John Partridge (1644-1715) cobbler, philomath, and quack, was + the author of "Merlinus Liberatus," first issued in 1680. He libelled his + master, John Gadbury, in his "Nebulo Anglicanus" (1693), and quarrelled + with George Parker, a fellow-quack and astrologer. It is of him that Swift + wrote his famous "Predictions" (see vol. i. of this edition, p. 298), and + issued his broadside, concluding with the lines: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Here, five feet deep, lies on his back, + A cobler, starmonger, and quack, + Who to the stars in pure good will + Does to his best look upward still: + Weep, all you customers that use + His pills, his almanacks, or shoes." +</pre> + <p> + In No. 59 of "The Tatler," his death is referred to in harmony with the + tone of Swift's fun: "The late Partridge, who still denies his death. I am + informed indeed by several that he walks." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: The famous Dr. John Radcliffe (1650-1714) who refused the + appointment of physician to King William III., and offended Anne by his + churlish disregard of her requests to attend on her. He fell in love with + a Miss Tempest, one of Queen Anne's maids of honour. In the 44th number of + "The Tatler" Steele ridicules this attachment by making him address his + mistress in the following words: "O fair! for thee I sit amidst a crowd of + painted deities on my chariot, buttoned in gold, clasped in gold, without + having any value for that beloved metal, but as it adorns the person and + laces the hat of thy dying lover." Radcliffe attended Swift for his + dizziness, but that did not prevent the latter from referring to him as + "that puppy," in writing to Stella, for neglecting to attend to Harley's + wound. He seems to have had a high standing for skill as a physician, and + probably on that account gave himself airs. It is told of him that "during + a long attendance in the family of a particular friend, he regularly + refused the fee pressed upon him at each visit. At length, when the cure + was performed, and the doctor about to give up attendance, the + convalescent patient again proffered him a purse containing the fees for + every day's visit. The doctor eyed it some time in silence, and at length + extended his hand, exclaiming, 'Singly, I could have refused them for + ever; but altogether they are irresistible.'" Radcliffe died at Carshalton + in 1714. From his bequests were founded the Radcliffe Infirmary and + Observatory at Oxford. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Scott omits, from his edition, the whole of this paragraph up + to this point. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 68. + </h2> + <h3> + FROM TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13. TO THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15. 1709. + </h3> + <p> + <i>From my own Apartment, September</i> 14. + </p> + <p> + The progress of our endeavours will of necessity be very much interrupted, + except the learned world will please to send their lists to the Chamber of + Fame with all expedition. There is nothing can so much contribute to + create a noble emulation in our youth, as the honourable mention of such + whose actions have outlived the injuries of time, and recommended + themselves so far to the world, that it is become learning to know the + least circumstance of their affairs. It is a great incentive to see, that + some men have raised themselves so highly above their fellow-creatures; + that the lives of ordinary men are spent in inquiries after the particular + actions of the most illustrious. True it is, that without this impulse to + fame and reputation, our industry would stagnate, and that lively desire + of pleasing each other die away. This opinion was so established in the + heathen world, that their sense of living appeared insipid, except their + being was enlivened with a consciousness, that they were esteemed by the + rest of the world. + </p> + <p> + Upon examining the proportion of men's fame for my table of twelve, I + thought it no ill way, since I had laid it down for a rule, that they were + to be ranked simply as they were famous, without regard to their virtue, + to ask my sister Jenny's advice, and particularly mentioned to her the + name of Aristotle. She immediately told me, he was a very great scholar, + and that she had read him at the boarding-school. She certainly means a + trifle sold by the hawkers, called, "Aristotle's Problems." [1] But this + raised a great scruple in me, whether a fame increased by imposition of + others is to be added to his account, or that these excrescencies, which + grow out of his real reputation, and give encouragement to others to pass + things under the covert of his name, should be considered in giving him + his seat in the Chamber? This punctilio is referred to the learned. In the + mean time, so ill-natured are mankind, that I believe I have names already + sent me sufficient to fill up my lists for the dark room, and every one is + apt enough to send in their accounts of ill deservers. This malevolence + does not proceed from a real dislike of virtue, but a diabolical prejudice + against it, which makes men willing to destroy what they care not to + imitate. Thus you see the greatest characters among your acquaintance, and + those you live with, are traduced by all below them in virtue, who never + mention them but with an exception. However, I believe I shall not give + the world much trouble about filling my tables for those of evil fame, for + I have some thoughts of clapping up the sharpers there as fast as I can + lay hold of them. + </p> + <p> + At present, I am employed in looking over the several notices which I have + received of their manner of dexterity, and the way at dice of making all + <i>rugg</i>, as the cant is. The whole art of securing a die has lately + been sent me by a person who was of the fraternity, but is disabled by the + loss of a finger, by which means he cannot, as he used to do, secure a + die. But I am very much at a loss how to call some of the fair sex, who + are accomplices with the Knights of Industry; for my metaphorical dogs[2] + are easily enough understood; but the feminine gender of dogs has so harsh + a sound, that we know not how to name it. But I am credibly informed, that + there are female dogs as voracious as the males, and make advances to + young fellows, without any other design but coming to a familiarity with + their purses. I have also long lists of persons of condition, who are + certainly of the same regiment with these banditti, and instrumental to + their cheats upon undiscerning men of their own rank. These add their good + reputation to carry on the impostures of those, whose very names would + otherwise be defence enough against falling into their hands. But for the + honour of our nation, these shall be unmentioned, provided we hear no more + of such practices, and that they shall not from henceforward suffer the + society of such, as they know to be the common enemies of order, + discipline, and virtue. If it prove that they go on in encouraging them, + they must be proceeded against according to severest rules of history, + where all is to be laid before the world with impartiality, and without + respect to persons. + </p> + <p> + "So let the stricken deer go weep."[3] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This was not a translation of Aristotle's "Problemata," but + an indecent pamphlet with that title. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: In the 62nd number of "The Tatler" Steele wrote a paper + comparing some of the pests of society, such as the gamblers, to dogs, and + said: "It is humbly proposed that they may be all together transported to + America, where the dogs are few, and the wild beasts many." Scott notes + that when one of the fraternity referred to threatened Steele with + personal vengeance, Lord Forbes silenced him with these words: "You will + find it safer, sir, in this country, to cut a purse than to cut a throat." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: "Why, let the stricken deer go weep."—<i>Hamlet</i>, + iii. 2. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 70. + </h2> + <h3> + FROM SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17. TO TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20. 1709. + </h3> + <h3> + "SIR,[1] + </h3> + <p> + "I read with great pleasure in the <i>Tatler</i>[2] of Saturday last the + conversation upon eloquence; permit me to hint to you one thing the great + Roman orator observes upon this subject, <i>Caput enim arbitrabatur + oratoris</i>, (he quotes Menedemus[3] an Athenian) <i>ut ipsis apud quos + ageret talis qualem ipse optaret videretur, id fieri vitae dignitate</i>.[4] + It is the first rule, in oratory, that a man must appear such as he would + persuade others to be, and that can be accomplished only by the force of + his life. I believe it might be of great service to let our public orators + know, that an unnatural gravity, or an unbecoming levity in their + behaviour out of the pulpit, will take very much from the force of their + eloquence in it. Excuse another scrap of Latin; it is from one of the + Fathers: I think it will appear a just observation to all, as it may have + authority with some; <i>Qui autem docent tantum, nec faciunt, ipsi + praeceptis suis detrahunt pondus; Quis enim obtemperet, cum ipsi + praeceptores doceant non obtemperare?</i>[5] I am, + </p> + <h3> + "SIR, + </h3> + <p> + "Your humble servant, + </p> + <h3> + "JONATHAN ROSEHAT. + </h3> + <p> + "P.S. You were complaining in that paper, that the clergy of Great-Britain + had not yet learned to speak; a very great defect indeed; and therefore I + shall think myself a well-deserver of the church in recommending all the + dumb clergy to the famous speaking doctor[6] at Kensington. This ingenious + gentleman, out of compassion to those of a bad utterance, has placed his + whole study in the new-modelling the organs of voice; which art he has so + far advanced, as to be able even to make a good orator of a pair of + bellows. He lately exhibited a specimen of his skill in this way, of which + I was informed by the worthy gentlemen then present, who were at once + delighted and amazed to hear an instrument of so simple an organization + use an exact articulation of words, a just cadency in its sentences, and a + wonderful pathos in its pronunciation; not that he designs to expatiate in + this practice, because he cannot (as he says) apprehend what use it may be + of to mankind, whose benefit he aims at in a more particular manner: and + for the same reason, he will never more instruct the feathered kind, the + parrot having been his last scholar in that way. He has a wonderful + faculty in making and mending echoes, and this he will perform at any time + for the use of the solitary in the country, being a man born for universal + good, and for that reason recommended to your patronage by, Sir, yours, + </p> + <h3> + "PHILALETHES." + </h3> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This letter appears under the heading: "From my own + Apartment, September 19." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: See "The Tatler," No. 66, <i>ante</i>. [T. S,]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: An Athenian rhetorician who died in Rome about 100 B.C. [T. + S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: The quotation is not quite correctly given. It is taken from + Cicero, <i>De Oratore</i>, i. 19 (87). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: "But those who teach, and do not live in accordance with + their own instructions, take away all the weight from their teaching; for + who will comply with their precepts, when the teachers themselves teach us + not to obey them?" [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: James Ford proposed to cure stammerers and even restore + speech to mutes. In the second volume of "The British Apollo" he is + referred to as having "not only recovered several who stammered to a + regular speech, but also brought the deaf and dumb to speak." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 71. + </h2> + <h3> + FROM TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20. TO THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 22. 1709. + </h3> + <h3> + "'SQUIRE BICKERSTAFF,[1] + </h3> + <p> + "Finding your advice and censure to have a good effect, I desire your + admonition to our vicar and schoolmaster, who in his preaching to his + auditors, stretches his jaws so wide, that instead of instructing youth, + it rather frightens them: likewise in reading prayers, he has such a + careless loll, that people are justly offended at his irreverent posture; + besides the extraordinary charge they are put to in sending their children + to dance, to bring them off of those ill gestures. Another evil faculty he + has, in making the bowling-green his daily residence, instead of his + church, where his curate reads prayers every day. If the weather is fair, + his time is spent in visiting; if cold or wet, in bed, or at least at + home, though within 100 yards of the church. These, out of many such + irregular practices, I write for his reclamation: but two or three things + more before I conclude; to wit, that generally when his curate preaches in + the afternoon, he sleeps sotting in the desk on a hassock. With all this, + he is so extremely proud, that he will go but once to the sick, except + they return his visit." + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This letter is dated as from Will's Coffee-house, September + 20. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 230. + </h2> + <p> + FROM TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 26. TO THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 28. 1710. + </p> + <p> + <i>From my own Apartment, September 27.</i>[1] + </p> + <p> + The following letter has laid before me many great and manifest evils in + the world of letters[2] which I had overlooked; but they open to me a very + busy scene, and it will require no small care and application to amend + errors which are become so universal. The affectation of politeness is + exposed in this epistle with a great deal of wit and discernment; so that + whatever discourses I may fall into hereafter upon the subjects the writer + treats of, I shall at present lay the matter before the World without the + least alteration from the words of my correspondent. + </p> + <h3> + "TO ISAAC BICKERSTAFF ESQ; + </h3> + <h3> + "SIR, + </h3> + <p> + "There are some abuses among us of great consequence, the reformation of + which is properly your province, though, as far as I have been conversant + in your papers, you have not yet considered them. These are, the + deplorable ignorance that for some years hath reigned among our English + writers, the great depravity of our taste, and the continual corruption of + our style. I say nothing here of those who handle particular sciences, + divinity, law, physic, and the like; I mean, the traders in history and + politics, and the <i>belles lettres;</i> together with those by whom books + are not translated, but (as the common expressions are) 'done out of + French, Latin,' or other language, and 'made English.' I cannot but + observe to you, that till of late years a Grub-Street book was always + bound in sheepskin, with suitable print and paper, the price never above a + shilling, and taken off wholly by common tradesmen, or country pedlars, + but now they appear in all sizes and shapes, and in all places. They are + handed about from lapfuls in every coffeehouse to persons of quality, are + shewn in Westminster-Hall and the Court of Requests. You may see them + gilt, and in royal paper, of five or six hundred pages, and rated + accordingly. I would engage to furnish you with a catalogue of English + books published within the compass of seven years past, which at the first + hand would cost you a hundred pounds, wherein you shall not be able to + find ten lines together of common grammar or common sense. + </p> + <p> + "These two evils, ignorance and want of taste, have produced a third; I + mean, the continual corruption of our English tongue, which, without some + timely remedy, will suffer more by the false refinements of twenty years + past, than it hath been improved in the foregoing hundred: And this is + what I design chiefly to enlarge upon, leaving the former evils to your + animadversion. + </p> + <p> + "But instead of giving you a list of the late refinements crept into our + language, I here send you the copy of a letter I received some time ago + from a most accomplished person in this way of writing, upon which I shall + make some remarks. It is in these terms. + </p> + <h3> + "'SIR, + </h3> + <p> + "'I couldn't get the things you sent for all about Town.—I thôt to + ha' come down myself, and then I'd ha' brôut 'umn; but I han't don't, and + I believe I can't do't, that's pozz.—Tom[3] begins to gi'mself airs + because he's going with the plenipo's.—'Tis said, the French King + will bamboozl us agen, which causes many speculations. The Jacks, and + others of that kidney, are very uppish, and alert upon't, as you may see + by their phizz's.—Will Hazzard has got the hipps, having lost to the + tune of five hundr'd pound, thô he understands play very well, nobody + better. He has promis't me upon rep, to leave off play; but you know 'tis + a weakness he's too apt to give into, thô he has as much wit as any man, + nobody more. He has lain incog ever since.—The mobb's very quiet + with us now.—I believe you thôt I bantered you in my last like a + country put.—I sha'n't leave Town this month, &c.' + </p> + <p> + "This letter is in every point an admirable pattern of the present polite + way of writing; nor is it of less authority for being an epistle. You may + gather every flower in it, with a thousand more of equal sweetness, from + the books, pamphlets, and single papers, offered us every day in the + coffeehouses: And these are the beauties introduced to supply the want of + wit, sense, humour, and learning, which formerly were looked upon as + qualifications for a writer. If a man of wit, who died forty years ago, + were to rise from the grave on purpose, how would he be able to read this + letter? And after he had gone through that difficulty, how would he be + able to understand it? The first thing that strikes your eye is the <i>breaks</i> + at the end of almost every sentence; of which I know not the use, only + that it is a refinement, and very frequently practised. Then you will + observe the abbreviations and elisions, by which consonants of most + obdurate sound are joined together, without one softening vowel to + intervene; and all this only to make one syllable of two, directly + contrary to the example of the Greeks and Romans; altogether of the Gothic + strain, and a natural tendency towards relapsing into barbarity, which + delights in monosyllables, and uniting of mute consonants; as it is + observable in all the Northern languages. And this is still more visible + in the next refinement, which consists in pronouncing the first syllable + in a word that has many, and dismissing the rest; such as <i>phizz, hipps, + mobb,[4] poz., rep.</i> and many more; when we are already overloaded with + monosyllables, which are the disgrace of our language. Thus we cram one + syllable, and cut off the rest; as the owl fattened her mice, after she + had bit off their legs to prevent their running away; and if ours be the + same reason for maiming words, it will certainly answer the end; for I am + sure no other Nation will desire to borrow them. Some words are hitherto + but fairly split, and therefore only in their way to perfection, as <i>incog</i> + and <i>plenipo</i>: But in a short time it is to be hoped they will be + further docked to <i>inc</i> and <i>plen</i>. This reflection has made me + of late years very impatient for a peace, which I believe would save the + lives of many brave words, as well as men. The war has introduced + abundance of polysyllables, which will never be able to live many more + campaigns; <i>Speculations, operations, preliminaries, ambassadors, + palisadoes, communication, circumvallation, battalions</i>, as numerous as + they are, if they attack us too frequently in our coffeehouses, we shall + certainly put them to flight, and cut off the rear. + </p> + <p> + "The third refinement observable in the letter I send you, consists in the + choice of certain words invented by some <i>pretty fellows</i>; such as <i>banter, + bamboozle, country put</i>, and <i>kidney</i>, as it is there applied; + some of which are now struggling for the vogue, and others are in + possession of it. I have done my utmost for some years past to stop the + progress of <i>mobb</i> and <i>banter</i>, but have been plainly borne + down by numbers, and betrayed by those who promised to assist me. + </p> + <p> + "In the last place, you are to take notice of certain choice phrases + scattered through the letter; some of them tolerable enough, till they + were worn to rags by servile imitators. You might easily find them, though + they were not in a different print, and therefore I need not disturb them. + </p> + <p> + "These are the false refinements in our style which you ought to correct: + First, by argument and fair means; but if those fail, I think you are to + make use of your authority as Censor, and by an annual <i>index + expurgatorius</i> expunge all words and phrases that are offensive to good + sense, and condemn those barbarous mutilations of vowels and syllables. In + this last point the usual pretence is, that they spell as they speak; a + noble standard for language! to depend upon the caprice of every coxcomb, + who, because words are the clothing of our thoughts, cuts them out, and + shapes them as he pleases, and changes them oftener than his dress. I + believe, all reasonable people would be content that such refiners were + more sparing in their words, and liberal in their syllables: And upon this + head I should be glad you would bestow some advice upon several young + readers in our churches, who coming up from the University, full fraught + with admiration of our Town politeness, will needs correct the style of + their Prayer-Books. In reading the absolution, they are very careful to + say "<i>Pardons and absolves;"</i> and in the Prayer for the Royal Family, + it must be, <i>endue'um, enrich'um, prosper'um,</i> and <i>bring'um</i>.[5] + Then in their sermons they use all the modern terms of art, <i>sham, + banter, mob, bubble, bully, cutting shuffling,</i> and <i>palming</i>, all + which, and many more of the like stamp, as I have heard them often in the + pulpit from such young sophisters, so I have read them in some of those + sermons that have made most noise of late. The design, it seems, is to + avoid the dreadful imputation of pedantry, to shew us, that they know the + Town, understand men and manners, and have not been poring upon old + unfashionable books in the University. + </p> + <p> + "I should be glad to see you the instrument of introducing into our style + that simplicity which is the best and truest ornament of most things in + life, which the politer ages always aimed at in their building and dress, + <i>(simplex munditiis)</i> as well as their productions of wit. It is + manifest, that all new, affected modes of speech, whether borrowed from + the Court, the Town, or the theatre, are the first perishing parts in any + language, and, as I could prove by many hundred instances, have been so in + ours. The writings of Hooker,[6] who was a country clergyman, and of + Parsons[7] the Jesuit, both in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, are in a + style that, with very few allowances, would not offend any present reader; + much more clear and intelligible than those of Sir H. Wotton,[8]Sir Robert + Naunton,[9] Osborn,[10] Daniel[11] the historian, and several others who + writ later; but being men of the Court, and affecting the phrases then in + fashion, they are often either not to be understood, or appear perfectly + ridiculous. + </p> + <p> + "What remedies are to be applied to these evils I have not room to + consider, having, I fear, already taken up most of your paper. Besides, I + think it is our office only to represent abuses, and yours to redress + them. + </p> + <p> + "I am, with great respect, Sir, + </p> + <p> + "Your, &c." + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In his "Journal to Stella," Swift writes, under date, + September 18th, 1710: "Came to town; got home early, and began a letter to + 'The Tatler' about the corruptions of style and writing, &c." On + September 23rd, he writes again: "I have sent a long letter to + Bickerstaff; let the Bp. of Clogher smoke if he can." Again on September + 29th: "I made a 'Tatler' since I came; guess which it is, and whether the + Bp. Of Clogher smokes it." On October 1st, he asks Stella: "Have you + smoked the 'Tatler' that I writ? It is much liked here, and I think it a + pure one." On the 14th of the same month he refers still again to the + paper which had evidently pleased him: "The Bp. of Clogher has smoked my + 'Tatler' about shortening of words," etc. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Compare Swift's "Proposal for Correcting the English Tongue." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Thomas Harley, cousin of the first Earl of Oxford. He was + Secretary of the Treasury, and afterwards minister at Hanover. He died in + 1737. (T.S.)] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: It is interesting to note that Swift, who insisted that the + word "mob" should never be used for "rabble," wrote "mob" in the 15th + number of "The Examiner," and in Faulkner's reprint of 1741 the word was + changed to "rabble." Scott notes: "The Dean carried on the war against the + word 'mob' to the very last. A lady who died in 1788, and was well known + to Swift, used to say that the greatest scrape into which she got with him + was by using the word 'mob.' 'Why do you say that?' said he, in a passion; + 'never let me hear you say that word again.' 'Why, sir,' said she, 'what + am I to say?' 'The "rabble," to be sure,' answered he." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5.] See Swift's Letter to the Earl of Pembroke (Scott's edition, + vol. xv., p. 350) where a little more fun is poked at the Bishop of + Clogher, in the same strain. [T.S.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: The great Richard Hooker (1554-1600) author of the + "Ecclesiastical Polity." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: Robert Parsons (1546-1610) the famous Jesuit missionary, and + the author of a large number of works including the "Conference about the + next Succession" (1594). Several of his books were privately printed by + him at a secret printing press, which he set up in East Ham with the + assistance of the poet Campion. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: Sir Henry Wotton (1568-1639) author of "Reliquiae + Wottonianae," and the friend of John Donne. He was Provost of Eton from + 1624 until his death, and distinguished himself as a diplomatist. To him + is ascribed the saying: "An ambassador is an honest man sent to lie abroad + for the good of his country." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: Sir Robert Naunton (1563-1635), Secretary of State in 1618, + and author of "Fragmenta Regalia" published in 1641. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: Francis Osborne (1593-1659) wrote "Advice to a Son" + (1656-58), a work that gave him a great reputation. This work was issued + with his other writings in a collected form in 1673. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: Samuel Daniel (1562-1619) is said to have succeeded Spenser + as poet-laureate. In addition to his plays and poems (including a history + of the Civil Wars in eight books, 1595-1609) he wrote a History of + England, in two parts (1612-1617). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 258. + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY NOVEMBER 30. TO SATURDAY DECEMBER 2. 1710. + </h3> + <p> + To ISAAC BICKERSTAFF ESQ; + </p> + <p> + Nov. 22. 1710.[1] + </p> + <h3> + SIR, + </h3> + <p> + Dining yesterday with Mr. <i>South-British,</i> and Mr. <i>William + North-Briton</i> two gentlemen, who, before you ordered it otherwise,[2] + were known by the names of Mr. <i>English</i> and Mr. <i>William Scott</i>. + Among other things, the maid of the house (who in her time I believe may + have been a <i>North-British</i> warming-pan) brought us up a dish of <i>North-British</i> + collops. We liked our entertainment very well, only we observed the + table-cloth, being not so fine as we could have wished, was <i>North-British</i> + cloth: But the worst of it was, we were disturbed all dinner-time by the + noise of the children, who were playing in the paved court at <i>North-British</i> + hoppers; so we paid our <i>North-Briton</i>[3] sooner than we designed, + and took coach to <i>North-Britain</i> yard, about which place most of us + live. We had indeed gone a-foot, only we were under some apprehensions + lest a <i>North-British</i> mist should wet a <i>South-British</i> man to + the skin. + </p> + <p> + We think this matter properly expressed, according to the accuracy of the + new style settled by you in one of your late papers. You will please to + give your opinion upon it to, + </p> + <p> + Sir, Your most humble servants, + </p> + <p> + J.S. M.P. N.R. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This letter appeared originally under the heading: "From my + own Apartment, December I." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: In his "Journal to Stella" (December 2, 1710) Swift writes: + "Steele, the rogue, has done the impudentest thing in the world. He said + something in a 'Tatler,' that we ought to use the word Great Britain, and + not England, in common conversation, as, the finest lady in Great Britain, + &c. Upon this Rowe, Prior, and I, sent him a letter, turning this into + ridicule. He has to-day printed the letter, and signed it J.S., M.P. and + N.R. the first letters of our names. Congreve told me to-day, he smoked it + immediately." The passage referred to by Swift, was a letter, signed + Scoto-Britannus, printed in No. 241 of "The Tatler," in which it was + objected that a gentleman ended every sentence with the words, "the best + of any man in England," and called upon him to "mend his phrase, and be + hereafter the wisest of any man in Great Britain." Writing to Alderman + Barber, under date August 8, 1738, Swift remarks: "The modern phrase + 'Great Britain' is only to distinguish it from Little Britain where old + clothes and old books are to be bought and sold." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: We paid our <i>scot; i.e.,</i> our share of the reckoning. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + With No. 271 Steele brought his venture to a close. It was issued on + January 2nd, 1710. "I am now," he wrote, "come to the end of my ambition + in this matter, and have nothing further to say to the world under the + character of Isaac Bickerstaff." His ostensible reason for thus + terminating so successful an undertaking he put down to the fact that + Bickerstaff was no longer a disguise, and that he could not hope to have + the same influence when it was known who it was that led the movement. + Another reason, however, suggests itself in Steele's recognition of + Harley's kindness in not depriving him of his Commissionership of Stamps, + as well as of his Gazetteership for the satires Steele permitted to appear + against Harley in "The Tatler." That Steele did have something further to + say to the world may be gathered from the fact that two months after "The + Tatler's" decease he started "The Spectator." + </p> + <p> + But "The Tatler" was too good a thing for the publishers to permit to die. + Two days after the issue of No. 271, appeared a No. 272, with the imprint + of John Baker, of "the Black Boy at Paternoster Row." It extolled the + "Character of Richard Steele, alias Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq.," and promised + to continue in his footsteps, and be delivered regularly to its + subscribers "at 5 in the morning." On January 6th, 1710, No. 273 was + published by "Isaac Bickerstaff, Jr." John Baker, however, was not to have + it all his own way, for on January 6th, 1710, Morphew brought out a number—not + a double number, although called "Numbers 272, 273"—and continued it + without intermission on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, until May + 19th, when the final number, No. 330, was issued. The date 1711 was first + used on March 31st. Meanwhile, on January 13th, A. Baldwin issued a No. 1 + of a "Tatler," in which the public were informed that Isaac Bickerstaff + had had no intention to discontinue the paper, but would continue to + publish it every Tuesday and Saturday. This was the new "Tatler" in which + Swift was interesting himself on behalf of William Harrison. Writing to + Stella, under date January 11th, he says: "I am setting up a new 'Tatler,' + little Harrison, whom I have mentioned to you. Others have put him on it, + and I encourage him; and he was with me this morning and evening, showing + me his first, which comes out on Saturday. I doubt he will not succeed, + for I do not much approve his manner; but the scheme is Mr. Secretary St. + John's and mine, and would have done well enough in good hands." When the + paper came out he wrote again: "There is not much in it, but I hope he + will mend. You must understand that, upon Steele's leaving off, there were + two or three scrub Tatlers came out, and one of them holds on still, and + to-day it advertised against Harrison's; and so there must be disputes + which are genuine, like the strops for razors. I am afraid the little toad + has not the true vein for it." Apparently, he hadn't, for later, referring + to another number, Swift writes: "The jackanapes wants a right taste: I + doubt he won't do." + </p> + <p> + With all Swift's assistance, Harrison did not hold out. He quarrelled with + Baldwin, and went to Morphew and Lillie, the publishers of the original + "Tatler." Only six numbers bear Baldwin's imprint, namely, Nos. 1-6, dated + respectively, January 13th, January 16th, January 20th, January 23rd, + January 27th, and February 1st. Harrison's first number, under Morphew, + was called No. 285 (February 3rd). For a very exhaustive and careful + research into the publications of "The Tatler" and its imitators the + reader is referred to Aitken's "Life of Sir Richard Steele" (2 vols., + 1889). + </p> + <p> + William Harrison (1685-1713) was educated at Winchester College and New + College, Oxford. He obtained Addison's favour by his acquaintance with + "polite literature," and was introduced by him to Swift. Swift took to him + very kindly, spoke of the young fellow "we are all fond of," thought him + "a pretty little fellow, with a great deal of wit, good sense, and good + nature," and interested himself in him to the extent that through him St. + John got Lord Raby to take him to The Hague as his secretary. He returned + with the Barrier Treaty, but without a penny. He had not been paid any of + his salary. Swift heard of this, and immediately went about collecting a + sum of money for his assistance. When, however, he called with the money, + at Harrison's lodgings in Knightsbridge, he found the poor fellow had died + an hour before. + </p> + <p> + These contributions to the new "Tatler" are printed from the original + periodical issue with the exception of No. 5, which is taken from the + second edition of the reprint (1720), as no copy of the original issue has + been met with. + </p> + <h3> + [T.S.] + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. I. + </h2> + <p> + <i>Quis ego sum saltem, si non sum Sosia? Te interrogo.</i> PLAUT. + AMPHITR.[1] + </p> + <h3> + SATURDAY, JANUARY 13. 1711.[2] + </h3> + <p> + It is impossible, perhaps, for the best and wisest amongst us, to keep so + constant a guard upon our temper, but that we may at one time or other lie + open to the strokes of Fortune, and such incidents as we cannot foresee. + With sentiments of this kind I came home to my lodgings last night, much + fatigued with a long and sudden journey from the country, and full of the + ungrateful occasion of it. It was natural for me to have immediate + recourse to my pen and ink; but before I would offer to make use of them, + I resolved deliberately to tell over a hundred, and when I came to the end + of that sum, I found it more advisable to defer drawing up my intended + remonstrance, till I had slept soundly on my resentments. Without any + other preface than this, I shall give the world a fair account of the + treatment I have lately met with, and leave them to judge, whether the + uneasiness I have suffered be inconsistent with the character I have + generally pretended to. About three weeks since, I received an invitation + from a kinsman in Staffordshire, to spend my Christmas in those parts. + Upon taking leave of Mr. Morphew, I put as many papers into his hands as + would serve till my return, and charged him at parting to be very punctual + with the town. In what manner he and Mr. Lillie have been tampered with + since, I cannot say; they have given me my revenge, if I desired any, by + allowing their names to an idle paper, that in all human probability + cannot live a fortnight to an end. Myself, and the family I was with, were + in the midst of gaiety, and a plentiful entertainment, when I received a + letter from my sister Jenny, who, after mentioning some little affairs I + had intrusted to her, goes on thus:—"The inclosed,[2] I believe, + will give you some surprise, as it has already astonished every body here: + Who Mr. Steele is, that subscribes it, I do not know, any more than I can + comprehend what could induce him to it. Morphew and Lillie, I am told, are + both in the secret. I shall not presume to instruct you, but hope you will + use some means to disappoint the ill nature of those who are taking pains + to deprive the world of one of its most reasonable entertainments. I am, + &c." + </p> + <p> + I am to thank my sister for her compliment; but be that as it will, I + shall not easily be discouraged from my former undertaking. In pursuance + of it, I was obliged upon this notice to take places in the coach for + myself and my maid with the utmost expedition, lest I should, in a short + time, be rallied out of my existence, as some people will needs fancy Mr. + Partridge has been, and the real Isaac Bickerstaff have passed for a + creature of Mr. Steele's imagination. This illusion might have hoped for + some tolerable success, if I had not more than once produced my person in + a crowded theatre; and such a person as Mr. Steele, if I am not + misinformed in the gentleman, would hardly think it an advantage to own, + though I should throw him in all the little honour I have gained by my + "Lucubrations." I may be allowed, perhaps, to understand pleasantry as + well as other men, and can (in the usual phrase) take a jest without being + angry; but I appeal to the world, whether the gentleman has not carried it + too far, and whether he ought not to make a public recantation, if the + credulity of some unthinking people should force me to insist upon it. The + following letter is just come to hand, and I think it not improper to be + inserted in this paper. + </p> + <h3> + "TO ISAAC BICKERSTAFF, ESQ; + </h3> + <p> + "Sir, + </p> + <p> + "I am extremely glad to hear you are come to town, for in your absence we + were all mightily surprised with an unaccountable paper, signed 'Richard + Steele,' who is esteemed by those that know him, to be a man of wit and + honour; and therefore we took it either to be a counterfeit, or a perfect + Christmas frolic of that ingenious gentleman. But then, your paper ceasing + immediately after, we were at a loss what to think: If you were weary of + the work you had so long carried on, and had given this Mr. Steele orders + to signify so to the public, he should have said it in plain terms; but as + that paper is worded, one would be apt to judge, that he had a mind to + persuade the town that there was some analogy between Isaac Bickerstaff + and him. Possibly there may be a secret in this which I cannot enter into; + but I flatter my self that you never had any thoughts of giving over your + labours for the benefit of mankind, when you cannot but know how many + subjects are yet unexhausted, and how many others, as being less obvious, + are wholly untouched. I dare promise, not only for my self, but many other + abler friends, that we shall still continue to furnish you with hints on + all proper occasions, which is all your genius requires. I think, by the + way, you cannot in honour have any more to do with Morphew and Lillie, who + have gone beyond the ordinary pitch of assurance, and transgressed the + very letter of the proverb, by endeavouring to cheat you of your Christian + and surname too. Wishing you, Sir, long to live for our instruction and + diversion, and to the defeating of all impostors, I remain, + </p> + <p> + "Your most obedient humble servant, + </p> + <p> + "and affectionate kinsman, + </p> + <h3> + "HUMPHRY WAGSTAFF." + </h3> + <p> + [Footnote 1: <i>Amphitryon</i>, I. i 282. "Who am I, at all events, if I + am not Sosia? I ask you <i>that</i>."—H.T. RILEY. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: <i>I.e.</i> 1710-11. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: This, no doubt, was Steele's last "Tatler," No. 271. [T. S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, No. 2. + </h2> + <p> + <i>Alios viri reverentia, vultusque ad continendum populum mire formatus, + alios etiam, quibus ipse interesse non potuit, vis scribendi tamen, et + magni nominis autoritas pervicere.</i>—TULL. EPIST.[1] + </p> + <p> + FROM SATURD. JAN. 13. TO TUESDAY JAN, l6. 1710.[2] + </p> + <p> + I remember Ménage,[3] tells a story of Monsieur Racan, who had appointed a + day and hour to meet a certain lady of great wit whom he had never seen, + in order to make an acquaintance between them. "Two of Racan's friends, + who had heard of the appointment, resolved to play him a trick. The first + went to the lady two hours before the time, said his name was Racan, and + talked with her an hour; they were both mightily pleased, began a great + friendship, and parted with much satisfaction. A few minutes after comes + the second, and sends up the same name; the lady wonders at the meaning, + and tells him, Mr. Racan had just left her. The gentleman says it was some + rascally impostor, and that he had been frequently used in that manner. + The lady is convinced, and they laugh at the oddness of the adventure. She + now calls to mind several passages, which confirm her that the former was + a cheat. He appoints a second meeting, and takes his leave. He was no + sooner gone, but the true Racan comes to the door, and desires, under that + name, to see the lady. She was out of all patience, sends for him up, + rates him for an impostor, and, after a thousand injuries, flings a + slipper at his head. It was impossible to pacify or disabuse her; he was + forced to retire, and it was not without some time, and the intervention + of friends, that they could come to an <i>éclaircissement</i>." This, as I + take it, is exactly the case with Mr. S[tee]le, the pretended "TATLER" + from Morphew, and myself, only (I presume) the world will be sooner + undeceived than the lady in Ménage. The very day my last paper came out, + my printer brought me another of the same date, called "The Tatler," by + Isaac Bickerstaff Esq; and, which was still more pleasant, with an + advertisement[4] at the end, calling me the "<i>Female</i> TATLER": it is + not enough to rob me of my name, but now they must impose a sex on me, + when my years have long since determined me to be of none at all. There is + only one thing wanting in the operation, that they would renew my age, and + then I will heartily forgive them all the rest. In the mean time, whatever + uneasiness I have suffered from the little malice of these men, and my + retirement in the country, the pleasures I have received from the same + occasion, will fairly balance the account. On the one hand, I have been + highly delighted to see my name and character assumed by the scribblers of + the age, in order to recommend themselves to it; and on the other, to + observe the good taste of the town, in distinguishing and exploding them + through every disguise, and sacrificing their trifles to the supposed <i>manes</i> + of Isaac Bickerstaff Esquire. But the greatest merit of my journey into + Staffordshire, is, that it has opened to me a new fund of unreproved + follies and errors that have hitherto lain out of my view, and, by their + situation, escaped my censure. For, as I have lived generally in town, the + images I had of the country were such only as my senses received very + early, and my memory has since preserved with all the advantages they + first appeared in. + </p> + <p> + Hence it was that I thought our parish church the noblest structure in + England, and the Squire's Place-House, as we called it, a most magnificent + palace. I had the same opinion of the alms-house in the churchyard, and of + a bridge over the brook that parts our parish from the next. It was the + common vogue of our school, that the master was the best scholar in + Europe, and the usher the second. Not happening to correct these notions, + by comparing them with what I saw when I came into the world, upon + returning back, I began to resume my former imaginations, and expected all + things should appear in the same view as I left them when I was a boy: but + to my utter disappointment I found them wonderfully shrunk, and lessened + almost out of my knowledge. I looked with contempt on the tribes painted + on the church walls, which I once so much admired, and on the carved + chimneypiece in the Squire's Hall. I found my old master to be a poor + ignorant pedant; and, in short, the whole scene to be extremely changed + for the worse. This I could not help mentioning, because though it be of + no consequence in itself, yet it is certain, that most prejudices are + contracted and retained by this narrow way of thinking, which, in matters + of the greatest moment are hardly shook off: and which we only think true, + because we were made to believe so, before we were capable to distinguish + between truth and falsehood. But there was one prepossession which I + confess to have parted with, much to my regret: I mean the opinion of that + native honesty and simplicity of manners, which I had always imagined to + be inherent in country-people. I soon observed it was with them and us, as + they say of animals; That every species at land has one to resemble it at + sea; for it was easy to discover the seeds and principles of every vice + and folly that one meets with in the more known world, though shooting up + in different forms. I took a fancy out of the several inhabitants round, + to furnish the camp, the bar, and the Exchange, and some certain chocolate + and coffeehouses, with exact parallels to what, in many instances, they + already produce. There was a drunken quarrelsome smith, whom I have a + hundred times fancied at the head of a troop of dragoons. A weaver, within + two doors of my kinsman, was perpetually setting neighbours together by + the ears. I lamented to see how his talents were misplaced, and imagined + what a figure he might make in Westminster-Hall. Goodman Crop of Compton + Farm, wants nothing but a plum and a gold chain to qualify him for the + government of the City. My kinsman's stable-boy was a gibing companion + that would always have his jest. He would often put cow-itch in the maids' + beds, pull stools from under folks, and lay a coal upon their shoes when + they were asleep. He was at last turned off for some notable piece of + roguery, and when I came away, was loitering among the ale-houses. Bless + me, thought I, what a prodigious wit would this have been with us! I could + have matched all the sharpers between St. James's and Covent Garden, with + a notable fellow in the same neighbourhood, (since hanged for picking + pockets at fairs) could he have had the advantages of their education. So + nearly are the corruptions of the country allied to those of the town, + with no further difference than what is made by another turn of thought + and method of living! + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "A reverend aspect, and a countenance formed to command, have + power to restrain some people; while others, who pay no regard to those, + are prevailed upon by the dint of writing, and the authority of a great + name." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: <i>I.e.</i> 1710-11. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Gilles Ménage (1613-1692). The story is given in "Menagiana" + (vol. ii. pp. 49-51, second edition, 1695). C. Sorel, however, in his + "Francion" (1623) tells a similar story of a poet named Saluste, who was + fooled in like manner. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Morphew's "Tatler" for January 13th, 1710 (No. 276), contains + the following: "Whereas an advertisement was yesterday delivered out by + the author of the late 'Female Tatler,' insinuating, [according to his + custom] that he is Isaac Bickerstaff Esq.; This is to give notice, that + this paper is continued to be sold by John Morphew as formerly," etc. + </p> + <p> + "The Female Tatler, by Mrs. Crackenthorpe, a Lady that knows every thing," + had been begun July 8th, 1709, but was now defunct. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, No. 5. + </h2> + <p> + ——<i>Laceratque, trahitque</i> <i>Molle pecus</i> VIR.[1] + </p> + <h3> + FROM TUESDAY JAN. 23. TO SATURDAY JAN. 27. 1710.[2] + </h3> + <p> + Amongst other severities I have met with from some critics, the cruellest + for an old man is, that they will not let me be at quiet in my bed, but + pursue me to my very dreams. I must not dream but when they please, nor + upon long continued subjects, however visionary in their own natures; + because there is a manifest moral quite through them, which to produce as + a dream is improbable and unnatural. The pain I might have had from this + objection, is prevented by considering they have missed another, against + which I should have been at a loss to defend myself. They should have + asked me, whether the dreams I publish can properly be called + Lucubrations, which is the name I have given to all my papers, whether in + volumes or half-sheets: so manifest a contradiction <i>in terminis</i>, + that I wonder no sophister ever thought of it: But the other is a cavil. I + remember when I was a boy at school, I have often dreamed out the whole + passages of a day; that I rode a journey, baited, supped, went to bed, and + rose the next morning: and I have known young ladies who could dream a + whole contexture of adventures in one night large enough to make a novel. + In youth the imagination is strong, not mixed with cares, nor tinged with + those passions that most disturb and confound it, such as avarice, + ambition, and many others. Now as old men are said to grow children again, + so in this article of dreaming, I am returned to my childhood. My + imagination is at full ease, without care, avarice, or ambition, to clog + it; by which, among many others, I have this advantage of doubling the + small remainder of my time, and living four-and-twenty hours in the day. + However, the dream I am now going to relate, is as wild as can well be + imagined, and adapted to please these refiners upon sleep, without any + moral that I can discover. + </p> + <p> + "It happened that my maid left on the table in my bedchamber, one of her + story books (as she calls them) which I took up, and found full of strange + impertinences, fitted to her taste and condition; of poor servants that + came to be ladies, and serving-men of low degree, who married kings' + daughters. Among other things, I met this sage observation, 'That a lion + would never hurt a true virgin.' With this medley of nonsense in my fancy + I went to bed, and dreamed that a friend waked me in the morning, and + proposed for pastime to spend a few hours in seeing the parish lions, + which he had not done since he came to town; and because they showed but + once a week, he would not miss the opportunity. I said I would humour him; + though, to speak the truth, I was not fond of those cruel spectacles; and + if it were not so ancient a custom, founded, as I had heard, upon the + wisest maxims, I should be apt to censure the inhumanity of those who + introduced it." All this will be a riddle to the waking reader, till I + discover the scene my imagination had formed upon the maxim, "That a lion + would never hurt a true virgin." "I dreamed, that by a law of immemorial + time, a he-lion was kept in every parish at the common charge, and in a + place provided, adjoining to the churchyard: that, before any one of the + fair sex was married, if she affirmed herself to be a virgin, she must on + her wedding day, and in her wedding clothes, perform the ceremony of going + alone into the den, and stay an hour with the lion let loose, and kept + fasting four-and-twenty hours on purpose. At a proper height, above the + den, were convenient galleries for the relations and friends of the young + couple, and open to all spectators. No maiden was forced to offer herself + to the lion; but if she refused, it was a disgrace to marry her, and every + one might have liberty of calling her a whore. And methought it was as + usual a diversion to see the parish lions, as with us to go to a play or + an opera. And it was reckoned convenient to be near the church, either for + marrying the virgin if she escaped the trial, or for burying the bones + when the lion had devoured the rest, as he constantly did." + </p> + <p> + To go on therefore with the dream: "We called first (as I remember) to see + St. Dunstan's lion, but we were told they did not shew to-day: From thence + we went to that of Covent-Garden, which, to my great surprise, we found as + lean as a skeleton, when I expected quite the contrary; but the keeper + said it was no wonder at all, because the poor beast had not got an ounce + of woman's flesh since he came into the parish. This amazed me more than + the other, and I was forming to myself a mighty veneration for the ladies + in that quarter of the town, when the keeper went on, and said, He + wondered the parish would be at the charge of maintaining a lion for + nothing. Friend, (said I) do you call it nothing, to justify the virtue of + so many ladies, or has your lion lost his distinguishing faculty? Can + there be anything more for the honour of your parish, than that all the + ladies married in your church were pure virgins? That is true, (said he) + and the doctor knows it to his sorrow; for there has not been a couple + married in our church since his worship has been amongst us. The virgins + hereabouts are too wise to venture the claws of the lion; and because + nobody will marry them, have all entered into vows of virginity. So that + in proportion we have much the largest nunnery in the whole town. This + manner of ladies entering into a vow of virginity, because they were not + virgins, I easily conceived; and my dream told me, that the whole kingdom + was full of nunneries, plentifully stocked from the same reason. + </p> + <p> + "We went to see another lion, where we found much company met in the + gallery; the keeper told us, we should see sport enough, as he called it; + and in a little time, we saw a young beautiful lady put into the den, who + walked up towards the lion with all imaginable security in her + countenance, and looked smiling upon her lover and friends in the gallery; + which I thought nothing extraordinary, because it was never known that any + lion had been mistaken. But, however, we were all disappointed, for the + lion lifted up his right paw, which was the fatal sign, and advancing + forward, seized her by the arm, and began to tear it: The poor lady gave a + terrible shriek, and cried out, 'The lion is just, I am no true virgin! + Oh! Sappho, Sappho.' She could say no more, for the lion gave her the <i>coup + de grace</i>, by a squeeze in the throat, and she expired at his feet. The + keeper dragged away her body to feed the animal when the company was gone, + for the parish-lions never used to eat in public. After a little pause, + another lady came on towards the lion in the same manner as the former; we + observed the beast smell her with great diligence, he scratched both her + hands with lifting them to his nose, and clapping a claw on her bosom, + drew blood; however he let her go, and at the same time turned from her + with a sort of contempt, at which she was not a little mortified, and + retired with some confusion to her friends in the gallery. Methought the + whole company immediately understood the meaning of this, that the + easiness of the lady had suffered her to admit certain imprudent and + dangerous familiarities, bordering too much upon what is criminal; neither + was it sure whether the lover then present had not some sharers with him + in those freedoms, of which a lady can never be too sparing. + </p> + <p> + "This happened to be an extraordinary day, for a third lady came into the + den, laughing loud, playing with her fan, tossing her head, and smiling + round on the young fellows in the gallery. However, the lion leaped on her + with great fury, and we gave her for gone; but on a sudden he let go his + hold, turned from her as if he were nauseated, then gave her a lash with + his tail; after which she returned to the gallery, not the least out of + countenance: and this, it seems, was the usual treatment of coquettes. + </p> + <p> + "I thought we had now seen enough, but my friend would needs have us go + and visit one or two lions in the city. We called at two or three dens + where they happened not to shew, but we generally found half a score young + girls, between eight and eleven years old, playing with each lion, sitting + on his back, and putting their hands into his mouth; some of them would + now and then get a scratch; but we always discovered, upon examining, that + they had been hoydening with the young apprentices. One of them was + calling to a pretty girl of about twelve years, that stood by us in the + gallery, to come down to the lion, and upon her refusal, said, 'Ah! Miss + Betty, we could never get you to come near the lion, since you played at + hoop and hide with my brother in the garret.' + </p> + <p> + "We followed a couple, with the wedding-folks, going to the church of St. + Mary-Axe. The lady, though well stricken in years, extremely crooked and + deformed, was dressed out beyond the gaiety of fifteen; having jumbled + together, as I imagined, all the tawdry remains of aunts, godmothers, and + grandmothers, for some generations past: One of the neighbours whispered + me, that she was an old maid, and had the clearest reputation of any in + the parish. There is nothing strange in that, thought I, but was much + surprised, when I observed afterwards that she went towards the lion with + distrust and concern. The beast was lying down, but upon sight of her, + snuffed up his nose two or three times, and then giving the sign of death, + proceeded instantly to execution. In the midst of her agonies, she was + heard to name the words, 'Italy' and 'artifices,' with the utmost horror, + and several repeated execrations: and at last concluded, 'Fool that I was, + to put so much confidence in the toughness of my skin.' + </p> + <p> + "The keeper immediately set all in order again for another customer, which + happened to be a famous prude, whom her parents after long threatenings, + and much persuasion, had with the extremest difficulty prevailed on to + accept a young handsome goldsmith, that might have pretended to five times + her fortune. The fathers and mothers in the neighbourhood used to quote + her for an example to their daughters. Her elbows were rivetted to her + sides, and her whole person so ordered as to inform everybody that she was + afraid they should touch her. She only dreaded to approach the lion, + because it was a he one, and abhorred to think an animal of that sex + should presume to breathe on her. The sight of a man at twenty yards + distance made her draw back her head. She always sat upon the farther + corner of the chair, though there were six chairs between her and her + lover, and with the door wide open, and her little sister in the room. She + was never saluted but at the tip of her ear, and her father had much ado + to make her dine without her gloves, when there was a man at table. She + entered the den with some fear, which we took to proceed from the height + of her modesty, offended at the sight of so many men in the gallery. The + lion beholding her at a distance, immediately gave the deadly sign; at + which the poor creature (methinks I see her still) miscarried in a fright + before us all. The lion seemed to be surprised as much as we, and gave her + time to make her confession, 'That she was four months gone, by the + foreman of her father's shop, that this was her third big belly;' and when + her friends asked, why she would venture the trial? she said, 'Her nurse + assured her, that a lion would never hurt a woman with child.'" Upon this + I immediately waked, and could not help wishing, that the deputy-censors + of my late institution were endued with the same instinct as these + parish-lions were. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +[Footnote 1: + "Manditque, trahitque +Molle pecus." + <i>Aeneid</i>, ix. 340-341. +"Devours and tears the peaceful flock." + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 2: <i>I.e.</i> 1710-11. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 298.[1] + </h2> + <p> + <i>Ingenuas didicisse fideliter artes, Emollit mores.</i> OVID.[2] + </p> + <h3> + FROM SATURDAY MARCH 3. TO TUESDAY MARCH 6. 1710.[3] + </h3> + <p> + <i>From my own Apartment in Channel-Row, March 5</i>. + </p> + <p> + Those inferior duties of life which the French call <i>les petites + morales,</i> or the smaller morals, are with us distinguished by the name + of good manners,[4] or breeding. This I look upon, in the general notion + of it, to be a sort of artificial good sense, adapted to the meanest + capacities, and introduced to make mankind easy in their commerce with + each other. Low and little understandings, without some rules of this + kind, would be perpetually wandering into a thousand indecencies and + irregularities in behaviour, and in their ordinary conversation fall into + the same boisterous familiarities that one observes amongst them, when a + debauch has quite taken away the use of their reason. In other instances, + it is odd to consider, that for want of common discretion the very end of + good breeding is wholly perverted, and civility, intended to make us easy, + is employed in laying chains and fetters upon us, in debarring us of our + wishes, and in crossing our most reasonable desires and inclinations. This + abuse reigns chiefly in the country, as I found to my vexation, when I was + last there, in a visit I made to a neighbour about two miles from my + cousin. As soon as I entered the parlour, they forced me into the great + chair that stood close by a huge fire, and kept me there by force till I + was almost stifled. Then a boy came in great hurry to pull off my boots, + which I in vain opposed, urging that I must return soon after dinner. In + the mean time the good lady whispered her eldest daughter, and slipped a + key into her hand. She returned instantly with a beer glass half full of + <i>aqua mirabilis</i> and syrup of gillyflowers. I took as much as I had a + mind for; but Madam vowed I should drink it off, (for she was sure it + would do me good after coming out of the cold air) and I was forced to + obey, which absolutely took away my stomach. When dinner came in, I had a + mind to sit at a distance from the fire; but they told me, it was as much + as my life was worth, and set me with my back just against it. Though my + appetite was quite gone, I resolved to force down as much as I could, and + desired the leg of a pullet. "Indeed, Mr. Bickerstaff," says the lady, + "you must eat a wing to oblige me," and so put a couple upon my plate. I + was persecuted at this rate during the whole meal. As often as I called + for small beer, the master tipped the wink, and the servant brought me a + brimmer of October. Some time after dinner, I ordered my cousin's man who + came with me to get ready the horses; but it was resolved I should not + stir that night; and when I seemed pretty much bent upon going, they + ordered the stable door to be locked, and the children hid away my cloak + and boots. The next question was, what I would have for supper? I said I + never eat anything at night, but was at last in my own defence obliged to + name the first thing that came into my head. After three hours spent + chiefly in apology for my entertainment, insinuating to me, "That this was + the worst time of the year for provisions, that they were at a great + distance from any market, that they were afraid I should be starved, and + they knew they kept me to my loss," the lady went, and left me to her + husband (for they took special care I should never be alone.) As soon as + her back was turned, the little misses ran backwards and forwards every + moment; and constantly as they came in or went out, made a curtsy directly + at me, which in good manners I was forced to return with a bow, and "Your + humble servant pretty Miss." Exactly at eight the mother came up, and + discovered by the redness of her face, that supper was not far off. It was + twice as large as the dinner, and my persecution doubled in proportion. I + desired at my usual hour to go to my repose, and was conducted to my + chamber by the gentleman, his lady, and the whole train of children. They + importuned me to drink something before I went to bed, and upon my + refusing, at last left a bottle of stingo, as they called it, for fear I + should wake and be thirsty in the night. I was forced in the morning to + rise and dress myself in the dark, because they would not suffer my + kinsman's servant to disturb me at the hour I had desired to be called. I + was now resolved to break through all measures to get away, and after + sitting down to a monstrous breakfast of cold beef, mutton, + neats'-tongues, venison-pasty, and stale beer, took leave of the family; + but the gentleman would needs see me part of my way, and carry me a short + cut through his own grounds, which he told me would save half a mile's + riding. This last piece of civility had like to have cost me dear, being + once or twice in danger of my neck, by leaping over his ditches, and at + last forced to alight in the dirt, when my horse, having slipped his + bridle, ran away, and took us up more than an hour to recover him again. + </p> + <p> + It is evident that none of the absurdities I met with in this visit + proceeded from an ill intention, but from a wrong judgment of + complaisance, and a misapplication of the rules of it. I cannot so easily + excuse the more refined critics upon behaviour, who having professed no + other study, are yet infinitely defective in the most material parts of + it. Ned Fashion has been bred all his life about Court, and understands to + a tittle all the punctilios of a drawing-room. He visits most of the fine + women near St. James's, and upon all occasions says the civilest and + softest things to them of any man breathing. To Mr. Isaac[5] he owes an + easy slide in his bow, and a graceful manner of coming into a room. But in + some other cases he is very far from being a well-bred person: He laughs + at men of far superior understanding to his own, for not being as well + dressed as himself, despises all his acquaintance that are not quality, + and in public places has on that account often avoided taking notice of + some of the best speakers in the House of Commons. He rails strenuously at + both Universities before the members of either, and never is heard to + swear an oath, or break in upon morality or religion, but in the company + of divines. On the other hand, a man of right sense has all the essentials + of good breeding, though he may be wanting in the forms of it. Horatio has + spent most of his time at Oxford. He has a great deal of learning, an + agreeable wit, and as much modesty as serves to adorn without concealing + his other good qualities. In that retired way of living, he seems to have + formed a notion of human nature, as he has found it described in the + writings of the greatest men, not as he is like to meet with it in the + common course of life. Hence it is, that he gives no offence, that he + converses with great deference, candour, and humanity. His bow, I must + confess, is somewhat awkward; but then he has an extensive, universal, and + unaffected knowledge, which makes some amends for it. He would make no + extraordinary figure at a ball; but I can assure the ladies in his behalf, + and for their own consolation, that he has writ better verses on the sex + than any man now living, and is preparing such a poem for the press as + will transmit their praises and his own to many generations. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In the reprint of "The Tatler," volume v., this number was + called No. 20. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: <i>Epist. ex Ponto</i>, II. ix. 47-48. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +"An understanding in the liberal arts +Softens men's manners." + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: <i>I.e.</i> 1710-11. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Compare Swift's "Treatise on Good Manners and Good Breeding." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: A famous dancing-master in those days. [FAULKNER.] He died in + 1740. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 302.[1] + </h2> + <p> + <i>O Lycida, vivi pervenimus, advena nostri, (Quod numquam veriti sumus) + ut possessor agelli Diceret, Haec mea sunt, veteres migrate coloni.</i> + VIRG.[2] + </p> + <h3> + FROM TUESDAY MARCH 13. TO THURSDAY MARCH 15. 1710.[3] + </h3> + <p> + <i>From my own Apartment in Channel-Row, March 14.</i> + </p> + <p> + The dignity and distinction of men of wit is seldom enough considered, + either by themselves or others; their own behaviour, and the usage they + meet with, being generally very much of a piece. I have at this time in my + hands an alphabetical list of the <i>beaux esprits</i> about this town, + four or five of whom have made the proper use of their genius, by gaining + the esteem of the best and greatest men, and by turning it to their own + advantage in some establishment of their fortunes, however unequal to + their merit; others satisfying themselves with the honour of having access + to great tables, and of being subject to the call of every man of quality, + who upon occasion wants one to say witty things for the diversion of the + company. This treatment never moves my indignation so much, as when it is + practised by a person, who though he owes his own rise purely to the + reputation of his parts, yet appears to be as much ashamed of it, as a + rich city knight to be denominated from the trade he was first apprenticed + to, and affects the air of a man born to his titles, and consequently + above the character of a wit, or a scholar. If those who possess great + endowments of the mind would set a just value upon themselves, they would + think no man's acquaintance whatsoever a condescension, nor accept it from + the greatest upon unworthy or ignominious terms. I know a certain lord + that has often invited a set of people, and proposed for their diversion a + buffoon player, and an eminent poet, to be of the party; and which was yet + worse, thought them both sufficiently recompensed by the dinner, and the + honour of his company. This kind of insolence is risen to such a height, + that I my self was the other day sent to by a man with a title, whom I had + never seen, desiring the favour that I would dine with him and half a + dozen of his select friends. I found afterwards, the footman had told my + maid below stairs, that my lord having a mind to be merry, had resolved + right or wrong to send for honest Isaac. I was sufficiently provoked with + the message; however I gave the fellow no other answer, than that "I + believed he had mistaken the person, for I did not remember that his lord + had ever been introduced to me." I have reason to apprehend that this + abuse hath been owing rather to a meanness of spirit in men of parts, than + to the natural pride or ignorance of their patrons. Young students coming + up to town from the places of their education, are dazzled with the + grandeur they everywhere meet, and making too much haste to distinguish + their parts, instead of waiting to be desired and caressed, are ready to + pay their court at any rate to a great man, whose name they have seen in a + public paper, or the frontispiece of a dedication. It has not always been + thus: wit in polite ages has ever begot either esteem or fear. The hopes + of being celebrated, or the dread of being stigmatized, procured an + universal respect and awe for the persons of such as were allowed to have + the power of distributing fame or infamy where they pleased. Aretine had + all the princes of Europe his tributaries, and when any of them had + committed a folly that laid them open to his censure, they were forced by + some present extraordinary to compound for his silence; of which there is + a famous instance on record. When Charles the Fifth had miscarried in his + African expedition, which was looked upon as the weakest undertaking of + that great Emperor, he sent Aretine[4] a gold chain, who made some + difficulty of accepting it, saying, "It was too small a present in all + reason for so great a folly." For my own part, in this point I differ from + him, and never could be prevailed upon, by any valuable consideration to + conceal a fault or a folly since I first took the censorship upon me. + </p> + <p> + Having long considered with my self the ill application that some make of + their talents, I have this day erected a Court of Alienation, by the + statutes of which the next a kin is empowered to <i>beg</i> the parts and + understanding of any such person as can be proved, either by embezzling, + making a wrong use, or no use at all of the said parts and understanding, + not to know the true value thereof: who shall immediately be put out of + possession, and disqualified for ever; the said kinsman giving sufficient + security that he will employ them as the court shall direct. I have set + down under certain heads the several ways by which men prostitute and + abuse their parts, and from thence have framed a table of rules, whereby + the plaintiff may be informed when he has a good title to eject the + defendant. I may in a following paper give the world some account of the + proceedings of this court. I have already got two able critics for my + assessors upon the bench, who, though they have always exercised their + pens in taking off from the wit of others, have never pretended to + challenge any themselves, and consequently are in no danger of being + engaged in making claims, or of having any suits commence against them. + Every writer shall be tried by his peers, throughly versed in that point + wherein he pretends to excel; for which reason the jury can never consist + of above half the ordinary number. I shall in general be very tender how I + put any person out of his wits; but as the management of such possessions + is of great consequence to the world, I shall hold my self obliged to vest + the right in such hands as will answer the great purposes they were + intended for, and leave the former proprietors to seek their fortune in + some other way. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Called No. 24 in the reprint of "The Tatler," vol. v. [T. + S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: <i>Eclogues</i>, ix. 2-4. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "O Lycidas, + We never thought, yet have we lived to see + A stranger seize our farm, and say, 'Tis mine, + Begone, ye old inhabitants."—C.R. KENNEDY. + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: <i>I.e.</i> 1710-11. Under date March 14th Swift writes to + Stella: "Little Harrison the 'Tatler' came to me, and begged me to dictate + a paper to him, which I was forced in charity to do." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Pietro Aretino (1492-1557), called "the scourge of Princes." + His prose is fiercely satirical, and his poetry as strongly obscene. His + works were condemned for their indecency and impiety. He received numerous + and valuable gifts from those who were afraid of his criticisms. His + sonnets, written to accompany engravings by Marc Antonio, from designs by + Giulio Romano (1524), largely contributed to his reputation for obscenity. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TATLER, NUMB. 306.[1] + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Morte carent animae; semperque, priore relictâ + Sede, novis domibus habitant vivuntque receptae. + Ipse ego (nam memini) Trojani tempore belli + Panthoides Euphorbus eram</i>— + OVID. MET.[2] +</pre> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY MARCH 22, TO SATURDAY MARCH 24, 1710.[3] + </h3> + <p> + <i>From my own Apartment, March 22.</i> + </p> + <p> + My other correspondents will excuse me if I give the precedency to a lady, + whose letter, amongst many more, is just come to hand. + </p> + <h3> + "DEAR ISAAC, + </h3> + <p> + "I burn with impatience to know what and who you are. The curiosity of my + whole sex is fallen upon me, and has kept me waking these three nights. I + have dreamed often of you within this fortnight, and every time you + appeared in a different form. As you value my repose, tell me in which of + them I am to be + </p> + <p> + "Your admirer, + </p> + <h3> + "SYLVIA." + </h3> + <p> + It is natural for a man who receives a favour of this kind from an unknown + fair, to frame immediately some idea of her person, which being suited to + the opinion we have of our own merit, is commonly as beautiful and perfect + as the most lavish imagination can furnish out. Strongly possessed with + these notions, I have read over Sylvia's billet; and notwithstanding the + reserve I have had upon this matter, am resolved to go a much greater + length, than I yet ever did, in making my self known to the world, and, in + particular, to my charming correspondent. In order to it I must premise, + that the person produced as mine in the play-house last winter, did in + nowise appertain to me. It was such a one however as agreed well with the + impression my writings had made, and served the purpose I intended it for; + which was to continue the awe and reverence due to the character I was + vested with, and, at the same time, to let my enemies see how much I was + the delight and favourite of this town. This innocent imposture, which I + have all along taken care to carry on, as it then was of some use, has + since been of singular service to me, and by being mentioned in one of my + papers, effectually recovered my egoity out of the hands of some gentlemen + who endeavoured to wrest it from me. This is saying, in short, what I am + not: what I am, and have been for many years, is next to be explained. + Here it will not be improper to remind Sylvia, that there was formerly + such a philosopher as Pythagoras, who, amongst other doctrines, taught the + transmigration of souls, which, if she sincerely believes, she will not be + much startled at the following relation. + </p> + <p> + I will not trouble her, nor my other readers, with the particulars of all + the lives I have successively passed through since my first entrance into + mortal being, which is now many centuries ago. It is enough that I have in + every one of them opposed myself with the utmost resolution to the follies + and vices of the several ages I have been acquainted with, that I have + often rallied the world into good manners, and kept the greatest princes + in awe of my satire. There is one circumstance which I shall not omit, + though it may seem to reflect on my character, I mean that infinite love + of change which has ever appeared in the disposal of my existence. Since + the days of the Emperor Trajan, I have not been confined to the same + person for twenty years together; but have passed from one abode to + another, much quicker than the Pythagorean system generally allows. By + this means, I have seldom had a body to myself, but have lodged up and + down wherever I found a genius suitable to my own. In this manner I + continued, some time with the top wit of France, at another with that of + Italy, who had a statue erected to his memory in Rome. Towards the end of + the 17th century, I set out for England; but the gentleman I came over in + dying as soon as he got to shore, I was obliged to look out again for a + new habitation. It was not long before I met with one to my mind, for + having mixed myself invisibly with the <i>literati</i> of this kingdom, I + found it was unanimously agreed amongst them, That nobody was endowed with + greater talents than Hiereus;[4] or, consequently, would be better pleased + with my company. I slipped down his throat one night as he was fast + asleep, and the next morning, as soon as he awaked, he fell to writing a + treatise that was received with great applause, though he had the modesty + not to set his name to that nor to any other of our productions. Some time + after, he published a paper of predictions, which were translated into + several languages, and alarmed some of the greatest princes in Europe. To + these he prefixed the name of Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq; which I have been + extremely fond of ever since, and have taken care that most of the + writings I have been concerned in should be distinguished by it; though I + must observe, that there have been many counterfeits imposed upon the + public by this means. This extraordinary man being called out of the + kingdom by affairs of his own, I resolved, however, to continue somewhat + longer in a country where my works had been so well received, and + accordingly bestowed myself with Hilario.[5] His natural wit, his lively + turn of humour, and great penetration into human nature, easily determined + me to this choice, the effects of which were soon after produced in this + paper, called "The Tatler." I know not how it happened, but in less than + two years' time Hilario grew weary of my company, and gave me warning to + be gone. In the height of my resentment, I cast my eyes on a young + fellow,[6] of no extraordinary qualifications, whom, for that very reason, + I had the more pride in taking under my direction, and enabling him, by + some means or other, to carry on the work I was before engaged in. Lest he + should grow too vain upon this encouragement, I to this day keep him under + due mortification. I seldom reside with him when any of his friends are at + leisure to receive me, by whose hands, however, he is duly supplied. As I + have passed through many scenes of life, and a long series of years, I + choose to be considered in the character of an old fellow, and take care + that those under my influence should speak consonantly to it. This + account, I presume, will give no small consolation to Sylvia, who may rest + assured, that Isaac Bickerstaff is to be seen in more forms than she + dreamt of; out of which variety she may choose what is most agreeable to + her fancy. On Tuesdays, he is sometimes a black, proper, young gentleman, + with a mole on his left cheek. On Thursdays, a decent well-looking man, of + a middle stature, long flaxen hair, and a florid complexion. On Saturdays, + he is somewhat of the shortest, and may be known from others of that size + by talking in a low voice, and passing through the streets without much + precipitation. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 28 in the reprint of "The Tatler," vol. v. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: <i>Metamorphoses</i>, xv. 158-161. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Nor dies the spirit, but new life repeats + In other forms, and only changes seats. + Ev'n I, who these mysterious truths declare, + Was once Euphorbus in the Trojan war." +</pre> + <p> + J. DRYDEN. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: I.e. 1710-11. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Swift. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Steele. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Harrison. [T.S.]] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * * * * * * +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CONTRIBUTIONS TO "THE EXAMINER." + </h2> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + The new ministry, which came into power on the fall of the able + administration of Godolphin in 1710, was the famous Oxford ministry headed + by Harley and St. John. The new leaders were well aware that they would + have to use all the means in their power not only to justify themselves to + the English nation, but successfully to defeat the strong opposition which + had such a man as Marlborough for its moving spirit. The address to Queen + Anne from the Commons, showing undoubted evidences of St. John's hand, was + the first employment of a means by which this ministry hoped to appeal to + the public. But this remarkable literary effort had already been preceded + by the establishment of a weekly political paper, entitled "The Examiner," + a few weeks before Godolphin's fall. During the months of August, + September, and October, in which were issued twelve papers, Dr. Freind, + Atterbury, Prior and St. John, were the men employed to arouse the nation + to a necessary condition of discontent. Now that the ministry was in + power, the necessity for continuing these public appeals was felt to be + all the stronger; and Harley's shrewdness in selecting Swift to take this + important matter in hand shows his ability as a party leader. + </p> + <p> + The first number of "The Examiner" was issued on August 3rd, 1710, and the + paper was continued until July 26th, 1711. On December 6th, 1711, William + Oldisworth revived it, and issued it weekly until December 18th, 1712, + after which date it was published twice a week until July 26th, 1714, + though it occasionally happened that only one was issued in a week. The + last number was No. 19 of the sixth volume, so that Oldisworth edited + vols. ii., iii., iv., v., and what was published of vol. vi. The death of + the Queen put an end to the publication. + </p> + <p> + Swift was called to his work about the middle of October of 1710, and his + first paper appeared in No. 14. From that number to No. 45, Swift + continued with unabated zeal and with masterly effect to carry out the + policy of his friends. He also wrote a part of No. 46, and Nos. 16 and 21 + of the third volume, which appeared on January 16th and February 2nd, + 1712-13. These two last numbers are not included in the present volume; + since they have been printed in the fifth volume of this edition of + Swift's works with the titles "An Appendix to the Conduct of the Allies" + and "The Vindication of Erasmus Lewis." + </p> + <p> + The appearance of "The Examiner" had brought an opposition paper into the + field, entitled "The Whig Examiner," a periodical that ably maintained its + party's stand in the face of St. John's attacks. But this paper only + lasted for five weeks, and when Swift took charge of the Tory organ, the + position of "The Examiner" was entirely altered. As Mr. Churton Collins + ably remarks: "It became a voice of power in every town and in every + hamlet throughout England. It was an appeal made, not to the political + cliques of the metropolis, but to the whole kingdom; and to the whole + kingdom it spoke.... No one who will take the trouble to glance at Swift's + contributions to 'The Examiner' will be surprised at their effect. They + are masterpieces of polemical skill. Every sentence—every word—comes + home. Their logic, adapted to the meanest capacity, smites like a hammer. + Their statements, often a tissue of mere sophistry and assumption, appear + so plausible, that it is difficult even for the cool historian to avoid + being carried away by them. At a time when party spirit was running high, + and few men stopped to weigh evidence, they must have been irresistible." + ("Jonathan Swift," 1893, p. 81.) + </p> + <p> + In his "Memoirs relating to that Change" (vol. v., p 384), Swift gives the + following explanation of the foundation of this paper. "Upon the rise of + this ministry the principal persons in power thought it necessary that + some weekly paper should be published, with just reflections upon former + proceedings, and defending the present measures of Her Majesty. This was + begun about the time of the Lord Godolphin's removal, under the name of + 'The Examiner.' ... The determination was that I should continue it, which + I did accordingly for about eight months." + </p> + <p> + Gay remarks in his pamphlet, "The Present State of Wit, in a Letter to a + Friend in the Country," 1711: "'The Examiner' is a paper which all men, + who speak without prejudice, allow to be well writ. Though his subject + will admit of no great variety, he is continually placing it on so many + different lights, and endeavouring to inculcate the same thing by so many + beautiful changes of expressions, that men who are concerned in no party, + may read him with pleasure. His way of assuming the question in debate is + extremely artful; and his 'Letter to Crassus' [No. 28] is, I think, a + masterpiece.... I presume I need not tell you that 'The Examiner' carries + much the more sail as 'tis supposed to be writ by the direction, and under + the eye of some great persons who sit at the helm of affairs, and is + consequently looked on as a sort of public notice which way they are + steering us. The reputed author is Dr. S[wif]t, with the assistance + sometimes of Dr. Att[erbur]y and Mr. P[rio]r." With the fall of + Bolingbroke on the death of Queen Anne and the accession of George I., + "The Examiner" collapsed. [T.S.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE EXAMINER. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 14.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY OCTOBER 26 TO THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2, 1710. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —<i>Longa est injuria, longae + Ambages, sed summa sequar fastigia rerum</i>.[2] +</pre> + <p> + It is a practice I have generally followed, to converse in equal freedom + with the deserving men of both parties; and it was never without some + contempt, that I have observed persons wholly out of employment, affect to + do otherwise: I doubted whether any man could owe so much to the side he + was of, though he were retained by it; but without some great point of + interest, either in possession or prospect, I thought it was the mark of a + low and narrow spirit. + </p> + <p> + It is hard, that, for some weeks past, I have been forced in my own + defence, to follow a proceeding that I have so much condemned in others. + But several of my acquaintance among the declining party, are grown so + insufferably peevish and splenetic, profess such violent apprehensions for + the public, and represent the state of things in such formidable ideas, + that I find myself disposed to share in their afflictions, though I know + them to be groundless and imaginary, or, which is worse, purely affected. + To offer them comfort one by one, would be not only an endless, but a + disobliging task. Some of them, I am convinced would be less melancholy, + if there were more occasion. I shall therefore, instead of hearkening to + further complaints, employ some part of this paper for the future, in + letting such men see, that their natural or acquired fears are + ill-grounded, and their artificial ones as ill-intended. That all our + present inconveniencies,[3] are the consequence of the very counsels they + so much admire, which would still have increased, if those had continued: + and that neither our constitution in Church or State, could probably have + been long preserved, without such methods as have been lately taken. + </p> + <p> + The late revolutions at court, have given room to some specious + objections, which I have heard repeated by well-meaning men, just as they + had taken them up on the credit of others, who have worse designs. They + wonder the Queen would choose to change her ministry at this juncture,[4] + and thereby give uneasiness to a general who has been so long successful + abroad; and might think himself injured, if the entire ministry were not + of his own nomination. That there were few complaints of any consequence + against the late men in power, and none at all in Parliament; which on the + contrary, passed votes in favour of the chief minister. That if her + Majesty had a mind to introduce the other party, it would have been more + seasonable after a peace, which now we have made desperate, by spiriting + the French, who rejoice at these changes, and by the fall of our credit, + which unqualifies us for continuing the war. That the Parliament so + untimely dissolved,[5] had been diligent in their supplies, and dutiful in + their behaviour. That one consequence of these changes appears already in + the fall of the stocks: that we may soon expect more and worse: and + lastly, that all this naturally tends to break the settlement of the + Crown, and call over the Pretender. + </p> + <p> + These and the like notions are plentifully scattered abroad, by the malice + of a ruined party, to render the Queen and her administration odious, and + to inflame the nation. And these are what, upon occasion, I shall + endeavour to overthrow, by discovering the falsehood and absurdity of + them. + </p> + <p> + It is a great unhappiness, when in a government constituted like ours, it + should be so brought about, that the continuance of a war, must be for the + interest of vast numbers (peaceable as well as military) who would + otherwise have been as unknown as their original. I think our present + condition of affairs, is admirably described by two verses in Lucan, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Hinc usura vorax, avidumque in tempore foenus, + Hinc concussa fides, et multis utile bellum</i>,[6] +</pre> + <p> + which without any great force upon the words, may be thus translated, + </p> + <p> + "Hence are derived those exorbitant interests and annuities; hence those + large discounts for advances and prompt payment; hence public credit is + shaken, and hence great numbers find their profit in prolonging the war." + </p> + <p> + It is odd, that among a free trading people, as we take ourselves to be, + there should so many be found to close in with those counsels, who have + been ever averse from all overtures towards a peace. But yet there is no + great mystery in the matter. Let any man observe the equipages in this + town; he shall find the greater number of those who make a figure, to be a + species of men quite different from any that were ever known before the + Revolution, consisting either of generals and colonels, or of such whose + whole fortunes lie in funds and stocks: so that power, which according to + the old maxim, was used to follow land, is now gone over to money; and the + country gentleman is in the condition of a young heir, out of whose estate + a scrivener receives half the rents for interest, and hath a mortgage on + the whole, and is therefore always ready to feed his vices and + extravagancies while there is any thing left. So that if the war continues + some years longer, a landed man will be little better than a farmer at a + rack rent, to the army, and to the public funds. + </p> + <p> + It may perhaps be worth inquiring from what beginnings, and by what steps + we have been brought into this desperate condition: and in search of this, + we must run up as high as the Revolution. + </p> + <p> + Most of the nobility and gentry who invited over the Prince of Orange, or + attended him in his expedition, were true lovers of their country and its + constitution, in Church and State; and were brought to yield to those + breaches in the succession of the crown, out of a regard to the necessity + of the kingdom, and the safety of the people, which did, and could only, + make them lawful; but without intention of drawing such a practice into + precedent, or making it a standing measure by which to proceed in all + times to come; and therefore we find their counsels ever tended to keep + things as much as possible in the old course. But soon after, an under set + of men, who had nothing to lose, and had neither borne the burthen nor + heat of the day, found means to whisper in the king's ear, that the + principles of loyalty in the Church of England, were wholly inconsistent + with the Revolution.[7] Hence began the early practice of caressing the + dissenters, reviling the universities, as maintainers of arbitrary power, + and reproaching the clergy with the doctrines of divine-right, passive + obedience and non-resistance.[8] At the same time, in order to fasten + wealthy people to the new government, they proposed those pernicious + expedients of borrowing money by vast <i>premiums</i>, and at exorbitant + interest: a practice as old as Eumenes,[9] one of Alexander's captains, + who setting up for himself after the death of his master, persuaded his + principal officers to lend him great sums, after which they were forced to + follow him for their own security. + </p> + <p> + This introduced a number of new dexterous men into business and credit: It + was argued, that the war could not last above two or three campaigns, and + that it was easier for the subject to raise a fund for paying interest, + than to tax them annually to the full expense of the war. Several persons + who had small or encumbered estates, sold them, and turned their money + into those funds to great advantage: merchants, as well as other moneyed + men, finding trade was dangerous, pursued the same method: But the war + continuing, and growing more expensive, taxes were increased, and funds + multiplied every year, till they have arrived at the monstrous height we + now behold them. And that which was at first a corruption, is at last + grown necessary, and what every good subject must now fall in with, though + he may be allowed to wish it might soon have an end; because it is with a + kingdom, as with a private fortune, where every new incumbrance adds a + double weight. By this means the wealth of the nation, that used to be + reckoned by the value of land, is now computed by the rise and fall of + stocks: and although the foundation of credit be still the same, and upon + a bottom that can never be shaken; and though all interest be duly paid by + the public, yet through the contrivance and cunning of stock-jobbers, + there has been brought in such a complication of knavery and cozenage, + such a mystery of iniquity, and such an unintelligible jargon of terms to + involve it in, as were never known in any other age or country of the + world. I have heard it affirmed by persons skilled in these calculations, + that if the funds appropriated to the payment of interest and annuities, + were added to the yearly taxes, and the four-shilling aid[10] strictly + exacted in all counties of the kingdom, it would very near, if not fully, + supply the occasions of the war, at least such a part, as in the opinion + of very able persons, had been at that time prudence not to exceed. For I + make it a question, whether any wise prince or state, in the continuance + of a war, which was not purely defensive, or immediately at his own door, + did ever propose that his expense should perpetually exceed what he was + able to impose annually upon his subjects? Neither if the war lasts many + years longer, do I see how the next generation will be able to begin + another, which in the course of human affairs, and according to the + various interests and ambition of princes, may be as necessary for them as + it has been for us. And had our fathers left us as deeply involved as we + are like to leave our children, I appeal to any man, what sort of figure + we should have been able to make these twenty years past. Besides, neither + our enemies, nor allies, are upon the same foot with us in this + particular. France and Holland, our nearest neighbours, and the farthest + engaged, will much sooner recover themselves after a war. The first, by + the absolute power of the prince who being master of the lives and + fortunes of his subjects, will quickly find expedients to pay his debts: + and so will the other, by their prudent administration, the greatness of + their trade, their wonderful parsimony, the willingness of their people to + undergo all kind of taxes, and their justice in applotting as well as + collecting them. But above all, we are to consider that France and Holland + fight in the continent, either upon, or near their own territories, and + the greatest part of the money circulates among themselves; whereas ours + crosses the sea either to Flanders, Spain, or Portugal, and every penny of + it, whether in specie or returns, is so much lost to the nation for ever. + </p> + <p> + Upon these considerations alone, it was the most prudent course imaginable + in the Queen, to lay hold of the disposition of the people for changing + the Parliament and ministry at this juncture, and extricating herself, as + soon as possible, out of the pupillage of those who found their accounts + only in perpetuating the war. Neither have we the least reason to doubt, + but the ensuing Parliament will assist her Majesty with the utmost + vigour,[11] till her enemies <i>again</i> be brought to sue for peace, and + <i>again</i> offer such terms as will make it both honourable and lasting; + only with this difference, that the Ministry perhaps will not <i>again</i> + refuse them.[12] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Audiet pugnas vitio parentum + Rara Juventus</i>.[13] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 13 in the reprint. The No. 13 (from Thursday, October 19, + to Thursday, October 26, 1710) of the original is omitted from the + reprint, and the Nos. from 14 to 48 are slipped back one. No. 49 also is + omitted, and Nos. 50 to 52 slipped back two. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Virgil, "Aeneid," i. 341-2. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Her whole tale of wrong + 'Twere tedious to relate. But I will give + The leading facts."—R. KENNEDY. + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: "The Observator" of Nov. 8th, commenting on this statement, + remarks: "All the inconveniences we labour under at present, are so far + from being the consequence of the counsels of the late ministry, that they + are visibly the consequence of those of the 'Examiner's' party, who + brought the nation to the brink of Popery and slavery, from which they + were delivered by the Revolution; and are pursuing the same measures + again," etc. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: See "Memoirs relating to that Change" (vol. v., pp. 359-90). + The Queen's action in dismissing her ministers and dissolving Parliament + in September was, even to Swift himself, a matter for wonder: "I never + remember," he writes to Stella (Sept. 20th, 1710), "such bold steps taken + by a Court." And Tindal, commenting on the change, says: "So sudden and so + entire a change in the ministry is scarce to be found in our history, + especially where men of great abilities had served with such zeal and + success." ("Hist. of England," iv. 192.) [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Parliament was dissolved by proclamation on September 21st. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: "Pharsalia," i. 181-2. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Hence debt unthrifty, careless to repay, + And usury still watching for its day: + Hence perjuries in every wrangling court; + And war, the needy bankrupt's last resort," + N. ROWE. +</pre> + <p> + Lucan wrote "<i>et</i> concussa," [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: Commenting on this passage, "The Observator" of Nov. 8th + remarked: "One would take the author to be some very great man, since he + speaks so contemptuously of both Houses of Parliament; for they actually + found those doctrines, as then preached up, to be inconsistent with the + Revolution, and declared it loudly to the world without whispering." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: Writing to the Earl of Peterborough (Feb. 1710/1), Swift + refers to "a pamphlet come out, called 'A Letter to Jacob Banks,' showing + that the liberty of Sweden was destroyed by the principle of passive + obedience." The pamphlet was written by one W. Benson, and bore the title, + "A Letter to Sir J—— B——, By Birth a S——,... + Concerning the late Minehead doctrine," etc., 1711. "This dispute," says + Swift to Peterborough, "would soon be ended, if the dunces who write on + each side, would plainly tell us what the object of this passive obedience + is in our country." (Scott, vol. xv., p. 423.) + </p> + <p> + See also, on this matter, "Examiner," Nos. 34 and 40 <i>post</i>. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: Eumenes of Cardia was secretary to Alexander the Great, and + distinguished himself both as a statesman and general. He was killed B.C. + 316. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: The land tax at the time was four shillings in the pound. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: In her speech to Parliament on Nov. 27th, 1710, Anne said: + "The carrying on the war in all its parts, but particularly in Spain, with + the utmost vigour, is the likeliest means, with God's blessing, to procure + a safe and honourable peace for us and all our allies, whose support and + interest I have truly at heart" ("Journals of House of Lords," xix, 166).] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: This is a dig at the Duke of Marlborough, for what the + Tories thought an unnecessarily harsh insistence on the inclusion of a + clause in the preliminaries of the Gertruydenberg Treaty, which it was + thought he must have known would be rejected by Louis. They suspected + Marlborough did this in order to keep the war going, and so permit himself + further opportunities for enriching himself. The treaty for peace, carried + on at Gertruydenberg in 1710, was discussed by Marlborough and Townshend + acting for England, the Marquis de Torcy acting for France, and Buys and + Vanderdussen for the States. Several conferences took place, and + preliminary articles were even signed, but the Allies demanded a security + for the delivering of Spain. This Louis XIV. refused to do, and the + conference broke up in July, 1710. See Swift's "Conduct of the Allies" + (vol. v., pp. 55-123). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Horace, "Odes," I. ii. 23, 24. "Our youth will hear, + astonished at our crimes, That Roman armies Romans slew; Our youth, alas! + will then be few."—A. MAYNWARING. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 15.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2, TO THURSDAY NOVEMBER 9, 1710. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>E quibis hi vacuas implent sermonibus aures, + Hi narrata ferunt alio: mensuraque ficti + Crescit, et auditis aliquid novus adjicit autor, + Illic Credulitas, illic temerarius Error, + Vanaque Laetitia est, consternatique Timores, + Seditioque recens, dubioque autore susurri.</i>[2] +</pre> + <p> + I am prevailed on, through the importunity of friends, to interrupt the + scheme I had begun in my last paper, by an Essay upon the Art of Political + Lying. We are told, "the Devil is the father of lies, and was a liar from + the beginning"; so that beyond contradiction, the invention is old: And + which is more, his first essay of it was purely political, employed in + undermining the authority of his Prince, and seducing a third part of the + subjects from their obedience. For which he was driven down from Heaven, + where (as Milton expresseth it) he had been viceroy of a great western + province;[3] and forced to exercise his talent in inferior regions among + other fallen spirits, or poor deluded men, whom he still daily tempts to + his own sin, and will ever do so till he is chained in the bottomless pit. + </p> + <p> + But though the Devil be the father of lies, he seems, like other great + inventors, to have lost much of his reputation, by the continual + improvements that have been made upon him. + </p> + <p> + Who first reduced lying into an art, and adapted it to politics, is not so + clear from history, though I have made some diligent enquiries: I shall + therefore consider it only according to the modern system, as it has been + cultivated these twenty years past in the southern part of our own island. + </p> + <p> + The poets tell us, that after the giants were overthrown by the gods, the + earth in revenge produced her last offspring, which was Fame.[4] And the + fable is thus interpreted; that when tumults and seditions are quieted, + rumours and false reports are plentifully spread through a nation. So that + by this account, <i>lying</i> is the last relief of a routed, earth-born, + rebellious party in a state. But here, the moderns have made great + additions, applying this art to the gaining of power, and preserving it, + as well as revenging themselves after they have lost it: as the same + instruments are made use of by animals to feed themselves when they are + hungry, and bite those that tread upon them. + </p> + <p> + But the same genealogy cannot always be admitted for <i>political lying;</i> + I shall therefore desire to refine upon it, by adding some circumstances + of its birth and parents. A political lie is sometimes born out of a + discarded statesman's head, and thence delivered to be nursed and dandled + by the mob. Sometimes it is produced a monster, and <i>licked</i> into + shape; at other times it comes into the world completely formed, and is + spoiled in the licking. It is often born an infant in the regular way, and + requires time to mature it: and often it sees the light in its full + growth, but dwindles away by degrees. Sometimes it is of noble birth; and + sometimes the spawn of a stock-jobber. <i>Here</i>, it screams aloud at + the opening of the womb; and <i>there</i>, it is delivered with a whisper. + I know a lie that now disturbs half the kingdom with its noise, which + though too proud and great at present to own its parents, I can remember + in its whisper-hood. To conclude the nativity of this monster; when it + comes into the world without a <i>sting</i>, it is still-born; and + whenever it loses its sting, it dies. + </p> + <p> + No wonder, if an infant so miraculous in its birth, should be destined for + great adventures: and accordingly we see it has been the guardian spirit + of a prevailing party for almost twenty years. It can conquer kingdoms + without fighting, and sometimes with the loss of a battle: It gives and + resumes employments; can sink a mountain to a mole-hill, and raise a + mole-hill to a mountain; has presided for many years at committees of + elections; can wash a blackamoor white; make a saint of an atheist, and a + patriot of a profligate; can furnish foreign ministers with intelligence, + and raise or let fall the credit of the nation. This goddess flies with a + huge looking-glass in her hands, to dazzle the crowd, and make them see, + according as she turns it, their ruin in their interest, and their + interest in their ruin. In this glass you will behold your best friends + clad in coats powdered with <i>flower-de-luces</i>[5] and triple crowns; + their girdles hung round with chains, and beads, and wooden shoes: and + your worst enemies adorned with the ensigns of liberty, property, + indulgence, and moderation, and a cornucopia in their hands. Her large + wings, like those of a flying-fish, are of no use but while they are + moist; she therefore dips them in mud, and soaring aloft scatters it in + the eyes of the multitude, flying with great swiftness; but at every turn + is forced to stoop in dirty way for new supplies. + </p> + <p> + I have been sometimes thinking, if a man had the art of the second sight + for seeing lies, as they have in Scotland for seeing spirits, how + admirably he might entertain himself in this town; to observe the + different shapes, sizes, and colours, of those swarms of lies which buzz + about the heads of some people, like flies about a horse's ears in summer: + or those legions hovering every afternoon in Popes-head Alley[6], enough + to darken the air; or over a club of discontented grandees, and thence + sent down in cargoes to be scattered at elections. + </p> + <p> + There is one essential point wherein a political liar differs from others + of the faculty; that he ought to have but a short memory, which is + necessary according to the various occasions he meets with every hour, of + differing from himself, and swearing to both sides of a contradiction, as + he finds the persons disposed, with whom he has to deal. In describing the + virtues and vices of mankind, it is convenient upon every article, to have + some eminent person in our eye, from whence we copy our description. I + have strictly observed this rule; and my imagination this minute + represents before me a certain great man[7] famous for this talent, to the + constant practice of which he owes his twenty years' reputation of the + most skilful head in England, for the management of nice affairs. The + superiority of his genius consists in nothing else but an inexhaustible + fund of political lies, which he plentifully distributes every minute he + speaks, and by an unparalleled generosity forgets, and consequently + contradicts the next half-hour. He never yet considered whether any + proposition were true or false, but whether it were convenient for the + present minute or company to affirm or deny it; so that if you think to + refine upon him, by interpreting every thing he says, as we do dreams by + the contrary, you are still to seek, and will find yourself equally + deceived, whether you believe him or no: the only remedy is to suppose + that you have heard some inarticulate sounds, without any meaning at all. + And besides, that will take off the horror you might be apt to conceive at + the oaths wherewith he perpetually tags both ends of every proposition: + though at the same time I think he cannot with any justice be taxed for + perjury, when he invokes God and Christ, because he has often fairly given + public notice to the world, that he believes in neither. + </p> + <p> + Some people may think that such an accomplishment as this, can be of no + great use to the owner or his party, after it has been often practised, + and is become notorious; but they are widely mistaken: Few lies carry the + inventor's mark; and the most prostitute enemy to truth may spread a + thousand without being known for the author. Besides, as the vilest writer + has his readers, so the greatest liar has his believers; and it often + happens, that if a lie be believed only for an hour, it has done its work, + and there is no farther occasion for it. Falsehood flies, and Truth comes + limping after it; so that when men come to be undeceived, it is too late, + the jest is over, and the tale has had its effect: like a man who has + thought of a good repartee, when the discourse is changed, or the company + parted: or, like a physician who has found out an infallible medicine, + after the patient is dead. + </p> + <p> + Considering that natural disposition in many men to lie, and in multitudes + to believe, I have been perplexed what to do with that maxim, so frequent + in every body's mouth, that "Truth will at last prevail." Here, has this + island of ours, for the greatest part of twenty years, lain under the + influence of such counsels and persons, whose principle and interest it + was to corrupt our manners, blind our understandings, drain our wealth, + and in time destroy our constitution both in Church and State; and we at + last were brought to the very brink of ruin; yet by the means of perpetual + misrepresentations, have never been able to distinguish between our + enemies and friends. We have seen a great part of the nation's money got + into the hands of those, who by their birth, education and merit, could + pretend no higher than to wear our liveries; while others,[8] who by their + credit, quality and fortune, were only able to give reputation and success + to the Revolution, were not only laid aside, as dangerous and useless; but + loaden with the scandal of Jacobites, men of arbitrary principles, and + pensioners to France; while Truth, who is said to lie in a well, seemed + now to be buried there under a heap of stones. But I remember, it was a + usual complaint among the Whigs, that the bulk of landed men was not in + their interests, which some of the wisest looked on as an ill omen; and we + saw it was with the utmost difficulty that they could preserve a majority, + while the court and ministry were on their side; till they had learned + those admirable expedients for deciding elections, and influencing distant + boroughs by <i>powerful motives</i> from the city. But all this was mere + force and constraint, however upheld by most dexterous artifice and + management: till the people began to apprehend their properties, their + religion, and the monarchy itself in danger; then we saw them greedily + laying hold on the first occasion to interpose. But of this mighty change + in the dispositions of the people, I shall discourse more at large in some + following paper; wherein I shall endeavour to undeceive those deluded or + deluding persons, who hope or pretend, it is only a short madness in the + vulgar, from which they may soon recover. Whereas I believe it will appear + to be very different in its causes, its symptoms, and its consequences; + and prove a great example to illustrate the maxim I lately mentioned, that + "Truth" (however sometimes late) "will at last prevail." + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 14 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Ovid, "Metamorphoses," xii. 56-61. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +"The troubled air with empty sounds they beat. +Intent to hear, and eager to repeat. +Error sits brooding there, with added train +Of vain Credulity, and Joys as vain: +Suspicion, with Sedition joined, are near, +And Rumours raised, and Murmurs mixed, and panic Fear." + J. DRYDEN. +[T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: "Paradise Lost," v. 708-710. Milton makes Satan say: "We + possess the quarters of the North," and places his throne in "the limits + of the North." By speaking of a <i>western</i> province Swift intends + Ireland, then under the government of the Earl of Wharton. This paper may + be read in connection with the 23rd number of "The Examiner," and the + "Short Character of Wharton" (vol. v., pp. 1-28). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Fama was said to be a daughter of Terra. See Virgil, + "Aeneid," iv. 173-178. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: A reply to the insinuations that the Tories were sympathetic + to France, and that the Whigs were the true patriots. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: The reprint has "Exchange Alley." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: The Earl of Wharton. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: Refers to the Tories generally, and in particular to Sir + Thomas Osborne, Bart. (1631-1712), who was created Duke of Leeds in 1694. + In 1679, as Earl of Danby, he was impeached by the Commons, and imprisoned + in the Tower for five years. "He assisted greatly," says Scott, "in the + Revolution, yet continued a steady Tory, and avowed at Sacheverell's + trial, that, had he known the Prince of Orange designed to assume the + crown, he never would have drawn a sword for him." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 16.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY NOVEMBER 9, TO THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 1710. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —-<i>medioque ut limite curras, + Icare, ait, moneo: ne si demissior ibis, + Unda gravet pennas, si celsior, ignis adurat.</i>[2] +</pre> + <p> + It must be avowed, that for some years past, there have been few things + more wanted in England, than such a paper as this ought to be; and such as + I will endeavour to make it, as long as it shall be found of any use, + without entering into the violences of either party. Considering the many + grievous misrepresentations of persons and things, it is highly requisite, + at this juncture, that the people throughout the kingdom, should, if + possible, be set right in their opinions by some impartial hand, which has + never been yet attempted: those who have hitherto undertaken it, being + upon every account the least qualified of all human-kind for such a work. + </p> + <p> + We live here under a limited monarchy, and under the doctrine and + discipline of an excellent Church: We are unhappily divided into two + parties, both which pretend a mighty zeal for our religion and government, + only they disagree about the means.[3] The evils we must fence against + are, on one side, fanaticism and infidelity in religion; and anarchy, + under the name of a commonwealth, in government: on the other side, + popery, slavery, and the Pretender from France. Now to inform and direct + us in our sentiments, upon these weighty points; here are on one side two + stupid, illiterate scribblers, both of them fanatics by profession; I mean + the "Review"[4] and "Observator."[5] On the other side we have an open + Nonjuror,[6] whose character and person, as well as good learning and + sense, discovered upon other subjects, do indeed deserve respect and + esteem; but his "Rehearsal," and the rest of his political papers, are yet + more pernicious than those of the former two. If the generality of the + people know not how to talk or think, till they have read their lesson in + the papers of the week, what a misfortune is it that their duty should be + conveyed to them through such vehicles as those? For let some gentlemen + think what they please, I cannot but suspect, that the two worthies I + first mentioned, have in a degree done mischief among us; the mock + authoritative manner of the one, and the insipid mirth of the other, + however insupportable to reasonable ears, being of a level with great + numbers among the lowest part of mankind. Neither was the author of the + "Rehearsal," while he continued that paper, less infectious to many + persons of better figure, who perhaps were as well qualified, and much + less prejudiced, to judge for themselves. + </p> + <p> + It was this reason, that moved me to take the matter out of those rough, + as well as those dirty hands, to let the remote and uninstructed part of + the nation see, that they have been misled on both sides, by mad, + ridiculous extremes, at a wide distance on each side from the truth; while + the right path is so broad and plain, as to be easily kept, if they were + once put into it. + </p> + <p> + Further, I had lately entered on a resolution to take very little notice + of other papers, unless it were such, where the malice and falsehood, had + so great a mixture of wit and spirit, as would make them dangerous; which + in the present circle of scribbles, from twelvepence to a halfpenny, I + could easily foresee would not very frequently occur. But here again, I am + forced to dispense with my resolution, though it be only to tell my + reader, what measures I am like to take on such occasions for the future. + I was told that the paper called "The Observator," was twice filled last + week with remarks upon a late "Examiner."[7] These I read with the first + opportunity, and to speak in the news-writers' phrase, they gave me + occasion for many speculations. I observed with singular pleasure, the + nature of those things, which the owners of them, usually call <i>answers</i>; + and with what dexterity this matchless author had fallen into the whole + art and cant of them. To transcribe here and there three or four detached + lines of least weight in a discourse, and by a foolish comment mistake + every syllable of the meaning, is what I have known many of a superior + class, to this formidable adversary, entitle an "Answer."[8] This is what + he has exactly done in about thrice as many words as my whole discourse; + which is so mighty an advantage over me, that I shall by no means engage + in so unequal a combat; but as far as I can judge of my own temper, + entirely dismiss him for the future; heartily wishing he had a match + exactly of his own size to meddle with, who should only have the odds of + truth and honesty; which as I take it, would be an effectual way to + silence him for ever. Upon this occasion, I cannot forbear a short story + of a fanatic farmer who lived in my neighbourhood, and was so great a + disputant in religion, that the servants in all the families thereabouts, + reported, how he had confuted the bishop and all his clergy. I had then a + footman who was fond of reading the Bible, and I borrowed a comment for + him, which he studied so close, that in a month or two I thought him a + match for the farmer. They disputed at several houses, with a ring of + servants and other people always about them, where Ned explained his texts + so full and clear, to the capacity of his audience, and showed the + insignificancy of his adversary's cant, to the meanest understanding, that + he got the whole country of his side, and the farmer was cured of his itch + of disputation for ever after. + </p> + <p> + The worst of it is, that this sort of outrageous party-writers I have + above spoke of, are like a couple of make-bates, who inflame small + quarrels by a thousand stories, and by keeping friends at a distance + hinder them from coming to a good understanding, as they certainly would, + if they were suffered to meet and debate between themselves. For let any + one examine a reasonable honest man of either side, upon those opinions in + religion and government, which both parties daily buffet each other about, + he shall hardly find one material point in difference between them. I + would be glad to ask a question about two great men[9] of the late + ministry, how they came to be Whigs? and by what figure of speech, half a + dozen others, lately put into great employments, can be called Tories? I + doubt, whoever would suit the definition to the persons, must make it + directly contrary to what we understood it at the time of the Revolution. + </p> + <p> + In order to remove these misapprehensions among us, I believe it will be + necessary upon occasion, to detect the malice and falsehood of some + popular maxims, which those idiots scatter from the press twice a week, + and draw an hundred absurd consequences from them. + </p> + <p> + For example, I have heard it often objected as a great piece of insolence + in the clergy and others, to say or hint that the Church was in danger, + when it was voted otherwise in Parliament some years ago: and the Queen + herself in her last speech, did openly condemn all such insinuations.[10] + Notwithstanding which, I did then, and do still believe, the Church has, + since that vote, been in very imminent danger; and I think I might then + have said so, without the least offence to her Majesty, or either of the + two Houses. The Queen's words, as near as I can remember, mentioned the + Church being in danger from her administration; and whoever says or thinks + that, deserves, in my opinion, to be hanged for a traitor. But that the + Church and State may be both in danger under the best princes that ever + reigned, and without the least guilt of theirs, is such a truth, as a man + must be a great stranger to history or common sense, to doubt. The wisest + prince on earth may be forced, by the necessity of his affairs, and the + present power of an unruly faction, or deceived by the craft of ill + designing men: One or two ministers, most in his confidence, may <i>at + first</i> have good intentions, but grow corrupted by time, by avarice, by + love, by ambition, and have fairer terms offered them, to gratify their + passions or interests, from <i>one set of men</i> than another, till they + are too far involved for a retreat; and so be forced to take "seven + spirits more wicked than themselves." This is a very possible case; and + will not "the last state of such men be worse than the first"? that is to + say, will not the public, which was safe at first, grow in danger by such + proceedings as these? And shall a faithful subject, who foresees and + trembles at the consequences, be called <i>disaffected</i>, because he + delivers his opinion, though the prince declares, as he justly may, that + the danger is not owing to his administration? Or, shall the prince + himself be blamed, when in such a juncture he puts his affairs into other + hands, with the universal applause of his people? As to the vote against + those who should affirm the Church was in danger, I think it likewise + referred to danger from or under the Queen's administration, (for I + neither have it by me, nor can suddenly have recourse to it;) but if it + were otherwise, I know not how it can refer to any dangers but what were + past, or at that time present; or how it could affect the future, unless + the senators were all <i>inspired</i>, or at least that majority which + voted it. Neither do I see any crime further than ill manners, to differ + in opinion from a majority of either or both Houses; and that ill manners, + I must confess I have been often guilty of for some years past, though I + hope I never shall again. + </p> + <p> + Another topic of great use to these weekly inflamers, is the young + Pretender[11] in France, to whom their whole party is in a high measure + indebted for all their greatness; and whenever it lies in their power, + they may perhaps return their acknowledgments, as out of their zeal for + frequent revolutions, they were ready to do to his supposed father: which + is a piece of secret history, that I hope will one day see the light; and + I am sure it shall, if ever I am master of it, without regarding whose + ears may tingle.[12] But at present, the word <i>Pretender</i> is a term + of art in their possession: A secretary of state cannot desire leave to + resign, but the Pretender is at bottom: the Queen cannot dissolve a + Parliament, but it is a plot to dethrone herself, and bring in the + Pretender. Half a score stock-jobbers are playing the knave in + Exchange-Alley, and there goes the Pretender with a sponge. One would be + apt to think they bawl out the Pretender so often, to take off the terror; + or tell so many lies about him, to slacken our caution, that when he is + really coming, <i>by their connivance</i>, we may not believe them; as the + boy served the shepherds about the coming of the wolf. Or perhaps they + scare us with the Pretender, because they think he may be like some + diseases, that come with a fright. Do they not believe that the Queen's + present ministry love her Majesty, at least as well as <i>some others</i> + loved the Church? And why is it not as great mark of disaffection now to + say the Queen is in danger, as it was some months ago to affirm the same + of the Church? Suppose it be a false opinion, that the Queen's right is + hereditary and indefeasible; yet how is it possible that those who hold + and believe that doctrine, can be in the Pretender's interest? His title + is weakened by every argument that strengthens hers. It is as plain as the + words of an Act of Parliament can make it, that her present Majesty is + heir to the survivor of the late King and Queen her sister. Is not that an + hereditary right? What need we explain it any further? I have known an + Article of Faith expounded in much looser and more general terms, and that + by an author whose opinions are very much followed by a certain party.[13] + Suppose we go further, and examine the word <i>indefeasible</i>, with + which some writers of late have made themselves so merry: I confess it is + hard to conceive, how any law which the supreme power makes, may not by + the same power be repealed: so that I shall not determine, whether the + Queen's right be indefeasible or no. But this I will maintain, that + whoever affirms it so, is not guilty of a crime. For in that settlement of + the crown after the Revolution, where her present Majesty is named in + remainder,[14] there are (as near as I can remember) these remarkable + words, "to which we bind ourselves and our posterity for ever." Lawyers + may explain this, or call them words of form, as they please: and + reasoners may argue that such an obligation is against the very nature of + government; but a plain reader, who takes the words in their natural + meaning, may be excused, in thinking a right so confirmed, is <i>indefeasible</i>; + and if there be an absurdity in such an opinion, he is not to answer for + it. + </p> + <p> + <i>P.S.</i> When this paper was going to the press, the printer brought me + two more <i>Observators</i>,[15] wholly taken up in my <i>Examiner</i> + upon lying, which I was at the pains to read; and they are just such an + answer, as the two others I have mentioned. This is all I have to say on + that matter. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 15 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Ovid, "Metamorphoses," viii. 203-5. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "My boy, take care + To wing your course along the middle air: + If low, the surges wet your flagging plumes; + If high, the sun the melting wax consumes." + S. CROXALL. +[T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: See the pamphlets: "The Thoughts of an Honest Tory," 1710 [by + Bp. Hoadly]; "Faults on both Sides ... by way of answer to 'The Thoughts + of an Honest Tory,'" 1710 [by a Mr. Clements]; and "Faults in the + Fault-Finder: or, a Specimen of Errors in ... 'Faults on Both Sides,'" + 1710; etc., etc. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: "The Review" was edited by Daniel Defoe. He commenced it on + February 19th, 1703/4, as "A Weekly Review of the Affairs of France"; but + about this time it had lost much of its early spring and verve. It was + discontinued after June 11th, 1713. Gay thought, speaking of "The Review," + that Defoe was "a lively instance of those wits, who, as an ingenious + author says, will endure but one skimming" ("Present State of Wit"). + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: "The Observator" was founded by John Tutchin. The first + number was issued April 1st, 1702, and it appeared, with some intervals, + until July, 1712, though Tutchin himself died in 1707. For his + partisanship for Monmouth poor Tutchin came under the anger of Judge + Jeffreys, who sentenced him to several floggings. Pope's couplet in the + "Dunciad" has immortalized him: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Earless on high stood unabashed De Foe, + And Tutchin flagrant from the scourge below." + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 6: This was the Rev. Charles Leslie, whose periodical, "The + Rehearsal," was avowedly Jacobite. The paper appeared from August 5th, + 1704, until March 26th, 1709. In 1708-9 all the numbers were republished + in four volumes folio, with the title: "A View of the Times, their + Principles and Practices: in the First [Second, etc.] Volume of the + Rehearsals," and under the pseudonym "Philalethes." Later he engaged in a + controversy with Bishop Hoadly. See also note on p. 354, vol. v. + </p> + <p> + Of Swift's use of the term "Nonjuror," "The Medley" (June 18th, 1711, No. + 38) made the following remarks: "If he speaks of him with relation to his + party, there can be nothing so inconsistent as a Whig and a Nonjuror: and + if he talks of him merely as an author, all the authors in the world are + Nonjurors, but the ingenious divine who writ 'The Tale of a Tub' ... for + he is the first man who introduced those figures of rhetoric we call + swearing and cursing in print." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: "The Observator" for November 8th, 1710 (vol. ix., No. 85), + was filled with <i>more</i> remarks on the fourteenth "Examiner." + Presumably the issue for November 4th, which is not accessible, commenced + the attack. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: A humorous specimen of this kind of an "Answer" was given by + Swift in No. 23 of "The Examiner," <i>post.</i> [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: The Duke of Marlborough and Lord Godolphin, who commenced + their political career as Tories, and only became Whigs through the + necessity of identifying their own principles with that of the party which + supported their power. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: On December 6th, 1705, the House of Lords passed the + following resolution: "That the Church of England ... is now, by God's + blessing, under the happy reign of her Majesty, in a most safe and + flourishing condition; and that whoever goes about to suggest and + insinuate, that the Church is in danger under her Majesty's + administration, is an enemy to the Queen, the Church, and the Kingdom" + ("Jls. of House of Lords," xviii. 43). On December 8th the House of + Commons, by a majority of 212 against 162, agreed to this resolution. In + her speech at the prorogation of Parliament on April 5th, 1710, the Queen + said: "The suppressing immorality ... is what I have always earnestly + recommended; ... but, this being an evil complained of in all times, it is + very injurious to take a pretence from thence, to insinuate that the + Church is in any danger from my administration" ("Jls. Of House of Lords," + xix. 145). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: James, Duke of Cornwall (1688-1766), known as the Chevalier + de St. George. At one time the belief was current that the wife of James + II. did not give birth to a child, and the "young Pretender" was supposed + to be a son of one Mary Grey (see note on p. 409 of vol. v. of present + edition of Swift's works). See also: "State-Amusements, Serious and + Hypocritical ... Birth of the Pretended Prince of Wales," 1711; + "Seasonable Queries relating to the Birth and Birthright of a Certain + Person," 1714; and other pamphlets. In the Act for the Succession to the + Crown (6 Ann. c. 41), he is styled, "the Pretended Prince of Wales." + History afterwards called him the "Old Pretender" to distinguish him from + Charles Edward, the "bonnie Prince Charlie," the Young Pretender. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: Swift kept his word. See "An Enquiry into ... the Queen's + Last Ministry," 1715 (Swift's Works, vol. v., p. 458 <i>sq.</i>), and his + "History of the Four Last Years of the Queen," 1758. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: By Bishop Burnet in his "Exposition of the Thirty-Nine + Articles." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: The reference here is to the Bill of Rights (1 William and + Mary, Sess. 2, c. 2), where it is said: "And thereunto the said Lords + spiritual and temporal and Commons do, in the name of all the people + aforesaid, most humbly and faithfully submit themselves, their heirs and + posterities, for ever." In the recital in the Act of Settlement (12 and 13 + W. III. c. 2) the words "for ever" are omitted. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: "The Observator" of November 11th and 15th (vol. ix., Nos. + 86 and 87). In No. 86 "The Examiner" is given "a spiritual shove," and, + quoting his statement that a political liar "ought to have but a short + memory" to meet occasions "of differing from himself, and swearing to both + sides of a contradiction," adds, "the 'Examiner' has this essential + qualification of a political liar." It is amusing to find in the same + issue "The Observator" calling Jezebel a Tory, and Elijah and Naboth, + Whigs! [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 17.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, TO THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 1710. + </h3> + <p> + <i>Qui sunt boni cives? Qui belli, qui domi de patriâ bene merentes, nisi + qui patriae beneficia meminerunt?</i>[2] + </p> + <p> + I will employ this present paper upon a subject, which of late hath very + much affected me, which I have considered with a good deal of application, + and made several enquiries about, among those persons who I thought were + best able to inform me; and if I deliver my sentiments with some freedom, + I hope it will be forgiven, while I accompany it with that tenderness + which so nice a point requires. + </p> + <p> + I said in a former paper (Numb. 14) that one specious objection to the + late removals at court, was the fear of giving uneasiness to a general, + who has been long successful abroad: and accordingly, the common clamour + of tongues and pens for some months past, has run against the baseness, + the inconstancy and ingratitude of the whole kingdom to the Duke of + M[arlborough], in return of the most eminent services that ever were + performed by a subject to his country; not to be equalled in history. And + then to be sure some bitter stroke of detraction against Alexander and + Caesar, who never did us the least injury. Besides, the people that read + Plutarch come upon us with parallels drawn from the Greeks and Romans, who + ungratefully dealt with I know not how many of their most deserving + generals: while the profounder politicians, have seen pamphlets, where + Tacitus and Machiavel have been quoted to shew the danger of too + resplendent a merit. Should a stranger hear these furious outcries of + ingratitude against our general, without knowing the particulars, he would + be apt to enquire where was his tomb, or whether he were allowed Christian + burial? not doubting but we had put him to some ignominious death. Or, has + he been tried for his life, and very narrowly escaped? has he been accused + of high crimes and misdemeanours? has the prince seized on his estate, and + left him to starve? has he been hooted at as he passed the streets, by an + ungrateful mob? have neither honours, offices nor grants, been conferred + on him or his family? have not he and they been barbarously stripped of + them all? have not he and his forces been ill paid abroad? and does not + the prince by a scanty, limited commission, hinder him from pursuing his + own methods in the conduct of the war? has he no power at all of disposing + commissions as he pleases? is he not severely used by the ministry or + Parliament, who yearly call him to a strict account? has the senate ever + thanked him for good success, and have they not always publicly censured + him for the least miscarriage? Will the accusers of the nation join issue + upon any of these particulars, or tell us in what point, our damnable sin + of ingratitude lies? Why, it is plain and clear; for while he is + commanding abroad, the Queen dissolves her Parliament, and changes her + ministry at home: in which universal calamity, no less than two persons[3] + allied by marriage to the general, have lost their places. Whence came + this wonderful sympathy between the civil and military powers? Will the + troops in Flanders refuse to fight, unless they can have their own lord + keeper, their own lord president of the council, their own chief Governor + of Ireland, and their own Parliament? In a kingdom where the people are + free, how came they to be so fond of having their councils under the + influence of their army, or those that lead it? who in all well instituted + states, had no commerce with the civil power, further than to receive + their orders, and obey them without reserve. + </p> + <p> + When a general is not so popular, either in his army or at home, as one + might expect from a long course of success; it may perhaps be ascribed to + his wisdom, or perhaps to his complexion. The possession of some one + quality, or a defect in some other, will extremely damp the people's + favour, as well as the love of the soldiers. Besides, this is not an age + to produce favourites of the people, while we live under a Queen who + engrosses all our love, and all our veneration; and where, the only way + for a great general or minister, to acquire any degree of subordinate + affection from the public, must be by all marks of the most entire + submission and respect, to her sacred person and commands;[4] otherwise, + no pretence of great services, either in the field or the cabinet, will be + able to screen them from universal hatred. + </p> + <p> + But the late ministry was closely joined to the general, by friendship, + interest, alliance, inclination and opinion, which cannot be affirmed of + the present; and the ingratitude of the nation, lies in the people's + joining as one man, to wish, that such a ministry should be changed. Is it + not at the same time notorious to the whole kingdom, that nothing but a + tender regard to the general, was able to preserve that ministry so long, + till neither God nor man could suffer their continuance? Yet in the + highest ferment of things, we heard few or no reflections upon this great + commander, but all seemed unanimous in wishing he might still be at the + head of the confederate forces; only at the same time, in case he were + resolved to resign, they chose rather to turn their thoughts somewhere + else, than throw up all in despair. And this I cannot but add, in defence + of the people, with regard to the person we are speaking of, that in the + high station he has been for many years past, his real defects (as nothing + human is without them) have in a detracting age been very sparingly + mentioned, either in libels or conversation, and all his successes very + freely and universally applauded. + </p> + <p> + There is an active and a passive ingratitude; applying both to this + occasion, we may say, the first is, when a prince or people returns good + services with cruelty or ill usage: the other is, when good services are + not at all, or very meanly rewarded. We have already spoke of the former; + let us therefore in the second place, examine how the services of our + general have been rewarded; and whether upon that article, either prince + or people have been guilty of ingratitude? + </p> + <p> + Those are the most valuable rewards, which are given to us from the + certain knowledge of the donor, that they <i>fit our temper best:</i> I + shall therefore say nothing of the title of Duke, or the Garter, which the + Queen bestowed [on] the general in the beginning of her reign; but I shall + come to more substantial instances, and mention nothing which has not been + given in the face of the world.[5] The lands of Woodstock, may, I believe, + be reckoned worth 40,000<i>l</i>. On the building of Blenheim Castle + 200,000<i>l</i>. have been already expended, though it be not yet near + finished. The grant of 5,000<i>l. per ann.</i> on the post-office, is + richly worth 100,000<i>l</i>. His principality in Germany may be computed + at 30,000<i>l</i>. Pictures, jewels, and other gifts from foreign princes, + 60,000<i>l</i>. The grant at the Pall-Mall, the rangership, &c. for + want of more certain knowledge, may be called 10,000,<i>l</i>. His own, + and his duchess's employments at five years value, reckoning only the + known and avowed salaries, are very low rated at 100,000<i>l</i>. Here is + a good deal above half a million of money, and I dare say, those who are + loudest with the clamour of ingratitude, will readily own, that all this + is but a trifle in comparison of what is untold.[6] + </p> + <p> + The reason of my stating this account is only to convince the world, that + we are not quite so ungrateful either as the Greeks or the Romans. And in + order to adjust this matter with all fairness, I shall confine myself to + the latter, who were much the more generous of the two. A victorious + general of Rome in the height of that empire, having entirely subdued his + enemy, was rewarded with the larger triumph; and perhaps a statue in the + Forum, a bull for a sacrifice, an embroidered garment to appear in: a + crown of laurel, a monumental trophy with inscriptions; sometimes five + hundred or a thousand copper coins were struck on occasion of the victory, + which doing honour to the general, we will place to his account; and + lastly, sometimes, though not very frequently, a triumphal arch. These are + all the rewards that I can call to mind, which a victorious general + received after his return from the most glorious expedition, conquered + some great kingdom, brought the king himself, his family and nobles to + adorn the triumph in chains, and made the kingdom either a Roman province, + or at best a poor depending state, in humble alliance to that empire. Now + of all these rewards, I find but two which were of real profit to the + general; the laurel crown, made and sent him at the charge of the public, + and the embroidered garment; but I cannot find whether this last were paid + for by the senate or the general: however, we will take the more + favourable opinion, and in all the rest, admit the whole expense, as if it + were ready money in the general's pocket. Now according to these + computations on both sides, we will draw up two fair accounts, the one of + Roman gratitude, and the other of British ingratitude, and set them + together in balance. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A BILL OF ROMAN GRATITUDE. + + l. s. d. + Imprimis for frankincense and earthen pots + to burn it in 4 10 0 + A bull for sacrifice 8 0 0 + An embroidered garment 50 0 0 + A crown of laurel 0 0 2 + A statue 100 0 0 + A trophy 80 0 0 + A thousand copper medals value half pence + a piece 2 1 8 + A triumphal arch 500 0 0 + A triumphal car, valued as a modern coach 100 0 0 + Casual charges at the triumph 150 0 0 + ——————- + Sum total 994 11 10 + + A BILL OF BRITISH INGRATITUDE. + + l. s. d. + Imprimis Woodstock 40,000 0 0 + Blenheim 200,000 0 0 + Post-office grant 100,000 0 0 + Mildenheim 30,000 0 0 + Pictures, jewels, &c. 60,000 0 0 + Pall-Mall grant, &c. 10,000 0 0 + Employments 100,000 0 0 + ————————- + Sum total[7] 540,000 0 0 +</pre> + <p> + This is an account of the visible profits on both sides; and if the Roman + general had any private perquisites, they may be easily discounted, and by + more probable computations, and differ yet more upon the balance; if we + consider, that all the gold and silver for safeguards and contributions, + also all valuable prizes taken in the war were openly exposed in the + triumph, and then lodged in the Capitol for the public service. + </p> + <p> + So that upon the whole, we are not yet quite so bad at <i>worst</i>, as + the Romans were at <i>best</i>. And I doubt, those who raise this hideous + cry of ingratitude, may be mightily mistaken in the consequence they + propose from such complaints. I remember a saying of Seneca, <i>Multos + ingratos invenimus, plures facimus;</i> "We find many ungrateful persons + in the world, but we <i>make</i> more," by setting too high a rate upon + our pretensions, and under-valuing the rewards we receive. When + unreasonable bills are brought in, they ought to be taxed, or cut off in + the middle. Where there have been long accounts between two persons, I + have known one of them perpetually making large demands and pressing for + payments, who when the accounts were cast up on both sides, was found to + be creditor for some hundreds. I am thinking if a proclamation were issued + out for every man to send in his <i>bill of merits</i>, and the lowest + price he set them at, what a pretty sum it would amount to, and how many + such islands as this must be sold to pay them. I form my judgment from the + practice of those who sometimes happen to pay themselves, and I dare + affirm, would not be so unjust to take a farthing more than they think is + due to their deserts. I will instance only in one article. A lady of my + acquaintance,[8] appropriated twenty-six pounds a year out of her + allowance, for certain uses, which her woman received, and was to pay to + the lady or her order, as it was called for. But after eight years, it + appeared upon the strictest calculation, that the woman had paid but four + pound a year, and sunk two-and-twenty for her own pocket. It is but + supposing instead of twenty-six pound, twenty-six thousand, and by that + you may judge what the pretensions of <i>modern merit</i> are, where it + happens to be its own paymaster. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 16 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "Who are the good citizens? Who are they who—whether at + war or at home—deserve well of their country, but those who bear in + mind the benefits she has already conferred upon them?" [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: The Earl of Sunderland and Lord Godolphin. Sunderland was + succeeded by Dartmouth, in June, as Secretary of State, and Godolphin + returned his staff of treasurer in August, the office being placed in + commission. Sunderland and Godolphin were both related to Marlborough by + marriage. The former married Anne, and the son of the latter Henrietta, + daughters of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: See "Memoirs relating to that Change" (Swift's Works, vol. + v., pp. 367-8). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: The Queen's Message, proposing to grant to the Duke of + Marlborough the Manor of Woodstock and Hundred of Wootton, was read + January 17th, 1704/5. A Bill carrying this proposal into effect was + introduced January 25th, and passed February 3rd. Blenheim House, erected + at the Queen's expense, was settled to go with the dukedom by a Bill + introduced in the House of Lords, which passed all its stages in the + Commons December 20th, 1706. The pension of £5,000 per annum upon the + revenue of the Post Office, granted by the Queen for her lifetime in + December, 1702—at a time when the Commons expressed their "trouble" + that they could not comply—was made perpetual by a Bill introduced + January 14th, 1706/7, passed January 18th, Royal Assent given January 28th + (see "Journals of House of Commons," xiv. and xv.). [T.S.] ] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: A broadside, printed in 1712, entitled, "The D——e + and D—- -s of M——h's Loss; being an Estimate of their + former Yearly Income," reckons the duke's emoluments at £54,825 per annum, + and those of the duchess at £7,500. In the second edition the following + paragraph is added: + </p> + <p> + "The following sums have been rec'd since the year 1701: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Receiv'd on Accompt of Bread and Bread-waggons £63,319 3 7 + Receiv'd 10,000,<i>l</i>. by Annual Contingencies 100,000 0 0 + Receiv'd by 2 and 1/2 <i>per cent</i>, from the + payment of Troops 460,062 6 7-3/4 + ————————- + 623,381 10 2-3/4" + ————————-] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 7: In the tenth number of "The Medley" (December 4th, 1710) + occurs the following: "'The Examiner,' having it in his thoughts to + publish the falsest, as well as the most impudent paper that ever was + printed, writ a previous discourse about lying, as a necessary + introduction to what was to follow. The first paper was the precept, and + the second was the example. By the falsest paper that ever was printed, I + mean the 'Examiner' Numb. 17, in which he pretends to give an account of + what the Duke of Marlborough has got by his services." The writer in the + "Medley," admitting even the correctness of the "Examiner's" sum of + £540,000, sets off against this the value of the several battles won by + the Duke, and "twenty seven towns taken, which being reckoned at 300,000<i>l</i>. + a town (the price that Dunkirk was sold at before it was fortified) + amounts in all, throwing in the battles and the fortifications, to + 8,100,000<i>l</i>." The balance in favour of the Duke, and presumably in + justification of the gifts made him, gave a net result of £7,560,000. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: The Duchess of Marlborough, who admitted that the comparison + was intended for herself, explained the matter thus: "At the Queen's + accession to the government, she ... desired me to take out of the + privy-purse 2,000<i>l</i>. a year, in order to some purchase for my + advantage ... I constantly declined it; until the time, that, + notwithstanding the uncommon regard I had shown to Her Majesty's interest + and honour in the execution of my trusts, she was pleased to dismiss me + from her service ... By the advice of my friends, I sent the Queen one of + her own letters, in which she had pressed me to take the 2,00<i>l</i>. a + year; and I wrote at the same time to ask Her Majesty whether she would + allow me to charge in the privy-purse accounts, which I was to send her, + that yearly sum from the time of the offer, amounting to 18,000<i>l</i>. + Her Majesty was pleased to answer, that I might charge it. This therefore + I did" ("An Account of the Conduct of ... Duchess of Marlborough," 1742, + pp. 293-5). The Duchess of Somerset and Mrs. Masham superseded the Duchess + of Marlborough in January, 1710/1. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 18.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, TO THURSDAY NOVEMBER 30, 1710. + </h3> + <p> + <i>Quas res luxuries in flagitus,... avaritia in rapinis, superbia in + contumeliis efficere potuisset; eas omnes sese hoc uno praetore per + triennium pertulisse aiebant</i>.[2] + </p> + <p> + When I first undertook this paper, I was resolved to concern myself only + with things, and not with persons. Whether I have kept or broken this + resolution, I cannot recollect; and I will not be at the pains to examine, + but leave the matter to those little antagonists, who may want a topic for + criticism. Thus much I have discovered, that it is in writing as in + building; where, after all our schemes and calculations, we are mightily + deceived in our accounts, and often forced to make use of any materials we + can find, that the work may be kept a going. Besides, to speak my opinion, + the things I have occasion to mention, are so closely linked to persons, + that nothing but Time (the father of Oblivion) can separate them. Let me + put a parallel case: Suppose I should complain, that last week my coach + was within an inch of overturning, in a smooth, even way, and drawn by + very gentle horses; to be sure, all my friends would immediately lay the + fault upon John,[3] because they knew, he then presided in my coach-box. + Again, suppose I should discover some uneasiness to find myself, I knew + not how, over head-and-ears in debt, though I was sure my tenants paid + their rents very well, and that I never spent half my income; they would + certainly advise me to turn off Mr. Oldfox[4] my receiver, and take + another. If, as a justice of peace, I should tell a friend that my + warrants and mittimuses were never drawn up as I would have them; that I + had the misfortune to send an honest man to gaol, and dismiss a knave; he + would bid me no longer trust Charles and Harry,[5] my two clerks, whom he + knew to be ignorant, wilful, assuming and ill-inclined fellows. If I + should add, that my tenants made me very uneasy with their squabbles and + broils among themselves; he would counsel me to cashier Will Bigamy,[6] + the seneschal of my manor. And lastly, if my neighbour and I happened to + have a misunderstanding about the delivery of a message, what could I do + less than strip and discard the blundering or malicious rascal that + carried it?[7] + </p> + <p> + It is the same thing in the conduct of public affairs, where they have + been managed with rashness or wilfulness, corruption, ignorance or + injustice; barely to relate the facts, at least, while they are fresh in + memory, will as much reflect upon the persons concerned, as if we had told + their names at length. + </p> + <p> + I have therefore since thought of another expedient, frequently practised + with great safety and success by satirical writers: which is, that of + looking into history for some character bearing a resemblance to the + person we would describe; and with the absolute power of altering, adding + or suppressing what circumstances we please, I conceived we must have very + bad luck, or very little skill to fail. However, some days ago in a + coffee-house, looking into one of the politic weekly papers; I found the + writer had fallen into this scheme, and I happened to light on that part, + where he was describing a person, who from small beginnings grew (as I + remember) to be constable of France, and had a very haughty, imperious + wife.[8] I took the author as a friend to our faction, (for so with great + propriety of speech they call the Queen and ministry, almost the whole + clergy, and nine parts in ten of the kingdom)[9] and I said to a gentleman + near me, that although I knew well enough what persons the author meant, + yet there were several particulars in the husband's character, which I + could not reconcile, for that of the lady was just and adequate enough; + but it seems I mistook the whole matter, and applied all I had read to a + couple of persons, who were not at that time in the writer's thoughts. + </p> + <p> + Now to avoid such a misfortune as this, I have been for some time + consulting Livy and Tacitus, to find out a character of a <i>Princeps + Senatus,</i> a <i>Praetor Urbanus,</i> a <i>Quaestor Aerarius</i>, a <i>Caesari + ab Epistolis</i>, and a <i>Proconsul</i>;[10] but among the worst of them, + I cannot discover one from whom to draw a parallel, without doing injury + to a Roman memory: so that I am compelled to have recourse to Tully. But + this author relating facts only as an orator, I thought it would be best + to observe his method, and make an extract from six harangues of his + against Verres, only still preserving the form of an oration. I remember a + younger brother of mine, who deceased about two months ago, presented the + world with a speech of Alcibiades against an Athenian brewer:[11] Now, I + am told for certain, that in those days there was no ale in Athens; and + therefore that speech, or at least a great part of it, must needs be + spurious. The difference between me and my brother is this; he makes + Alcibiades say a great deal more than he really did, and I make Cicero say + a great deal less.[12] This Verres had been the Roman governor of Sicily + for three years; and on return from his government, the Sicilians + entreated Cicero to impeach him in the Senate, which he accordingly did in + several orations, from whence I have faithfully translated and abstracted + that which follows. + </p> + <h3> + "MY LORDS,[13] + </h3> + <p> + "A pernicious opinion hath for some time prevailed, not only at Rome, but + among our neighbouring nations, that a man who has money enough, though he + be ever so guilty, cannot be condemned in this place. But however + industriously this opinion be spread, to cast an odium on the Senate, we + have brought before your lordships Caius Verres, a person, for his life + and actions, already condemned by all men; but as he hopes, and gives out, + by the influence of his wealth, to be here absolved. In condemning this + man, you have an opportunity of belying that general scandal, of redeeming + the credit lost by former judgments, and recovering the love of the Roman + people, as well as of our neighbours. I have brought a man here before + you, my lords, who is a robber of the public treasure, an overturner of + law and justice, and the disgrace, as well as destruction, of the Sicilian + province: of whom, if you shall determine with equity and due severity, + your authority will remain entire, and upon such an establishment as it + ought to be: but if his great riches will be able to force their way + through that religious reverence and truth, which become so awful an + assembly, I shall, however, obtain thus much, that the defect will be laid + where it ought, and that it shall not be objected that the criminal was + not produced, or that there wanted an orator to accuse him. This man, my + lords, has publicly said, that those ought to be afraid of accusations who + have only robbed enough for their own support and maintenance; but that <i>he</i> + has plundered sufficient to bribe numbers, and that nothing is so high or + so holy which money cannot corrupt. Take that support from him, and he can + have no other left. For what eloquence will be able to defend a man, whose + life has been tainted with so many scandalous vices, and who has been so + long condemned by the universal opinion of the world? To pass over the + foul stains and ignominy of his youth, his corrupt management in all + employments he has borne, his treachery and irreligion, his injustice and + oppression, he has left of late such monuments of his villainies in + Sicily, made such havoc and confusion there, during his government, that + the province cannot by any means be restored to its former state, and + hardly recover itself at all under many years, and by a long succession of + good governors. While this man governed in that island, the Sicilians had + neither the benefit of our laws, nor their own, nor even of common right. + In Sicily, no man now possesses more than what the governor's lust and + avarice have overlooked, or what he was forced to neglect out of mere + weariness and satiety of oppression. Every thing where he presided, was + determined by his arbitrary will, and the best subjects he treated as + enemies. To recount his abominable debaucheries, would offend any modest + ear, since so many could not preserve their daughters and wives from his + lust. I believe there is no man who ever heard his name, that cannot + relate his enormities. We bring before you in judgment, my lords, a public + robber, an adulterer, a DEFILER OF ALTARS,[14] an enemy of religion, and + of all that is sacred; he sold all employments in Sicily of judicature, + magistracy, and trust, places in the council, and the priesthood itself, + to the highest bidder; and has plundered that island of forty millions of + sesterces. And here I cannot but observe to your lordships, in what manner + Verres passed the day: the morning was spent in taking bribes, and selling + employments, the rest of it in drunkenness and lust. His discourse at + table was scandalously unbecoming the dignity of his station; noise, + brutality, and obsceneness. One particular I cannot omit, that in the high + character of governor of Sicily, upon a solemn day, a day set apart for + public prayer for the safety of the commonwealth; he stole at evening, in + a chair, to a married woman of infamous character,[15] against all decency + and prudence, as well as against all laws both human and divine. Didst + thou think, O Verres, the government of Sicily was given thee with so + large a commission, only by the power of that to break all the bars of + law, modesty, and duty, to suppose all men's fortunes thine, and leave no + house free from thy rapine, or lust? &c." + </p> + <p> + This extract, to deal ingenuously, has cost me more pains than I think it + is worth, having only served to convince me, that modern corruptions are + not to be paralleled by ancient examples, without having recourse to + poetry or fable. For instance, I never read in story of a law enacted to + take away the force of all laws whatsoever;[16] by which a man may safely + commit upon the last of June, what he would infallibly be hanged for if he + committed on the first of July; by which the greatest criminals may + escape, provided they continue long enough in power to antiquate their + crimes, and by stifling them a while, can deceive the legislature into an + amnesty, of which the enactors do not at that time foresee the + consequence. A cautious merchant will be apt to suspect, when he finds a + man who has the repute of a cunning dealer, and with whom he has old + accounts, urging for a general release. When I reflect on this proceeding, + I am not surprised, that those who contrived a parliamentary sponge for + their crimes, are now afraid of a new revolution sponge for their money: + and if it were possible to contrive a sponge that could only affect those + who had need of the other, perhaps it would not be ill employed. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 17 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Cicero, "In Q. Caec." i. 3: "They said that whatever luxury + could accomplish in the way of vice,... avarice in the way of plunder, or + arrogance in the way of insult, had all been borne by them for the last + three years, while this one man was praetor."—C.D. YONGE. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: John Churchill, Duke of Maryborough, who had been + Captain-General since 1702. He was dismissed from all his offices, + December 31st, 1711. The Duke of Ormonde was appointed Commander-in-Chief + on January 4th. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Godolphin, Lord-Treasurer, nicknamed Volpone. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Charles, Earl of Sunderland, and Henry Boyle (1670-1725), + were Secretaries of State. Boyle was created Lord Carleton in 1714. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: William; Earl Cowper (1665-1723), was Lord Chancellor under + Godolphin's administration (1707-1710), and also in 1714-1718. The + "Biographia Britannica" (second edition, vol. iv., p. 389 <i>n</i>.) + refers to a story that Cowper went through an informal marriage in the + early part of his life with a Mrs. Elizabeth Culling, of Hungerfordbury + Park. Cowper's first wife was Judith, daughter of Sir Robert Booth, of + London; and after her death he married Mary Clavering. See also + "Examiner," No. 23, <i>post</i>. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: Horatio Walpole, secretary to the English Embassy at the + treaty of Gertruydenberg. See Swift's accusation against him in "The + Conduct of the Allies" (vol. v of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: "The Medley" (Nos. 6 and 7, November 6th and 13th, 1710) + contains a "Story of the Marquiss D'Ancre and his Wife Galigai," from the + French of M. Le Vassor. The Marquis is there described as "the greatest + cheat in the whole world"; and "Galigai had the insolence to say a + thousand offensive things." The article was intended as a reflection on + Harley and Mrs. Masham; but Swift takes it as for the Duke and Duchess of + Marlborough. Certainly the character of Galigai may with greater justice + be applied to the Duchess. (See "Histoire du regne de Louis XIII. par M. + Michel Le Vassor.") Concino Concini, Maréchal D'Ancre, was born at + Florence, and died in 1617. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: "The Medley" was constantly deriding this alleged proportion. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: "The Observator" for December 6th remarks: "If the + 'Examiner' don't find better parallels for his <i>Princeps Senates, + Praetor Urbanus, Quaestor Aerarius</i>, and <i>Caesari ab Epistolis</i>, + than he has done for his Proconsul, Roger, the gentlemen he aims at may + sleep without disturbance." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: "The Whig Examiner" (No. 3, September 28th, 1710) prints a + speech alleged to have been made by Alcibiades in a contest with an + Athenian brewer named Taureas. The allusion was to the Westminster + election, when General Stanhope was opposed by a brewer named Thomas + Cross. "The Whig Examiner" was written by Addison. Five numbers only were + issued (September 14th to October 12th, 1710). "The light and comic style + of Addison's parody," notes Scott, may be compared "with the fierce, + stern, and vindictive tone of Swift's philippic against the Earl of + Wharton, under the name of Verres." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: "The Medley" (No. 11, December 11th, 1710) remarks of this + adaptation from Cicero, that the writer "has added more rude reflections + of his own than are to be found in that author, whose only fault is his + falling too much into such reflections." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: See also Swift's "Short Character," etc. (vol. v., pp. 1-28 + of present edition), and note <i>in loco</i>. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: Hawkesworth notes: "The story of the Lord Wharton is true; + who, with some other wretches, went into a pulpit, and defiled it in the + most filthy manner." See also "Examiner," No. 23, <i>post</i>. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: Probably Mrs. Coningsby. See Swift's "Short Character" (vol. + v., p. 27). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 16: The "Act for the Queen's most gracious, general, and free + pardon" was passed in 1708 (7 Ann., c. 22). The Earl of Wharton himself + profited by this Act. A Mr. George Hutchinson gave Wharton £1,000 to + procure his appointment to the office of Register of the Seizures. This + was proved before the House of Commons in May, 1713, and the House + resolved that it was "a scandalous corruption," and that as it took place + "before the Act of Her Majesty's most gracious, general, and free pardon; + this House will proceed no further in that matter." ("Journals of House of + Commons," vol. xvii., p. 356.) [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 19.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY NOVEMBER 30, TO THURSDAY DECEMBER 7, 1710. + </h3> + <p> + <i>Quippe ubi fas versunt atque nefas: tot bella per orbem: Tam multae, + scelerum facies</i>——[2] + </p> + <p> + I am often violently tempted to let the world freely know who the author + of this paper is; to tell them my name and titles at length; which would + prevent abundance of inconsistent criticisms I daily hear upon it. Those + who are enemies to the notions and opinions I would advance, are sometimes + apt to quarrel with the "Examiner" as defective in point of wit, and + sometimes of truth. At other times they are so generous and candid, to + allow, it is written by a club, and that very great hands have fingers in + it. As for those who only appear its adversaries in print, they give me + but very little pain: The paper I hold lies at my mercy, and I can govern + it as I please; therefore, when I begin to find the wit too bright, the + learning too deep, and the satire too keen for me to deal with, (a very + frequent case no doubt, where a man is constantly attacked by such shrewd + adversaries) I peaceably fold it up, or fling it aside, and read no more. + It would be happy for me to have the same power over people's tongues, and + not be forced to hear my own work railed at and commended fifty times a + day, affecting all the while a countenance wholly unconcerned, and joining + out of policy or good manners with the judgment of both parties: this, I + confess, is too great a hardship for so bashful and unexperienced a + writer.[3] + </p> + <p> + But, alas, I lie under another discouragement of much more weight: I was + very unfortunate in the choice of my party when I set up to be a writer; + where is the merit, or what opportunity to discover our wit, our courage, + or our learning, in drawing our pens for the defence of a cause, which the + Queen and both Houses of Parliament, and nine parts in ten of the kingdom, + have so unanimously embraced? I am cruelly afraid, we politic authors must + begin to lessen our expenses, and lie for the future at the mercy of our + printers. All hopes now are gone of writing ourselves into places or + pensions. A certain starveling author who worked under the late + administration, told me with a heavy heart, above a month ago, that he and + some others of his brethren had secretly offered their service dog-cheap + to the present ministry, but were all refused, and are now maintained by + contribution, like Jacobites or fanatics. I have been of late employed out + of perfect commiseration, in doing them good offices: for, whereas some + were of opinion that these hungry zealots should not be suffered any + longer in their malapert way to snarl at the present course of public + proceedings; and whereas, others proposed, that they should be limited to + a certain number, and permitted to write for their masters, in the same + manner as counsel are assigned for <i>other</i> criminals; that is, to say + all they can in defence of their client, but not reflect upon the court: I + humbly gave my advice, that they should be suffered to write on, as they + used to do; which I did purely out of regard to their persons: for I hoped + it would keep them out of harm's way, and prevent them from falling into + evil courses, which though of little consequence to the public, would + certainly be fatal to themselves. If I have room at the bottom of this + paper, I will transcribe a petition to the present ministry, sent me by + one of these authors, in behalf of himself and fourscore others of his + brethren. + </p> + <p> + For my own part, notwithstanding the little encouragement to be hoped for + at this time from the men in power, I shall continue my paper till either + the world or myself grow weary of it: the latter is easily determined; and + for the former, I shall not leave it to the partiality of either party, + but to the infallible judgment of my printer. One principal end I designed + by it, was to undeceive those well-meaning people, who have been drawn + unaware into a wrong sense of things, either by the common prejudices of + education and company, the great personal qualities of some party leaders, + or the foul misrepresentations that were constantly made of all who durst + differ from them in the smallest article. I have known such men struck + with the thoughts of some late changes, which, as they pretend to think, + were made without any reason visible to the world. In answer to this, it + is not sufficient to allege, what nobody doubts, that a prince may choose + his own servants without giving a reason to his subjects; because it is + certain, that a wise and good prince will not change his ministers without + very important reasons; and a good subject ought to suppose, that in such + a case there are such reasons, though he be not apprised of them, + otherwise he must inwardly tax his prince of capriciousness, inconstancy, + or ill-design. Such reasons indeed, may not be obvious to persons + prejudiced, or at great distance, or short thinkers; and therefore, if + they be no secrets of state, nor any ill consequences to be apprehended + from their publication; it is no uncommendable work in any private hand to + lay them open for the satisfaction of all men. And if what I have already + said, or shall hereafter say of this kind, be thought to reflect upon + persons, though none have been named, I know not how it can possibly be + avoided. The Queen in her speech mentions, "with great concern," that "the + navy and other offices are burthened with heavy debts, and desires that + the like may be prevented for the time to come."[4] And, if it be <i>now</i> + possible to prevent the continuance of an evil that has been so long + growing upon us, and is arrived to such a height, surely those corruptions + and mismanagements must have been great which first introduced them, + before our taxes were eaten up by annuities. + </p> + <p> + If I were able to rip up, and discover in all their colours, only about + eight or nine thousand of the most scandalous abuses,[5] that have been + committed in all parts of public management for twenty years past, by a + certain set of men and their instruments, I should reckon it some service + to my country, and to posterity. But to say the truth, I should be glad + the authors' names were conveyed to future times along with their actions. + For though the present age may understand well enough the little hints we + give, the parallels we draw, and the characters we describe, yet this will + all be lost to the next. However, if these papers, reduced into a more + durable form, should happen to live till our grandchildren are men, I hope + they may have curiosity enough to consult annals, and compare dates, in + order to find out what names were then intrusted with the conduct of + affairs, in the consequences whereof, themselves will so deeply share; + like a heavy debt in a private family, which often lies an incumbrance + upon an estate for three generations. + </p> + <p> + But leaving the care of informing posterity to better pens, I shall with + due regard to truth, discretion, and the safety of my person from the men + of the new-fangled moderation, continue to take all proper opportunities + of letting the misled part of the people see how grossly they have been + abused, and in what particulars: I shall also endeavour to convince them, + that the present course we are in, is the most probable means, with the + blessing of God, to extricate ourselves out of all our difficulties. + </p> + <p> + Among those who are pleased to write or talk against this paper, I have + observed a strange manner of reasoning, which I should be glad to hear + them explain themselves upon. They make no ceremony of exclaiming upon all + occasions against a change of ministry, in so critical and dangerous a + conjuncture. What shall we, who heartily approve and join in those + proceedings, say in defence of them? We own the juncture of affairs to be + as they describe: we are pushed for an answer, and are forced at last + freely to confess, that the corruptions and abuses in every branch of the + administration, were so numerous and intolerable, that all things must + have ended in ruin, without some speedy reformation. This I have already + asserted in a former paper; and the replies I have read or heard, have + been in plain terms to affirm the direct contrary; and not only to defend + and celebrate the late persons and proceedings, but to threaten me with + law and vengeance, for casting reflections on so many great and honourable + men, whose birth, virtue and abilities, whose morals and religion, whose + love of their country and its constitution in Church and State, were so + universally allowed; and all this set off with odious comparisons + reflecting on the present choice. Is not this in plain and direct terms to + tell all the world that the Qu[een] has in a most dangerous crisis turned + out a whole set of the best ministers that ever served a prince, without + any manner of reason but her royal pleasure, and brought in others of a + character directly contrary? And how so vile an opinion as this can + consist with the least pretence to loyalty or good manners, let the world + determine. + </p> + <p> + I confess myself so little a refiner in the politics, as not to be able to + discover, what other motive besides obedience to the Queen, a sense of + public danger, and a true love of their country, joined with invincible + courage, could spirit those great men, who have now under her Majesty's + authority undertaken the direction of affairs. What can they expect but + the utmost efforts of malice from a set of enraged domestic adversaries, + perpetually watching over their conduct, crossing all their designs, and + using every art to foment divisions among them, in order to join with the + weakest upon any rupture? The difficulties they must encounter are nine + times more and greater than ever; and the prospects of interest, after the + reapings and gleanings of so many years, nine times less. Every misfortune + at home or abroad, though the necessary consequence of former counsels, + will be imputed to them; and all the good success given to the merit of + former schemes. A sharper has held your cards all the evening, played + booty, and lost your money, and when things are almost desperate, you + employ an honest gentleman to retrieve your losses. + </p> + <p> + I would ask whether the Queen's speech does not contain her intentions, in + every particular relating to the public, that a good subject, a Briton and + a Protestant can possibly have at heart? "To carry on the war in all its + parts, particularly in Spain,[6] with the utmost vigour, in order to + procure a safe and honourable peace for us and our allies; to find some + ways of paying the debts on the navy; to support and encourage the Church + of England; to preserve the British constitution according to the Union; + to maintain the indulgence by law allowed to scrupulous consciences; and + to employ none but such as are for the Protestant succession in the house + of Hanover."[7] It is known enough, that speeches on these occasions, are + ever digested by the advice of those who are in the chief confidence, and + consequently that these are the sentiments of her Majesty's ministers, as + well as her own; and we see, the two Houses have unanimously agreed with + her in every article. When the least counterpaces[8] are made to any of + these resolutions, it will then be time enough for our malcontents to bawl + out Popery, persecution, arbitrary power, and the Pretender. In the mean + while, it is a little hard to think, that this island can hold but six men + of honesty and ability enough to serve their prince and country; or that + our safety should depend upon their credit, any more than it would upon + the breath in their nostrils. Why should not a revolution in the ministry + be sometimes necessary as well as a revolution in the crown? It is to be + presumed, the former is at least as lawful in itself, and perhaps the + experiment not quite so dangerous. The revolution of the sun about the + earth was formerly thought a necessary expedient to solve appearances, + though it left many difficulties unanswered; till philosophers contrived a + better, which is that of the earth's revolution about the sun. This is + found upon experience to save much time and labour, to correct many + irregular motions, and is better suited to the respect due from a planet + to a fixed star. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 18 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Virgil, "Georgics," i. 505-6: + </p> + <p> + "For right and wrong we see perverted here: So many wars arise, such + countless forms Of crime and evil agitate the globe."—R. KENNEDY. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: This remark seems to have tickled the writer of the twelfth + number of "The Medley," who professed to be transported at the idea of the + "Examiner" being a bashful writer. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: In her speech at the opening of Parliament on November 27th, + 1710, the Queen said: "I cannot without great concern mention to you, that + the Navy and other offices are burthened with heavy debts, which so far + affect the public service, that I most earnestly desire you to find some + way to answer those demands, and to prevent the like for the time to + come." ("Journals of House of Lords," vol. xix., p. 166.) [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: "The Medley" (No. 13, December 25th, 1710) remarks: "When he + ... promises to discover 'only about eight or nine thousand of their most + scandalous abuses,' without pretending to discover one; and when he + audaciously reviles a general, whose services have been the wonder both of + friends and enemies ... all this he calls 'defending the cause of the Q—— + and both Houses of Parliament, and nine parts in ten of the kingdom.'" + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: It was a general complaint, that the war in Spain had been + neglected, in order to supply that army which was more immediately under + the management of Marlborough. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: The quotation is not given verbatim, but is substantially + correct. See "Journals of House of Lords," vol. xix., p. 166. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: The word is defined by Dr. Murray as "a movement in a + contrary or reverse direction; a movement or step against something." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 20.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY DECEMBER 7, TO THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 1710. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Sunt quibus in Satira videor nimis acer, et ultra + Legem tendere opus: sine nervis altera, quicquid + Composui, pars esse putat——</i>[2] +</pre> + <p> + When the printer came last week for his copy, he brought along with him a + bundle of those papers,[3] which in the phrase of Whig coffee-houses have + "swinged off" the "Examiner," most of which I had never seen nor heard of + before. I remember some time ago in one of the "Tatlers" to have read a + letter,[4] wherein several reasons are assigned for the present corruption + and degeneracy of our taste, but I think the writer has omitted the + principal one, which I take to be the prejudice of parties. Neither can I + excuse either side of this infirmity; I have heard the arrantest + drivellers <i>pro</i> and <i>con</i> commended for their smartness even by + men of tolerable judgment; and the best performances exploded as nonsense + and stupidity. This indeed may partly be imputed to policy and prudence; + but it is chiefly owing to that blindness, which prejudice and passion + cast over the understanding: I mention this because I think it properly + within my province in quality of <i>Examiner</i>. And having granted more + than is usual for an enemy to do, I must now take leave to say, that so + weak a cause, and so ruined a faction, were never provided with pens more + resembling their condition, or less suited to their occasions. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Non tali auxilio, nec defensoribus istis + Tempus eget——</i>[5] +</pre> + <p> + This is the more to be wondered at, when we consider they have the full + liberty of the press, that they have no other way left to recover + themselves, and that they want not men of excellent parts to set their + arguments in the best light they will bear. Now if two men would argue on + both sides with fairness, good sense, and good manners, it would be no ill + entertainment to the town, and perhaps be the most effectual means to + reconcile us. But I am apt to think that men of a great genius are hardly + brought to prostitute their pens in a very odious cause; which besides, is + more properly undertaken by noise and impudence, by gross railing and + scurrility, by calumny and lying, and by little trifling cavils and + carpings in the wrong place, which those whifflers use for arguments and + answers. + </p> + <p> + I was well enough pleased with a story of one of these answerers, who in a + paper[6] last week found many faults with a late calculation of mine. + Being it seems more deep learned than his fellows, he was resolved to + begin his answer with a Latin verse, as well as other folks: His business + was to look out for something against an "Examiner" that would pretend to + <i>tax</i> accounts; and turning over Virgil, he had the luck to find + these words, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ———<i>fugiant examina taxos;</i>[7] +</pre> + <p> + so down they went, and out they would have come, if one of his unlucky + prompters had not hindered it. + </p> + <p> + I here declare once for all, that if these people will not be quiet, I + shall take the bread out of their mouths, and answer the "Examiner" + myself;[8] which I protest I have never yet done, though I have been often + charged with it; neither have those answers been written or published with + my privity, as malicious people are pleased to give out; nor do I believe + the common Whiggish report, that the authors are hired by the ministry to + give my paper a value. + </p> + <p> + But the friends of this paper have given me more uneasiness with their + impatience, than its enemies by their answers. I heard myself censured + last week by some of the former, for promising to discover the corruptions + in the late administration, but never performing any thing. The latter on + the other side, are thundering out their anathemas against me for + discovering so many. I am at a loss how to decide between these + contraries, and shall therefore proceed after my own way, as I have + hitherto done: my design being of more importance than that of writing + only to gratify the spleen of one side, or provoke that of the other, + though it may occasionally have both effects. + </p> + <p> + I shall therefore go on to relate some facts that in my humble opinion + were no hindrance to the change of the ministry. + </p> + <p> + The first I shall mention, was that of introducing certain new phrases + into the court style, which had been very seldom or never made use of in + former times. They usually ran in the following terms: "Madam, I cannot + serve you while such a one is in employment: I desire humbly to resign my + commission, if Mr. ——— continues secretary of state: I + cannot answer that the city will lend money, unless my L— ——— + be pr[esiden]t of the c[ounc]il. I must beg leave to surrender, except + ——— has the staff. I must not accept the seals, unless + ——— comes into the other office." This has been the + language of late years from subjects to their prince.[9] Thus they stood + upon terms, and must have their own conditions to ruin the nation. Nay, + this dutiful manner of capitulating, had spread so far, that every + understrapper began at length to perk up and assume: he "expected a + regiment"; or "his son must be a major"; or "his brother a collector", + else he threatened to vote "according to his conscience." + </p> + <p> + Another of their glorious attempts, was the clause intended in the bill + for the encouragement of learning;[10] for taking off the obligation upon + fellows of colleges in both Universities to enter upon holy orders: the + design of which, as I have heard the undertakers often confess, was to + remove the care of educating youth out of the hands of the clergy, who are + apt to infuse into their pupils too great a regard for the Church and the + Monarchy. But there was a farther secret in this clause, which may best be + discovered by the first projectors, or at least the garblers of it; and + these are known to be C[o]ll[i]ns[11] and Tindal,[12] in conjunction with + a most pious lawyer their disciple.[13] + </p> + <p> + What shall we say to their prodigious skill in arithmetic, discovered so + constantly in their decision of elections; where they were able to make + out by the <i>rule of false</i>, that three were more than + three-and-twenty, and fifteen than fifty? Nay it was a maxim which I never + heard any of them dispute, that in determining elections, they were not to + consider where the right lay, but which of the candidates was likelier to + be true to "the cause." This they used to illustrate by a very apt and + decent similitude, of gaming with a sharper; if you cannot cheat as well + as he, you are certainly undone. + </p> + <p> + Another cast of their politics was that of endeavouring to impeach an + innocent l[a]dy, for no reason imaginable, but her faithful and diligent + service to the Q[ueen],[14] and the favour her M[ajesty] bore to her upon + that account, when others had acted contrary in so shameful a manner. What + else was the crime? Had she treated her royal mistress with insolence or + neglect? Had she enriched herself by a long practice of bribery, and + obtaining exorbitant grants? Had she engrossed her M[ajest]y's favours, + without admitting any access but through her means? Had she heaped + employments upon herself, her family and dependants? Had she an imperious, + haughty behaviour? Or, after all, was it a perfect blunder and mistake of + one person for another? I have heard of a man who lay all night on a rough + pavement; and in the morning, wondering what it could possibly be, that + made him rest so ill, happened to see a feather under him, and imputed the + uneasiness of his lodging to that. I remember likewise the story of a + giant in Rabelais,[15] who used to feed upon wind-mills, but was + unfortunately choked with a small lump of fresh butter, before a warm + oven. + </p> + <p> + And here I cannot but observe how very refined some people are in their + generosity and gratitude. There is a certain great person[16] (I shall not + say of what sex) who for many years past, was the constant mark and butt, + against which our present malcontents used to discharge their resentment: + upon whom they bestowed all the terms of scurrility, that malice, envy and + indignation could invent; whom they publicly accused of every vice that + can possess a human heart: pride, covetousness, ingratitude, oppression, + treachery, dissimulation, violence and fury, all in the highest extremes: + but of late, they have changed their language on a sudden; that person is + now the most faithful and just that ever served a prince; that person, + originally differing from them in principles, as far as east and west, but + united in practice, and falling together, they are now reconciled, and + find twenty resemblances between each other, which they could never + discover before. <i>Tanti est ut placeam tibi perire.</i>[17] + </p> + <p> + But to return: How could it be longer suffered in a free nation, that all + avenues to preferment should be shut up, except a very few, when one or + two stood constant sentry, who docked all favours they handed down; or + spread a huge invisible net, between the prince and subject, through which + nothing of value could pass? And here I cannot but admire at one + consequence from this management, which is of an extraordinary nature: + Generally speaking, princes who have ill ministers are apt to suffer in + their reputation, as well as in the love of the people: but it was not so + with the Q[ueen]. When the sun is overcast by those clouds he exhales from + the earth, we still acknowledge his light and influence, and at last find + he can dispel and drive them down to the horizon. The wisest prince, by + the necessity of affairs, the misrepresentations of designing men, or the + innocent mistakes, even of a good predecessor, may find himself + encompassed by a crew of courtiers, whom time, opportunity and success, + have miserably corrupted. And if he can save himself and his people from + ruin, under the <i>worst</i> administration, what may not his subjects + hope for, when with their universal applause, he changes hands, and makes + use of the <i>best</i>? + </p> + <p> + Another great objection with me against the late party, was the cruel + tyranny they put upon conscience, by a barbarous inquisition, refusing to + admit the least toleration or indulgence. They imposed a hundred tests, + but could never be prevailed with to dispense with, or take off the + smallest, nor even admit of <i>occasional</i> conformity;[18] but went on + daily (as their apostle Tindal expresseth it) narrowing their terms of + communion; pronouncing nine parts in ten of the kingdom heretics, and + shutting them out of the pale of their Church. These very men, who talk so + much of a comprehension in religion among us, how came they to allow so + little of it in politics, which is <i>their sole religion?</i> You shall + hear them pretending to bewail the animosities kept up between the Church + of England and Dissenters, where the differences in opinion are so few and + inconsiderable; yet these very sons of moderation were pleased to + excommunicate every man who disagreed with them in the smallest article of + their <i>political creed</i>, or who refused to receive any new article, + how difficult soever to digest, which the leaders imposed at pleasure to + serve their own interest. + </p> + <p> + I will quit this subject for the present, when I have told one story.[19] + "There was a great king in Scythia, whose dominions were bounded to the + north, by the poor, mountainous territories of a petty lord, who paid + homage as the king's vassal. The Scythian prime minister being largely + bribed, indirectly obtained his master's consent to suffer this lord to + build forts, and provide himself with arms, under pretence of preventing + the inroads of the Tartars. This little depending sovereign, finding he + was now in a condition to be troublesome, began to insist upon terms, and + threatened upon every occasion to unite with the Tartars: upon which, the + prime minister, who began to be in pain about his head, proposed a match + betwixt his master, and the only daughter of this tributary lord, which he + had the good luck to bring to pass: and from that time, valued himself as + author of a most glorious union, which indeed was grown of absolute + necessity by his corruption." This passage, cited literally from an old + history of Sarmatia, I thought fit to set down, on purpose to perplex + little smattering remarkers, and put them upon the hunt for an + application. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 19 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Horace, "Satires," II. i. 1-3: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "There are, to whom too poignant I appear; + Beyond the laws of satire too severe. + My lines are weak, unsinewed, others say."—P. FRANCIS. + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: One of these papers was "The Observator." The issue for + December 6th (vol. ix., No. 93) dealt largely with "The Examiner's" attack + on Verres (No. 18, <i>ante</i>), and the following number returned to the + charge, criticizing the attacks made in Nos. 17 and 18 of "The Examiner" + on the Duke of Marlborough. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: This appears to refer to "The Tatler," No. 183 (June 10th, + 1710), where Steele writes: "The ridicule among us runs strong against + laudable actions. Nay, in the ordinary course of things, and the common + regards of life, negligence of the public is an epidemic vice... It were + to be wished, that love of their country were the first principle of + action in men of business." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Virgil, "Aeneid," ii. 521-2: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "'Tis not such aid or such defence as thine + The time demands."—-R. KENNEDY. + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 6: The paper in all probability was "The Medley," No. 10 + (December 4th), which was mainly devoted to a reply to Swift's + "calculation" as to the rewards of the Duke of Marlborough. Scott thinks + the answerer may have been Defoe, for in No. 114 (of vol. vii.) of his + "Review of the State of the British Nation," he has a passage evidently + directed at Swift: "I know another, that is an orator in the Latin, a + walking index of books, has all the libraries in Europe in his head, from + the Vatican at Rome, to the learned collection of Dr. Salmon at + Fleet-Ditch; but at the same time, he is a cynic in behaviour, a fury in + temper, impolite in conversation, abusive and scurrilous in language, and + ungovernable in passion. Is this to be learned? Then may I be still <i>illiterate</i>. + I have been in my time, pretty well master of five languages, and have not + lost them yet, though I write no bill over my door, or set <i>Latin + quotations</i> in the front of the 'Review.' But, to my irreparable loss, + I was bred but by halves; for my father, forgetting Juno's royal academy, + left the language of Billingsgate quite out of my education: hence I am + perfectly <i>illiterate</i> in the polite style of the street, and am not + fit to converse with the porters and carmen of quality, who grace their + diction with the beauties of calling names, and curse their neighbour with + a <i>bonne grace</i>." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: "Eclogues," ix. 30: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "So may thy bees the poisonous yew forgo." + ARCHDN. F. WRANGHAM. + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 8: See No. 23, <i>post.</i> [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: See Swift's account of the intrigues of the Duke of + Marlborough and Lord Godolphin to secure Harley's dismissal in his + "Memoirs Relating to that Change" (vol. v., pp. 370-371 of present + edition), and "Some Considerations" (vol. v., pp. 421-422, <i>ibid.</i>).] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: The "Bill for the Encouragement of Learning" was introduced + in the House of Commons, January 11th, 1709/10, passed March 14th, and + obtained royal assent April 5th, 1710. There were several amendments, but + the "Journals of the House of Commons" throw no light on their purport. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: Anthony Collins (1676-1729), the deist, who wrote "A + Discourse of Free-Thinking" (1713), which received a reply from Swift (see + vol. iii., pp. 163-192 of present edition). The most thorough reply, + however, was made by Bentley, under the pen-name "Phileleutherus + Lipsiensis." Collins's controversies with Dr. Samuel Clarke were the + outcome of the former's thinking on Locke's teaching. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: Matthew Tindal (1657?-1733) was the author of "The Rights of + the Christian Church Asserted" (1706), a work that created a great stir at + the time, and occasioned many replies. Swift deals with him in his + "Remarks upon a Book, intituled, 'The Rights of the Christian Church'" + (see vol. iii., pp. 79-124, also note on p. 9 of same volume of present + edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: The pious lawyer was John Asgill (1659-1738), who was called + to the bar in 1692. He was elected to Parliament for Bramber (1698-1700 + and 1702-1707), but was expelled the House of Commons for blasphemy (see + note on p. 9 of vol. iii, of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: Mrs. Masham, when Abigail Hill, was appointed + bedchamber-woman to the Princess of Denmark. See vol. v., p. 365 of + present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: The giant Widenostrils had swallowed every pan, kettle, + "dripping-pan, and brass and iron pot in the land, for want of windmills, + which, were his daily food." But he "choked himself with eating a huge + lump of fresh butter at the mouth of a hot oven, by the advice of + physicians."—RABELAIS, iv. 17; Motteux's translation. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 16: Daniel Finch, second Earl of Nottingham (1647-1730), was + Secretary of State (1689-1693 and 1702-1704). He is the Don Diego Dismallo + of "The Tatler" (No. 21). See also vol. v., p. 247, of present edition of + Swift's works. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 17: "It is worth while to perish that I may give you pleasure." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 18: The Occasional Conformity Bill was rejected in 1702, and + again in 1703 and 1704. It was, however, passed in 1711; but repealed in + 1718. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 19: "The Medley," No. 14 (January 1st, 1710) [<i>sic</i>], + translates this story into an account of the Union. It is the same story, + in effect, which gave great offence to the Scotch peers when printed in + "The Public Spirit of the Whigs." The "Medley's" version runs: "England + being bounded on the north by a poor mountainous people called Scots, who + were vassals to that crown, and the English prime minister, being largely + bribed, obtained the Q——'s consent for the Scots to arm and + exercise themselves; and they finding they were now in a condition to be + troublesome, began to insist upon terms, and threatened upon every + occasion to join with the French. Upon which the prime minister, who began + to be in pain about his head, set on foot a treaty to unite the two + kingdoms, which he had the good luck to bring to pass, and from that time + valued himself as author of a most glorious union, which indeed was grown + of absolute necessity by his corruption." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 21.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, TO THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 1710. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>——Pugnacem scirent sapiente minorem.</i>[2] +</pre> + <p> + I am very much at a loss how to proceed upon the subject intended in this + paper, which a new incident has led me to engage in: The subject I mean, + is that of soldiers and the army; but being a matter wholly out of my + trade, I shall handle it in as cautious a manner as I am able. + </p> + <p> + It is certain, that the art of war hath suffered great changes, almost in + every age and country of the world; however, there are some maxims + relating to it, that will be eternal truths, and which every reasonable + man will allow. + </p> + <p> + In the early times of Greece and Rome, the armies of those states were + composed of their citizens, who took no pay, because the quarrel was their + own; and therefore the war was usually decided in one campaign; or, if it + lasted longer, however in winter the soldiers returned to their several + callings, and were not distinguished from the rest of the people. The + Gothic governments in Europe, though they were of military institution, + yet observed almost the same method. I shall instance only here in + England. Those who held lands <i>in capite</i> of the king, were obliged + to attend him in his wars with a certain number of men, who all held lands + from them at easy rents on that condition. These fought without pay, and + when the service was over, returned again to their farms. It is recorded + of William Rufus, that being absent in Normandy, and engaged in a war with + his brother, he ordered twenty thousand men to be raised, and sent over + from hence to supply his army;[3] but having struck up a peace before they + were embarked, he gave them leave to disband, on condition they would pay + him ten shillings a man, which amounted to a mighty sum in those days. + </p> + <p> + Consider a kingdom as a great family, whereof the prince is the father, + and it will appear plainly that mercenary troops are only servants armed, + either to awe the children at home; or else to defend from invaders, the + family who are otherwise employed, and choose to contribute out of their + stock for paying their defenders, rather than leave their affairs to be + neglected in their absence. The art of making soldiery a trade, and + keeping armies in pay, seems in Europe to have had two originals. The + first was usurpation, when popular men destroyed the liberties of their + country, and seized the power into their own hands, which they were forced + to maintain by hiring guards to bridle the people. Such were anciently the + tyrants in most of the small states in Greece, and such were those in + several parts of Italy, about three or four centuries ago, as Machiavel + informs us. The other original of mercenary armies, seems to have risen + from larger kingdoms or commonwealths, which had subdued provinces at a + distance, and were forced to maintain troops upon them, to prevent + insurrections from the natives: Of this sort were Macedon, Carthage and + Rome of old; Venice and Holland at this day; as well as most kingdoms of + Europe. So that mercenary forces in a free state, whether monarchy or + commonwealth, seem only necessary, either for preserving their conquests, + (which in such governments it is not prudent to extend too far) or else + for maintaining a war at distance. + </p> + <p> + In this last, which at present is our most important case, there are + certain maxims that all wise governments have observed. + </p> + <p> + The first I shall mention is, that no private man should have a commission + to be general for life,[4] let his merit and services be ever so great. + Or, if a prince be unadvisedly brought to offer such a commission in one + hand, let him (to save time and blood) deliver up his crown with the + other. The Romans in the height and perfection of their government, + usually sent out one of the new consuls to be general against their most + formidable enemy, and recalled the old one, who often returned before the + next election, and according as he had merit was sent to command in some + other part, which perhaps was continued to him for a second, and sometimes + a third year. But if Paulus Aemilius,[5] or Scipio[6] himself, had + presumed to move the Senate to continue their commissions for life, they + certainly would have fallen a sacrifice to the jealousy of the people. + Caesar indeed (between whom and a certain general, some of late with much + discretion have made a parallel) had his command in Gaul continued to him + for five years, and was afterwards made perpetual Dictator, that is to + say, general for life, which gave him the power and the will of utterly + destroying the Roman liberty. But in his time the Romans were very much + degenerated, and great corruptions crept into their morals and discipline. + However, we see there still were some remains of a noble spirit among + them; for when Caesar sent to be chosen consul, notwithstanding his + absence, they decreed he should come in person, give up his command, and + <i>petere more majorum.</i>[7] + </p> + <p> + It is not impossible but a general may desire such a commission out of + inadvertency, at the instigation of his friends, or perhaps of his + enemies, or merely for the benefit and honour of it, without intending any + such dreadful consequences; and in that case, a wise prince or state may + barely refuse it without shewing any marks of their displeasure. But the + request in its own nature is highly criminal, and ought to be entered so + upon record, to terrify others in time to come from venturing to make it. + </p> + <p> + Another maxim to be observed by a free state engaged in war, is to keep + the military power in absolute subjection to the civil, nor ever suffer + the former to influence or interfere with the latter. A general and his + army are servants hired by the civil power to act as they are directed + from thence, and with a commission large or limited as the administration + shall think fit; for which they are largely paid in profit and honour. The + whole system by which armies are governed, is quite alien from the + peaceful institutions of states at home; and if the rewards be so inviting + as to tempt a senator to take a post in the army, while he is there on his + duty, he ought to consider himself in no other capacity. I know not any + sort of men so apt as soldiers are, to reprimand those who presume to + interfere in what relates to their trade. When they hear any of us in a + coffeehouse, wondering that such a victory was not pursued, complaining + that such a town cost more men and money than it was worth to take it; or + that such an opportunity was lost, of fighting the enemy; they presently + reprove us, and often with justice enough, for meddling in matters out of + our sphere, and clearly convince us of our mistakes in terms of art that + none of us understand. Nor do we escape so; for they reflect with the + utmost contempt of our ignorance, that we who sit at home in ease and + security, never stirring from our firesides, should pretend from books, + and general reason, to argue upon military affairs; which after all, if we + may judge from the share of intellectuals in some who are said to excel + that way, is not so very profound or difficult a science. But if there be + any weight in what they offer, as perhaps there may be a great deal; + surely these gentlemen have a much weaker pretence to concern themselves + in matters of the cabinet, which are always either far above, or much + beside their capacities. Soldiers may as well pretend to prescribe rules + for trade, to determine points in philosophy, to be moderators in an + assembly of divines, or direct in a court of justice, as to misplace their + talent in examining affairs of state, especially in what relates to the + choice of ministers, who are never so likely to be ill chosen as when + approved by them. It would be endless to shew how pernicious all steps of + this nature have been in many parts and ages of the world. I shall only + produce two at present; one in Rome, and the other in England. The first + is of Caesar, when he came to the city with his soldiers to settle the + ministry, there was an end of their liberty for ever. The second was in + the great rebellion against King Charles the First. The King and both + Houses were agreed upon the terms of a peace, but the officers of the army + (as Ludlow relates it) sets a guard upon the House of Commons, took a list + of the members, and kept all by force out of the House, except those who + were for bringing the King to a trial.[8] Some years after, when they + erected a military government, and ruled the island by major-generals, we + received most admirable instances of their skill in politics. To say the + truth, such formidable sticklers[9] can have but two reasons for desiring + to interfere in the administration; the first is that of Caesar and + Cromwell, of which, God forbid, I should accuse or suspect any body; since + the second is pernicious enough, and that is, to preserve those in power + who are for perpetuating a war, rather than see others advanced, who they + are sure will use all proper means to promote a safe and honourable peace. + </p> + <p> + Thirdly, Since it is observed of armies, that in the present age they are + brought to some degree of humanity, and a more regular demeanour to each + other and to the world, than in former times; it is certainly a good maxim + to endeavour preserving this temper among them, without which they would + soon degenerate into savages. To this end, it would be prudent among other + things, to forbid that detestable custom of drinking to the damnation or + confusion of any person whatsoever. + </p> + <p> + Such desperate acts, and the opinions infused along with them, into heads + already inflamed by youth and wine, are enough to scatter madness and + sedition through a whole camp. So seldom upon their knees to pray, and so + often to curse! This is not properly atheism, but a sort of anti-religion + prescribed by the Devil, and which an atheist of common sense would scorn + as an absurdity. I have heard it mentioned as a common practice last + autumn, somewhere or other, to drink damnation and confusion[10] (and this + with circumstances very aggravating and horrid) to the new ministry, and + to those who <i>had any hand</i> in turning out the old; that is to say, + to those persons whom her Majesty has thought fit to employ in her + greatest affairs, with something more than a glance against the Qu[een] + herself. And if it be true that these orgies were attended with certain + doubtful words of standing by their g[enera]l, who without question + abhorred them; let any man consider the consequence of such dispositions, + if they should happen to spread. I could only wish for the honour of the + Army, as well as of the Qu[een] and ministry, that a remedy had been + applied to the disease, in the place and time where it grew. If men of + such principles were able to propagate them in a camp, and were sure of a + general for life, who had any tincture of ambition, we might soon bid + farewell to ministers and parliaments, whether new or old. + </p> + <p> + I am only sorry such an accident has happened towards the close of a war, + when it is chiefly the interest of those gentlemen who have posts in the + army, to behave themselves in such a manner as might encourage the + legislature to make some provision for them, when there will be no further + need of their services. They are to consider themselves as persons by + their educations unqualified for many other stations of life. Their + fortunes will not suffer them to retain to a party after its fall, nor + have they weight or abilities to help towards its resurrection. Their + future dependence is wholly upon the prince and Parliament, to which they + will never make their way, by solemn execrations of the ministry; a + ministry of the Qu[een]'s own election, and fully answering the wishes of + her people. This unhappy step in some of their brethren, may pass for an + uncontrollable argument, that politics are not their business or their + element. The fortune of war hath raised several persons up to swelling + titles, and great commands over numbers of men, which they are too apt to + transfer along with them into civil life, and appear in all companies as + if it were at the head of their regiments, with a sort of deportment that + ought to have been dropt behind, in that short passage to Harwich. It puts + me in mind of a dialogue in Lucian,[11] where Charon wafting one of their + predecessors over Styx, ordered him to strip off his armour and fine + clothes, yet still thought him too heavy; "But" (said he) "put off + likewise that pride and presumption, those high-swelling words, and that + vain-glory;" because they were of no use on the other side the water. Thus + if all that array of military grandeur were confined to the proper scene, + it would be much more for the interest of the owners, and less offensive + to their fellow subjects.[12] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote: 1: No. 20 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Ovid, "Metamorphoses," xiii. 353: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +"Well assured, that art +And conduct were of war the better part." + J. DRYDEN. +[T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: A.D. 1093. See Matthew Paris. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Lord Campbell, in his "Lives of the Chancellors" (vol. iv., + p. 322), states that Marlborough, in order to increase the confidence of + the allies, proposed "he should receive a patent as commander-in-chief for + life." On consulting with Lord Chancellor Cowper he was told that such a + proceeding would be unconstitutional. Marlborough, however, petitioned the + Queen, who rejected his application. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Aemilius Paulus, the celebrated Roman general, and conqueror + of Macedonia, was twice consul, and died B.C. 160. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Scipio Africanus, the greatest of Roman generals and the + conqueror of Carthage, who died <i>c.</i> B.C. 184. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: Julius Caesar "applied to the Senate to be exempted from the + usual law, and to become a candidate in his absence" ("Dict. of Greek and + Roman Biog."). This was strongly opposed; so that to be a candidate it was + necessary for him "to solicit after the custom of his ancestors." [T.S.] + </p> + <p> + The "Examiner" seems to allude to the remarkable, and, to say the least, + imprudent, article in "The Tatler," No. 37. Such a passage, published by + so warm an adherent of Marlborough as Steele, gives credit to Macpherson's + assertion, that there really was some intention of maintaining the Duke in + power, by his influence in the army. It is even affirmed, that under + pretence his commission under the great seal could not be superseded by + the Queen's order of dismissal, it was designed that he should assemble + the troops which were in town, and secure the court and capital. To + prevent which, his commission was superseded by another under the great + seal being issued as speedily as possible. The industrious editor of "The + Tatler," in 1786, is of opinion, that the article was written by Addison; + but the violent counsels which it intimates seem less congenial to his + character than to that of Steele, a less reflecting man, and bred a + soldier. It is worthy of notice, that the passage is cancelled in all + subsequent editions of "The Tatler," till restored from the original folio + in that of 1786. This evidently implies Steele's own sense, that more was + meant than met the ear; and it affords a presumptive proof, that very + violent measures had at least been proposed, if not agreed upon, by some + of Marlborough's adherents. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: General Ireton and Colonel Pride placed guards outside the + entrances to the House of Commons "that none might be permitted to pass + into the House but such as had continued faithful to the public interest" + (Ludlow's "Memoirs," vol. i., p. 270). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: The judges of the field, in a formal duel, whose duty it was + to interfere when the rules of judicial combat were violated, were called + sticklers, from the wooden truncheons which they held in their hands. + Hence the verb to <i>stickle</i>. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: In his "Journal to Stella" Swift writes, under date December + 13th, 1710: "You hear the havoc making in the army: Meredyth, Macartney, + and Col. Honeywood, are obliged to sell their commands at half value, and + leave the army, for drinking destruction to the present ministry," etc. + (see vol. ii., p. 71, of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: "Dialogues of the Dead. X. Charon, Hermes, and a number of + Ghosts." Hermes required Lampichus to leave behind him his pride, folly, + insolence, etc. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: Of this paper "The Medley," No. 14 (January 1st, 1710 [<i>sic</i>]), + says: "He not only writes whatever he believes or knows to be false, but + plainly shows 'tis his business and duty to do so, and that this alone is + the merit of his service." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 22.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, TO THURSDAY DECEMBER 28, 1710.[2] + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +<i>Nam et, majorum instituta tueri sacris, ceremoniisque retinendis, + sapientis est. + —Ruituraque semper + Stat (mirum!) moles—</i>[3] +</pre> + <p> + Whoever is a true lover of our constitution, must needs be pleased to see + what successful endeavours are daily made to restore it in every branch to + its ancient form, from the languishing condition it hath long lain in, and + with such deadly symptoms. + </p> + <p> + I have already handled some abuses during the late management, and shall + in convenient time go on with the rest. Hitherto I have confined myself to + those of the State; but with the good leave of those who think it a matter + of small moment, I shall now take liberty to say something of the + Church.[4] + </p> + <p> + For several years past, there hath not I think in Europe, been any society + of men upon so unhappy a foot, as the clergy of England, nor more hardly + treated, by those very persons from whom they deserved much better + quarter, and in whose power they chiefly had put it to use them so ill. I + would not willingly misrepresent facts; but I think it generally allowed + by enemies and friends, that the bold and brave defences made before the + Revolution against those many invasions of our rights, proceeded + principally from the clergy; who are likewise known to have rejected all + advances made them to close with the measures at that time concerting; + while the Dissenters, to gratify their ambition and revenge, fell into the + basest compliances with the court, approved of all proceedings by their + numerous and fulsome addresses, and took employments and commissions by + virtue of the dispensing power, against the direct laws of the land.[5] + All this is so true, that if ever the Pretender comes in, they will, next + to those of his own religion, have the fairest claim and pretensions to + his favour, from their merit and eminent services to his supposed father, + who, without such encouragement, would probably never have been misled to + go the lengths he did. It should likewise be remembered to the everlasting + honour of the London divines, that in those dangerous times, they writ and + published the best collection of arguments against Popery, that ever + appeared in the world. At the Revolution, the body of the clergy joined + heartily in the common cause (except a few, whose sufferings perhaps have + atoned for their mistakes) like men who are content to go about, for + avoiding a gulf or a precipice, but come into the old straight road again + as soon as they can. But another temper had now begun to prevail. For as + in the reign of K. Charles the First, several well-meaning people were + ready to join in reforming some abuses; while others who had deeper + designs, were still calling out for a thorough reformation, which ended at + last in the ruin of the kingdom; so after the late king's coming to the + throne, there was a restless cry from men of the same principles, for a + thorough revolution, which as some were carrying it on, must have ended in + the destruction of the Monarchy and Church. + </p> + <p> + What a violent humour hath run ever since against the clergy, and from + what corner spread and fomented, is, I believe, manifest to all men. It + looked like a set quarrel against Christianity, and if we call to mind + several of the leaders, it must in a great measure have been actually so. + Nothing was more common in writing and conversation, than to hear that + reverend body charged in gross with what was utterly inconsistent: + despised for their poverty, hated for their riches; reproached with + avarice, and taxed with luxury; accused for promoting arbitrary power, and + resisting the prerogative; censured for their pride, and scorned for their + meanness of spirit. The representatives of the lower clergy railed at for + disputing the power of the bishops, by the known abhorrers of episcopacy; + and abused for doing nothing in their convocations, by those very men who + helped to bind up their hands. The vice, the folly, the ignorance of every + single man, were laid upon the character; their jurisdiction, censures and + discipline trampled under foot, yet mighty complaints against their + excessive power.[6] The men of wit employed to turn the priesthood itself + into ridicule. In short, groaning every where under the weight of poverty, + oppression, contempt and obloquy. A fair return for the time and money + spent in their education to fit them for the service of the Altar; and a + fair encouragement for worthy men to come into the Church. However, it may + be some comfort for persons of that holy function, that their Divine + Founder as well as His harbinger, met with the like reception. "John came + neither eating nor drinking, and they say he hath a devil; the Son of Man + came eating and drinking, and they say, behold a glutton and a + wine-bibber, &c." + </p> + <p> + In this deplorable state of the clergy, nothing but the hand of + Providence, working by its glorious instrument, the QUEEN, could have been + able to turn the people's hearts so surprisingly in their favour. This + Princess, destined for the safety of Europe, and a blessing to her + subjects, began her reign with a noble benefaction to the Church;[7] and + it was hoped the nation would have followed such an example, which nothing + could have prevented, but the false politics of a set of men, who form + their maxims upon those of every tottering commonwealth, which is always + struggling for life, subsisting by expedients, and often at the mercy of + any powerful neighbour. These men take it into their imagination, that + trade can never flourish unless the country becomes a common receptacle + for all nations, religions and languages; a system only proper for small + popular states, but altogether unworthy, and below the dignity of an + imperial crown; which with us is best upheld by a monarch in possession of + his just prerogative, a senate of nobles and of commons, and a clergy + established in its due rights with a suitable maintenance by law. But + these men come with the spirit of shopkeepers to frame rules for the + administration of kingdoms; or, as if they thought the whole art of + government consisted in the importation of nutmegs, and the curing of + herrings. Such an island as ours can afford enough to support the majesty + of a crown, the honour of a nobility, and the dignity of a magistracy; we + can encourage arts and sciences, maintain our bishops and clergy, and + suffer our gentry to live in a decent, hospitable manner; yet still there + will remain hands sufficient for trade and manufactures, which do always + indeed deserve the best encouragement, but not to a degree of sending + every living soul into the warehouse or the workhouse. + </p> + <p> + This pedantry of republican politics hath done infinite mischief among us. + To this we owe those noble schemes of treating Christianity as a system of + speculative opinions, which no man should be bound to believe; of making + the being and the worship of God, a creature of the state. In consequence + of these, that the teachers of religion ought to hold their maintenance at + pleasure, or live by the alms and charitable collection of the people, and + be equally encouraged of all opinions: that they should be prescribed what + to teach, by those who are to learn from them; and, upon default, have a + staff and a pair of shoes left at their door;[8] with many other projects + of equal piety, wisdom, and good nature. + </p> + <p> + But, God be thanked, they and their schemes are vanished, and "their + places shall know them no more." When I think of that inundation of + atheism, infidelity, profaneness and licentiousness which were like to + overwhelm us, from what mouths and hearts it first proceeded, and how the + people joined with the Queen's endeavours to divert this flood, I cannot + but reflect on that remarkable passage in the Revelation,[9] where "the + serpent with seven heads cast out of his mouth water after the woman like + a flood, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood: But the + earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up + the flood which the dragon had cast out of his mouth." For the Queen + having changed her ministry suitable to her own wisdom, and the wishes of + her subjects, and having called a free Parliament; at the same time + summoned the convocation, by her royal writ,[10] "as in all times had been + accustomed," and soon after their meeting, sent a most gracious letter[11] + to the Archbishop of Canterbury, to be communicated to the bishops and + clergy of his province; taking notice of "the loose and profane principles + which had been openly scattered and propagated among her subjects: that + the consultations of the clergy were particularly requisite to repress and + prevent such daring attempts, for which her subjects, from all parts of + the kingdom, have shown their just abhorrence. She hopes, the endeavours + of the clergy, in this respect, will not be unsuccessful; and for her + part, is ready to give them all fit encouragement, to proceed in the + dispatch of such business as properly belongs to them; and to grant them + powers requisite to carry on so good a work." In conclusion, "earnestly + recommending to them, to avoid disputes, and determining to do all that in + her lies to compose and extinguish them." + </p> + <p> + It is to be hoped, that this last part of her Majesty's letter, will be + the first she will please to execute; for, it seems, this very letter + created the first dispute.[12] The fact whereof is thus related: The Upper + House having formed an address to the QUEEN, before they received her + Majesty's letter, sent both address and letter together, to the Lower + House, with a message, excusing their not mentioning the letter in the + address, because this was formed before the other was received:[l3] The + Lower House returned them, with a desire, that an address might be formed, + with due regard and acknowledgments for the letter. After some + difficulties, the same address was sent down again with a clause inserted, + making some short mention of the said letter. This the Lower House did not + think sufficient, and sent it back again with the same request: whereupon + the archbishop, after a short consultation with <i>some</i> of his + brethren, immediately adjourned the convocation for a month, and no + address at all was sent to the QUEEN. + </p> + <p> + I understand not ecclesiastical affairs well enough to comment upon this + matter;[14] but it seems to me, that all methods of doing service to the + Church and kingdom, by means of a convocation, may be at any time eluded, + if there be no remedy against such an incident. And if this proceeding be + agreeable to the institution, spiritual assemblies must needs be strangely + contrived, very different from any lay senate yet known in the world. + Surely, from the nature of such a synod, it must be a very unhappy + circumstance, when the majority of the bishops draws one way, and that of + the lower clergy another. The latter, I think, are not at this time + suspected for any principles bordering upon those professed by enemies to + episcopacy; and if they happen to differ from the greater part of the + present set of bishops, I doubt it will call some things to mind, that may + turn the scale of general favour on the inferior clergy's side, who with a + profound duty to her Majesty, are perfectly pleased with the present turn + of affairs. Besides, curious people will be apt to enquire into the dates + of some promotions, to call to mind what designs were then upon the anvil, + and from thence make malicious deductions. Perhaps they will observe the + manner of voting on the bishops' bench, and compare it with what shall + pass in the upper house of convocation. There is, however, one comfort, + that under the present dispositions of the kingdom, a dislike to the + proceedings of any of their lordships, even to the number of a majority, + will be purely personal, and not turned to the disadvantage of the order. + And for my part, as I am a true lover of the Church, I had rather find the + inclinations of the people favourable to episcopacy in general, than see a + majority of prelates cried up by those who are known enemies to the + character. Nor, indeed, hath anything given me more offence for several + years past, than to observe how some of that bench have been caressed by + certain persons; and others of them openly celebrated by the infamous pens + of atheists, republicans and fanatics. + </p> + <p> + Time and mortality can only remedy these inconveniencies in the Church, + which are not to be cured like those in the State, by a change of + ministry. If we may guess the temper of a convocation, from the choice of + a prolocutor,[15] as it is usual to do that of a House of Commons by the + speaker, we may expect great things from that reverend body, who have done + themselves much reputation, by pitching upon a gentleman of so much piety, + wit and learning, for that office; and one who is so thoroughly versed in + those parts of knowledge which are proper for it. I am sorry that the + three Latin speeches, delivered upon presenting the prolocutor, were not + made public;[16] they might perhaps have given us some light into the + dispositions of each house: and besides, one of them is said to be so + peculiar in the style and matter, as might have made up in entertainment + what it wanted in instruction. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 21 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Under date January 1st, 1710/1, Swift writes to Stella: "Get + the 'Examiners,' and read them; the last nine or ten are full of the + reasons for the late change, and of the abuses of the last ministry; and + the great men assure me they are all true. They are written by their + encouragement and direction" (vol. ii., p. 88, of present edition). + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +"For it is the part of a wise man to defend the institutions of his +forefathers, and uphold the sacred rites and ceremonies. + And ever threatening to fall + The mass—a marvel—stands." +[T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 4: A pamphlet, ascribed to W. Wotton, was issued in reply to + this paper. It was entitled, "The Case of the Present Convocation + Consider'd; In Answer to the Examiner's Unfair Representation of it, and + Unjust Reflections upon it." 1711.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: The Dissenters were at first disposed to make common cause + with the Catholics in favour of the dispensing power claimed by James II.; + and an address from the Presbyterians went so far as to praise the king + for having "restored to God His empire over conscience." [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: "The Case etc. Consider'd," remarks: "The boldest, and the + most insolent book of that sort, is the 'Rights of the Church' ... Yet how + long was Dr. T[inda]ll, then Fellow of All Souls, suffered at Oxford after + the 'Rights' appeared?" Dr. Matthew Tindal, author of "The Rights of the + Christian Church" (1706), was a fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, from + 1678 till his death in 1733. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: "At this time [February, 1703/4] Queen Anne gave up the <i>first-fruits</i> + and <i>tenths</i>, which had long been possessed by the crown, to be + appropriated to a fund for the increase of small livings. This fund is + known as Queen Anne's Bounty" (Lathbury's "Hist. of Convocation," second + edition, p. 386). The Queen's Message to Parliament was dated February + 7th, 1703/4, and the Bill was introduced February 17th, and received the + royal assent April 3rd, 1704. See also Swift's "Answer" in the following + number. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: A hint to withdraw. [T.S.] This is said to have been the mode + in which the governors of a Dutch province were wont to give intimation to + those who intermeddled with state affairs, that they would do wisely to + withdraw themselves from the state. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: Swift notices his own misquotation in the succeeding number (<i>q.v.</i>). + See a further reference to the subject in No. 26. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: Convocation was assembled on November 25th, and the Latin + sermon preached by Kennet. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: Queen Anne's letter was printed in "The Daily Courant" for + December 19th. It is dated December 12th, and says: "It is with great + grief of heart we observe the scandalous attempts which of late years have + been made to infect the minds of our good subjects by loose and profane + principles openly scattered and propagated among them. We think the + consultations of the clergy particularly requisite to repress these daring + attempts and to prevent the like for the future. The just abhorrence that + our subjects from all parts of the kingdom have expressed of such wicked + principles and their abettors, give us good ground to hope that the + endeavours of the clergy in this respect will not be unsuccessful. For our + part we are ready to give them all fitting encouragement to proceed in the + dispatch of such business as properly belongs to them, and to grant them + such powers as shall be thought requisite," etc. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: The Queen's letter was intended to put an end to disputes in + Convocation. She expressed her hope that her royal intentions would not be + frustrated "by any unseasonable disputes between the two Houses of + Convocation about unnecessary forms and methods of proceeding." She + earnestly recommended that such disputes might cease. The bishops prepared + an address, but the Lower House insisted "on the enlarging the fourth + paragraph, and upon answering the several heads of the Queen's letter" + (Chamberlen's "History of Queen Anne," p. 365, and "Daily Courant," Dec. + 19th). The real reason for the disputes between the two Houses at this + time lay in the fact that the Upper House, owing to Tenison's influence, + was largely Low Church in sympathy, whereas the Lower House, with + Atterbury as its leader, was of the High Church party. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Dr. Smalridge (1662-1719) called for the Queen's letter to + be read. The Archbishop prorogued Convocation for two days, and then again + until January 17th. An address to the Queen was presented on January 26th + (Lathbury's "History of Convocation," second edition, p. 407). Smalridge + was Dean of Carlisle, 1711-13, and Bishop of Bristol, 1714-19. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: "The Case etc. Consider'd" quotes on the title-page: "Jude + 10. But these speak evil of those things which they know not." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: "Dr. Atterbury, in preference to Dr. Kennet, was chosen + prolocutor by a great majority."—TINDAL, iv. 206. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + Footnote 16: The Latin speeches were made on December 6th, when the + prolocutor was presented to the Archbishop, by Dr. Smalridge, Atterbury, + and Tenison. The one speech to which Swift refers may have been Tenison's, + whose style was fairly dull. [T.S.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 23.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY DECEMBER 28, TO THURSDAY JANUARY 4, 1710.[2] + </h3> + <p> + <i>Nullae sunt occultiores insidiae, quam eae quae latent in simulatione + officii, aut in aliquo necessitudinis nomine.</i>[3] + </p> + <p> + <i>The following answer is written in the true style, and with the usual + candour of such pieces; which I have imitated to the best of my skill, and + doubt not but the reader will be extremely satisfied with it.</i> + </p> + <p> + <i>The Examiner cross-examined, or, A full Answer to the last Examiner.</i> + </p> + <p> + If I durst be so bold with this author, I would gladly ask him a familiar + question; Pray, Sir, who made you an Examiner? He talks in one of his + insipid papers, of eight or nine thousand corruptions,[4] while <i>we</i> + were at the head of affairs, yet, in all this time, he has hardly produced + fifty: + </p> + <p> + <i>Parturiunt montes, &c.</i>[5] + </p> + <p> + But I shall confine myself, at present, to his last paper. He tells us, + "The Queen began her reign with a noble benefaction to the Church." Here's + priestcraft with a witness; this is the constant language of your + highfliers, to call those who are hired to teach <i>the religion of the + magistrate</i> by the name of the Church.[6] But this is not all; for, in + the very next line he says, "It was hoped the nation would have followed + this example." You see the faction begins already to speak out; this is an + open demand for the abbey-lands; this furious zealot would have us + priest-ridden again, like our popish ancestors: but, it is to be hoped the + government will take timely care to suppress such audacious attempts, else + we have spent so much blood and treasure to very little purpose, in + maintaining religion and Revolution. But what can we expect from a man, + who at one blow endeavours to ruin our trade? "A country" (says he) "may + flourish" (these are his own words) "without being the common receptacle + for all nations, religions, and languages." What! We must immediately + banish or murder the Palatines; forbid all foreign merchants, not only the + Exchange, but the kingdom; persecute the Dissenters with fire and faggot, + and make it high-treason to speak any other tongue but English. In another + place he talks of a "serpent with seven heads," which is a manifest + corruption of the text; for the words "<i>seven heads</i>" are not + mentioned in that verse.[7] However, we know what serpent he would mean; a + serpent with fourteen legs; or, indeed, no serpent at all, but seven great + men, who were the best ministers, the truest Protestants, and the most + disinterested patriots that ever served a prince.[8] But nothing is so + inconsistent as this writer; I know not whether to call him a Whig or a + Tory, a Protestant or a Papist; he finds fault with convocations; says, + "they are assemblies strangely contrived;" and yet lays the fault upon us, + that we bound their hands: I wish we could have bound their tongues too; + but as fast as their hands were bound, they could make a shift to hold + their pens, and have their share in the guilt of ruining the hopefullest + party and ministry that ever prescribed to a crown. This captious + gentleman is angry to "see a majority of prelates cried up by those who + are enemies to the character"; now I always thought, that the concessions + of enemies were more to a man's advantage than the praise of his friends. + "Time and mortality," he says, "can only remedy these inconveniencies in + the Church." That is, in other words, when certain bishops are dead, we + shall have others of our own stamp. Not so fast; you are not yet so sure + of your game. We have already got one comfortable loss in Spain, though by + a G[enera]l of our own.[9] For joy of which, our J[un]to had a merry + meeting at the house of their great proselyte, on the very day we received + the happy news. One or two more such blows would, perhaps, set us right + again, and then we can employ "mortality" as well as others. He concludes + with wishing, that "three letters, spoke when the prolocutor was + presented, were made public." I suppose he would be content with one, and + that is more than we shall humour him to grant. However, I hope he will + allow it possible to have grace, without either eloquence or Latin, which + is all I shall say to his malicious innuendo. + </p> + <p> + Having thus, I hope, given a full and satisfactory answer to the + Examiner's last paper, I shall now go on to a more important affair; which + is, to prove, by several undeniable instances, that the late m[inist]ry, + and their abettors, were true friends to the Church. It is yet, I confess, + a secret to the clergy, wherein this friendship did consist. For + information therefore of that reverend body, that they may never forget + their benefactors, as well as of all others who may be equally ignorant, I + have determined to display <i>our</i> merits to the world upon that + weighty article. And I could wish, that what I am to say were to be + written in brass, for an eternal memorial; the rather, because for the + future, the Church must endeavour to stand unsupported by those patrons, + who expired in doing it their last good office, and will never rise to + preserve it any more. + </p> + <p> + Let us therefore produce the pious endeavours of these church-defenders, + who were its patrons by their power and authority, as well as ornaments of + it by their exemplary lives. + </p> + <p> + First, St. Paul tells us, "there must be heresies in the Church, that the + truth may be manifest"; and therefore, by due course of reasoning, the + more heresies there are, the more manifest will the truth be made. This + being maturely considered by these lovers of the Church, they endeavoured + to propagate as many heresies as they could, that the light of truth might + shine the clearer. + </p> + <p> + Secondly, To shew their zeal for the Church's defence, they took the care + of it entirely out of the hands of God Almighty (because that was a + foreign jurisdiction) and made it their own creature, depending altogether + upon them; and issued out their orders to Tindal, and others, to give + public notice of it. + </p> + <p> + Thirdly, Because charity is the most celebrated of all Christian virtues, + therefore they extended theirs beyond all bounds; and instead of shutting + the Church against Dissenters, were ready to open it to all comers, and + break down its walls, rather than that any should want room to enter. The + strength of a state, we know, consists in the number of people, how + different soever in their callings; and why should not the strength of a + Church consist in the same, how different soever in their creeds? For that + reason, they charitably attempted to abolish the test, which tied up so + many hands from getting employments, in order to protect the Church. + </p> + <p> + I know very well that this attempt is objected to us as a crime, by + several malignant Tories, and denied as a slander by many unthinking + people among ourselves. The latter are apt in their defence to ask such + questions as these; Was your test repealed?[10] Had we not a majority? + Might we not have done it if we pleased? To which the others answer, You + did what you could; you prepared the way, but you found a fatal impediment + from that quarter, whence the sanction of the law must come, and therefore + to save your credit, you condemned a paper to be burnt which yourselves + had brought in.[11] But alas! the miscarriage of that noble project for + the safety of the Church, had another original; the knowledge whereof + depends upon a piece of secret history that I shall now lay open. + </p> + <p> + These church-protectors had directed a Presbyterian preacher to draw up a + bill for repealing the test; it was accordingly done with great art, and + in the preamble, several expressions of civility to the established + Church; and when it came to the qualifications of all those who were to + enter on any office, the compiler had taken special care to make them + large enough for all Christians whatsoever, by transcribing the very words + (only formed into an oath) which Quakers are obliged to profess by a + former Act of Parliament; as I shall here set them down.[12] "I <i>A.B.</i> + profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ His eternal Son, the + true God, and in the Holy Spirit one God blessed for evermore; and do + acknowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given + by divine inspiration." This bill was carried to the chief leaders for + their approbation, with these terrible words turned into an oath: What + should they do? Those few among them who fancied they believed in God, + were sure they did not believe in Christ, or the Holy Spirit, or one + syllable of the Bible; and they were as sure that every body knew their + opinion in those matters, which indeed they had been always too sincere to + disguise; how therefore could they take such an oath as that, without + ruining their reputation with Tindal, Toland,[13] Coward,[14] Collins, + Clendon,[15] and all the tribe of free-thinkers, and so give a scandal to + weak unbelievers. Upon this nice point of honour and conscience the matter + was hushed, the project for repealing the test let fall, and the Sacrament + left as the smaller evil of the two. + </p> + <p> + Fourthly, These pillars of the Church, because "the harvest was great, and + the labourers few," and because they would ease the bishops from that + grievous trouble of laying on hands: were willing to allow that power to + all men whatsoever, to prevent that terrible consequence of unchurching + those, who thought a hand from under a cloak as effectual as from + lawn-sleeves. And indeed, what could more contribute to the advancement of + true religion, than a bill of general naturalization for priesthood? + </p> + <p> + Fifthly, In order to fix religion in the minds of men, because truth never + appears so fair as when confronted with falsehood; they directed books to + be published, that denied the being of a God, the divinity of the Second + and Third Person, the truth of all revelation, and the immortality of the + soul. To this we owe that great sense of religion, that respect and + kindness to the clergy, and that true love of virtue so manifest of late + years among the youth of our nation. Nor could anything be more discreet, + than to leave the merits of each cause to such wise impartial judges, who + might otherwise fall under the slavery of believing by education and + prejudice. + </p> + <p> + Sixthly, Because nothing so much distracts the thoughts, as too great a + variety of subjects; therefore they had kindly prepared a bill, to + prescribe the clergy what subjects they should preach upon, and in what + manner, that they might be at no loss; and this no doubt, was a proper + work for such hands, so thoroughly versed in the theory and practice of + all Christian duties. + </p> + <p> + Seventhly, To save trouble and expense to the clergy, they contrived that + convocations should meet as seldom as possible; and when they were + suffered to assemble, would never allow them to meddle with any business; + because they said, the office of a clergyman was enough to take up the + whole man. For the same reason they were very desirous to excuse the + bishops from sitting in Parliament, that they might be at more leisure to + stay at home and look after their clergy. + </p> + <p> + I shall mention at present but one more instance of their pious zeal for + the Church. They had somewhere heard the maxim, that <i>Sanguis martyrum + est semen ecclesiae</i>;[16] therefore in order to sow this seed, they + began with impeaching a clergyman: and that it might be a true martyrdom + in every circumstance, they proceeded as much as possible against common + law,[17] which the long-robe part of the managers knew was in a hundred + instances directly contrary to all their positions, and were sufficiently + warned of it beforehand; but their love of the Church prevailed. Neither + was this impeachment an affair taken up on a sudden. For, a certain great + person (whose Character has been lately published by some stupid and lying + writer)[18] who very much distinguished himself by his zeal in forwarding + this impeachment, had several years ago endeavoured to persuade the late + King to give way to just such another attempt. He told his Majesty, there + was a certain clergyman preached very dangerous sermons, and that the only + way to put a stop to such insolence, was to impeach him in Parliament. The + King enquired the character of the man; "O, sir," said my lord, "the most + violent, hot, positive fellow in England; so extremely wilful, that I + believe he would be heartily glad to be a martyr." The King answered, "Is + it so? Then I am resolved to disappoint him"; and would never hear more of + the matter; by which that hopeful project unhappily miscarried. + </p> + <p> + I have hitherto confined myself to those endeavours for the good of the + Church, which were common to all the leaders and principal men of our + party; but if my paper were not drawing towards an end, I could produce + several instances of particular persons, who by their exemplary lives and + actions have confirmed the character so justly due to the whole body. I + shall at present mention only two, and illustrate the merits of each by a + matter of fact. + </p> + <p> + That worthy patriot, and true lover of the Church, whom the late + "Examiner" is supposed to reflect on under the name of Verres,[19] felt a + pious impulse to be a benefactor to the Cathedral of Gloucester, but how + to do it in the most decent, generous manner, was the question. At last he + thought of an expedient: One morning or night he stole into the Church, + mounted upon the altar, and there did that which in cleanly phrase is + called disburthening of nature: He was discovered, prosecuted, and + condemned to pay a thousand pounds, which sum was all employed to support + the Church, as, no doubt, the benefactor meant it. + </p> + <p> + There is another person whom the same writer is thought to point at under + the name of Will Bigamy.[20] This gentleman, knowing that marriage fees + were a considerable perquisite to the clergy, found out a way of improving + them <i>cent. per cent.</i> for the good of the Church. His invention was + to marry a second wife while the first was alive, convincing her of the + lawfulness by such arguments, as he did not doubt would make others follow + the same example: These he had drawn up in writing with intention to + publish for the general good; and it is hoped he may now have leisure to + finish them.[21] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 22 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: <i>I. e.</i> 1710-11. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Cicero, "in Verrem," II. i. 15: "There are no intrigues more + difficult to guard against than those which are concealed under a pretence + of duty, or under the name of some intimate connexion."—C.D. YONGE. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: See No. 19, <i>ante</i> (not quoted correctly). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Horace, "Ars Poetica," 139: + </p> + <p> + "The mountains laboured with prodigious throes."—P. FRANCIS. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: See No. 22, <i>ante</i>. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: The serpent, or dragon, is said to have seven heads in an + earlier verse of the same chapter. See Rev. xii., 3, 9, 15. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: The Earl of Sunderland and Henry Boyle (Secretaries of + State), Earl of Godolphin (Lord Treasurer), Lord Somers (President of the + Council), Lord Cowper (Lord Chancellor), Duke of Marlborough (Captain + General), and Horatio Walpole (Secretary of War). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: General Stanhope, at Brihuega, was surprised and compelled to + surrender on December 9th, 1710. Oldmixon's "Sequel" (p. 452) remarks: + "The misfortune which happened to General Stanhope at Brihuega, where he + was surrounded by the French and Spanish, armies, and after a most gallant + defence, obliged to surrender himself with several English battalions + prisoners of war, was some relief to high-church; ... they did not stick + to rejoice at it." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: The Test Act was passed in 1672 and repealed only in 1828. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: This paper was a pamphlet by Charles Leslie, published + October, 1708, which was condemned to be burnt by the House of Commons in + January, 1709/10. It was entitled, "A Letter from a Gentleman in Scotland + to his Friend in England, against the Sacramental Test." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: This declaration was prescribed by the Act I William and + Mary, c. 18, s. 13. It was repealed in 1871. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: John Toland, author of "Christianity not Mysterious" (1696) + and other works. See note on p. 9 of vol. iii. of present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: William Coward (1656-1725), physician, was the author of + "Second Thoughts Concerning Human Soul" (1702), and "The Grand Essay; or A + Vindication of Reason and Religion" (1703/4). Both these works were + ordered by the House of Commons to be burnt, March 17th, 1703/4. See also + note on p. 9 of vol. iii. of present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: John Clendon was the author of "A Treatise of the Word + Person" (17-09/10) which the House of Commons ordered to be burnt, March + 24, 17-09/10. See also note on p. 185 of vol. iii. of present edition. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 16: "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 17: For preaching a sermon at St. Paul's on "Perils from false + brethren" (November 5th, 1709), Dr. Sacheverell was, on the complaint of + Mr. Dolben (December 13th), impeached in the House of Commons on December + 14th, 1709, and in the House of Lords on December 15th. The sermon was + printed and widely circulated, and Sacheverell received for it the thanks + of the Lord Mayor. Mr. Dolben objected to Godolphin being referred to as + Volpone. Out of this arose the famous Sacheverell trial, so disastrous in + its effect on the Whig ministry. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 18: Lord Wharton. See vol. v., pp. 1-28 of present edition of + Swift's Works. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 19: Lord Wharton. But see correction in No. 25, <i>post</i>. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 20: See previous note on Lord Cowper. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 21: Cowper was at this time out of office. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 24.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY JANUARY 4, TO THURSDAY JANUARY 11, 1710.[2] + </h3> + <p> + <i>Bellum ita suscipiatur, ut nihil aliud nisi Pax quaesita videatur.</i>[3] + </p> + <p> + I am satisfied, that no reasonable man of either party, can justly be + offended at any thing I said in one of my papers relating to the Army;[4] + from the maxims I there laid down, perhaps many persons may conclude, that + I had a mind the world should think, there had been occasion given by some + late abuses among men of that calling; and they conclude right. For my + intention is, that my hints may be understood, and my quotations and + allegories applied; and I am in some pain to think, that in the Orcades on + one side, and the western coasts of Ireland on the other, the "Examiner" + may want a key in several parts, which I wish I could furnish them with. + As for the French king, I am under no concern at all; I hear he has left + off reading my papers, and by what he has found in them, dislikes our + proceedings more than ever, and intends either to make great additions to + his armies, or propose new terms for a peace: So false is that which is + commonly reported, of his mighty satisfaction in our change of ministry: + And I think it clear that his late letter of "Thanks to the Tories of + Great Britain,"[5] must either have been extorted from him against his + judgment, or was a cast of his politics to set the people against the + present ministry, wherein it has wonderfully succeeded. + </p> + <p> + But though I have never heard, or never regarded any objections made + against that paper, which mentions the army; yet I intended this as a sort + of apology for it. And first, I declare, (because we live in a mistaking + world) that in hinting at some proceedings, wherein a few persons are said + to be concerned, I did not intend to charge them upon the body of the + army. I have too much detested that barbarous injustice among the writers + of a late party, to be ever guilty of it myself; I mean the accusing + societies for the crimes of a few. On the other side, I must take leave to + believe, that armies are no more exempt from corruptions than other + numbers of men. The maxims proposed were occasionally introduced by the + report of certain facts, which I am bound to believe is true, because I am + sure, considering what has passed, it would be a crime to think otherwise. + All posts in the army, all employments at court, and many others, are (or + ought to be) given and resumed at the mere pleasure of the prince; yet + when I see a great officer broke, a change made in the court or the + ministry, and this under the most just and gracious Princess that ever + reigned, I must naturally conclude it is done upon prudent considerations, + and for some great demerit in the sufferers. But then; is not the + punishment sufficient? Is it generous or charitable to trample on the + unfortunate, and expose their faults to the world in the strongest + colours? And would it not suit better with magnanimity as well as common + good-nature, to leave them at quiet to their own thoughts and repentance? + Yes without question, provided it could be so contrived that their very + names, as well as actions, might be forgotten for ever; <i>such</i> an act + of oblivion would be for the honour of our nation, and beget a better + opinion of us with posterity; and then I might have spared the world and + myself the trouble of <i>examining</i>. But at present, there is a cruel + dilemma in the case: The friends and abettors of the late ministry are + every day publishing their praises to the world, and casting reflections + upon the present persons in power. This is so barefaced an aspersion upon + the Q[ueen], that I know not how any good subject can with patience endure + it, though he were ever so indifferent with regard to the opinions in + dispute. Shall they who have lost all power and love of the people, be + allowed to scatter their poison; and shall not those, who are, at least, + of the strongest side, be suffered to bring an antidote? And how can we + undeceive the deluded remainder, but by letting them see, that those + discarded statesmen were justly laid aside, and producing as many + instances to prove it as we can? not from any personal hatred to them, but + in justification to the best of queens. The many scurrilities I have heard + and read against this poor paper of mine, are in such a strain, that + considering the present state of affairs, they look like a jest. They + usually run after the following manner: "What? shall this insolent writer + presume to censure the late ministry, the ablest, the most faithful, and + truest lovers of their country, and its constitution that ever served a + prince? Shall he reflect on the best H[ouse] of C[ommons] that ever sat + within those walls? Has not the Queen changed both for a ministry and + Parliament of Jacobites and highfliers, who are selling us to France, and + bringing over the Pretender?" This is the very sum and force of all their + reasonings, and this their method of complaining against the "Examiner." + In <i>them</i> it is humble and loyal to reflect upon the Q[ueen] and the + ministry, and Parliament she has chosen with the universal applause of her + people; in <i>us</i> it is insolent to defend her Majesty and her choice, + or to answer their objections, by shewing the reasons why those changes + were necessary. + </p> + <p> + The same style has been used in the late case relating to some gentlemen + in the army;[6] such a clamour was raised by a set of men, who had the + boldness to tax the administration with cruelty and injustice, that I + thought it necessary to interfere a little, by shewing the ill + consequences that might arise from some proceedings, though without + application to particular persons. And what do they offer in answer? + Nothing but a few poor common-places against calumny and informers, which + might have been full as just and seasonable in a plot against the sacred + person of the Q[ueen]. + </p> + <p> + But, by the way; why are these idle people so indiscreet to name those two + words, which afford occasion of laying open to the world such an infamous + scene of subornation and perjury, as well as calumny and informing, as I + believe is without example: when a whole cabal attempted an action, + wherein a condemned criminal refused to join with them for the reward of + his life?[7] Not that I disapprove their sagacity, who could foretell so + long before, by what hand they should one day fall, and therefore thought + any means justifiable by which they might prevent it. + </p> + <p> + But waiving this at present, it must be owned in justice to the army, that + those violences did not proceed so far among them as some have believed; + nor ought the madness of a few to be laid at their doors. For the rest, I + am so far from denying the due praises to those victorious troops, who did + their part in procuring so many victories for the allies, that I could + wish every officer and private soldier had their full share of honour in + proportion to their deserts; being thus far of the Athenians' mind, who + when it was proposed that the statue of Miltiades should be set up alone + in some public place of the city, said they would agree to it, <i>whenever + he conquered alone</i>, but not before. Neither do I at all blame the + officers of the army, for preferring in their hearts the late ministry + before the present; or, if wishing alone could be of any use, to wish + their continuance, because then they might be secure of the war's + continuance too: whereas, since affairs have been put into other hands, + they may perhaps lie under some apprehensions of a peace, which no army, + especially in a course of success, was ever inclined to, and which all + wise states have in such a juncture, chiefly endeavoured. This is a point + wherein the civil and military politics have always disagreed. And for + that reason, I affirmed it necessary in all free governments, that the + latter should be absolutely in subjection to the former; otherwise, one of + these two inconveniencies must arise, either to be perpetually in war, or + to turn the civil institution into a military. + </p> + <p> + I am ready to allow all that has been said of the valour and experience of + our troops, who have fully contributed their part to the great successes + abroad; nor is it their fault, that those important victories had no + better consequences at home, though it may be their advantage. War is + their trade and business: to improve and cultivate the advantages of + success, is an affair of the cabinet; and the neglect of this, whether + proceeding from weakness or corruption, according to the usual uncertainty + of wars, may be of the most fatal consequence to a nation. For, pray let + me represent our condition in such a light, as I believe both parties will + allow, though perhaps not the consequences I shall deduce from it. We have + been for above nine years, blessed with a QUEEN, who besides all virtues + that can enter into the composition of a private person, possesses every + regal quality that can contribute to make a people happy: of great wisdom, + yet ready to receive the advice of her counsellors: of much discernment in + choosing proper instruments, when she follows her own judgment, and only + capable of being deceived by that excess of goodness which makes her judge + of others by herself. Frugal in her management in order to contribute to + the public, which in proportion she does, and that voluntarily, beyond any + of her subjects; but from her own nature, generous and charitable to all + that want or deserve; and in order to exercise those virtues, denying + herself all entertainments of expense which many others enjoy. Then if we + look abroad, at least in Flanders, our arms have been crowned with + perpetual success in battles and sieges, not to mention several fortunate + actions in Spain. These facts being thus stated, which none can deny, it + is natural to ask how we have improved such advantages, and to what + account they have turned? I shall use no discouraging terms. When a + patient grows daily worse by the tampering of mountebanks, there is + nothing left but to call in the best physicians before the case grows + desperate: But I would ask, whether France or any other kingdom, would + have made so little use of such prodigious opportunities, the fruits + whereof could never have fallen to the ground, without the extremist + degree of folly and corruption, and where those have lain, let the world + judge? Instead of aiming at peace, while we had the advantage of the war, + which has been the perpetual maxim of all wise states, it has been + reckoned factious and malignant even to express our wishes for it; and + such a condition imposed, as was never offered to any prince who had an + inch of ground to dispute; <i>Quae enim est conditio pacis; in qua ei cum + quo pacem facias, nihil concedi potest?</i>[8] + </p> + <p> + It is not obvious to conceive what could move men who sat at home, and + were called to consult upon the good of the kingdom, to be so utterly + averse from putting an end to a long expensive war, which the victorious, + as well as conquered side, were heartily weary of. Few or none of them + were men of the sword; they had no share in the honour; they had made + large fortunes, and were at the head of all affairs. But they well knew by + what tenure they held their power; that the Qu[een] saw through their + designs, that they had entirely lost the hearts of the clergy; that the + landed men were against them; that they were detested by the body of the + people; and that nothing bore them up but their credit with the bank and + other stocks, which would be neither formidable nor necessary when the war + was at an end. For these reasons they resolved to disappoint all overtures + of a peace, till they and their party should be so deeply rooted as to + make it impossible to shake them. To this end, they began to precipitate + matters so fast, as in a little time must have ruined the constitution, if + the crown had not interposed, and rather ventured the accidental effects + of their malice, than such dreadful consequences of their power. And + indeed, had the former danger been greater than some hoped or feared, I + see no difficulty in the choice, which was the same with his, who said, + "he had rather be devoured by wolves than by rats." I therefore still + insist that we cannot wonder at, or find fault with the army, for + concurring with a ministry who was for prolonging the war. The inclination + is natural in them all, pardonable in those who have not yet made their + fortunes, and as lawful in the rest, as love of power or love of money can + make it. But as natural, as pardonable, and as lawful as this inclination + is, when it is not under check of the civil power, or when a corrupt + ministry joins in giving it too great a scope, the consequence can be + nothing less than infallible ruin and slavery to a state. + </p> + <p> + After I had finished this Paper, the printer sent me two small pamphlets, + called <i>"The Management of the War,"</i>[9] written with some + plausibility, much artifice, and abundance of misrepresentation, as well + as direct falsehoods in point of fact. These I have thought worth <i>Examining</i>, + which I shall accordingly do when I find an opportunity. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 23 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: I.e. 1710-11. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Cicero, "De Officiis," i. 23: "In the undertaking of a war + there should be such a prospect, as if the only end of it were peace."— + SIR R. L'ESTRANGE. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: See "Examiner," No. 21. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Scott mistakes this as the pretended letter quoted in "The + Medley," No. 14. Swift refers to a half sheet printed for A. Baldwin in + the latter part of 1710, and entitled: "The French King's Thanks to the + Tories of Great-Britain." It was ascribed to Hoadly. + </p> + <p> + In this print Louis XIV. is made to thank the Tories for "what hath given + me too deep and lasting impressions of respect, and gratitude, ever to be + forgotten. If I should endeavour to recount all the numerous obligations I + have to you, I should not know where to begin, nor where to make an + end.... To you and your predecessors I owe that supineness and negligence + of the English court, which, gave me opportunity and ability to form and + prosecute my designs." Alluding to William III. he says: "To you I owed + the impotence of his life and the comfort of his death. At that juncture + how vast were my hopes?... But a princess ascended your throne, whom you + seemed to court with some personal fondness ... She had a general whom her + predecessor had wrought into the confidence and favour of the Allies.... + It is with pleasure I have observed, that every victory he hath obtained + abroad, hath been retrieved by your management at home.... What a figure + have your tumults, your addresses, and the progresses of your Doctor, made + in my Gazettes? What comfort have I received from them?... And with what + impatience do we now wait for that dissolution, with the hopes of which + you have so long flattered us ?... Blessed be the engines, to which so + glorious events are owing. Republican, Antimonarchical, Danger of the + Church, Non-resistance, Hereditary and Divine Right, words of force and + energy!... How great are my obligations to all these!" In a postscript, + King Louis is made to say further: "My Brother of England [i.e. the + Pretender] ... thanks you for ... your late loyal addresses; your open + avowal in them of that unlimited non-resistance by which he keeps up his + claim," etc. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: "Lieut.-Gen. Meredith, Major-Gen. Macartney, and Brigadier + Honeywood were superseded, upon an information laid before the Q——, + that these three gentlemen had, in their cups, drank Damnation and + Confusion to the new ministry, and to those who had any hand in turning + out of the old."—TINDAL, iv. 195. See also No. 21 and note, p. 127. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: William Gregg, a clerk in Harley's office, who was convicted + of a treasonable correspondence with France. See Swift's "Some Remarks," + etc., in vol. v., p. 38, of present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: "For what condition of peace is that in which nothing is + conceded him with whom you are making peace?" [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: The two pamphlets referred to were both written by Dr. + Francis Hare, chaplain-general to the Duke of Marlborough, and afterwards + Bishop of Chichester. The first was dated November 23rd, 1710, and was + entitled, "The Management of the War. In a Letter to a Tory-Member." The + second was called, "The Management of the War. In a Second Letter to a + Tory-Member," and was dated November 30th, 1710. The pamphlets are again + referred to in the twenty-ninth number of "The Examiner," where the writer + states that on second thoughts he has decided to deal with them "in a + discourse by itself." This he did. See note on p. 184. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 25.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY JANUARY 11, TO THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 1710.[2] + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Parva momenta in spem metumque impellunt animos.</i>[3] +</pre> + <p> + Hopes are natural to most men, especially to sanguine complexions, and + among the various changes that happen in the course of public affairs, + they are seldom without some grounds: Even in desperate cases, where it is + impossible they should have any foundation, they are often affected, to + keep a countenance, and make an enemy think we have some resource which + they know nothing of. This appears to have been for some months past the + condition of those people, whom I am forced, for want of other phrases, to + called the <i>ruined party</i>. They have taken up since their fall, some + real, and some pretended hopes. When the E. of S[underlan]d was discarded, + they <i>hoped</i> her M[ajesty] would proceed no farther in the change of + her ministry, and had the insolence to misrepresent her words to foreign + states. They <i>hoped</i>, nobody durst advise the dissolution of the + Parliament. When this was done, and further alterations made at Court, + they <i>hoped</i> and endeavoured to ruin the credit of the nation. They + likewise <i>hoped</i> that we should have some terrible loss abroad, which + would force us to unravel all, and begin again upon their bottom. But, of + all their <i>hopes</i>, whether real or assumed, there is none more + extraordinary than that which they now would seem to place their whole + confidence in: that this great turn of affairs was only occasioned by a + short madness of the people, from which they will recover in a little + time, when their eyes are open, and they grow cool and sober enough to + consider the truth of things, and how much they have been deceived. It is + not improbable, that some few of the deepest sighted among these + reasoners, are well enough convinced how vain all such <i>hopes</i> must + be: but for the rest, the wisest of them seem to have been very ill judges + of the people's dispositions, the want of which knowledge was a principal + occasion to hasten their ruin; for surely had they suspected which way the + popular current inclined, they never would have run against it by that + impeachment. I therefore conclude, they generally are so blind, as to + imagine some comfort from this fantastical opinion, that the people of + England are at present distracted, but will shortly come to their senses + again. + </p> + <p> + For the service therefore of our adversaries and friends, I shall briefly + <i>examine</i> this point, by shewing what are the causes and symptoms of + a people's madness, and how it differs from their natural bent and + inclination. + </p> + <p> + It is Machiavel's observation, that the people when left to their own + judgment, do seldom mistake their true interests; and indeed they + naturally love the constitution they are born under, never desiring to + change but under great oppressions. However, they are to be deceived by + several means. It has often happened in Greece, and sometimes in Rome, + that those very men who have contributed to shake off a former tyranny, + have, instead of restoring the old constitution, deluded the People into a + worse and more ignominious slavery. Besides, all great changes have the + same effect upon commonwealths that thunder has upon liquors, making the + dregs fly up to the top: the lowest plebeians rise to the head of affairs, + and there preserve themselves by representing the nobles and other friends + to the old government, as enemies to the public. The encouraging of new + mysteries and new deities, with the pretences of further purity in + religion, hath likewise been a frequent topic to mislead the people. And, + not to mention more, the promoting false reports of dangers from abroad, + hath often served to prevent them from fencing against real dangers at + home. By these and the like arts, in conjunction with a great depravity of + manners, and a weak or corrupt administration, the madness of the people + hath risen to such a height as to break in pieces the whole frame of the + best instituted governments. But however, such great frenzies being + artificially raised, are a perfect force and constraint upon human nature, + and under a wise steady prince, will certainly decline of themselves, + settling like the sea after a storm, and then the true bent and genius of + the people will appear. Ancient and modern story are full of instances to + illustrate what I say. In our own island we had a great example of a long + madness in the people, kept up by a thousand artifices like intoxicating + medicines, till the constitution was destroyed; yet the malignity being + spent, and the humour exhausted that served to foment it; before the + usurpers could fix upon a new scheme, the people suddenly recovered, and + peaceably restored the old constitution. + </p> + <p> + From what I have offered, it will be easy to decide, whether this late + change in the dispositions of the people were a new madness, or a recovery + from an old one. Neither do I see how it can be proved that such a change + had in any circumstance the least symptoms of madness, whether my + description of it be right or no. It is agreed, that the truest way of + judging the dispositions of the people in the choice of their + representatives, is by computing the county-elections; and in these, it is + manifest that five in six are entirely for the present measures; although + the court was so far from interposing its credit, that there was no change + in the admiralty, not above one or two in the lieutenancy, nor any other + methods used to influence elections.[4] The free unextorted addresses[5] + sent some time before from every part of the kingdom, plainly shewed what + sort of bent the people had taken, and from what motives. The election of + members for this great city,[6] carried contrary to all conjecture, + against the united interest of those two great bodies, the Bank and East + India Company, was another convincing argument. Besides, the Whigs + themselves have always confessed, that the bulk of landed men in England + was generally of Tories. So that this change must be allowed to be + according to the natural genius and disposition of the people, whether it + were just and reasonable in itself or not. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all which, you shall frequently hear the partisans of the + late men in power, gravely and decisively pronounce, that the present + ministry cannot possibly stand.[7] Now, they who affirm this, if they + believe themselves, must ground their opinion, upon the iniquity of the <i>last</i> + being so far established, and deeply rooted, that no endeavours of honest + men, will be able to restore things to their former state. Or else these + reasoners have been so misled by twenty years' mismanagement, that they + have forgot our constitution, and talk as if our monarchy and revolution + began together. But the body of the people is wiser, and by the choice + they have made, shew they <i>do</i> understand our constitution, and would + bring it back to the old form; which if the new ministers take care to + maintain, they will and ought to stand, otherwise they may fall like their + predecessors. But I think we may easily foresee what a Parliament freely + chosen, without threatening or corruption, is likely to do, when no man + shall be in any danger to lose his place by the freedom of his voice. + </p> + <p> + But, who are those advancers of this opinion, that the present ministry + cannot hold? It must be either such as are afraid to be called to an + account, in case it should hold; or those who keep offices, from which + others, better qualified, were removed; and may reasonably apprehend to be + turned out, for worthier men to come in their places, since perhaps it + will be necessary to make some changes, that the public business of the + nation may go on: or lastly, stock-jobbers, who industriously spread such + reports that actions may fall, and their friends buy to advantage. + </p> + <p> + Yet these hopes, thus freely expressed, as they are more sincere, so they + are more supportable, than when they appear under the disguise and + pretence of fears. Some of these gentlemen are employed to shake their + heads in proper companies; to doubt where all this will end; to be in + mighty pain for the nation; to shew how impossible it is, that the public + credit can be supported: to pray that all may do well in whatever hands; + but very much to doubt that the Pretender is at the bottom. I know not any + thing so nearly resembling this behaviour, as what I have often seen among + the friends of a sick man, whose interest it is that he should die: The + physicians protest they see no danger; the symptoms are good, the + medicines answer expectation; yet still they are not to be comforted; they + whisper, he is a gone man; it is not possible he should hold out; he has + perfect death in his face; they never liked this doctor: At last the + patient recovers, and their joy is as false as their grief. + </p> + <p> + I believe there is no man so sanguine, who did not apprehend some ill + consequences from the late change, though not in any proportion to the + good ones: but it is manifest, the former have proved much fewer and + lighter than were expected, either at home or abroad, by the fears of our + friends, or the hopes of our enemies. Those remedies that stir the humours + in a diseased body, are at first more painful than the malady itself; yet + certain death is the consequence of deferring them too long. Actions have + fallen, and the loans are said to come in slowly. But beside, that + something of this must have been, whether there had been any change or no; + beside, that the surprise of every change, for the better as well as the + worse, is apt to affect credit for a while; there is a further reason, + which is plain and scandalous. When the late party was at the helm, those + who were called the Tories, never put their resentments in balance with + the safety of the nation, but cheerfully contributed to the common cause. + Now the scene is changed, the fallen party seems to act from very + different motives: they have <i>given the word about;</i> they will keep + their money and be passive; and in this point stand upon the same foot + with Papists and Nonjurors. What would have become of the public, if the + present great majority had acted thus, during the late administration? Had + acted thus, before the others were masters of that wealth they have + squeezed out of the landed men, and with the strength of that, would now + hold the kingdom at defiance? + </p> + <p> + Thus much I have thought fit to say, without pointing reflections upon any + particular person; which I have hitherto but sparingly done, and that only + towards those whose characters are too profligate, that the managing of + them should be of any consequence: Besides as it is a talent I am not + naturally fond of, so, in the subjects I treat, it is generally needless. + If I display the effects of avarice and ambition, of bribery and + corruption, of gross immorality and irreligion, those who are the least + conversant in things, will easily know where to apply them. Not that I lay + any weight upon the objections of such who charge me with this proceeding: + it is notorious enough that the writers of the other side were the first + aggressors. Not to mention their scurrilous libels many years ago, + directly levelled at particular persons; how many papers do now come out + every week, full of rude invectives against the present ministry, with the + first and last letters of their names to prevent mistakes? It is good + sometimes to let these people see, that we neither want spirit nor + materials to retaliate; and therefore in this point <i>alone</i>, I shall + follow their example, whenever I find myself sufficiently provoked; only + with one addition, that whatever charges I bring, either general or + particular, shall be religiously true, either upon avowed facts which none + can deny, or such as I can prove from my own knowledge. + </p> + <p> + Being resolved publicly to acknowledge any mistakes I have been guilty of; + I do here humbly desire the reader's pardon for one of mighty importance, + about a fact in one of my papers, said to be done in the cathedral of + Gloucester.[8] A whole Hydra of errors in two words: For as I am since + informed, it was neither in the cathedral, nor city, nor county of + Gloucester, but some other church of that diocese. If I had ever met any + other objection of equal weight, though from the meanest hands, I should + certainly have answered it. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 24 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: I.e. 1710-11. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: "The merest trifles affect our spirits, and fill us with hope + or fear." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: See Swift's "Memoirs Relating to that Change," etc., vol. v., + p. 386 of present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: "The general ferment soon after [1710, summer] broke out into + numerous addresses, of very different style and tenor, that were presented + to the Queen. ... The high-church addresses not only exceeded the others + in number, but were also far better received; as complimenting the Queen + with a more extensive prerogative, and an hereditary title" (Chamberlen's + "History of Queen Anne," p. 347). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: At the general election in October and November, 1710, the + City of London returned four Tories: Sir Wm. Withers, Sir R. Hoare, Sir G. + Newland, and Mr. John Cass. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: Harley's ministry continued in power until July, 1714. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: This act of Wharton's was alluded to by the Duke of Leeds in + the House of Lords on December 6th, 1705. See Dartmouth's note on Burnet's + "Own Times," vol. ii., p. 435, and compare "History of Parliament," and + "Journals of House of Lords." When the Duke of Leeds insinuated pretty + plainly to Wharton the nature of his offence, Dartmouth remarks that the + "Lord Wharton was very silent for the rest of that day, and desired no + further explanations." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 26.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY JANUARY 18, TO THURSDAY JANUARY 25, 1710-11. + </h3> + <p> + [Greek: Dialexamenoi tina haesuchae, to men sumpan epi te tae dunas eia + kai kata ton echthron sunomosan.] + </p> + <p> + <i>Summissa quaedam voce collocuti sunt; quorum summa erat de dominatione + sibi confirmanda, ac inimicis delendis conjuratio.</i>[2] + </p> + <p> + Not many days ago I observed a knot of discontented gentlemen cursing the + Tories to Hell for their uncharitableness, in affirming, that if the late + ministry had continued to this time, we should have had neither Church nor + Monarchy left. They are usually so candid as to call that the opinion of a + party, which they hear in a coffeehouse, or over a bottle from some warm + young people, whom it is odds but they have provoked to say more than they + believed, by some positions as absurd and ridiculous of their own. And so + it proved in this very instance: for, asking one of these gentlemen, what + it was that provoked those he had been disputing with, to advance such a + paradox? he assured me in a very calm manner, it was nothing in the world, + but that himself and some others of the company had made it appear, that + the design of the present P[arliamen]t and m[inistr]y, was to bring in + Popery, arbitrary power, and the Pretender: which I take to be an opinion + fifty times more improbable, as well as more uncharitable, than what is + charged upon the Whigs: because I defy our adversaries to produce one + single reason for suspecting such designs in the persons now at the helm; + whereas I can upon demand produce twenty to shew, that some late men had + strong views towards a commonwealth, and the alteration of the Church. + </p> + <p> + It is natural indeed, when a storm is over, that has only untiled our + houses, and blown down some of our chimneys, to consider what further + mischiefs might have ensued, if it had lasted longer. However, in the + present case, I am not of the opinion above-mentioned; I believe the + Church and State might have lasted somewhat longer, though the late + enemies to both had done their worst: I can hardly conceive how things + would have been so soon ripe for a new revolution. I am convinced, that if + they had offered to make such large and sudden strides, it must have come + to blows, and according to the computation we have now reason to think a + right one, I can partly guess what would have been the issue. Besides, we + are sure the Q[uee]n would have interposed before they came to + extremities, and as little as they regarded the regal authority, would + have been a check in their career. + </p> + <p> + But instead of this question; What would have been the consequence if the + late ministry had continued? I will propose another, which will be more + useful for us to consider; and that is, What we may reasonably expect they + will do, if ever they come into power again? This, we know, is the design + and endeavour of all those scribbles that daily fly about in their favour; + of all the false, insolent, and scandalous libels against the present + administration; and of all those engines set at work to sink the actions, + and blow up the public credit. As for those who shew their inclinations by + writing, there is one consideration, which I wonder does not sometimes + affect them: for how can they forbear having a good opinion of the + gentleness and innocence of those, who permit them to employ their pens as + they do? It puts me in mind of an insolent pragmatical orator somewhere in + Greece, who railing with great freedom at the chief men in the state, was + answered by one who had been very instrumental in recovering the liberty + of the city, that "he thanked the gods they had now arrived to the + condition he always wished them, when every man in that city might + securely say what they pleased." I wish these gentlemen would however + compare the liberty they take with what their masters used to give: how + many messengers and warrants would have gone out against any that durst + have opened their lips, or drawn their pens, against the persons and + proceedings of their juntoes and cabals? How would their weekly writers + have been calling out for prosecution and punishment? We remember when a + poor nickname,[3] borrowed from an old play of Ben Jonson, and mentioned + in a sermon without any particular application, was made use of as a + motive to spur an impeachment. But after all, it must be confessed, they + had reasons to be thus severe, which their successors have not: <i>their</i> + faults would never endure the light; and to have exposed them sooner, + would have raised the kingdom against the actors, before the time. + </p> + <p> + But, to come to the subject I have now undertaken; which is to <i>examine</i>, + what the consequences would be, upon supposition that the Whigs were now + restored to their power. I already imagine the present free P[arliamen]t + dissolved, and another of a different epithet met, by the force of money + and management. I read immediately a dozen or two stinging votes against + the proceedings of the late ministry. The bill now to be repealed would + then be re-enacted, and the birthright of an Englishman reduced again to + the value of twelvepence.[4] But to give the reader a stronger imagination + of such a scene; let me represent the designs of some men, lately + endeavoured and projected, in the form of a paper of votes. + </p> + <p> + "Ordered, That a Bill be brought in for repealing the Sacramental Test. + </p> + <p> + "A petition of T[in]d[a]l, C[o]ll[in]s, Cl[en]d[o]n, C[o]w[ar]d, + T[o]l[a]nd,[5] in behalf of themselves and many hundreds of their + disciples, some of which are Members of this honourable H[ouse], desiring + that leave be given to bring in a Bill for qualifying Atheists, Deists and + Socinians, to serve their Country in any employment. + </p> + <p> + "Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill, according to the prayer + of the said petition, and that Mr. L[ec]h[me]re[6] do prepare and bring it + in. + </p> + <p> + "Ordered, That a Bill be brought in for removing the education of youth + out of the hands of the Clergy. + </p> + <p> + "Another, to forbid the Clergy preaching certain duties in religion, + especially obedience to Princes. + </p> + <p> + "Another, to take away the jurisdiction of Bishops. + </p> + <p> + "Another, for constituting a General for life; with instructions to the + committee, that care may be taken to make the war last as long as the life + of the said General. + </p> + <p> + "A Bill of Attainder against C[harles] D[uke] of Sh[rewsbury], J[ohn] + D[uke] of B[uckingham], L[aurence] E[arl] of R[ochester], Sir S[imon] + H[arcourt], k[nigh]t, R[obert] H[arley], H[enry] S[t. John],[7] Esqs; + A[bigail] M[asham], spinster,[8] and others, for high treason against the + j[u]nto. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That S[ara]h D[uchess] of M[arlborough] hath been a most + dutiful, just, and grateful servant to Her M[ajest]y. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That to advise the dissolution of a W[hi]g Parliament, or the + removal of a W[hi]g Ministry, was in order to bring in Popery and the + Pretender; and that the said advice was high treason. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That by the original compact the Government of this Realm is by + a junto, and a K[ing] or Qu[een]; but the Administration solely in the + junto. + </p> + <p> + "Ordered, That a Bill be brought in for further limiting the Prerogative. + </p> + <p> + "Ordered, That it be a standing order of this H[ouse] that the merit of + elections be not determined by the number of voices, or right of electors, + but by weight; and that one Whig shall weigh down ten Tories. + </p> + <p> + "A motion being made, and the question being put, that when a Whig is + detected of manifest bribery, and his competitor being a Tory, has ten to + one a majority, there shall be a new election; it passed in the negative. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That for a K[ing] or Q[ueen] of this Realm, to read or examine + a paper brought them to be signed by a j[un]to Minister, is arbitrary and + illegal, and a violation of the liberties of the people." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + These and the like reformations would, in all probability, be the first + fruits of the Whigs' resurrection; and what structures such able artists + might in a short time build upon such foundations, I leave others to + conjecture. All hopes of a peace cut off; the nation industriously + involved in further debts to a degree, that none would dare undertake the + management of affairs, but those whose interest lay in ruining the + constitution. I do not see how the wisest prince under such necessities + could be able to extricate himself. Then, as to the Church, the bishops + would by degrees be dismissed, first from the Parliament, next from their + revenues, and at last from their office; and the clergy, instead of their + idle claim of independency on the state, would be forced to depend for + their daily bread on every individual. But what system of future + government was designed; whether it were already digested, or would have + been left for time and incidents to mature, I shall not now <i>Examine</i>. + Only upon this occasion I cannot help reflecting on a fact, which it is + probable, the reader knows as well as myself. There was a picture drawn + some time ago, representing five persons as large as the life, sitting at + council together like a Pentarchy. A void space was left for a sixth, + which was to have been the Qu[een], to whom they intended that honour: but + her M[ajest]y having since fallen under their displeasure, they have made + a shift to crowd in two better friends in her place, which makes it a + complete Heptarchy.[9] This piece is now in the country, reserved till + better times, and hangs in a hall, among the pictures of Cromwell, + Bradshaw, Ireton, and some other predecessors. + </p> + <p> + I must now desire leave to say something to a gentleman, who has been + pleased to publish a discourse against a paper of mine relating to the + convocation.[10] He promises to set me right, without any undue + reflections or undecent language. I suppose he means in comparison with + others, who pretend to answer the "Examiner": So far he is right; but if + he thinks he has behaved himself as becomes a candid antagonist, I believe + he is mistaken. He says, in his title-page, my "representations are + unfair, and my reflections unjust." And his conclusion is yet more + severe,[11] where he "doubts I and my friends are enraged against the + Dutch, because they preserved us from Popery and arbitrary power at the + Revolution; and since that time, from being overrun by the exorbitant + power of France, and becoming a prey to the Pretender." Because this + author seems in general to write with an honest meaning, I would seriously + put to him the question, whether he thinks I and my friends are for + Popery, arbitrary power, France and the Pretender? I omit other instances + of smaller moment, which however do not suit in my opinion with due + reflection or decent language. The fact relating to the convocation, came + from a good hand, and I do not find this author differs from me in any + material circumstance about it. My reflections were no more than what + might be obvious to any other gentleman, who had heard of their late + proceedings. If the notion be right which this author gives us of a Lower + House of Convocation, it is a very melancholy one,[12] and to me seems + utterly inconsistent with that of a body of men whom he owns to have a + negative; and therefore, since a great majority of the clergy differs from + him in several points he advances, I shall rather choose to be of their + opinion than his. I fancy, when the whole synod met in one house, as this + writer affirms, they were upon a better foot with their bishops, and + therefore whether this treatment so extremely <i>de haut en bas</i>, since + their exclusion, be suitable to primitive custom or primitive humility + towards brethren, is not my business to enquire. One may allow the divine + or apostolic right of Episcopacy, and their great superiority over + presbyters, and yet dispute the methods of exercising the latter, which + being of human institution, are subject to encroachments and usurpations. + I know, every clergyman in a diocese has a good deal of dependence upon + his bishop, and owes him canonical obedience: but I was apt to think, when + the whole representative of the clergy met in a synod, they were + considered in another light, at least since they are allowed to have a + negative. If I am mistaken, I desire to be excused, as talking out of my + trade: only there is one thing wherein I entirely differ from this author. + Since in the disputes about privileges, one side must recede; where so + very few privileges remain, it is a hundred to one odds, the encroachments + are not on the inferior clergy's side; and no man can blame them for + insisting on the small number that is left. There is one fact wherein I + must take occasion to set this author right; that the person who first + moved the QUEEN to remit the first-fruits and tenths to the clergy, was an + eminent instrument in the late turn of affairs;[13] and as I am told, has + lately prevailed to have the same favour granted for the clergy of + Ireland.[14] + </p> + <p> + But I must beg leave to inform the author, that this paper is not intended + for the management of controversy, which would be of very little import to + most readers, and only misspend time, that I would gladly employ to better + purposes. For where it is a man's business to entertain a whole room-full, + it is unmannerly to apply himself to a particular person, and turn his + back upon the rest of the company. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 25 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "They met and whispered together; and their entire aim was + the confirmation of their own power and an oath for the destruction of + their enemies." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: The following is the passage in Sacheverell's sermon in which + the nickname is used: "What dependence can there be upon a man of no + principles? ... In what moving and lively colours does the holy Psalmist + paint out the crafty insidiousness of such wily Volpones!" Godolphin, in + spite of Somers's protest against such action, brought about the + preacher's impeachment, for this description of himself, as he took it. + See also vol. v., p. 219 and note of present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: An attempt was made to repeal the Act for Naturalizing + Foreign Protestants (7 Ann. c. 5), which received the royal assent, March + 23rd, 170-8/9, by a Bill which passed the House of Commons, January 31st, + 171-0/1, but was thrown out by the Lords, February 5th. Persons + naturalized under this Act had to pay a fee of one shilling on taking the + prescribed oath of allegiance. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: See Nos. 20 and 23, <i>ante</i>, and notes pp. 118 and 141. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Nicholas Lechmere (1675-1727), member for Appleby (1708-10), + Cockermouth (1710-17), and Tewkesbury (1717-21), was one of the managers + in the impeachment of Sacheverell. He, with Addison, Hoadly, and Minshull + corrected Steele's draft of "The Crisis" for publication. He was created + Lord Lechmere in 1721, after he had held the offices of solicitor-general + (1714-18) and attorney-general (1718-20). See also vol. v., p. 326 note, + of present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: "R.H. H.S. Esqs;" in both editions. In Faulkner's collected + reprint the second name was altered to William Shippen, and Scott follows + Faulkner; but there can be no doubt that the initials were intended for + St. John, since the persons named were those who succeeded to the places + of the dismissed ministers. Shippen was a prominent member of the October + Club, but he did not hold any public office. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: In No. 19 of "The Medley," the writer calls "The Examiner" to + account for writing Abigail Masham, <i>spinster</i>. She was then Mrs. + Masham. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: See No. 23, <i>ante</i>, and notes p. 138. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: "The Case of the Present Convocation Consider'd; In Answer + to the Examiner's Unfair Representation of it, and Unjust Reflections upon + it." 1711, See note p. 129. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: "They [the Dutch] have a right to put us in mind, that + without their assistance in 1688, Popery and arbitrary power must, without + a miracle, have over-run us; and that even since that time, we must have + sunk under the exorbitant power of France, and our Church and Queen must + have been a prey to a Pretender imposed upon us by this exorbitant power, + if that tottering commonwealth ... had not heartily joined with us.... But + I forget my self, and I doubt, allege those very things in their favour, + for which the 'Examiner' and his friends, are the most enraged against + them." ("The Case," etc., p. 24). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: They [<i>i.e.</i> the bishops] say that the prolocutor is + "the referendary of the lower house, <i>i.e.</i> one who is to carry + messages and admonitions from the upper house to the lower, and to + represent their sense, and to carry their petitions to the upper: That + originally the synod met all in one house in this, as it still does in the + other province." ("The Case," etc., p. 14). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Bishop Burnet had made a similar proposal to Queen Mary + several years before, "so that she was fully resolved, if ever she had + lived to see peace and settlement, ... to have applied it to the + augmentation of small benefices." He had also laid it very fully before + the Princess of Denmark in the reign of King William ("Hist. Own Times," + ii. 370). + </p> + <p> + "This very project ... was first set on foot by a great minister in the + last reign. It was then far advanced, and would have been finished, had he + stayed but a few months longer in the ministry" ("The Case," etc., p. 23). + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: Swift's own Memorial to Harley, petitioning the Queen to + surrender the first-fruits in Ireland is given in Scott's edition (vol. + xv., pp. 381-4). It was on behalf of these first-fruits that Swift came to + England, in 1707, on a commission from Archbishop King. Then he made his + application as a Whig to a Whig government, but failing with Somers and + Halifax both in this and in his hopes for advancement, he joined Harley's + fortunes. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 27.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY JANUARY 25, TO THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1, 1710-11.[2] + </h3> + <p> + <i>Ea autem est gloria, laus recte factorum, magnorumque in rempublicam + meritorum: Quae cum optimi cujusque, tum etiam multitudinis testimonio + comprobatur.</i>[3] + </p> + <p> + I am thinking, what a mighty advantage it is to be entertained as a writer + to a ruined cause. I remember a fanatic preacher, who was inclined to come + into the Church, and take orders; but upon mature thoughts was diverted + from that design, when he considered that the collections of the <i>godly</i> + were a much heartier and readier penny, than he could get by wrangling for + tithes. He certainly had reason, and the two cases are parallel. If you + write in defence of a fallen party, you are maintained by contribution as + a necessary person, you have little more to do than to carp and cavil at + those who hold the pen on the other side; you are sure to be celebrated + and caressed by all your party, to a man. You may affirm and deny what you + please, without truth or probability, since it is but loss of time to + contradict you. Besides, commiseration is often on your side, and you have + a pretence to be thought honest and disinterested, for adhering to friends + in distress. After which, if your party ever happens to turn up again, you + have a strong fund of merit towards making your fortune. Then, you never + fail to be well furnished with materials, every one bringing in his <i>quota</i>, + and falsehood being naturally more plentiful than truth. Not to mention + the wonderful delight of libelling men in power, and hugging yourself in a + corner with mighty satisfaction for what you have done. + </p> + <p> + It is quite otherwise with us, who engage as volunteers in the service of + a flourishing ministry, in full credit with the Q[uee]n, and beloved by + the people, because they have no sinister ends or dangerous designs, but + pursue with steadiness and resolution the true interests of both. Upon + which account they little want or desire our assistance; and we may write + till the world is weary of reading, without having our pretences allowed + either to a place or a pension: besides, we are refused the common benefit + of the party, to have our works cried up of course; the readers of our own + side being as ungentle and hard to please, as if we writ against them; and + our papers never make their way in the world, but barely in proportion to + their merit. The design of <i>their</i> labours who write on the conquered + side, is likewise of greater importance than ours; they are like cordials + for dying men, which must be repeated; whereas ours are, in the Scripture + phrase, but "meat for babes": at least, all I can pretend, is to undeceive + the ignorant and those at distance; but their task is to keep up the + sinking spirits of a whole party. + </p> + <p> + After such reflections, I cannot be angry with those gentlemen for + perpetually writing against me: it furnishes them largely with topics, and + is besides, their proper business: neither is it affectation, or + altogether scorn, that I do not reply. But as things are, we both act + suitable to our several provinces: mine is, by laying open some + corruptions in the late management, to set those who are ignorant, right + in their opinions of persons and things: it is theirs to cover with + fig-leaves all the faults of their friends, as well as they can: When I + have produced my facts, and offered my arguments, I have nothing farther + to advance; it is their office to deny and disprove; and then let the + world decide. If I were as they, my chief endeavour should certainly be to + batter down the "Examiner," therefore I cannot but approve their design, + Besides, they have indeed another reason for barking incessantly at this + paper: they have in their prints openly taxed a most ingenious person as + author of it;[4] one who is in great and very deserved reputation with the + world, both on account of his poetical works, and his talents for public + business. They were wise enough to consider, what a sanction it would give + their performances, to fall under the animadversion of such a pen; and + have therefore used all the forms of provocation commonly practised by + little obscure pedants, who are fond of distinguishing themselves by the + fame of an adversary. So nice a taste have these judicious critics, in + pretending to discover an author by his style and manner of thinking: not + to mention the justice and candour of exhausting all the stale topics of + scurrility in reviling a paper, and then flinging at a venture the whole + load upon one who is entirely innocent; and whose greatest fault, perhaps, + is too much gentleness toward a party, from whose leaders he has received + quite contrary treatment. + </p> + <p> + The concern I have for the ease and reputation of so deserving a + gentleman, hath at length forced me, much against my interest and + inclination, to let these angry people know who is <i>not</i> the author + of the "Examiner."[5] For, I observed, the opinion began to spread, and I + chose rather to sacrifice the honour I received by it, than let + injudicious people entitle him to a performance, that perhaps he might + have reason to be ashamed of: still faithfully promising, never to disturb + those worthy advocates; but suffer them in quiet to roar on at the + "Examiner," if they or their party find any ease in it; as physicians say + there is, to people in torment, such as men in the gout, or women in + labour. + </p> + <p> + However, I must acknowledge myself indebted to them for one hint, which I + shall now pursue, though in a different manner. Since the fall of the late + ministry, I have seen many papers filled with their encomiums; I conceive, + in imitation of those who write the lives of famous men, where, after + their deaths, immediately follow their characters. When I saw the poor + virtues thus dealt at random, I thought the disposers had flung their + names, like valentines into a hat, to be drawn as fortune pleased, by the + j[u]nto and their friends. There, Crassus[6] drew liberty and gratitude; + Fulvia,[7] humility and gentleness; Clodius,[8] piety and justice; + Gracchus,[9] loyalty to his prince; Cinna,[10] love of his country and + constitution; and so of the rest. Or, to quit this allegory, I have often + seen of late, the whole set of discarded statesmen, celebrated by their + judicious hirelings, for those very qualities which their admirers owned + they chiefly wanted. Did these heroes put off and lock up their virtues + when they came into employment, and have they now resumed them since their + dismissions? If they wore them, I am sure it was <i>under</i> their + greatness, and without ever once convincing the world of their visibility + or influence. + </p> + <p> + But why should not the present ministry find a pen to praise them as well + as the last? This is what I shall now undertake, and it may be more + impartial in me, from whom they have deserved so little. I have, <i>without + being called</i>, served them half a year in quality of champion,[11] and + by help of the Qu[een] and a majority of nine in ten of the kingdom, have + been able to protect them against a routed cabal of hated politicians, + with a dozen of scribblers at their head; yet so far have they been from + rewarding me suitable to my deserts, that to this day they never so much + as sent to the printer to enquire who I was; though I have known a time + and a ministry, where a person of half my merit and consideration would + have had fifty promises, and in the mean time a pension settled on him, + whereof the <i>first quarter</i> should be honestly paid. Therefore my + resentments shall so far prevail, that in praising those who are now at + the head of affairs, I shall at the same time take notice of their + defects. + </p> + <p> + Was any man more eminent in his profession than the present l[or]d + k[eepe]r,[12] or more distinguished by his eloquence and great abilities + in the House of Commons? And will not his enemies allow him to be fully + equal to the great station he now adorns? But then it must be granted, + that he is wholly ignorant in the speculative as well as practical part of + polygamy: he knows not how to metamorphose a sober man into a lunatic:[13] + he is no freethinker in religion, nor has courage to be patron of an + atheistical book,[14] while he is guardian of the Qu[een]'s conscience. + Though after all, to speak my private opinion, I cannot think these such + mighty objections to his character, as some would pretend. + </p> + <p> + The person who now presides at the council,[15] is descended from a great + and honourable father, not from the dregs of the people; he was at the + head of the treasury for some years, and rather chose to enrich his prince + than himself. In the height of favour and credit, he sacrificed the + greatest employment in the kingdom to his conscience and honour: he has + been always firm in his loyalty and religion, zealous for supporting the + prerogative of the crown, and preserving the liberties of the people. But + then, his best friends must own that he is neither Deist nor Socinian: he + has never conversed with T[o]l[a]nd, to open and enlarge his thoughts, and + dispel the prejudices of education; nor was he ever able to arrive at that + perfection of gallantry, to ruin and imprison the husband, in order to + keep the wife without disturbance.[16] + </p> + <p> + The present l[or]d st[ewa]rd[17] has been always distinguished for his wit + and knowledge; is of consummate wisdom and experience in affairs; has + continued constant to the true interest of the nation, which he espoused + from the beginning, and is every way qualified to support the dignity of + his office: but in point of oratory must give place to his + predecessor.[18] + </p> + <p> + The D. of Sh[rewsbur]y[19] was highly instrumental in bringing about the + Revolution, in which service he freely exposed his life and fortune. He + has ever been the favourite of the nation, being possessed of all the + amiable qualities that can accomplish a great man; but in the + agreeableness and fragrancy of his person, and the profoundness of his + politics, must be allowed to fall very short of ——.[20] + </p> + <p> + Mr. H[arley] had the honour of being chosen Speaker successively to three + Parliaments;[21] he was the first of late years, that ventured to restore + the forgotten custom of treating his PRINCE with duty and respect. Easy + and disengaged in private conversation, with such a weight of affairs upon + his shoulders;[22] of great learning, and as great a favourer and + protector of it; intrepid by nature, as well as by the consciousness of + his own integrity, and a despiser of money; pursuing the true interest of + his PRINCE and country against all obstacles. Sagacious to view into the + remotest consequences of things, by which all difficulties fly before him. + A firm friend, and a placable enemy, sacrificing his justest resentments, + not only to public good, but to common intercession and acknowledgment. + Yet with all these virtues it must be granted, there is some mixture of + human infirmity: His greatest admirers must confess his skill at cards and + dice to be very low and superficial: in horse-racing he is utterly + ignorant:[23] then, to save a few millions to the public, he never regards + how many worthy citizens he hinders from making up their plum. And surely + there is one thing never to be forgiven him, that he delights to have his + table filled with black coats, whom he uses as if they were gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + My Lord D[artmouth][24] is a man of letters, full of good sense, good + nature and honour, of strict virtue and regularity in life; but labours + under one great defect, that he treats his clerks with more civility and + good manners, than others, in his station, have done the Qu[een].[25] + </p> + <p> + Omitting some others, I will close this character of the present ministry, + with that of Mr. S[t. John],[26] who from his youth applying those + admirable talents of nature and improvements of art to public business, + grew eminent in court and Parliament at an age when the generality of + mankind is employed in trifles and folly. It is to be lamented, that he + has not yet procured himself a busy, important countenance, nor learned + that profound part of wisdom, to be difficult of access. Besides, he has + clearly mistaken the true use of books, which he has thumbed and spoiled + with reading, when he ought to have multiplied them on his shelves:[27] + not like a great man of my acquaintance, who knew a book by the back, + better than a friend by the face, though he had never conversed with the + former, and often with the latter. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 26 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Writing to Stella, under date February 3rd, 1710/1, Swift + says: "They are plaguy Whigs, especially the sister Armstrong [Mrs. + Armstrong, Lady Lucy's sister], the most insupportable of all women + pretending to wit, without any taste. She was running down the last + 'Examiner,' the prettiest I had read, with a character of the present + ministry" (vol. ii., p. 112 of present edition.) [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: "For that is true glory and praise for noble deeds that + deserve well of the state, when they not only win the approval of the best + men but also that of the multitude." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: It was reported that the author of "The Examiner" was Matthew + Prior, late under-secretary of state. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: To Stella Swift wrote in his "Journal," under date February + 9th:—"The account you give of that weekly paper [<i>i.e.</i> 'The + Examiner,'] agrees with us here. Mr. Prior was like to be insulted in the + street for being supposed the author of it, but one of the last papers + cleared him. Nobody knows who it is, but those few in the secret. I + suppose the ministry and the printer" (vol. ii., p. 116 of present + edition).] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: The Duke of Marlborough. See "The Examiner," No. 28, p. 177. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: The Duchess of Marlborough. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: Earl of Wharton, notorious for his profligacy. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: This may refer to Godolphin. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: Probably Earl Cowper. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: This applies to the paper. "The Examiner" had existed for + six months, but Swift had written it for only three months, at this time. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: Sir Simon Harcourt (1661?-1727) who was lord chancellor, + 1713-14. He was made lord keeper, October 19th, 1710, after Cowper + resigned the chancellorship. In the Sacheverell trial Harcourt was the + doctor's counsel. He was created Baron Harcourt in 1711. See also note on + p. 213 of vol. v. of present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: This refers to the case of Richard, fifth Viscount Wenman, + against whom Cowper, in 1709, granted a commission of lunacy. He was under + the care of Francis Wroughton, Esq., whose sister, Susannah, he had + married in the early part of 1709. His brother-in-law sued him for payment + of his sister's portion, and asked that trustees be appointed for his + estate. Cowper decided against Wenman, and the commission granted. + </p> + <p> + The case is referred to in No. 40 of "The Tatler" (July 12th, 1709). + Campbell says ("Chancellors," iv. 330) the commission "very properly + issued." Luttrell in his "Diary" (July 30th, 1709) notes that "the jury + yesterday brought it in that he [Wenman] was no idiot" (vi. 470). Lord + Wenman died November 28th, 1729. See also Nos. 18 and 23, <i>ante</i>, and + note, p. 101. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: Tindal dedicated to Cowper "a pious work which was not + altogether orthodox" (Campbell's "Chancellors," iv. 330). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: Laurence Hyde (1641-1711), created Earl of Rochester in + 1682, was appointed lord president of the council, September 21st, 1710, + succeeding Somers. See also No. 41, <i>post.</i> Swift unkindly sneers at + Somers's low birth. See note on Somers on p. 29 of vol. i. of present + edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 16: Mrs. Manley, in her "Memoirs of Europe towards the Close of + the Eighth Century," has something very characteristic to say on this + subject. Speaking of Somers under the name Cicero, she says: "Cicero, + Madam, is by birth a plebeian" ... "Cicero himself, an oracle of wisdom, + was whirled about by his lusts, at the pleasure of a fantastic worn-out + mistress. He prostituted his inimitable sense, reason, and good nature, + either to revenge, or reward, as her caprice directed; and what made this + commerce more detestable, this mistress of his was a wife!" ... "that she + was the wife of an injured friend! a friend who passionately loved her, + and had tenderly obliged him, rather heightened his desires" (i., 200; + ii., 54, 83). The mistress is said to be Mrs. Blunt, daughter of Sir R. + Fanshaw. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 17: John Sheffield (1647-1721), third Earl of Mulgrave, was + created Marquess of Normanby, 1694, and Duke of Buckingham and Normanby in + 1702/3. He succeeded the Duke of Devonshire as lord steward of the + household on September 21st, 1710. He was the author of a poetical "Essay + on Poetry," and an interesting prose "Account of the Revolution." As + patron to Dryden he received the dedication of that poet's "Aurengzebe." + Pope edited his collected works in 1722-23. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 18: William Cavendish (1673?-1729) succeeded his father as + second Duke of Devonshire in 1707. He was lord steward, 1707-10, and lord + president, 1716-17.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 19: Charles Talbot, Duke of Shrewsbury, is styled by Swift + elsewhere (Letter to Archbishop King, October 20th, 1713; Scott's edition, + xvi. 71), "the finest gentleman we have" (see note on p. 377 of vol. v. of + present edition). He was lord chamberlain, 1710-14. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 20: Henry de Grey (1664?-1740) succeeded his father as eleventh + Earl of Kent in 1702. He was created Marquess of Kent, 1706, and Duke of + Kent, 1710. He held the office of lord chamberlain of the household from + 1704 to 1710. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 21: Harley was first chosen Speaker, February 10th, 1700/1, for + a Parliament that lasted nine months; then again, December 30th, 1701, for + a Parliament that lasted only six months; and finally October 20th or + 21st, 1702. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 22: "The Queen dismissed the Earl of Godolphin from being lord + treasurer, and put the treasury in commission: Lord Powlet was the first + in form, but Mr. Harley was the person with whom the secret was lodged" + (Burnet, "Own Times," ii. 552-3). He was appointed August 10th, 1710. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 23: Godolphin was very devoted to the turf. See Swift's poem + entitled, "The Virtues of Sid Hamet's Rod" (Aldine edition, iii. 10). + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 24: William Legge (1672-1750) succeeded his father as second + Lord Dartmouth in 1691, and was created Earl of Dartmouth in 1711. On June + 14th, 1710, he was appointed secretary of state in place of the Earl of + Sunderland. See note on p. 229 of vol. v. of present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 25: The Earl of Sunderland was rude and overbearing in his + manner towards the Queen. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 26: Henry St. John (1678-1751) was created Viscount Bolingbroke + in 1712. He was secretary of war, 1704-1708, and secretary of state, + 1710-14. In 1715 he was attainted and left England to enter the service of + the Pretender. See also Swift's "An Enquiry," etc. (vol. v., p. 430 of + present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 27: "Those more early acquaintance of yours, your books, which a + friend of ours once wittily said, 'Your L—p had mistaken the true + use of, by thumbing and spoiling them with reading'" ("A Letter to the Rt. + Hon. the Ld. Viscount B—ke," 1714-15). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 28.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1, TO THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8, 1710-11. + </h3> + <p> + <i>Caput est in omni procuratione negotii et muneris publici, ut avaritiae + pellatur etiam minima suspicio.</i>[2] + </p> + <p> + There is no vice which mankind carries to such wild extremes as that of + avarice: Those two which seem to rival it in this point, are lust and + ambition: but, the former is checked by difficulties and diseases, + destroys itself by its own pursuits, and usually declines with old age: + and the latter requiring courage, conduct and fortune in a high degree, + and meeting with a thousand dangers and oppositions, succeeds too seldom + in an age to fall under common observation. Or, is avarice perhaps the + same passion with ambition, only placed in more ignoble and dastardly + minds, by which the object is changed from power to money? Or it may be, + that one man pursues power in order to wealth, and another wealth in order + to power; which last is the safer way, though longer about, and suiting + with every period as well as condition of life, is more generally + followed. + </p> + <p> + However it be, the extremes of this passion are certainly more frequent + than of any other, and often to a degree so absurd and ridiculous, that if + it were not for their frequency, they could hardly obtain belief. The <i>stage</i>, + which carries other follies and vices beyond nature and probability, falls + very short in the representations of avarice; nor are there any + extravagances in this kind described by ancient or modern comedies, which + are not outdone by an hundred instances, commonly told, among ourselves. + </p> + <p> + I am ready to conclude from hence, that a vice which keeps so firm a hold + upon human nature, and governs it with so unlimited a tyranny, since it + cannot be wholly eradicated, ought at least to be confined to particular + objects, to thrift and penury, to private fraud and extortion, and never + suffered to prey upon the public; and should certainly be rejected as the + most unqualifying circumstance for any employment, where bribery and + corruption can possibly enter. + </p> + <p> + If the mischiefs of this vice, in a public station, were confined to + enriching only those particular persons employed, the evil would be more + supportable; but it is usually quite otherwise. When a steward defrauds + his lord, he must connive at the rest of the servants, while they are + following the same practice in their several spheres; so that in some + families you may observe a subordination of knaves in a link downwards to + the very helper in the stables, all cheating by concert, and with + impunity: And even if this were all, perhaps the master could bear it + without being undone; but it so happens, that for every shilling the + servant gets by his iniquity, the master loses twenty; the perquisites of + servants being but small compositions for suffering shopkeepers to bring + in what bills they please.[3] It is exactly the same thing in a state: an + avaricious man in office is in confederacy with the whole <i>clan</i> of + his district or dependence, which in modern terms of art is called, "To + live, and let live;" and yet <i>their</i> gains are the smallest part of + the public's loss. Give a guinea to a knavish land-waiter, and he shall + connive at the merchant for cheating the Queen of an hundred. A brewer + gives a bribe to have the privilege of selling drink to the Navy; but the + fraud is ten times greater than the bribe, and the public is at the whole + loss.[4] + </p> + <p> + Moralists make two kinds of avarice; that of Catiline, <i>alieni appetens, + sui profusus;</i>[5] and the other more generally understood by that name; + which is, the endless desire of hoarding: But I take the former to be more + dangerous in a state, because it mingles well with ambition, which I think + the latter cannot; for though the same breast may be capable of admitting + both, it is not able to cultivate them; and where the love of heaping + wealth prevails, there is not in my opinion, much to be apprehended from + ambition. The disgrace of that sordid vice is sooner apt to spread than + any other, and is always attended with the hatred and scorn of the people: + so that whenever those two passions happen to meet in the same subject, it + is not unlikely that Providence hath placed avarice to be a check upon + ambition; and I have reason to think, some great ministers of state have + been of my opinion. + </p> + <p> + The divine authority of Holy Writ, the precepts of philosophers, the + lashes and ridicule of satirical poets, have been all employed in + exploding this insatiable thirst of money, and all equally controlled by + the daily practice of mankind. Nothing new remains to be said upon the + occasion, and if there did, I must remember my character, that I am an <i>Examiner</i> + only, and not a Reformer. + </p> + <p> + However, in those cases where the frailties of particular men do nearly + affect the public welfare, such as a prime minister of state, or a great + general of an army; methinks there should be some expedient contrived, to + let them know impartially what is the world's opinion in the point: + Encompassed with a crowd of depending flatterers, they are many degrees + blinder to their own faults than the common infirmities of human nature + can plead in their excuse; Advice dares not be offered, or is wholly lost, + or returned with hatred: and whatever appears in public against their + prevailing vice, goes for nothing; being either not applied, or passing + only for libel and slander, proceeding from the malice and envy of a + party. + </p> + <p> + I have sometimes thought, that if I had lived at Rome in the time of the + first Triumvirate, I should have been tempted to write a letter, as from + an unknown hand, to those three great men, who had then usurped the + sovereign power; wherein I would freely and sincerely tell each of them + that fault which I conceived was most odious, and of most consequence to + the commonwealth: That, to Crassus, should have been sent to him after his + conquests in Mesopotamia, and in the following terms.[6] + </p> + <p> + "<i>To Marcus Crassus, health.</i> + </p> + <p> + "<i>If you apply as you ought, what I now write,[7] you will be more + obliged to me than to all the world, hardly excepting your parents or your + country. I intend to tell you, without disguise or prejudice, the opinion + which the world has entertained of you: and to let you see I write this + without any sort of ill will, you shall first hear the sentiments they + have to your advantage. No man disputes the gracefulness of your person; + you are allowed to have a good and clear understanding, cultivated by the + knowledge of men and manners, though not by literature. You are no ill + orator in the Senate; you are said to excel in the art of bridling and + subduing your anger, and stifling or concealing your resentments. You have + been a most successful general, of long experience, great conduct, and + much personal courage. You have gained many important victories for the + commonwealth, and forced the strongest towns in Mesopotamia to surrender, + for which frequent supplications have been decreed by the Senate. Yet with + all these qualities, and this merit, give me leave to say, you are neither + beloved by the patricians, or plebeians at home, nor by the officers or + private soldiers of your own army abroad: And, do you know, Crassus, that + this is owing to a fault, of which you may cure yourself, by one minutes + reflection? What shall I say? You are the richest person in the + commonwealth; you have no male child, your daughters are all married to + wealthy patricians; you are far in the decline of life; and yet you are + deeply stained with that odious and ignoble vice of covetousness:[8] It is + affirmed, that you descend even to the meanest and most scandalous degrees + of it; and while you possess so many millions, while you are daily + acquiring so many more, you are solicitous how to save a single sesterce, + of which a hundred ignominious instances are produced, and in all men's + mouths. I will only mention that passage of the buskins,[9] which after + abundance of persuasion, you would hardly suffer to be cut from your legs, + when they were so wet and cold, that to have kept them on, would have + endangered your life. </i> + </p> + <p> + "Instead of using the common arguments to dissuade you from this weakness, + I will endeavour to convince you, that you are really guilty of it, and + leave the cure to your own good sense. For perhaps, you are not yet + persuaded that this is your crime, you have probably never yet been + reproached for it to your face, and what you are now told, comes from one + unknown, and it may be, from an enemy. You will allow yourself indeed to + be prudent in the management of your fortune; you are not a prodigal, like + Clodius[10] or Catiline, but surely that deserves not the name of avarice. + I will inform you how to be convinced. Disguise your person; go among the + common people in Rome; introduce discourses about yourself; inquire your + own character; do the same in your camp, walk about it in the evening, + hearken at every tent, and if you do not hear every mouth censuring, + lamenting, cursing this vice in you, and even you for this vice, conclude + yourself innocent. If you are not yet persuaded, send for Atticus,[11] + Servius Sulpicius, Cato or Brutus, they are all your friends; conjure them + to tell you ingenuously which is your great fault, and which they would + chiefly wish you to correct; if they do not all agree in their verdict, in + the name of all the gods, you are acquitted. + </p> + <p> + "When your adversaries reflect how far you are gone in this vice, they are + tempted to talk as if we owed our success, not to your courage or conduct, + but to those veteran troops you command, who are able to conquer under any + general, with so many brave and experienced officers to lead them. + Besides, we know the consequences your avarice hath often occasioned. The + soldier hath been starving for bread, surrounded with plenty, and in an + enemy's country, but all under safeguards and contributions; which if you + had sometimes pleased to have exchanged for provisions, might at the + expense of a few talents in a campaign, have so endeared you to the army, + that they would have desired you to lead them to the utmost limits of + Asia. But you rather chose to confine your conquests within the fruitful + country of Mesopotamia, where plenty of money might be raised. How far + that fatal greediness of gold may have influenced you, in breaking off the + treaty[12] with the old Parthian King Orodes,[13] you best can tell; your + enemies charge you with it, your friends offer nothing material in your + defence; and all agree, there is nothing so pernicious, which the extremes + of avarice may not be able to inspire. + </p> + <p> + "The moment you quit this vice, you will be a truly great man; and still + there will imperfections enough remain to convince us, you are not a god. + Farewell." + </p> + <p> + Perhaps a letter of this nature, sent to so reasonable a man as Crassus, + might have put him upon <i>Examining</i> into himself, and correcting that + little sordid appetite, so utterly inconsistent with all pretences to a + hero. A youth in the heat of blood may plead with some shew of reason, + that he is not able to subdue his lusts; An ambitious man may use the same + arguments for his love of power, or perhaps other arguments to justify it. + But, excess of avarice hath neither of these pleas to offer; it is not to + be justified, and cannot pretend temptation for excuse: Whence can the + temptation come? Reason disclaims it altogether, and it cannot be said to + lodge in the blood, or the animal spirits. So that I conclude, no man of + true valour and true understanding, upon whom this vice has stolen + unawares, when he is convinced he is guilty, will suffer it to remain in + his breast an hour. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 27 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "It is of the greatest importance in the discharge of every + office of trade, or of the public treasury, that the least suspicion of + avarice should be avoided." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: The Commissioners for examining the public accounts reported + to the House of Commons (December 21st, 1711) that the Duke of Marlborough + had received from Sir Solomon de Medina (army contractor for bread) and + his predecessor, during the years 1702 to 1711, a sum of £63,319 3s. 7d. + "In this report was contained the deposition of Sir Solomon Medina, + charging the Duke of Marlborough and Adam Cardonell, his secretary, of + various peculations, with regard to the contracts for bread and + bread-wagons for the army in Flanders." The Duke admitted the fact in a + letter to the Queen, dated November 10th, 1711, but said that the whole + sum had "been constantly employed for the service of the public, in + keeping secret correspondence, and in getting intelligence of the enemy's + motions and designs" (Macpherson's "Great Britain," ii. 512; Tindal's + "History," iv. 232; and "Journals of House of Commons," xvii. 16). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: See the remarks in No. 39, <i>post</i>, p.250. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Sallust, "Catiline," 5. "Greedy of what was not his own, + lavish of what was." Catiline was extravagant and profligate, and quite + unscrupulous in the pursuit of his many pleasures. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: A most severe censure on the Duke of Marlborough. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: Commenting on this "The Medley" (No. 20, February 12th, 1711) + remarks: "Of all that ever made it their business to defame, there never + was such a bungler sure as my friend. He writes a letter now to Crassus, + as a man marked out for destruction, because that hint was given him six + months ago; and does not seem to know yet that he is still employed, and + that in attacking him, he affronts the Q[uee]n." + </p> + <p> + Writing to Stella, under date February 18th, Swift says: "Lord Rivers, + talking to me the other day, cursed the paper called 'The Examiner,' for + speaking civilly of the Duke of Marlborough: this I happened to talk of to + the Secretary [St. John], who blamed the warmth of that lord, and some + others, and swore, that, if their advice were followed, they would be + blown up in twenty-four hours" (vol. ii., p. 123 of present edition). + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: To Stella Swift writes somewhat later (March 7th): "Yes, I do + read the 'Examiners,' and they are written very finely as you judge. I do + not think they are too severe on the Duke; they only tax him of avarice, + and his avarice has ruined us. You may count upon all things in them to be + true. The author has said, it is not Prior; but perhaps it may be + Atterbury" (vol. ii., p. 133 of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: Wet stockings. [FAULKNER.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: Clodius Albinus, the Roman general, died 197 A.D. The + reference here is to the Earl of Wharton (see No. 27, <i>ante</i>, p. + 169). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: T. Pomponius Atticus, the friend and correspondent of + Cicero. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: The Treaty of Gertruydenberg (see No. 14, <i>ante</i>, and + note on p. 77; see also note on pp. 201-2 of vol. v. of present edition). + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Orodes I. (Arsaces XIV.), King of Parthia, defeated Crassus, + B.C. 53. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 29.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8, TO THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 1710-11. + </h3> + <p> + <i>Inultus ut tu riseris Cotyttia?</i>[2] + </p> + <p> + An Answer to the "Letter to the Examiner."[3] + </p> + <p> + London, Feb. 15, 1710/11. + </p> + <p> + Sir, + </p> + <p> + Though I have wanted leisure to acknowledge the honour of a letter you + were pleased to write to me about six months ago; yet I have been very + careful in obeying some of your commands, and am going on as fast as I can + with the rest. I wish you had thought fit to have conveyed them to me by a + more private hand, than that of the printing-house: for though I was + pleased with a pattern of style and spirit which I proposed to imitate, + yet I was sorry the world should be a witness how far I fell short in + both. + </p> + <p> + I am afraid you did not consider what an abundance of work you have cut + out for me; neither am I at all comforted by the promise you are so kind + to make, that when I have performed my task,[4] "D[olbe]n shall blush in + his grave among the dead, W[alpo]le among the living, and even Vol[pon]e + shall feel some remorse." How the gentleman in his grave may have kept his + countenance, I cannot inform you, having no acquaintance at all with the + sexton; but for the other two, I take leave to assure you, there have not + yet appeared the least signs of blushing or remorse in either, though some + very good opportunities have offered, if they had thought fit to accept + them; so that with your permission, I had rather engage to continue this + work till they are in their graves too, which I am sure will happen much + sooner than the other. + </p> + <p> + You desire I would collect "some of those indignities offered last year to + her M[ajest]y." I am ready to oblige you; and have got a pretty tolerable + collection by me, which I am in doubt whether to publish by itself in a + large volume in folio, or scatter them here and there occasionally in my + papers. Though indeed I am sometimes thinking to stifle them altogether; + because such a history will be apt to give foreigners a monstrous opinion + of our country. But since it is your absolute opinion, the world should be + informed; I will with the first occasion pick out a few choice instances, + and let them take their chance in the ensuing papers. I have likewise in + my cabinet certain quires of paper filled with facts of corruption, + mismanagement, cowardice, treachery, avarice, ambition, and the like, with + an alphabetical table, to save trouble. And perhaps you will not wonder at + the care I take to be so well provided, when you consider the vast expense + I am at: I feed weekly two or three wit-starved writers, who have no other + visible support; besides several others that live upon my offals. In + short, I am like a nurse who suckles twins at one time, and has likewise + one or two whelps constantly to draw her breasts. + </p> + <p> + I must needs confess, (and it is with grief I speak it) that I have been + the innocent cause of a great circulation of dullness: at the same time, I + have often wondered how it has come to pass, that these industrious + people, after poring so constantly upon the "Examiner,"[5] a paper writ + with plain sense, and in a tolerable style, have made so little + improvement. I am sure it would have fallen out quite otherwise with me; + for, by what I have seen of their performances (and I am credibly informed + they are all of a piece) if I had perused them till now, I should have + been fit for little but to make an advocate in the same cause. + </p> + <p> + You, Sir, perhaps will wonder, as most others do, what end these angry + folks propose, in writing perpetually against the "Examiner": it is not to + beget a better opinion of the late ministry, or with any hope to convince + the world that I am in the wrong in any one fact I relate; they know all + that to be lost labour; and yet their design is important enough: they + would fain provoke me by all sort of methods, within the length of their + capacity, to answer their papers; which would render mine wholly useless + to the public; for if it once came to rejoinder and reply, we should be + all upon a level, and then their work would be done. + </p> + <p> + There is one gentleman indeed, who has written three small pamphlets upon + "the Management of the War," and "the Treaty of Peace:"[6] These I had + intended to have bestowed a paper in <i>Examining</i>, and could easily + have made it appear, that whatever he says of truth, relates nothing at + all to the evils we complain of, or controls one syllable of what I have + ever advanced. Nobody that I know of did ever dispute the Duke of + M[arlboroug]h's courage, conduct or success, they have been always + unquestionable, and will continue to be so, in spite of the malice of his + enemies, or, which is yet more, the <i>weakness of his advocates</i>. The + nation only wished to see him taken out of ill hands, and put into better. + But, what is all this to the conduct of the late m[i]n[i]stry, the + shameful mismanagements in Spain, or the wrong steps in the treaty of + peace, the secret of which will not bear the light, and is consequently by + this author very poorly defended? These and many other things I would have + shewn; but upon second thoughts determined to have done it in a discourse + by itself,[7] rather than take up room here, and break into the design of + this paper, from whence I have resolved to banish controversy as much as + possible. But the postscript to his third pamphlet was enough to disgust + me from having any dealings at all with such a writer; unless that part + was left to some footman[8] he had picked up among the boys who follow the + camp, whose character it would suit much better than that of the supposed + author.[9] At least, the foul language, the idle impotent menace, and the + gross perverting of an innocent expression in the 4th "Examiner,"[10] + joined to that respect I shall ever have for the function of a divine, + would incline me to believe so. But when he turns off his footman, and + disclaims that postscript, I will tear it out, and see how far the rest + deserves to be considered. + </p> + <p> + But, Sir, I labour under a much greater difficulty, upon which I should be + glad to hear your advice. I am worried on one side by the Whigs for being + too severe, and by the Tories on the other for being too gentle. I have + formerly hinted a complaint of this; but having lately received two + peculiar letters, among many others, I thought nothing could better + represent my condition, or the opinion which the warm men of both sides + have of my conduct, than to send you a transcript of each. The former is + exactly in these words. + </p> + <p> + "<i>To the 'Examiner.'</i> + </p> + <h3> + "<i>MR. EXAMINER,</i> + </h3> + <p> + "<i>By your continual reflecting upon the conduct of the late + m[i]n[i]stry, and by your encomiums on the present, it is as clear as the + sun at noon- day, that your are a Jesuit or Nonjuror, employed by the + friends of the Pretender, to endeavour to introduce Popery, and slavery, + and arbitrary power, and to infringe the sacred Act of Toleration of + Dissenters. Now, Sir, since the most ingenious authors who write weekly + against you, are not able to teach you better manners, I would have you to + know, that those great and excellent men, as low as you think them at + present, do not want friends that will take the first proper occasion to + cut your throat, as all such enemies to moderation ought to be served. It + is well you have cleared another person[11] from being author of your + cursed libels; though d—mme, perhaps after all, that may be a + bamboozle too. However I hope we shall soon ferret you out. Therefore I + advise you as a friend, to let fall your pen, and retire betimes; for our + patience is now at an end. It is enough to lose our power and employments, + without setting the whole nation against us. Consider three years is the + life of a party; and d—mme, every dog has his day, and it will be + our turn next; therefore take warning, and learn to sleep in a whole skin, + or whenever we are uppermost, by G—d you shall find no mercy.</i>" + </p> + <p> + The other letter was in the following terms. + </p> + <p> + "<i>To the 'Examiner.'</i> + </p> + <h3> + "<i>SIR,</i>, + </h3> + <p> + "<i>I am a country member, and constantly send a dozen of your papers down + to my electors. I have read them all, but I confess not with the + satisfaction I expected. It is plain you know a great deal more than you + write; why will you not let us have it all out? We are told, that the + Qu[een] has been a long time treated with insolence by those she has most + obliged; Pray, Sir, let us have a few good stories upon that head. We have + been cheated of several millions; why will you not set a mark on the + knaves who are guilty, and shew us what ways they took to rob the public + at such a rate? Inform us how we came to be disappointed of peace about + two years ago: In short, turn the whole mystery of iniquity inside-out, + that every body may have a view of it. But above all, explain to us, what + was at the bottom of that same impeachment: I am sure I never liked it; + for at that very time, a dissenting preacher in our neighbourhood, came + often to see our parson; it could be for no good, for he would walk about + the barns and stables, and desire to look into the church, as who should + say, These will shortly be mine; and we all believed he was then + contriving some alterations against he got into possession: And I shall + never forget, that a Whig justice offered me then very high for my + bishop's lease. I must be so bold to tell you, Sir, that you are too + favourable: I am sure, there was no living in quiet for us while they were + in the saddle. I was turned out of the commission, and called a Jacobite, + though it cost me a thousand pound in joining with the Prince of Orange at + the Revolution. The discoveries I would have you make, are of some facts + for which they ought to be hanged; not that I value their heads, but I + would see them exposed, which may be done upon the owners' shoulders, as + well as upon a pole, &c."</i> + </p> + <p> + These, Sir, are the sentiments of a whole party on one side, and of + considerable numbers on the other: however, taking the <i>medium</i> + between these extremes, I think to go on as I have hitherto done, though I + am sensible my paper would be more popular, if I did not lean too much to + the favourable side. For nothing delights the people more than to see + their oppressors humbled, and all their actions, painted with proper + colours, set out in open view. <i>Exactos tyrannos densum humeris bibit + aure vulgus.</i>[12] + </p> + <p> + But as for the Whigs, I am in some doubt whether this mighty concern they + shew for the honour of the late ministry, may not be affected, at least + whether their masters will thank them for their zeal in such a cause. It + is I think, a known story of a gentleman who fought another for calling + him "son of a whore;" but the lady desired her son to make no more + quarrels upon that subject, <i>because it was true</i>. For pray, Sir; + does it not look like a jest, that such a pernicious crew, after draining + our wealth, and discovering the most destructive designs against our + Church and State, instead of thanking fortune that they are got off safe + in their persons and plunder, should hire these bullies of the pen to + defend their reputations? I remember I thought it the hardest case in the + world, when a poor acquaintance of mine, having fallen among sharpers, + where he lost all his money, and then complaining he was cheated, got a + good beating into the bargain, for offering to affront gentlemen. I + believe the only reason why these purloiners of the public, cause such a + clutter to be made about their reputations, is to prevent inquisitions, + that might tend towards making them refund: like those women they call + shoplifters, who when they are challenged for their thefts, appear to be + mighty angry and affronted, for fear of being searched. + </p> + <p> + I will dismiss you, Sir, when I have taken notice of one particular. + Perhaps you may have observed in the tolerated factious papers of the + week, that the E[arl] of R[ochester][13] is frequently reflected on for + having been ecclesiastical commissioner and lord treasurer, in the reign + of the late King James. The fact is true; and it will not be denied to his + immortal honour, that because he could not comply with the measures then + taking, he resigned both those employments; of which the latter was + immediately supplied by a commission, composed of two popish lords and the + present E[ar]l of G[o]d[o]l[phi]n.[14] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 28 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Horace, "Epodes," xvii. 56. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Safely shalt thou Cotytto's rites + Divulge?"—J. DUNCOMBE. + + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: "A Letter to the Examiner. Printed in the year, 1710," + appeared shortly after the issue of the second number of "The Examiner." + It was attributed to St. John. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: The writer of the "Letter" invited the "Examiner" to "paint + ... the present state of the war abroad, and expose to public view those + principles upon which, of late, it has been carried on ... Collect some + few of the indignities which have been this year offered to her + Majesty.... When this is done, D——n shall blush in his grave + among the dead, W——le among the living, and even Vol——e + shall feel some remorse." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: "The Medley" treated "The Examiner" with scant courtesy, and + never failed to cast ridicule on its work. In No. 21 (February 19th, 1711) + the writer says: "No man of common sense ever thought any body wrote the + paper but Abel Roper, or some of his allies, there being not one quality + in 'The Examiner' which Abel has not eminently distinguished himself by + since he set up for a political writer. 'Tis true, Abel is the more modest + of the two, and it never entered into his head to say, as my friend does + of his paper, 'Tis writ with plain sense and in a tolerable style.'" In + No. 23 (March 5th) he says: "There is indeed a great resemblance between + his brother Abel and himself; and I find a great dispute among the party, + to which of them to give the preference. They are both news writers, as + they utter things which no body ever heard of <i>but from their papers</i>." + </p> + <p> + Abel Roper conducted the Tory paper called "The Post Boy." (See note on p. + 290 of vol. v. of present edition.) [T.S.] ] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Two of these pamphlets were already referred to in a + postscript to No. 24 of "The Examiner" (see note, p. 151). The third was + "The Negotiations for a Treaty of Peace, in 1709. Consider'd, In a Third + Letter to a Tory-Member. Part the First." Dated December 22nd, 1710, The + "Fourth Letter" was dated January 10th, 1710/11. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: It may be that Swift's intention was carried out in two + pamphlets, one entitled, "An Examination of the Management of the War. In + a Letter to My Lord * * *," published March 3rd, 1710/1; and the other + styled, "An Examination of the Third and Fourth Letters to a Tory Member, + relating to the Negociations for a Treaty of Peace in 1709. In a Second + Letter to My Lord * * *" [With a Postscript to the Medley's Footman], + published March 15th of the same year. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: The postscript to "An Examination of the Third and Fourth + Letters" mentions a pamphlet, "An Answer to the Examination of the + Management of the War," by the Medley's Footman. "The Medley," No. 21 + (February 19th), remarks: "He could also prove there were wrong steps in + the Treaty of Peace, the Allies would have all; but he won't do it, + because he is treated like a footman." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: <i>I. e.</i> Dr. Francis Hare. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: Dr. Hare, in the postscript to his third pamphlet, said: + "The Examiner is extremely mistaken, if he thinks I shall enter the lists + with so prostitute a writer, who can neither speak truth, nor knows when + he hears it." He calls the writer "a mercenary scribbler," and speaks of + his paper as "weekly libels." He then quotes an expression from the fourth + number (published before Swift undertook "The Examiner"), and concludes by + saying that he had met more than his match in the ingenious writer of "The + Medley," even were he much abler than he is. + </p> + <p> + The fourth "Examiner" had printed a "Letter from the Country," in which + the following passage occurs: "Can any wise people think it possible, that + the Crown should be so mad as to choose ministers, who would not support + public credit? ... This is such a wildness as is never ... to be met with + in the Roman story; except in a devouring Sejanus at home, or an ambitious + Catiline at the head of a mercenary army." + </p> + <p> + The writer of "An Examination of the Third and Fourth Letters," says: "The + words indeed are in the paper quoted, that is, 'The Examiner,' No. 4, but + the application is certainly the proper thought of the author of the + postscript" (p. 28). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: <i>I. e.</i> Prior. See No. 27, p. 168. [T.S.]] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +[Footnote 12: Horace, "Odes," II. xiii. 31-2. + "Tyrants slain, +In thicker crowds the shadowy throng +Drink deeper down the martial song."—P. FRANCIS. +[T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Laurence Hyde, Earl of Rochester, was lord treasurer from + 168 4/5 to 168 6/7, when five commissioners were appointed: Lord Belasyse, + Lord Godolphin, Lord Dover, Sir John Ernle (chancellor of the exchequer), + and Sir Stephen Foxe. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: "The Medley," No. 22 (February 26th, 1711) remarks on this: + "He might have said with as much truth, 'twas supplied by my Lord G—— + and two Protestant knights, Sir Stephen Fox and Sir John Ernle." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 30.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, TO THURSDAY FEBRUARY 22, 1710-11. + </h3> + <p> + <i>Laus summa in fortunae bonis, non extulisse se in potestate, non fuisse + insolentem in pecuniâ, non se praetulisse aliis propter abundantiam + fortunae.</i>[2] + </p> + <p> + I am conscious to myself that I write this paper with no other intention + but that of doing good: I never received injury from the late ministry, + nor advantage from the present, further than in common with every good + subject. There were among the former one or two, who must be allowed to + have possessed very valuable qualities; but proceeding by a system of + politics, which our constitution could not suffer; and discovering a + contempt of all religion, but especially of that which hath been so + happily established among us ever since the Reformation, they seem to have + been justly suspected of no very good inclinations to either. + </p> + <p> + It is possible, that a man may speculatively prefer the constitution of + another country, or an Utopia of his own, before that of the nation where + he is born and lives; yet from considering the dangers of innovation, the + corruptions of mankind, and the frequent impossibility of reducing ideas + to practice, he may join heartily in preserving the present order of + things, and be a true friend to the government already settled. So in + religion; a man may perhaps have little or none of it at heart; yet if he + conceals his opinions, if he endeavours to make no proselytes, advances no + impious tenets in writing or discourse: if, according to the common + atheistical notion, he believes religion to be only a contrivance of + politicians for keeping the vulgar in awe, and that the present model is + better adjusted than any other to so useful an end: though the condition + of such a man as to his own future state be very deplorable; yet + Providence, which often works good out of evil, can make even such a man + an instrument for contributing toward the preservation of the Church. + </p> + <p> + On the other side, I take a state to be truly in danger, both as to its + religion and government, when a set of ambitious politicians, bred up in a + hatred to the constitution, and a contempt for all religion, are forced + upon exerting these qualities in order to keep or increase their power, by + widening their bottom, and taking in (like Mahomet) some principles from + every party, that is any way discontented at the present faith and + settlement; which was manifestly our case. Upon this occasion I remember + to have asked some considerable Whigs, whether it did not bring a + disreputation upon their body, to have the whole herd of Presbyterians, + Independents, Atheists, Anabaptists, Deists, Quakers and Socinians, openly + and universally listed under their banners? They answered, that all this + was absolutely necessary, in order to make a balance against the Tories, + and all little enough: for indeed, it was as much as they could possibly + do, though assisted with the absolute power of disposing every employment; + while the bulk of English gentry kept firm to their old principles in + Church and State. + </p> + <p> + But notwithstanding whatever I have hitherto said, I am informed, several + among the Whigs continue still so refractory, that they will hardly allow + the heads of their party to have entertained any designs of ruining the + constitution, or that they would have endeavoured it, if they had + continued in power, I beg their pardon if I have discovered a secret; but + who could imagine they ever intended it should be one, after those overt + acts with which they thought fit to conclude their farce? But perhaps they + <i>now</i> find it convenient to deny vigorously, that the question may + remain; "Why was the old ministry changed?" which they urge on without + ceasing, as if no occasion in the least had been given, but that all were + owing to the insinuations of crafty men, practising upon the weakness of + an easy pr[inc]e. I shall therefore offer among a hundred, one reason for + this change, which I think would justify any monarch that ever reigned, + for the like proceeding. + </p> + <p> + It is notorious enough, how highly princes have been blamed in the + histories of all countries, particularly of our own; upon the account of + minions; who have been ever justly odious to the people, for their + insolence and avarice, and engrossing the favour of their masters. Whoever + has been the least conversant in the English story cannot but have heard + of Gaveston[3], the Spencers[4], and the Earl of Oxford[5]; who by the + excess and abuse of their power, cost the princes they served, or rather + governed, their crowns and lives. However, in the case of minions, it must + at least be acknowledged that the prince is pleased and happy, though his + subjects be aggrieved; and he has the plea of friendship to excuse him, + which is a disposition of generous minds. Besides, a wise minion, though + he be haughty to others, is humble and insinuating to his master, and + cultivates his favour by obedience and respect. But <i>our</i> misfortune + has been a great deal worse: we have suffered for some years under the + oppression, the avarice and insolence of those, for whom the Qu[ee]n had + neither esteem nor friendship; who rather seemed to snatch their own dues, + than receive the favour of their sovereign, and were so far from returning + respect, that they forgot common good manners. They imposed on their + prince, by urging the necessity of affairs of their own creating: they + first raised difficulties, and then offered them as arguments to keep + themselves in power. They united themselves against nature and principle, + to a party they had always abhorred, and which was now content to come in + upon any terms, leaving them and their creatures in full possession of the + court. Then they urged the formidable strength of that party, and the + dangers which must follow by disobliging of it. So that it seems almost a + miracle, how a prince, thus besieged on all sides, could <i>alone</i> have + courage and prudence enough to extricate herself. + </p> + <p> + And indeed there is a point of history relating to this matter, which well + deserves to be considered. When her M[ajest]y came to the crown, she took + into favour and employment, several persons who were esteemed the best + friends of the old constitution; among whom none were reckoned further + gone in the high church principles (as they are usually called) than two + or three, who had at that time most credit, and ever since, till within + these few months, possessed all power at court. So that the first umbrage + given to the Whigs, and the pretences for clamouring against France and + the Pretender, were derived from them. And I believe nothing appeared then + more unlikely, than that such different opinions should ever incorporate; + that party having upon former occasions treated those very persons with + enmity enough. But some l[or]ds then about court, and in the Qu[een]'s + good graces, not able to endure those growing impositions upon the prince + and people, presumed to interpose, and were consequently soon removed and + disgraced: However, when a most exorbitant grant was proposed,[6] + antecedent to any visible merit, it miscarried in Parliament, for want of + being seconded by those who had most credit in the House, and who having + always opposed the like excesses in a former reign, thought it their duty + to do so still, to shew the world that the dislike was not against persons + but things. But this was to cross the oligarchy in the tenderest point, a + point which outweighed all considerations of duty and gratitude to their + prince, or regard to the constitution. And therefore after having in + several private meetings concerted measures with their old enemies, and + granted as well as received conditions, they began to change their style + and their countenance, and to put it as a maxim in the mouths of their + emissaries, that England must be saved by the Whigs. This unnatural league + was afterwards cultivated by another incident; I mean the Act of + Security,[7] and the consequences of it, which every body knows; when (to + use the words of my correspondent)[8] "the sovereign authority was + parcelled out among a faction, and made the purchase of indemnity for an + offending M[iniste]r:" Thus the union of the two kingdoms improved that + between the ministry and the j[u]nto, which was afterwards cemented by + their mutual danger in that storm they so narrowly escaped about three + years ago;[9] but however was not quite perfected till the Prince's + death;[10] and then they went lovingly on together, both satisfied with + their several shares, at full liberty to gratify their predominant + inclinations; the first, their avarice and ambition; the other, their + models of innovation in Church and State. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, whoever thinks fit to revive that baffled question, "Why was + the late ministry changed?" may receive the following answer; That it was + become necessary by the insolence and avarice of some about the Qu[een], + who in order to perpetuate their tyranny had made a monstrous alliance + with those who profess principles destructive to our religion and + government: If this will not suffice, let him make an abstract of all the + abuses I have mentioned in my former papers, and view them together; after + which if he still remains unsatisfied, let him suspend his opinion a few + weeks longer. Though after all, I think the question as trifling as that + of the Papists, when they ask us, "where was our religion before Luther?" + And indeed, the ministry was changed for the same reason that religion was + reformed, because a thousand corruptions had crept into the discipline and + doctrine of the state, by the pride, the avarice, the fraud, and the + ambition of those who administered to us in secular affairs. + </p> + <p> + I heard myself censured the other day in a coffee-house, for seeming to + glance in the letter to Crassus,[11] against a great man, who is still in + employment, and likely to continue so. What if I had really intended that + such an application should be given it? I cannot perceive how I could be + justly blamed for so gentle a reproof. If I saw a handsome young fellow + going to a ball at court with a great smut upon his face, could he take it + ill in me to point out the place, and desire him with abundance of good + words to pull out his handkerchief and wipe it off; or bring him to a + glass, where he might plainly see it with his own eyes? Does any man think + I shall suffer my pen to inveigh against vices, only because they are + charged upon persons who are no longer in power? Every body knows, that + certain vices are more or less pernicious, according to the stations of + those who possess them. For example, lewdness and intemperance are not of + so bad consequences in a town rake as a divine. Cowardice in a lawyer is + more supportable than in an officer of the army. If I should find fault + with an admiral because he wanted politeness, or an alderman for not + understanding Greek; that indeed would be to go out of my way, for an + occasion of quarrelling; but excessive avarice in a g[enera]l, is I think + the greatest defect he can be liable to, next to those of courage and + conduct, and may be attended with the most ruinous consequences, as it was + in Crassus, who to that vice alone owed the destruction of himself and his + army.[12] It is the same thing in praising men's excellencies, which are + more or less valuable, as the person you commend has occasion to employ + them. A man may perhaps mean honestly, yet if he be not able to spell, he + shall never have my vote for a secretary: Another may have wit and + learning in a post where honesty, with plain common sense, are of much + more use: You may praise a soldier for his skill at chess, because it is + said to be a military game, and the emblem of drawing up an army; but this + to a tr[easure]r would be no more a compliment, than if you called him a + gamester or a jockey.[13] + </p> + <p> + P.S. I received a letter relating to Mr. Greenshields; the person who sent + it may know, that I will say something to it in the next paper. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 29 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "Tractanda in laudationibus etiam haec sunt naturae et + fortunae bona, in quibus est summa laus: non extulisse," etc.—CICERO, + <i>De Oratore</i> ii. 84. + </p> + <p> + "These blessings of nature and fortune fall within the province of + panegyric, the highest strain of which is, that a man possessed power + without pride, riches without insolence, and the fullness of fortune + without the arrogance of greatness."—W. GUTHRIE. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Piers Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, the favourite of Edward II. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Hugh le Despencer, Earl of Winchester, and his son of the + same name, both favourites of Edward II., and both hanged in 1326. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford, favourite of Richard II. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: See No. 17, <i>ante</i>, and note, p. 95. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: The Bill of Security passed the Scottish Parliament in 1703, + but was refused the Royal Assent. It provided for the separation of the + Crowns of England and Scotland unless security was given to the latter for + full religious and commercial independence. It was again passed in 1704. + (See also note in vol. v., p. 336 of present edition.) [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: The writer of the "Letter" does not ascribe this result to + the Act of Security, but to the Queen raising some of her servants to the + highest degree of power who were unable "to associate with, men of + honester principles than themselves," which led to "subjection to the will + of an arbitrary junto and to the caprice of an insolent woman." [T. S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: The Duke of Marlborough and Lord Godolphin threatened to + resign in February, 1707/8, unless Harley was dismissed. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: Prince George died October 28th, 1708. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: "The Medley," No. 20 (February 12th) was largely taken up + with remarks on this letter, which appeared in "The Examiner," No. 28. See + passage there quoted in the note, p. 177. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: Crassus was defeated by Orodes, King of Parthia, through the + treachery of Ariamnes. After Crassus was beheaded Orodes caused molten + gold to be poured into his mouth. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Godolphin. See No. 27, <i>ante</i>, p. 172. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 31.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY FEBRUARY 22, TO THURSDAY MARCH 1, 1710-11. + </h3> + <p> + <i>Quae enim domus tam stabilis, quae tam firma civitas est, quae non + odiis atque discidiis funditus possit everti?</i>[2] + </p> + <p> + If we examine what societies of men are in closest union among themselves, + we shall find them either to be those who are engaged in some evil design, + or who labour under one common misfortune: Thus the troops of <i>banditti</i> + in several countries abroad, the knots of highwaymen in our own nation, + the several tribes of sharpers, thieves and pickpockets, with many others, + are so firmly knit together, that nothing is more difficult than to break + or dissolve their several gangs. So likewise those who are + fellow-sufferers under any misfortune, whether it be in reality or + opinion, are usually contracted into a very strict union; as we may + observe in the Papists throughout this kingdom, under those real + difficulties which are justly put on them; and in the several schisms of + Presbyterians, and other sects, under that grievous persecution of the + modern kind, called want of power. And the reason why such confederacies, + are kept so sacred and inviolable, is very plain, because in each of those + cases I have mentioned, the whole body is moved by one common spirit, in + pursuit of one general end, and the interest of individuals is not crossed + by each other, or by the whole. + </p> + <p> + Now, both these motives are joined to unite the high-flying Whigs at + present: they have been always engaged in an evil design, and of late they + are faster rivetted by that terrible calamity, the loss of power. So that + whatever designs a mischievous crew of dark confederates may possibly + entertain, who will stop at no means to compass them, may be justly + apprehended from these. + </p> + <p> + On the other side, those who wish well to the public, and would gladly + contribute to its service, are apt to differ in their opinions about the + methods of promoting it, and when their party flourishes, are sometimes + envious at those in power, ready to overvalue their own merit, and be + impatient till it is rewarded by the measure they have prescribed for + themselves. There is a further topic of contention, which a ruling party + is apt to fall into, in relation to retrospections, and enquiry into past + miscarriages; wherein some are thought too warm and zealous; others too + cool and remiss; while in the meantime these divisions are industriously + fomented by the discarded faction; which though it be an old practice, + hath been much improved in the schools of the Jesuits, who when they + despaired of perverting this nation to popery, by arguments or plots + against the state, sent their emissaries to subdivide us into schisms.[3] + And this expedient is now with great propriety taken up by our men of + incensed moderation, because they suppose themselves able to attack the + strongest of our subdivisions, and so subdue us one after another. Nothing + better resembles this proceeding, than that famous combat between the + Horatii and Curiatii,[4] where two of the former being killed, the third, + who remained entire and untouched, was able to kill his three wounded + adversaries, after he had divided them by a stratagem. I well know with + how tender a hand all this should be touched; yet at the same time I think + it my duty to warn the friends as well as expose the enemies of the public + weal, and to begin preaching up union upon the first suspicion that any + steps are made to disturb it. + </p> + <p> + But the two chief subjects of discontent, which, in most great changes, in + the management of public affairs, are apt to breed differences among those + who are in possession, are what I have just now mentioned; a desire of + punishing the corruptions of former managers; and the rewarding merit, + among those who have been any way instrumental or consenting to the + change. The first of these is a point so nice, that I shall purposely + waive it; but the latter I take to fall properly within my district: By + merit I here understand that value which every man puts upon his own + deservings from the public. And I believe there could not be a more + difficult employment found out, than that of paymaster general to this + sort of merit; or a more noisy, crowded place, than a court of judicature, + erected to settle and adjust every man's claim upon that article. I + imagine, if this had fallen into the fancy of the ancient poets, they + would have dressed it up after their manner into an agreeable fiction, and + given us a genealogy and description of merit, perhaps not very different + from that which follows. + </p> + <p> + <i>A Poetical Genealogy and Description of</i> MERIT. + </p> + <p> + That true Merit, was the son of Virtue and Honour; but that there was + likewise a spurious child who usurped the name, and whose parents were + Vanity and Impudence. That, at a distance, there was a great resemblance + between them, and they were often mistaken for each other. That the + bastard issue had a loud shrill voice, which was perpetually employed in + cravings and complaints; while the other never spoke louder than a + whisper, and was often so bashful that he could not speak at all. That in + all great assemblies, the false Merit would step before the true, and + stand just in his way; was constantly at court, or great men's levees, or + whispering in some minister's ear. That the more you fed him, the more + hungry and importunate he grew. That he often passed for the true son of + Virtue and Honour, and the genuine for an impostor. That he was born + distorted and a dwarf, but by force of art appeared of a handsome shape, + and taller than the usual size; and that none but those who were wise and + good, as well as vigilant, could discover his littleness or deformity. + That the true Merit had been often forced to the indignity of applying to + the false, for his credit with those in power, and to keep himself from + starving. That he filled the antechambers with a crew of his dependants + and creatures, such as projectors, schematises, occasional converts to a + party, prostitute flatterers, starveling writers, buffoons, shallow + politicians, empty orators, and the like, who all owned him for their + patron, and grew discontented if they were not immediately fed. + </p> + <p> + This metaphorical description of false Merit, is, I doubt, calculated for + most countries in Christendom; and as to our own, I believe it may be said + with a sufficient reserve of charity, that we are fully able to reward + every man among us according to his real deservings. And I think I may + add, without suspicion of flattery, that never any prince had a ministry + with a better judgment to distinguish between false and real merit, than + that which is now at the helm; or whose inclination as well as interest it + is to encourage the latter. And it ought to be observed, that those great + and excellent persons we see at the head of affairs, are of the Qu[een]'s + own personal voluntary choice; not forced upon her by any insolent, + overgrown favourite; or by the pretended necessity of complying with an + unruly faction. + </p> + <p> + Yet these are the persons whom those scandals to the press, in their daily + pamphlets and papers, openly revile at so ignominious a rate, as I believe + was never tolerated before under any government. For surely no lawful + power derived from a prince, should be so far affronted, as to leave those + who are in authority exposed to every scurrilous libeller. Because in this + point I make a mighty difference between those who are <i>in</i>, and + those who are <i>out</i> of power; not upon any regard to their persons, + but the stations they are placed in by the sovereign. And if my + distinction be right, I think I might appeal to any man, whether if a + stranger were to read the invectives which are daily published against the + present ministry, and the outrageous fury of the authors against me for + censuring the <i>last</i>; he would not conclude the Whigs to be at this + time in full possession of power and favour, and the Tories entirely at + mercy? But all this now ceases to be a wonder, since the Qu[een] herself + is no longer spared; witness the libel published some days ago under the + title of "A Letter to Sir J[aco]b B[an]ks,"[5] where the reflections upon + her sacred Majesty are much more plain and direct, than ever the + "Examiner" thought fit to publish against the most obnoxious persons in a + m[inistr]y, discarded for endeavouring the ruin of their prince and + country. Caesar indeed threatened to hang the pirates for presuming to + disturb him while he was their prisoner aboard their ship.[6] But it was + Caesar who did so, and he did it to a crew of public robbers; and it + became the greatness of his spirit, for he lived to execute what he had + threatened. Had <i>they</i> been in his power, and sent such a message, it + could be imputed to nothing but the extremes of impudence, folly or + madness. + </p> + <p> + I had a letter last week relating to Mr. Greenshields[7] an Episcopal + clergyman of Scotland, and the writer seems to be a gentleman of that part + of Britain. I remember formerly to have read a printed account of Mr. + Greenshields's case, who has been prosecuted and silenced for no other + reason beside reading divine service, after the manner of the Church of + England, to his own congregation, who desired it: though, as the gentleman + who writes to me says, there is no law in Scotland against those meetings; + and he adds, that the sentence pronounced against Mr. Greenshields, "will + soon be affirmed, if some care be not taken to prevent it." I am + altogether uninformed in the particulars of this case, and besides to + treat it justly, would not come within the compass of my paper; therefore + I could wish the gentleman would undertake it in a discourse by itself; + and I should be glad he would inform the public in one fact, whether + Episcopal assemblies are freely allowed in Scotland? It is notorious that + abundance of their clergy fled from thence some years ago into England and + Ireland, as from a persecution; but it was alleged by their enemies, that + they refused to take the oaths to the government, which however none of + them scrupled when they came among us. It is somewhat extraordinary to see + our Whigs and fanatics keep such a stir about the sacred Act of + Toleration, while their brethren will not allow a connivance in so near a + neighbourhood; especially if what the gentleman insists on in his letter + be true, that nine parts in ten of the nobility and gentry, and two in + three of the commons, be Episcopal; of which one argument he offers, is + the present choice of their representatives in both Houses, though opposed + to the utmost by the preachings, threatenings and anathemas of the kirk. + Such usage to a majority, may, as he thinks, be of dangerous consequence; + and I entirely agree with him. If these be the principles of high kirk, + God preserve at least the southern parts from their tyranny! + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 30 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Cicero, "De Amicitiâ," vii. "For what family is so firmly + rooted, what state so strong, as not to be liable to complete overthrow + from hatred and strife."—G.H. Wells. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Refers to the October Club. See Swift's "Memoirs Relating to + that Change," etc. (vol. v., pp. 385-6 of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: The contest is the subject of one of Macaulay's "Lays." Three + brothers named Horatius fought with three named Curiatius, and the fight + resulted in Publius Horatius being the sole survivor. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: In his letter to the Earl of Peterborough, dated February, + 1710/1 (Scott, vol. xv., pp. 422-3), Swift speaks more favourably of this + pamphlet. His remarks to the Earl throw considerable light on Swift's own + position as a Tory: "The piece is shrewdly written; and, in my opinion, + not to be answered, otherwise than by disclaiming that sort of passive + obedience which the Tories are charged with. This dispute would soon be + ended, if the dunces who write on each side would plainly tell us what the + object of this passive obedience is in our country; for I dare swear nine + in ten of the Whigs will allow it to be the legislature, and as many of + the Tories deny it to the prince alone; and I hardly ever saw a Whig and a + Tory together, whom I could not immediately reconcile on that article when + I made them explain themselves." + </p> + <p> + The pamphlet was written by a Mr. Benson in reply to Sir Jacob Banks, who, + as member for Minehead, had, in 1709-10 presented an address from his + constituents in which it was pretty broadly avowed that subjects must obey + their monarch, since he was responsible to God alone. The writer of the + letter institutes a clever parallel between England and Sweden. See note + to No. 14, <i>ante</i>, and No. 34, <i>post</i>, pp. 75 and 216. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Julius Caesar was captured by pirates off the coast of + Miletus (<i>c.</i> 75 B.C.) and held to ransom. The threat of crucifixion + he then held out to his captors he afterwards fulfilled. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: The Rev. James Greenshields was imprisoned (September 15th, + 1709) for conducting in Edinburgh the service according to the English + Prayer Book. He appealed to the House of Lords, and the judgment against + him was reversed, March 1st. 1710/1 ("Journals of House of Lords," xix). + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0040" id="link2H_4_0040"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 32.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY MARCH 1, TO THURSDAY MARCH 8, 1710-11. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>——Garrit aniles + Ex re fabellas</i>.[2] +</pre> + <p> + I had last week sent me by an unknown hand, a passage out of Plato,[3] + with some hints how to apply it. That author puts a fable into the mouth + of Aristophanes, with an account of the original of love. That, mankind + was at first created with four arms and legs, and all other parts double + to what they are now; till Jupiter, as a punishment for his sins, cleft + him in two with a thunderbolt, since which time we are always looking for + our <i>other half</i>; and this is the cause of love. But Jupiter + threatened, that if they did not mend their manners, he would give them + t'other slit, and leave them to hop about in the shape of figures in <i>basso + relievo</i>. The effect of this last threatening, my correspondent + imagines, is now come to pass; and that as the first splitting was the + original of love, by inclining us to search for our t'other half, so the + second was the cause of hatred, by prompting us to fly from our other + side, and dividing the same body into two, gave each slice the name of a + party. + </p> + <p> + I approve the fable and application, with this refinement upon it. For + parties do not only split a nation, but every individual among them, + leaving each but half their strength, and wit, and honesty, and good + nature; but one eye and ear for their sight and hearing, and equally + lopping the rest of the senses: Where parties are pretty equal in a state, + no man can perceive one bad quality in his own, or good one in his + adversaries. Besides, party being a dry disagreeable subject, it renders + conversation insipid or sour, and confines invention. I speak not here of + the leaders, but the insignificant crowd of followers in a party, who have + been the instruments of mixing it in every condition and circumstance of + life. As the zealots among the Jews bound the law about their foreheads, + and wrists, and hems of their garments; so the women among us have got the + distinguishing marks of party in their muffs, their fans, and their + furbelows. The Whig ladies put on their patches in a different manner from + the Tories.[4] They have made schisms in the playhouse, and each have + their particular sides at the opera: and when a man changes his party, he + must infallibly count upon the loss of his mistress. I asked a gentleman + the other day, how he liked such a lady? but he would not give me his + opinion till I had answered him whether she were a Whig or a Tory. Mr.——[5] + since he is known to visit the present m[inist]ry, and lay some time under + a suspicion of writing the "Examiner," is no longer a man of wit; his very + poems have contracted a stupidity many years after they were printed. + </p> + <p> + Having lately ventured upon a metaphorical genealogy of Merit, I thought + it would be proper to add another of Party, or rather, of Faction, (to + avoid mistake) not telling the reader whether it be my own or a quotation, + till I know how it is approved; but whether I read or dreamed it, the + fable is as follows. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Liberty, the daughter of Oppression, after having brought forth + several fair children, as Riches, Arts, Learning, Trade, and many others, + was at last delivered of her youngest daughter, called Faction; whom Juno, + doing the office of the midwife, distorted in its birth, out of envy to + the mother, from whence it derived its peevishness and sickly + constitution. However, as it is often the nature of parents to grow most + fond of their youngest and disagreeablest children, so it happened with + Liberty, who doted on this daughter to such a degree, that by her good + will she would never suffer the girl to be out of her sight. As Miss + Faction grew up, she became so termagant and froward, that there was no + enduring her any longer in Heaven. Jupiter gave her warning to be gone; + and her mother rather than forsake her, took the whole family down to + earth. She landed at first in Greece, was expelled by degrees through all + the Cities by her daughter's ill-conduct; fled afterwards to Italy, and + being banished thence, took shelter among the Goths, with whom she passed + into most parts of Europe; but driven out every where, she began to lose + esteem, and her daughter's faults were imputed to herself. So that at this + time, she has hardly a place in the world to retire to. One would wonder + what strange qualities this daughter must possess, sufficient to blast the + influence of so divine a mother, and the rest of her children: She always + affected to keep mean and scandalous company; valuing nobody, but just as + they agreed with her in every capricious opinion she thought fit to take + up; and rigorously exacting compliance, though she changed her sentiments + ever so often. Her great employment was to breed discord among friends and + relations, and make up monstrous alliances between those whose + dispositions least resembled each other. Whoever offered to contradict + her, though in the most insignificant trifle, she would be sure to + distinguish by some ignominious appellation, and allow them to have + neither honour, wit, beauty, learning, honesty or common sense. She + intruded into all companies at the most unseasonable times, mixed at + balls, assemblies, and other parties of pleasure; haunted every coffee- + house and bookseller's shop, and by her perpetual talking filled all + places with disturbance and confusion. She buzzed about the merchant in + the Exchange, the divine in his pulpit, and the shopkeeper behind his + counter. Above all, she frequented public assemblies, where she sat in the + shape of an obscene, ominous bird, ready to prompt her friends as they + spoke</i>." + </p> + <p> + If I understand this fable of Faction right, it ought to be applied to + those who set themselves up against the true interest and constitution of + their country; which I wish the undertakers for the late m[inistr]y would + please to take notice of; or tell us by what figure of speech they pretend + to call so great and <i>unforced</i> a majority, with the Qu[een] at the + head, by the name of "the Faction": which is unlike the phrase of the + Nonjurors, who dignifying one or two deprived bishops, and half a score + clergymen of the same stamp, with the title of the "Church of England," + exclude all the rest as schismatics; or like the Presbyterians, laying the + same accusation, with equal justice, against the established religion. + </p> + <p> + And here it may be worth inquiring what are the true characteristics of a + faction, or how it is to be distinguished from that great body of the + people who are friends to the constitution? The heads of a faction, are + usually a set of upstarts, or men ruined in their fortunes, whom some + great change in a government, did at first, out of their obscurity produce + upon the stage. They associate themselves with those who dislike the old + establishment, religious and civil. They are full of new schemes in + politics and divinity; they have an incurable hatred against the old + nobility, and strengthen their party by dependants raised from the lowest + of the people; they have several ways of working themselves into power; + but they are sure to be called when a corrupt administration wants to be + supported, against those who are endeavouring at a reformation; and they + firmly observe that celebrated maxim of preserving power by the same arts + it is attained. They act with the spirit of those who believe their <i>time + is but short;</i> and their first care is to heap up immense riches at the + public expense; in which they have two ends, beside that common one of + insatiable avarice; which are, to make themselves necessary, and to keep + the Commonwealth in dependence: Thus they hope to compass their design, + which is, instead of fitting their principles to the constitution, to + alter and adjust the constitution to their own pernicious principles. + </p> + <p> + It is easy determining by this test, to which side the name of faction + most properly belongs. But however, I will give them any system of law or + regal government, from William the Conqueror to this present time, to try + whether they can tally it with their late models; excepting only that of + Cromwell, whom perhaps they will reckon for a monarch. + </p> + <p> + If the present ministry, and so great a majority in the Parliament and + Kingdom, be only a faction, it must appear by some actions which answers + the idea we usually conceive from that word. Have they abused the + prerogatives of the prince, or invaded the rights and liberties of the + subject? Have they offered at any dangerous innovations in Church or + State? Have they broached any doctrines of heresy, rebellion or tyranny? + Have any of them treated their sovereign with insolence, engrossed and + sold all her favours, or deceived her by base, gross misrepresentations of + her most faithful servants? These are the arts of a faction, and whoever + has practised them, they and their followers must take up with the name. + </p> + <p> + It is usually reckoned a Whig principle to appeal to the people; but that + is only when they have been so wise as to poison their understandings + beforehand: Will they now stand to this appeal, and be determined by their + <i>vox populi</i>, to which side their title of faction belongs? And that + the people are now left to the natural freedom of their understanding and + choice, I believe our adversaries will hardly deny. They will now refuse + this appeal, and it is reasonable they should; and I will further add, + that if our people resembled the old Grecians, there might be danger in + such a trial. A pragmatical orator told a great man at Athens, that + whenever the people were in their rage, they would certainly tear him to + pieces; "Yes," says the other, "and they will do the same to you, whenever + they are in their wits." But God be thanked, our populace is more merciful + in their nature, and at present under better direction; and the orators + among us have attempted to confound both prerogative and law, in their + sovereign's presence, and before the highest court of judicature, without + any hazard to their persons. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 31 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Horace, "Satires," II. vi. 77-8. "To club his part in pithy + tales."—P. FRANCIS. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: The "Symposium," 189-192. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: See "The Spectator," No. 81 (June 2nd, 1711): "Their patches + were placed in those different situations, as party signals to distinguish + friends from foes." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Matthew Prior. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0041" id="link2H_4_0041"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 33.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY MARCH 8, TO THURSDAY MARCH 15, 1710-11.[2] + </h3> + <p> + <i>Non ea est medicina, cum sanae parti corporis scalpellum adhibetur, + atque integrae; carnificina est ista, et crudelitas. Hi medentur + Reipublicae qui exsecant pestem aliquam, tanquam strumam Civitatis</i>.[3] + </p> + <p> + I am diverted from the general subject of my discourses, to reflect upon + an event of a very extraordinary and surprising nature: A great minister, + in high confidence with the Queen, under whose management the weight of + affairs at present is in a great measure supposed to lie; sitting in + council, in a royal palace, with a dozen of the chief officers of the + state, is stabbed at the very board,[4] in the execution of his office, by + the hand of a French Papist, then under examination for high treason. The + assassin redoubles his blow, to make sure work; and concluding the + chancellor was dispatched, goes on with the same rage to murder a + principal secretary of state: and that whole noble assembly are forced to + rise, and draw their swords in their own defence, as if a wild beast had + been let loose among them. + </p> + <p> + This fact hath some circumstances of aggravation not to be paralleled by + any of the like kind we meet with in history. Caesar's murder being + performed in the Senate, comes nearest to the case; but that was an affair + concerted by great numbers of the chief senators, who were likewise the + actors in it, and not the work of a vile, single ruffian. Harry the Third + of France was stabbed by an enthusiastic friar,[5] whom he suffered to + approach his person, while those who attended him stood at some distance. + His successor met the same fate in a coach, where neither he nor his + nobles, in such a confinement, were able to defend themselves. In our own + country we have, I think, but one instance of this sort, which has made + any noise, I mean that of Felton, about fourscore years ago: but he took + the opportunity to stab the Duke of Buckingham in passing through a dark + lobby, from one room to another:[6] The blow was neither seen nor heard, + and the murderer might have escaped, if his own concern and horror, as it + is usual in such cases, had not betrayed him. Besides, that act of Felton + will admit of some extenuation, from the motives he is said to have had: + but this attempt of Guiscard seems to have outdone them all in every + heightening circumstance, except the difference of persons between a king + and a great minister: for I give no allowance at all to the difference of + success (which however is yet uncertain and depending) nor think it the + least alleviation to the crime, whatever it may be to the punishment. + </p> + <p> + I am sensible, it is ill arguing from particulars to generals, and that we + ought not to charge upon a nation the crimes of a few desperate villains + it is so unfortunate to produce: Yet at the same time it must be avowed, + that the French have for these last centuries, been somewhat too liberal + of their daggers, upon the persons of their greatest men; such as the + Admiral de Coligny,[7] the Dukes of Guise,[8] father and son, and the two + kings I last mentioned. I have sometimes wondered how a people, whose + genius seems wholly turned to singing and dancing, and prating, to vanity + and impertinence; who lay so much weight upon modes and gestures; whose + essentialities are generally so very superficial; who are usually so + serious upon trifles, and so trifling upon what is serious, have been + capable of committing such solid villanies; more suitable to the gravity + of a Spaniard, or silence and thoughtfulness of an Italian: unless it be, + that in a nation naturally so full of themselves, and of so restless + imaginations, when any of them happen to be of a morose and gloomy + constitution, that huddle of confused thoughts, for want of evaporating, + usually terminates in rage or despair. D'Avila[9] observes, that Jacques + Clément was a sort of buffoon, whom the rest of the friars used to make + sport with: but at last, giving his folly a serious turn, it ended in + enthusiasm, and qualified him for that desperate act of murdering his + king. + </p> + <p> + But in the Marquis de Guiscard there seems to have been a complication of + ingredients for such an attempt: He had committed several enormities in + France, was extremely prodigal and vicious; of a dark melancholy + complexion, and cloudy countenance, such as in vulgar physiognomy is + called an ill look. For the rest, his talents were very mean, having a + sort of inferior cunning, but very small abilities; so that a great man of + the late m[inist]ry, by whom he was invited over,[10] and with much + discretion raised at first step from a profligate popish priest to a + lieutenant-general, and colonel of a regiment of horse, was forced at last + to drop him for shame.[11] + </p> + <p> + Had such an accident happened[12] under that m[inis]try, and to so + considerable a member of it, they would have immediately charged it upon + the whole body of those they are pleased to call "the faction." This would + have been styled a high-church principle; the clergy would have been + accused as promoters and abettors of the fact; com[mittee]s would have + been sent to promise the criminal his life provided they might have + liberty to direct and dictate his confession: and a black list would have + been printed of all those who had been ever seen in the murderer's + company. But the present men in power hate and despise all such detestable + arts, which they might now turn upon their adversaries with much more + plausibility, than ever these did their honourable negotiations with + Gregg.[13] + </p> + <p> + And here it may be worth observing how unanimous a concurrence there is + between some persons once in great power, and a French Papist; both + agreeing in the great end of taking away Mr. Harley's life, though + differing in their methods: the first proceeding by subornation, the other + by violence; wherein Guiscard seems to have the advantage, as aiming no + further than his life; while the others designed to destroy at once both + that and his reputation. The malice of both against this gentleman seems + to have risen from the same cause, his discovering designs against the + government. It was Mr. Harley who detected the treasonable correspondence + of Gregg, and secured him betimes; when a certain great man who shall be + nameless, had, out of the depth of his politics, sent him a caution to + make his escape; which would certainly have fixed the appearance of + guilt[14] upon Mr. Harley: but when that was prevented, they would have + enticed the condemned criminal with promise of a pardon, to write and sign + an accusation against the secretary. But to use Gregg's own expression, + "His death was nothing near so ignominious, as would have been such a life + that must be saved by prostituting his conscience." The same gentleman + lies now stabbed by his other enemy, a Popish spy, whose treason he has + discovered. God preserve the rest of her Majesty's ministers from such + Protestants, and from such Papists! + </p> + <p> + I shall take occasion to hint at some particularities in this surprising + fact, for the sake of those at distance, or who may not be thoroughly + informed.[15] The murderer confessed in Newgate, that his chief design was + against Mr. Secretary St. John, who happened to change seats with Mr. + Harley, for more convenience of examining the criminal:[16] and being + asked what provoked him to stab the chancellor? he said, that not being + able to come at the secretary, as he intended, it was some satisfaction to + murder the person whom he thought Mr. St. John loved best.[17] + </p> + <p> + And here, if Mr. Harley has still any enemies left, whom his blood spilt + in the public service cannot reconcile, I hope they will at least admire + his magnanimity, which is a quality esteemed even in an enemy: and I think + there are few greater instances of it to be found in story. After the + wound was given, he was observed neither to change his countenance, nor + discover any concern or disorder in his speech: he rose up, and walked + along the room while he was able, with the greatest tranquillity, during + the midst of the confusion. When the surgeon came, he took him aside, and + desired he would inform him freely whether the wound were mortal, because + in that case, he said, he had some affairs to settle, relating to his + family. The blade of the penknife, broken by the violence of the blow + against a rib, within a quarter of an inch of the handle, was dropt out (I + know not whether from the wound, or his clothes) as the surgeon was going + to dress him; he ordered it to be taken up, and wiping it himself, gave it + some body to keep, saying, he thought "it now properly belonging to him." + He shewed no sort of resentment, or spoke one violent word against + Guiscard, but appeared all the while the least concerned of any in the + company—a state of mind, which in such an exigency, nothing but + innocence can give, and is truly worthy of a Christian philosopher. + </p> + <p> + If there be really so great a difference in principle between the + high-flying Whigs, and the friends of France, I cannot but repeat the + question, how come they to join in the destruction of the same man? Can + his death be possibly for the interest of both? or have they both the same + quarrel against him, that he is perpetually discovering and preventing the + treacherous designs of our enemies? However it be, this great minister may + now say with St. Paul, that he hath been "in perils by his own countrymen, + and in perils by strangers." + </p> + <p> + In the midst of so melancholy a subject, I cannot but congratulate with + our own country, that such a savage monster as the Marquis de Guiscard, is + none of her production; a wretch perhaps more detestable in his own + nature, than even this barbarous act has been yet able to represent him to + the world. For there are good reasons to believe, from several + circumstances, that he had intentions of a deeper dye, than those he + happened to execute;[18] I mean such as every good subject must tremble to + think on. He hath of late been frequently seen going up the back stairs at + court, and walking alone in an outer room adjoining to her Ma[jest]y's + bed-chamber. He has often and earnestly pressed for some time to have + access to the Qu[een], even since his correspondence with France; and he + has now given such a proof of his disposition, as leaves it easy to guess + what was before in his thoughts, and what he was capable of attempting. + </p> + <p> + It is humbly to be hoped, that the legislature[19] will interpose on so + extraordinary an occasion as this, and direct a punishment[20] some way + proportionable to so execrable a crime. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Et quicunque tuum violavit vulnere corpus, + Morte luat merita</i>——[21] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 32 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: To this number the writer of "The Political State of Great + Britain" made a pretty tart reply. In the issue for April, 1711, pp. + 315-320 he says: "One of the Tory writers, shall I call him? or rather + libellers—one who presumptuously sets up for an Examiner—who, + in order, as he fondly expects, to make his court to some men in power, + with equal insolence and malice, makes it his weekly business to slander + the moderate party; who, without the least provocation, brandishes his + virulent pen against the best men ... instances in the murders of Caesar, + Henry III. and Henry IV. of France, and of the Duke of Buckingham; and + having extenuated the last, 'from the motives Felton is said to have had,' + he concludes," etc. The writer further goes on to say: "As to the + imputation of villanous assassinations, which the Examiner charges so home + on the French nation, I am heartily sorry he has given them so fair an + opportunity to retort the unfair and unjust argument from particulars to + generals. For, without mentioning Felton, whose crime this writer has + endeavoured <i>to extenuate</i>, no foreign records can afford a greater + number of murders, parricides, and, to use the Examiner's expression, + solid villanies, than our English history." Swift retorted on this writer + in No. 42, <i>post</i>, pp. 276, 277. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Cicero, "Pro Sestio," 65. "But that is not a remedy when the + knife is applied to some sound and healthy part of the body; that is the + act of an executioner and mere inhumanity. Those are the men who really + apply healing remedies to the republic, who cut out some pestilence as if + it were a wen on the person of the state."—C.D. YONGE. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: This refers to the attempted assassination of Harley and St. + John by the Marquis de Guiscard. See Swift's "Memoirs Relating to that + Change," etc. (vol. v., pp. 387-9 of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Henri III. was assassinated by Jacques Clément, a Dominican + friar, August 1st, 1589. Henri IV. was assassinated by François Ravaillac, + May 14th, 1610. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: George Villiers, fourth Duke of Buckingham, was stabbed by + Lieut. John Felton, August 23rd, 1628. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: Admiral de Coligny was assassinated August 23rd, 1572. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: Francois de Lorraine, Due de Guise, was shot in 1563. His son + and successor (Henri le Balafré) was killed December 23rd, 1588. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: Davila was the author of "Historia delle Guerre Civili di + Francia" (<i>c.</i> 1630). He was assassinated in 1631. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: "The first thing I would beg of this libeller," asks "The + Medley" (No. 25, March 19th, 1711), "is to make out what he affirms of his + being 'invited over.' If he would but prove that one particular, I would + forgive him all his lies past and yet to come." + </p> + <p> + Of course. Swift's extreme phrase of "invited over" referred to the fact + that Guiscard had a Whig commission in the army. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: Antoine de Guiscard, at one time Abbé de la Bourlie, was + born in 1658. For misconduct he was compelled, in 1703, to forsake his + benefice and his country, and he undertook the cause of the Protestant + Camisards in the Cevennes, in their insurrection against Louis XIV. It is + known that he had been envoy to Turin, and had received a pension from + Holland. On taking refuge in England he obtained a pension from the + government, and by means of the influence of the Duke of Ormonde, who was + his brother's friend, became a frequenter in fashionable circles. The + death, however, of his friend Count Briançon seems to have deprived him of + means. He fell into bad ways, became poor, and solicited a pension from + the Queen, through St. John whose acquaintance he had made. A pension of + £500 was granted him; but this sum Harley reduced. Afraid that even this + means of a livelihood would be taken from him he opened a treasonable + correspondence with one Moreau, a Parisian banker. The rest of the story + of this poor wretch's life may be gathered from the excellent account of + the Harley-Guiscard incident given by W. Sichel in his "Bolingbroke and + his Times" (pp. 308-313). + </p> + <p> + N. Luttrell has several entries in his Diary relating to Guiscard and the + attempted assassination of Harley, and there is a long account of him in + Boyer's "Political State" (vol. i., pp. 275-314). See also Portland MS., + vol. iv., Wentworth Papers, and Swift's "Journal to Stella," and "Some + Remarks," etc. (vol. v. of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: "Had such an accident ... against the secretary." The writer + of "A Letter to the Seven Lords" (1711) quotes this passage, and remarks + that "The Examiner" "intended seriously to charge you all, with + subornation, in order to proceed to murder." See also Swift's "Some + Remarks," etc. (vol. v., pp. 29-53 of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: See note on p. 263. Also note on p. 30 of vol. v. of present + edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: William Gregg declared in his last confession that Mr. + Harley "was not privy to my writing to France, directly nor indirectly," + and he thanked God for touching his "conscience so powerfully ... as to + prevent my prostituting the same to save my life."—"William Gregg's + Paper," "Published by Authority," 1708. Gregg told the Rev. Paul Lorrain + "that he was profferred his life, and a great reward, if he would accuse + his master" (F. Hoffman's "Secret Transactions," 1711, p. 8). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: Swift furnished Mrs. Manley with hints for her pamphlet + entitled, "A True Narrative Of what pass'd at the Examination Of the + Marquis De Guiscard," 1711. See note on p. 41 of vol. v. of present + edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 16: "The matter was thus represented in the weekly paper called + 'The Examiner'; which Mr. St. John perused before it was printed, but made + no alteration in that passage." Swift's "Memoirs Relating to that Change," + etc. (vol v., p. 389 of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 17: Guiscard could hardly have been aware of St. John's true + sentiments towards Harley. In 1717 Bolingbroke, writing in his "Letter to + Sir William Windham," says: "I abhorred Oxford to that degree, that I + could not bear to be joined with him in any case" (edit. 1753, p. 94). And + yet, when it was feared that Harley might die from his wound, St. John + remarked to Swift that "he was but an ill dissembler" and Harley's life + was "absolutely necessary." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 18: "It was thought he had a design against the Queen's person, + for he had tried by all the ways that he could contrive to be admitted to + speak with her in private." (BURNET'S "Own Times," ii., 566). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 19: An Act to make an Attempt on the Life of a Privy Councillor + in the Execution of his Office to be Felony without Benefit of Clergy (9 + Ann. c. 21). This Act, which indemnified all those who had caused + Guiscard's death, was recommended in a Royal Message, March 14th, + introduced April 5th, passed the House of Commons, April 19th, and + received the Royal Assent, May 16th, 1711. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 20: Writing to Stella, under date March 15th, Swift says: "I am + sorry he [Guiscard] is dying; for they had found out a way to hang him. He + certainly had an intention to murder the Queen." Two days later he says: + "The coroner's inquest have found that he was killed by bruises received + from a messenger, so to clear the cabinet counsellors from whom he + received his wounds." (Vol. ii., p. 139 of present edition.) [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 21: "He who profaned thy body by a wound Must pay the penalty of + death." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 34.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY MARCH 15, TO THURSDAY MARCH 22, 1710-11. + </h3> + <p> + <i>De Libertate retinenda, qua certe nihil est dulcius, tibi assentior.</i>[2] + </p> + <p> + The apologies of the ancient Fathers are reckoned to have been the most + useful parts of their writings, and to have done greatest service to the + Christian religion, because they removed those misrepresentations which + had done it most injury. The methods these writers took, was openly and + freely to discover every point of their faith, to detect the falsehood of + their accusers, and to charge nothing upon their adversaries but what they + were sure to make good. This example has been ill followed of later times; + the Papists since the Reformation using all arts to palliate the + absurdities of their tenets, and loading the Reformers with a thousand + calumnies; the consequence of which has been only a more various, wide, + and inveterate separation. It is the same thing in civil schisms: a Whig + forms an image of a Tory, just after the thing he most abhors, and that + image serves to represent the whole body. + </p> + <p> + I am not sensible of any material difference there is between those who + call themselves the Old Whigs, and a great majority of the present Tories; + at least by all I could ever find, from examining several persons of each + denomination. But it must be confessed that the present body of Whigs, as + they now constitute that party, is a very odd mixture of mankind, being + forced to enlarge their bottom by taking in every heterodox professor + either in religion or government, whose opinions they were obliged to + encourage for fear of lessening their number; while the bulk of the landed + men and people were entirely of the old sentiments. However, they still + pretended a due regard to the monarchy and the Church, even at the time + when they were making the largest steps towards the ruin of both: but not + being able to wipe off the many accusations laid to their charge, they + endeavoured, by throwing of scandal, to make the Tories appear blacker + than themselves, that so the people might join with <i>them</i>, as the + smaller evil of the two. + </p> + <p> + But among all the reproaches which the Whigs have flung upon their + adversaries, there is none hath done them more service than that of <i>passive + obedience</i>, as they represent it, with the consequences of + non-resistance, arbitrary power, indefeasible right, tyranny, popery, and + what not? There is no accusation which has passed with more plausibility + than this, nor any that is supported with less justice. In order therefore + to undeceive those who have been misled by false representations, I + thought it would be no improper undertaking to set this matter in a fair + light, which I think has not yet been done. A Whig asks whether you hold + passive obedience? you affirm it: he then immediately cries out, "You are + a Jacobite, a friend of France and the Pretender;" because he makes you + answerable for the definition he has formed of that term, however + different it be from what you understand. I will therefore give two + descriptions of passive obedience; the first as it is falsely charged by + the Whigs; the other as it is really professed by the Tories, at least by + nineteen in twenty of all I ever conversed with. + </p> + <p> + Passive Obedience as charged by the Whigs. + </p> + <p> + <i>The doctrine of passive obedience is to believe that a king, even in a + limited monarchy, holding his power only from God, is only answerable to + Him. That such a king is above all law, that the cruellest tyrant must be + submitted to in all things; and if his commands be ever so unlawful, you + must neither fly nor resist, nor use any other weapons than prayers and + tears. Though he should force your wife or daughter, murder your children + before your face, or cut off five hundred heads in a morning for his + diversion, you are still to wish him a long prosperous reign, and to be + patient under all his cruelties, with the same resignation as under a + plague or a famine; because to resist him would be to resist God in the + person of His vicegerent. If a king of England should go through the + streets of London, in order to murder every man he met, passive obedience + commands them to submit. All laws made to limit him signify nothing, + though passed by his own consent, if he thinks fit to break them. God will + indeed call him to a severe account, but the whole people, united to a + man, cannot presume to hold his hands, or offer him the least active + disobedience. The people were certainly created for him, and not he for + the people. His next heir, though worse than what I have described, though + a fool or a madman, has a divine undefeasible right to succeed him, which + no law can disannul; nay though he should kill his father upon the throne, + he is immediately king to all intents and purposes, the possession of the + crown wiping off all stains. But whosoever sits on the throne without this + title, though never so peaceably, and by consent of former kings and + parliaments, is an usurper, while there is any where in the world another + person who hath a nearer hereditary right, and the whole kingdom lies + under mortal sin till that heir be restored; because he has a divine title + which no human law can defeat.</i> + </p> + <p> + This and a great deal more hath, in a thousand papers[3] and pamphlets, + been laid to that doctrine of passive obedience, which the Whigs are + pleased to charge upon us. This is what they perpetually are instilling + into the people to believe, as the undoubted principles by which the + present ministry, and a great majority in Parliament, do at this time + proceed. This is what they accuse the clergy of delivering from the + pulpits, and of preaching up as doctrines absolutely necessary to + salvation. And whoever affirms in general, that passive obedience is due + to the supreme power, he is presently loaden by our candid adversaries + with such consequences as these. Let us therefore see what this doctrine + is, when stripped of such misrepresentations, by describing it as really + taught and practised by the Tories, and then it will appear what grounds + our adversaries have to accuse us upon this article. + </p> + <p> + Passive Obedience, as professed and practised by the Tories. + </p> + <p> + <i>They think that in every government, whether monarchy or republic, + there is placed a supreme, absolute, unlimited power, to which passive + obedience is due. That wherever is entrusted the power of making laws, + that power is without all bounds, can repeal or enact at pleasure whatever + laws it thinks fit, and justly demands universal obedience and + non-resistance. That among us, as every body knows, this power is lodged + in the king or queen, together with the lords and commons of the kingdom; + and therefore all decrees whatsoever, made by that power, are to be + actively or passively obeyed. That the administration or executive part of + this power is in England solely entrusted with the prince, who in + administering those laws, ought to be no more resisted than the + legislative power itself. But they do not conceive the same absolute + passive obedience to be due to a limited prince's commands, when they are + directly contrary to the laws he has consented to, and sworn to maintain. + The crown may be sued as well as a private person; and if an arbitrary + king of England should send his officers to seize my lands or goods + against law, I can lawfully resist them. The ministers by whom he acts are + liable to prosecution and impeachment, though his own person be sacred. + But if he interposes his royal authority to support their insolence, I see + no remedy, till it grows a general grievance, or till the body of the + people have reason to apprehend it will be so; after which it becomes a + case of necessity, and then I suppose a free people may assert their own + rights, yet without any violation to the person or lawful power of the + prince. But although the Tories allow all this, and did justify it by the + share they had in the Revolution, yet they see no reason for entering upon + so ungrateful a subject, or raising controversies upon it, as if we were + in daily apprehensions of tyranny, under the reign of so excellent a + princess, and while we have so many laws[4] of late years made to limit + the prerogative; when according to the judgment of those who know our + constitution best, things rather seem to lean to the other extreme, which + is equally to be avoided. As to the succession; the Tories think an + hereditary right to be the best in its own nature, and most agreeable to + our old constitution; yet at the same time they allow it to be defeasible + by Act of Parliament, and so is</i> Magna Charta <i>too, if the + legislature thinks fit; which is a truth so manifest, that no man who + understands the nature of government, can be in doubt concerning it.</i> + </p> + <p> + These I take to be the sentiments of a great majority among the Tories, + with respect to passive obedience: and if the Whigs insist, from the + writings or common talk of warm and ignorant men, to form a judgment of + the whole body, according to the first account I have here given, I will + engage to produce as many of their side, who are utterly against passive + obedience even to the legislature; who will assert the last resort of + power to be in the people, against those whom they have chosen and trusted + as their representatives, with the prince at the head; and who will put + wild improbable cases to shew the reasonableness and necessity of + resisting the legislative power, in such imaginary junctures. Than which + however nothing can be more idle; for I dare undertake in any system of + government, either speculative or practic, that was ever yet in the world, + from Plato's "Republic" to Harrington's "Oceana,"[5] to put such + difficulties as cannot be answered. + </p> + <p> + All the other calumnies raised by the Whigs may be as easily wiped off; + and I have charity to wish they could as fully answer the just accusations + we have against them. Dodwell, Hicks, and Lesley,[6] are gravely quoted, + to prove that the Tories design to bring in the Pretender; and if I should + quote them to prove that the same thing is intended by the Whigs, it would + be full as reasonable, since I am sure they have at least as much to do + with Nonjurors as we. But our objections against the Whigs are built upon + their constant practice for many years, whereof I have produced a hundred + instances, against any single one of which no answer hath yet been + attempted, though I have been curious enough to look into all the papers I + could meet with that are writ against the "Examiner"; such a task as I + hope no man thinks I would undergo for any other end, but that of finding + an opportunity to own and rectify my mistakes; as I would be ready to do + upon call of the meanest adversary. Upon which occasion, I shall take + leave to add a few words. + </p> + <p> + I flattered myself last Thursday, from the nature of my subject, and the + inoffensive manner I handled it, that I should have one week's respite + from those merciless pens, whose severity will some time break my heart; + but I am deceived, and find them more violent than ever. They charge me + with two lies and a blunder. The first lie is a truth, that Guiscard was + invited over:[7] but it is of no consequence; I do not tax it as a fault; + such sort of men have often been serviceable: I only blamed the + indiscretion of raising a profligate abbot, at the first step, to a + lieutenant-general and colonel of a regiment of horse, without staying + some reasonable time, as is usual in such cases, till he had given some + proofs of his fidelity, as well as of that interest and credit he + pretended to have in his country: But that is said to be another lie, for + he was a Papist, and could not have a regiment. However this other lie is + a truth too; for a regiment he had, and paid by us, to his agent Monsieur + Le Bas, for his use. The third is a blunder, that I say Guiscard's design + was against Mr. Secretary St. John, and yet my reasonings upon it, are, as + if it were personal against Mr. Harley. But I say no such thing, and my + reasonings are just; I relate only what Guiscard said in Newgate, because + it was a particularity the reader might be curious to know (and + accordingly it lies in a paragraph by itself, after my reflections)[8] but + I never meant to be answerable for what Guiscard said, or thought it of + weight enough for me to draw conclusions from thence, when I had the + Address of both Houses to direct me better; where it is expressly said,[9] + "That Mr. Harley's fidelity to her Majesty, and zeal for her service, have + drawn upon him the hatred of all the abettors of Popery and faction."[10] + This is what I believe, and what I shall stick to. + </p> + <p> + But alas, these are not the passages which have raised so much fury + against me. One or two mistakes in facts of no importance, or a single + blunder, would not have provoked them; they are not so tender of my + reputation as a writer. All their outrage is occasioned by those passages + in that paper, which they do not in the least pretend to answer, and with + the utmost reluctancy are forced to mention. They take abundance of pains + to clear Guiscard from a design against Mr. Harley's life, but offer not + one argument to clear their other friends, who in the business of Gregg, + were equally guilty of the same design against the same person; whose + tongues were very swords, and whose penknives were axes. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 33 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Cicero, "Ep. ad Att.," xv. 13. "As to the maintenance of + liberty—surely the most precious thing in the world—I agree + with you."—E.S. SHUCKBURGH.] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: The following pamphlets may be instanced:—"Julian the + Apostate," [by S. Johnson], 1682; "[Passive Obedience] A Sermon preached + before the ... Lord Mayor," etc., by B. Calamy, 1683; "Passive Obedience + Stated and Asserted," by T. Pomfret, 1683; "The Doctrine of + Non-Resistance," [by E. Bohun], 1689; "History of Passive Obedience," [by + A. Seller], 1689; "A Discourse concerning the Unreasonableness," etc. [by + E. Stillingfleet], 1689; "Christianity, a Doctrine of the Cross," [by J. + Kettlewell], 1691; and "The Measures of Submission," by B. Hoadly, 1706. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: The Act declaring the Rights and Liberties of the Subject (1 + Will. and Mary, Sess. 2, c. 2), and the Act for the Further Limitation of + the Crown (12 and 13 Will. III. c. 2), limited the power of the Crown in + various respects. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: "The Commonwealth of Oceana," by James Harrington, 1656. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Henry Dodwell (1641-1711), non-juror, and author of "An + Admonitory Discourse ... Schism" (1704), "Occasional Communion" (1705), + etc. + </p> + <p> + George Hickes (1642-1715), non-juror. Dean of Worcester (1683-91), and + author of "The Pretences of the Prince of Wales Examined, and Rejected" + (1701). + </p> + <p> + Charles Leslie, see No. 16, <i>ante</i>, and note, p. 85. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: "Such, a vile slanderer is the 'Examiner,' who says: 'he was + invited over by the late ministry, preferred to a regiment, and made + lieut.-general,' when there is an Act of Parliament against Papists being + so."—"The Medley," No. 25 (March 19th). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: See No. 33, <i>ante</i>, p. 212. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: This is fairly quoted, changing the person. See Swift's + remarks in the following number. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: "A Letter to the Seven Lords" says: "The Examiner knows <i>you</i> + are as much intended by 'faction,' as Guiscard was by 'Popery.'" [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0043" id="link2H_4_0043"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 35.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY MARCH 22, TO THURSDAY MARCH 29, 1711. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>—Sunt hic etiam sua praemia laudi; + Sunt lacrimae rerum, et mentem mortalia tangunt.</i>[2] +</pre> + <p> + I begin to be heartily weary of my employment as <i>Examiner</i>; which I + wish the m[inist]ry would consider, with half so much concern as I do, and + assign me some other with less pains, and a larger pension. There may soon + be a vacancy, either on the bench, in the revenue, or the army, and I am + <i>equally</i> qualified for each: but this trade of <i>Examining</i>, I + apprehend may at one time or other go near to sour my temper. I did lately + propose that some of those ingenious pens, which are engaged on the other + side, might be employed to succeed me, and I undertook to bring them over + for <i>t'other crown;</i> but it was answered, that those gentlemen do + much better service in the stations where they are. It was added, that + abundance of abuses yet remained to be laid open to the world, which I had + often promised to do, but was too much diverted by other subjects that + came into my head. On the other side, the advice of some friends, and the + threats of many enemies, have put me upon considering what would become of + me if <i>times should alter.</i> This I have done very maturely, and the + result is, that I am in no manner of pain. I grant, that what I have said + upon occasion, concerning the late men in power, may be called satire by + some unthinking people, as long as that faction is down; but if ever they + come into play again, I must give them warning beforehand, that I shall + expect to be a favourite, and that those pretended advocates of theirs, + will be pilloried for libellers. For I appeal to any man, whether I ever + charged that party, or its leaders, with one single action or design, + which (if we may judge by their former practices) they will not openly + profess, be proud of, and score up for merit, when they come again to the + head of affairs? I said, they were insolent to the Qu[een]; will they not + value themselves upon that, as an argument to prove them bold assertors of + the people's liberty? I affirmed they were against a peace; will they be + angry with me for setting forth the refinements of their politics, in + pursuing the <i>only</i> method left to preserve them in power? I said, + they had involved the nation in debts, and engrossed much of its money; + they go beyond me, and boast they have got it all, and the credit too. I + have urged the probability of their intending great alterations in + religion and government: if they destroy both at their next coming, will + they not reckon my foretelling it, rather as a panegyric than an affront? + I said,[3] they had formerly a design against Mr. H[arle]y's life: if they + were now in power, would they not immediately cut off his head, and thank + me for justifying the sincerity of their intentions? In short, there is + nothing I ever said of those worthy patriots, which may not be as well + excused; therefore, as soon as they resume their places, I positively + design to put in my claim; and, I think, may do it with much better grace, + than many of that party who now make their court to the present + m[inist]ry. I know two or three great men, at whose levees you may daily + observe a score of the most forward faces, which every body is ashamed of, + except those that wear them. But I conceive my pretensions will be upon a + very different foot: Let me offer a parallel case. Suppose, King Charles + the First had entirely subdued the rebels at Naseby, and reduced the + kingdom to his obedience: whoever had gone about to reason, from the + former conduct of those <i>saints</i>, that if the victory had fallen on + their side, they would have murdered their prince, destroyed monarchy and + the Church and made the king's party compound for their estates as + delinquents; would have been called a false, uncharitable libeller, by + those very persons who afterwards gloried in all this, and called it the + "work of the Lord," when they happened to succeed. I remember there was a + person fined and imprisoned for <i>scandalum magnatum</i>, because he said + the Duke of York was a Papist; but when that prince came to be king, and + made open profession of his religion, he had the justice immediately to + release his prisoner, who in his opinion had put a compliment upon him, + and not a reproach: and therefore Colonel Titus,[4] who had warmly + asserted the same thing in Parliament, was made a privy-councillor. + </p> + <p> + By this rule, if that which, for some politic reasons, is now called + scandal upon the late m[inist]ry, proves one day to be only an abstract of + such a character as they will assume and be proud of; I think I may fairly + offer my pretensions, and hope for their favour. And I am the more + confirmed in this notion by what I have observed in those papers, that + come weekly out against the "Examiner." The authors are perpetually + telling me of my ingratitude to my masters, that I blunder, and betray the + cause; and write with more bitterness against those that hire me, than + against the Whigs. Now I took all this at first only for so many strains + of wit, and pretty paradoxes to divert the reader; but upon further + thinking I find they are serious. I imagined I had complimented the + present ministry for their dutiful behaviour to the Queen; for their love + of the old constitution in Church and State; for their generosity and + justice, and for their desire of a speedy, honourable peace: but it seems + I am mistaken, and they reckon all this for satire, because it is directly + contrary to the practice of all those whom they set up to defend, and + utterly against all their notions of a good ministry. Therefore I cannot + but think they have reason on their side: for suppose I should write the + character of an honest, a religious, and a learned man; and send the first + to Newgate, the second to the Grecian Coffee-house, and the last to + White's;[5] would they not all pass for satires, and justly enough, among + the companies to whom they were sent? + </p> + <p> + Having therefore employed several papers in such sort of panegyrics, and + but very few on what they understand to be satires; I shall henceforth + upon occasion be more liberal of the latter, of which they are like to + have a taste, in the remainder of this present paper. + </p> + <p> + Among all the advantages which the kingdom hath received by the late + change of ministry, the greatest must be allowed to be the calling of the + present Parliament, upon the dissolution of the last. It is acknowledged, + that this excellent assembly hath entirely recovered the honour of + P[arliamen]ts, which had been unhappily prostituted for some years past by + the factious proceedings of an unnatural majority, in concert with a most + corrupt administration. It is plain, by the present choice of members, + that the electors of England, when left to themselves, do rightly + understand their true interest. The moderate Whigs begin to be convinced + that we have been all this while in wrong hands, and that things are now + as they should be. And as the present House of Commons is the best + representative of the nation that hath ever been summoned in our memories; + so they have taken care in their first session, by that noble Bill of + Qualification,[6] that future Parliaments should be composed of landed + men, and our properties lie no more at mercy of those who have none + themselves, or at least only what is transient or imaginary. If there be + any gratitude in posterity, the memory of this assembly will be always + celebrated; if otherwise, at least we, who share in the blessings they + derive to us, ought with grateful hearts to acknowledge them. + </p> + <p> + I design, in some following papers, to draw up a list (for I can do no + more) of the great things this Parliament hath already performed, the many + abuses they have detected; their justice in deciding elections without + regard of party; their cheerfulness and address in raising supplies for + the war, and at the same time providing for the nation's debts; their duty + to the Queen, and their kindness to the Church. In the mean time I cannot + forbear mentioning two particulars, which in my opinion do discover, in + some measure, the temper of the present Parliament; and bear analogy to + those passages related by Plutarch, in the lives of certain great men; + which, as himself observes, "Though they be not of actions which make any + great noise or figure in history, yet give more light into the characters + of persons, than we could receive from an account of their most renowned + achievements." + </p> + <p> + Something like this may be observed from two late instances of decency and + good nature, in that illustrious assembly I am speaking of. The first was, + when after that inhuman attempt upon Mr. Harley, they were pleased to vote + an Address to the Queen,[7] wherein they express their utmost detestation + of the fact, their high esteem and great concern for that able minister, + and justly impute his misfortunes to that zeal for her Majesty's service, + which had "drawn upon him the hatred of all the abettors of Popery and + faction." I dare affirm, that so distinguishing a mark of honour and good + will from such a Parliament, was more acceptable to a person of Mr. + H[arle]y's generous nature, than the most bountiful grant that was ever + yet made to a subject; as her Majesty's answer, filled with gracious + expressions in his favour, adds more to his real glory, than any <i>titles</i> + she could bestow. The prince and representatives of the whole kingdom, + join in their concern for so important a life. These are the true rewards + of virtue, and this is the commerce between noble spirits, in a coin which + the giver knows where to bestow, and the receiver how to value, though + neither avarice nor ambition would be able to comprehend its worth. + </p> + <p> + The other instance I intended to produce of decency and good nature, in + the present House of Commons, relates to their most worthy Speaker;[8] who + having unfortunately lost his eldest son,[9] the assembly, moved with a + generous pity for so sensible an affliction, adjourned themselves for a + week, that so good a servant of the public, might have some interval to + wipe away a father's tears: And indeed that gentleman has too just an + occasion for his grief, by the death of a son, who had already acquired so + great a reputation for every amiable quality, and who might have lived to + be so great an honour and an ornament to his ancient family. + </p> + <p> + Before I conclude, I must desire one favour of the reader, that when he + thinks it worth his while to peruse any paper writ against the "Examiner," + he will not form his judgment by any mangled quotation out of it which he + finds in such papers, but be so just to read the paragraph referred to; + which I am confident will be found a sufficient answer to all that ever + those papers can object. At least I have seen above fifty of them, and + never yet observed one single quotation transcribed with common candour. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote: 1 No. 34 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote: 2 Virgil, "Aeneid," i. 461-2. "Even here Has merit its reward. + Woe wakens tears, And mortal sufferings touch the heart of man."—R. + KENNEDY. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: See No. 33, <i>ante</i>, p. 211. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Silas Titus (1622-1704) was the author of "Killing no + Murder," published in 1657. He sat in Parliament successively for + Ludgershall, Lostwithiel, Hertfordshire, Huntingdonshire, and Ludlow, In + 1688 he was made a privy councillor. In his notes on Burnet Swift says: + "Titus was the greatest rogue in England" (Burnet's "Own Times," i. 11). + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: For the signification of these coffee-houses see the remarks + prefixed to the "Tatlers" in this volume, p. 4. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: An Act for Securing the Freedom of Parliaments (9 Ann. c. 5) + provided that English members should show a land qualification. It was + introduced December 13th, 1710, and received the Royal Assent, February + 28th. See also No. 45, <i>post</i>, p. 294. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: The Address to the Queen was presented on March 13th, Swift + somewhat strengthens the language of the address, the original words + stating that the Houses had "to our great concern been informed," etc.; + and "we cannot but be most deeply affected to find such an instance of + inveterate malice, against one employed in your Majesty's council," etc. + The Queen, in her reply, referred to "that barbarous attempt on Mr. + Harley, whose zeal and fidelity in my service must appear yet more + eminently by that horrid endeavour," etc.—"Journals of House of + Lords," xix.; "Journals of House of Commons," xvi. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: William Bromley (1664-1732) was Speaker from 1710 till 1713. + See note on p. 334 of vol. v. of present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: Clobery Bromley (1688-1711) was elected M.P. for Coventry, + December, 1710. Only a few days before his death he had been appointed one + of the commissioners to examine the public accounts. "The House being + informed [March 20th] that Clobery Bromley, Esq., son to the Speaker, died + that morning; out of respect to the father, and to give him time, both to + perform the funeral rites, and to indulge his just affliction, they + thought fit to adjourn to" the 26th.—"Hist. and Proc. of House of + Commons," iv. 199. + </p> + <p> + Swift wrote to Stella on the matter under date March 20th, 1711: "The + Speaker's eldest son is just dead of the small pox, and the House is + adjourned a week, to give him time to wipe off his tears. I think it very + handsomely done; but I believe one reason is, that they want Mr. Harley so + much" (vol. ii., p. 141 of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0044" id="link2H_4_0044"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 36.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY MARCH 29, TO THURSDAY APRIL 5, 1711. + </h3> + <p> + <i>Nullo suo peccato impediantur, quo minus alterius peccata demonstrare + possint.</i>[2] + </p> + <p> + I have been considering the old constitution of this kingdom, comparing it + with the monarchies and republics whereof we meet so many accounts in + ancient story, and with those at present in most parts of Europe: I have + considered our religion, established here by the legislature soon after + the Reformation: I have likewise examined the genius and disposition of + the people, under that reasonable freedom they possess: Then I have turned + my reflections upon those two great divisions of Whig and Tory, (which, + some way or other, take in the whole kingdom) with the principles they + both profess, as well as those wherewith they reproach one another. From + all this, I endeavour to determine, from which side her present M[ajest]y + may reasonably hope for most security to her person and government, and to + which she ought, in prudence, to trust the administration of her affairs. + If these two rivals were really no more than <i>parties</i>, according to + the common acceptation of the word, I should agree with those politicians + who think, a prince descends from his dignity by putting himself at the + head of either; and that his wisest course is, to keep them in a balance; + raising or depressing either as it best suited with his designs. But when + the visible interest of his crown and kingdom lies on one side, and when + the other is but a faction, raised and strengthened by incidents and + intrigues, and by deceiving the people with false representations of + things; he ought, in prudence, to take the first opportunity of opening + his subjects' eyes, and declaring himself in favour of those, who are for + preserving the civil and religious rights of the nation, wherewith his own + are so interwoven. + </p> + <p> + This was certainly our case: for I do not take the heads, advocates, and + followers of the Whigs, to make up, strictly speaking, a national party; + being patched up of heterogeneous, inconsistent parts, whom nothing served + to unite but the common interest of sharing in the spoil and plunder of + the people; the present dread of their adversaries, by whom they + apprehended to be called to an account, and that general conspiracy, of + endeavouring to overturn the Church and State; which, however, if they + could have compassed, they would certainly have fallen out among + themselves, and broke in pieces, as <i>their predecessors</i> did, after + they destroyed the monarchy and religion. For, how could a Whig, who is + against all discipline, agree with a Presbyterian, that carries it higher + than the Papists themselves? How could a Socinian adjust his models to + either? Or how could any of these cement with a Deist or Freethinker, when + they came to consult upon settling points of faith? Neither would they + have agreed better in their systems of government, where some would have + been for a king, under the limitations of a Duke of Venice; others for a + Dutch republic; a third party for an aristocracy, and most of them all for + some new fabric of their own contriving. + </p> + <p> + But however, let us consider them as a party, and under those general + tenets wherein they agreed, and which they publicly owned, without + charging them with any that they pretend to deny. Then let us <i>Examine</i> + those principles of the Tories, which their adversaries allow them to + profess, and do not pretend to tax them with any actions contrary to those + professions: after which, let the reader judge from which of these two + parties a prince hath most to fear; and whether her M[ajest]y did not + consider the ease, the safety and dignity of her person, the security of + her crown, and the transmission of monarchy to her Protestant successors, + when she put her affairs into the present hands. + </p> + <p> + Suppose the matter were now entire; the Qu[een] to make her choice, and + for that end, should order the principles on both sides to be fairly laid + before her. First, I conceive the Whigs would grant, that they have + naturally no very great veneration for crowned heads; that they allow, the + person of the prince may, upon many occasions, be resisted by arms; and + that they do not condemn the war raised against King Charles the First, or + own it to be a rebellion, though they would be thought to blame his + murder. They do not think the prerogative to be yet sufficiently limited, + and have therefore taken care (as a particular mark of their veneration + for the illustrious house of Hanover) to clip it closer against next + reign; which, consequently, they would be glad to see done in the present: + not to mention, that the majority of them, if it were put to the vote, + would allow, that they prefer a commonwealth before a monarchy. As to + religion; their universal, undisputed maxim is, that it ought to make no + distinction at all among Protestants; and in the word Protestant they + include every body who is not a Papist, and who will, by an oath, give + security to the government. Union in discipline and doctrine, the + offensive sin of schism, the notion of a Church and a hierarchy, they + laugh at as foppery, cant and priestcraft. They see no necessity at all + that there should be a national faith; and what we usually call by that + name, they only style the "religion of the magistrate."[3] Since the + Dissenters and we agree in the main, why should the difference of a few + speculative points, or modes of dress, incapacitate them from serving + their prince and country, in a juncture when we ought to have all hands up + against the common enemy? And why should they be forced to take the + sacrament from our clergy's hands, and in our posture, or indeed why + compelled to receive it at all, when they take an employment which has + nothing to do with religion? + </p> + <p> + These are the notions which most of that party avow, and which they do not + endeavour to disguise or set off with false colours, or complain of being + misrepresented about, I have here placed them on purpose, in the same + light which themselves do, in the very apologies they make for what we + accuse them of; and how inviting even these doctrines are, for such a + monarch to close with, as our law, both statute and common, understands a + King of England to be, let others decide. But then, if to these we should + add other opinions, which most of their own writers justify, and which + their universal practice has given a sanction to, they are no more than + what a prince might reasonably expect, as the natural consequence of those + avowed principles. For when such persons are at the head of affairs, the + low opinion they have of princes, will certainly tempt them to violate + that respect they ought to bear; and at the same time, their own want of + duty to their sovereign is largely made up, by exacting greater + submissions to themselves from their fellow-subjects: it being + indisputably true, that the same principle of pride and ambition makes a + man treat his equals with insolence, in the same proportion as he affronts + his superiors; as both Prince and people have sufficiently felt from the + late m[inist]ry. + </p> + <p> + Then from their confessed notions of religion, as above related, I see no + reason to wonder, why they countenanced not only all sorts of Dissenters, + but the several gradations of freethinkers among us (all which were openly + enrolled in their party); nor why they were so very averse from the + present established form of worship, which by prescribing obedience to + princes from the topic of conscience, would be sure to thwart all their + schemes of innovation. + </p> + <p> + One thing I might add, as another acknowledged maxim in that party, and in + my opinion, as dangerous to the constitution as any I have mentioned; I + mean, that of preferring, on all occasions, the moneyed interest before + the landed; which they were so far from denying, that they would gravely + debate the reasonableness and justice of it; and at the rate they went on, + might in a little time have found a majority of representatives, fitly + qualified to lay those heavy burthens on the rest of the nation, which + themselves would not touch with one of their fingers. + </p> + <p> + However, to deal impartially, there are some motives which might compel a + prince, under the necessity of affairs, to deliver himself over to that + party. They were <i>said</i> to possess the great bulk of cash, and + consequently of credit in the nation, and the heads of them had the + reputation of presiding over those societies who have the great direction + of both:[4] so that all applications for loans to the public service, upon + any emergency, must be made through them; and it might prove highly + dangerous to disoblige them, because in that case, it was not to be + doubted, that they would be obstinate and malicious, ready to obstruct all + affairs, not only by shutting their own purses, but by endeavouring to + sink credit, though with some present imaginary loss to themselves, only + to shew, it was a creature of their own. + </p> + <p> + From this summary of Whig-principles and dispositions, we find what a + prince may reasonably fear and hope from that party. Let us now very + briefly consider, the doctrines of the Tories, which their adversaries + will not dispute. As they prefer a well-regulated monarchy before all + other forms of government; so they think it next to impossible to alter + that institution here, without involving our whole island in blood and + desolation. They believe, that the prerogative of a sovereign ought, at + least, to be held as sacred and inviolable as the rights of his people, if + only for this reason, because without a due share of power, he will not be + able to protect them. They think, that by many known laws of this realm, + both statute and common, neither the person, nor lawful authority of the + prince, ought, upon any pretence whatsoever, to be resisted or disobeyed. + Their sentiments, in relation to the Church, are known enough, and will + not be controverted, being just the reverse to what I have delivered as + the doctrine and practice of the Whigs upon that article. + </p> + <p> + But here I must likewise deal impartially too, and add one principle as a + characteristic of the Tories, which has much discouraged some princes from + making use of them in affairs. Give the Whigs but power enough to insult + their sovereign, engross his favours to themselves, and to oppress and + plunder their fellow-subjects; they presently grow into good humour and + good language towards the crown; profess they will stand by it with their + lives and fortunes; and whatever rudenesses they may be guilty of in + private, yet they assure the world, that there never was so gracious a + monarch. But to the shame of the Tories, it must be confessed, that + nothing of all this hath been ever observed in them; in or out of favour, + you see no alteration, further than a little cheerfulness or cloud in + their countenances; the highest employments can add nothing to their + loyalty, but their behaviour to their prince, as well as their expressions + of love and duty, are, in all conditions, exactly the same. + </p> + <p> + Having thus impartially stated the avowed principles of Whig and Tory; let + the reader determine, as he pleases, to which of these two a wise prince + may, with most safety to himself and the public, trust his person and his + affairs; and whether it were rashness or prudence in her M[ajest]y to make + those changes in the ministry, which have been so highly extolled by some, + and condemned by others. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 35 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "None are prevented by their own faults from pointing out the + faults of another."—H.T. RILEY. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: See Swift's "Letter Concerning the Sacramental Test" (vol. + iv., p. 11 of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: The Bank and the East India Company. The former was so + decidedly in the Whig interest, that the great Doctor Sacheverell, on + appearing to give his vote for choosing governors and directors for the + Bank, was very rudely treated. Nor were the ministry successful in an + attempt made about that time to put these great companies under Tory + management. [S.] And see No. 25, <i>ante</i>, pp. 154-5. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0045" id="link2H_4_0045"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 37.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY APRIL 5, TO THURSDAY APRIL 12, 1711. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Tres species tam dissimiles, tria talia texta + Una dies dedit exitio——</i>[2] +</pre> + <p> + I write this paper for the sake of the Dissenters, whom I take to be the + most spreading branch of the Whig party, that professeth Christianity, and + the only one that seems to be zealous for any particular system of it; the + bulk of those we call the Low Church, being generally indifferent, and + undetermined in that point; and the other subdivisions having not yet + taken either the Old or New Testament into their scheme. By the Dissenters + therefore, it will easily be understood, that I mean the Presbyterians, as + they include the sects of Anabaptists, Independents, and others, which + have been melted down into them since the Restoration. This sect, in order + to make itself national, having gone so far as to raise a Rebellion, + murder their king, destroy monarchy and the Church, was afterwards broken + in pieces by its own divisions; which made way for the king's return from + his exile. However, the zealous among them did still entertain hopes of + recovering the "dominion of grace;" whereof I have read a remarkable + passage, in a book published about the year 1661 and written by one of + their own side. As one of the regicides was going to his execution, a + friend asked him, whether he thought the cause would revive? He answered, + "The cause is in the bosom of Christ, and as sure as Christ rose from the + dead, so sure will the cause revive also."[3] And therefore the + Nonconformists were strictly watched and restrained by penal laws, during + the reign of King Charles the Second; the court and kingdom looking on + them as a faction, ready to join in any design against the government in + Church or State: And surely this was reasonable enough, while so many + continued alive, who had voted, and fought, and preached against both, and + gave no proof that they had changed their principles. The Nonconformists + were then exactly upon the same foot with our Nonjurors now, whom we + double tax, forbid their conventicles, and keep under hatches; without + thinking ourselves possessed with a persecuting spirit, because we know + they want nothing but the power to ruin us. This, in my opinion, should + altogether silence the Dissenters' complaints of persecution under King + Charles the Second; or make them shew us wherein they differed, at that + time, from what our Jacobites are now. + </p> + <p> + Their inclinations to the Church were soon discovered, when King James the + Second succeeded to the crown, with whom they unanimously joined in its + ruin, to revenge themselves for that restraint they had most justly + suffered in the foregoing reign; not from the persecuting temper of the + clergy, as their clamours would suggest, but the prudence and caution of + the legislature. The same indulgence against law, was made use of by them + and the Papists, and they amicably employed their power, as in defence of + one common interest. + </p> + <p> + But the Revolution happening soon after, served to wash away the memory of + the rebellion; upon which, the run against Popery, was, no doubt, as just + and seasonable, as that of fanaticism, after the Restoration: and the + dread of Popery, being then our latest danger, and consequently the most + fresh upon our spirits, all mouths were open against that; the Dissenters + were rewarded with an indulgence by law; the rebellion and king's murder + were now no longer a reproach; the former was only a civil war, and + whoever durst call it a rebellion, was a Jacobite, and friend to France. + This was the more unexpected, because the Revolution being wholly brought + about by Church of England hands, they hoped one good consequence of it, + would be the relieving us from the encroachments of Dissenters, as well as + those of Papists, since both had equally confederated towards our ruin; + and therefore, when the crown was new settled, it was hoped at least that + the rest of the constitution would be restored. But this affair took a + very different turn; the Dissenters had just made a shift to save a tide, + and joined with the Prince of Orange, when they found all was desperate + with their protector King James. And observing a party, then forming + against the old principles in Church and State, under the name of Whigs + and Low-Churchmen, they listed themselves of it, where they have ever + since continued. + </p> + <p> + It is therefore, upon the foot they now are, that I would apply myself to + them, and desire they would consider the different circumstances at + present, from what they were under, when they began their designs against + the Church and monarchy, about seventy years ago. At that juncture they + made up the body of the party, and whosoever joined with them from + principles of revenge, discontent, ambition, or love of change, were all + forced to shelter under their denomination; united heartily in the + pretences of a further and purer Reformation in religion, and of advancing + the "great work" (as the cant was then) "that God was about to do in these + nations," received the systems of doctrine and discipline prescribed by + the Scots, and readily took the Covenant;[4] so that there appeared no + division among them, till after the common enemy was subdued. + </p> + <p> + But now their case is quite otherwise, and I can hardly think it worth + being of a party, upon the terms they have been received of late years; + for suppose the whole faction should at length succeed in their design of + destroying the Church; are they so weak to imagine, that the new modelling + of religion, would be put into their hands? Would their brethren, the + Low-Churchmen and Freethinkers, submit to their discipline, their synods + or their classes, and divide the lands of bishops, or deans and chapters, + among them? How can they help observing that their allies, instead of + pretending more sanctity than other men, are some of them for levelling + all religion, and the rest for abolishing it? Is it not manifest, that + they have been treated by their confederates, exactly after the same + manner, as they were by King James the Second, made instruments to ruin + the Church, not for their sakes, but under a pretended project of + universal freedom in opinion, to advance the dark designs of those who + employ them? For, excepting the anti-monarchical principle, and a few + false notions about liberty, I see but little agreement betwixt them; and + even in these, I believe, it would be impossible to contrive a frame of + government, that would please them all, if they had it now in their power + to try. But however, to be sure, the Presbyterian institution would never + obtain. For, suppose they should, in imitation of their predecessors, + propose to have no King but our Saviour Christ, the whole clan of + Freethinkers would immediately object, and refuse His authority. Neither + would their Low-Church brethren use them better, as well knowing what + enemies they are to that doctrine of unlimited toleration, wherever they + are suffered to preside. So that upon the whole, I do not see, as their + present circumstances stand, where the Dissenters can find better quarter, + than from the Church of England. + </p> + <p> + Besides, I leave it to their consideration, whether, with all their zeal + against the Church, they ought not to shew a little decency, and how far + it consists with their reputation, to act in concert with such + confederates. It was reckoned a very infamous proceeding in the present + most Christian king, to assist the Turk against the Emperor: policy, and + reasons of state, were not allowed sufficient excuses, for taking part + with an infidel against a believer. It is one of the Dissenters' quarrels + against the Church, that she is not enough reformed from Popery; yet they + boldly entered into a league with Papists and a popish prince, to destroy + her. They profess much sanctity, and object against the wicked lives of + some of our members; yet they have been long, and still continue, in + strict combination with libertines and atheists, to contrive our ruin. + What if the Jews should multiply, and become a formidable party among us? + Would the Dissenters join in alliance with them likewise, because they + agree already in some general principles, and because the Jews are allowed + to be a "stiffnecked and rebellious people"? + </p> + <p> + It is the part of wise men to conceal their passions, when they are not in + circumstances of exerting them to purpose: the arts of getting power, and + preserving indulgence, are very different. For the former, the reasonable + hopes of the Dissenters, seem to be at an end; their comrades, the Whigs + and Freethinkers, are just in a condition proper to be forsaken; and the + Parliament, as well as the body of the people, will be deluded no longer. + Besides, it sometimes happens for a cause to be exhausted and worn out, as + that of the Whigs in general, seems at present to be: the nation has had + enough of it. It is as vain to hope restoring that decayed interest, as + for a man of sixty to talk of entering on a new scene of life, that is + only proper for youth and vigour. New circumstances and new men must + arise, as well as new occasions, which are not like to happen in our time. + So that the Dissenters have no game left, at present, but to secure their + indulgence: in order to which, I will be so bold to offer them some + advice. + </p> + <p> + First, That until some late proceedings are a little forgot, they would + take care not to provoke, by any violence of tongue or pen, so great a + majority, as there is now against them, nor keep up any longer that + combination with their broken allies, but disperse themselves, and lie + dormant against some better opportunity: I have shewn, they could have got + no advantage if the late party had prevailed; and they will certainly lose + none by its fall, unless through their own fault. They pretend a mighty + veneration for the Queen; let them give proof of it, by quitting the + ruined interest of those who have used her so ill; and by a due respect to + the persons she is pleased to trust at present with her affairs: When they + can no longer hope to govern, when struggling can do them no good, and may + possibly hurt them, what is left but to be silent and passive? + </p> + <p> + Secondly, Though there be no law (beside that of God Almighty) against <i>occasional + conformity</i>,[5] it would be prudence in the Dissenters to use it as + tenderly as they can: for, besides the infamous hypocrisy of the thing + itself, too frequent practice would perhaps make a remedy necessary. And + after all they have said to justify themselves in this point, it still + continues hard to conceive, how those consciences can pretend to be + scrupulous, upon which an employment has more power than the love of + unity. + </p> + <p> + In the last place, I am humbly of opinion, That the Dissenters would do + well to drop that lesson they have learned from their directors, of + affecting to be under horrible apprehensions, that the Tories are in the + interests of the Pretender, and would be ready to embrace the first + opportunity of inviting him over. It is with the worst grace in the world, + that they offer to join in the cry upon this article: as if those, who + alone stood in the gap against all the encroachments of Popery and + arbitrary power, are not more likely to keep out both, than a set of + schismatics, who to gratify their ambition and revenge, did, by the + meanest compliances, encourage and spirit up that unfortunate prince, to + fell upon such measures, as must, at last, have ended in the ruin of our + liberty and religion. + </p> + <p> + <i>I wish those who give themselves the trouble to write to the "Examiner" + would consider whether what they send be proper for such a paper to take + notice of: I had one letter last week, written, as I suppose, by a divine, + to desire I would offer some reasons against a Bill now before the + Parliament for Ascertaining the Tithe of Hops;[6] from which the writer + apprehends great damage to the clergy, especially the poorer vicars: If it + be, as he says, (and he seems to argue very reasonably upon it) the + convocation now sitting, will, no doubt, upon due application, represent + the matter to the House of Commons; and he may expect all justice and + favour from that great body, who have already appeared so tender of their + rights. </i> + </p> + <p> + A gentleman, likewise, who hath sent me several letters, relating to + personal hardships he received from some of the late ministry; is advised + to publish a narrative of them, they being too large, and not proper for + this paper. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 36 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "Three different forms, of threefold threads combined, The + selfsame day in common ruin joined." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: It is recorded in "The Speeches and Prayers of ... Mr. John + Carew," 1660, and in "Rebels no Saints," 1661, that at the execution of + John Carew, on October 15th, 1660: "One asked him if he thought there + would be a resurrection of the cause? He answered, he died in the faith of + that, as much as he did that his body should rise again." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: The Scotch General Assembly approved the "Solemn League and + Covenant" on August 17th, 1643; it was publicly taken by the House of + Commons at St. Margaret's, Westminster, on September 25th. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Such a law was passed December 20th, 1711. It was entitled + "An Act for preserving the Protestant Religion" (10 Ann, c. 6), and + required persons appointed to various offices to conform to the Church of + England for one year and to receive the Sacrament three times. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Leave was given for a Bill for Ascertaining the Tithe of + Hops, March 26th, 1711, and the Bill was presented May 10th. It does not + appear to have gone any further. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0046" id="link2H_4_0046"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 38.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY APRIL 12, TO THURSDAY APRIL 19, 1711. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Semper causae eventorum magis movent quam ipsa eventa.[2]</i> +</pre> + <p> + I am glad to observe, that several among the Whigs have begun very much to + change their language of late. The style is now among the reasonable part + of them, when they meet a man in business, or a Member of Parliament; + "Well, gentlemen, if you go on as you have hitherto done, we shall no + longer have any pretence to complain." They find, it seems, that there + have been yet no overtures made to bring in the Pretender, nor any + preparatory steps towards it. They read no enslaving votes, nor bills + brought in to endanger the subject. The indulgence to scrupulous + consciences,[3] is again confirmed from the throne, inviolably preserved, + and not the least whisper offered that may affect it. All care is taken to + support the war; supplies cheerfully granted, and funds readily subscribed + to, in spite of the little arts made use of to discredit them. The just + resentments of some, which are laudable in themselves, and which at + another juncture it might be proper to give way to, have been softened or + diverted by the calmness of others. So that upon the article of present + management, I do not see how any objection of weight can well be raised. + </p> + <p> + However, our adversaries still allege, that this great success was wholly + unexpected, and out of all probable view. That in public affairs, we ought + least of all others, to judge by events; that the attempt of changing a + ministry, during the difficulties of a long war, was rash and + inconsiderate: That if the Qu[een] were disposed by her inclinations, or + from any personal dislike, for such a change, it might have been done with + more safety, in a time of peace: That if it had miscarried by any of those + incidents, which in all appearance might have intervened, the consequences + would perhaps have ruined the whole confederacy; and, therefore, however + it hath now succeeded, the experiment was too dangerous to try. + </p> + <p> + But this is what we can by no means allow them. We never will admit + rashness or chance to have produced all this harmony and order. It is + visible to the world, that the several steps towards this change were + slowly taken, and with the utmost caution. The movers observed as they + went on, how matters would bear, and advanced no farther at first, than so + as they might be able to stop or go back, if circumstances were not + mature. Things were grown to such a height, that it was no longer the + question, whether a person who aimed at an employment, were a Whig or a + Tory, much less, whether he had merit or proper abilities for what he + pretended to: he must owe his preferment only to the favourites; and the + crown was so far from nominating, that they would not allow it a negative. + This, the Qu[een] was resolved no longer to endure, and began to break + into their prescription, by bestowing one or two places of consequence,[4] + without consulting her ephori; after they had fixed them for others, and + concluded as usually, that all their business was to signify their + pleasure to her M[ajest]y. But though the persons the Qu[een] had chosen, + were such as no objection could well be raised against upon the score of + party; yet the oligarchy took the alarm;[5] their sovereign authority was, + it seems, called in question; they grew into anger and discontent, as if + their undoubted rights were violated. All former obligations to their + sovereign now became cancelled; and they put themselves upon the foot of + people, who were hardly used after the most eminent services. + </p> + <p> + I believe all men, who know any thing in politics, will agree, that a + prince thus treated, by those he has most confided in, and perpetually + loaded with his favours, ought to extricate himself as soon as possible; + and is then only blamable in his choice of time, when he defers one minute + after it is in his power; because, from the monstrous encroachments of + exorbitant avarice and ambition, he cannot tell how long it may continue + to be so. And it will be found, upon enquiring into history, that most of + those princes, who have been ruined by favourites, have owed their + misfortune to the neglect of early remedies; deferring to struggle till + they were quite sunk. + </p> + <p> + The Whigs are every day cursing the ungovernable rage, the haughty pride, + and unsatiable covetousness of a certain person,[6] as the cause of their + fall; and are apt to tell their thoughts, that one single removal might + have set all things right. But the interests of that single person, were + found, upon experience, so complicated and woven with the rest, by love, + by awe, by marriage, by alliance, that they would rather confound heaven + and earth, than dissolve such an union. + </p> + <p> + I have always heard and understood, that a king of England, possessed of + his people's hearts, at the head of a free Parliament, and in full + agreement with a great majority, made the true figure in the world that + such a monarch ought to do, and pursued the real interest of himself and + his kingdom. Will they allow her M[ajest]y to be in those circumstances at + present? And was it not plain by the addresses sent from all parts of the + island,[7] and by the visible disposition of the people, that such a + Parliament would undoubtedly be chosen? And so it proved, without the + court's using any arts to influence elections. + </p> + <p> + What people then, are these in a corner, to whom the constitution must + truckle? If the whole nation's credit cannot supply funds for the war, + without humble application from the entire legislature to a few retailers + of money, it is high time we should sue for a peace. What new maxims are + these, which neither we nor our forefathers ever heard of before, and + which no wise institution would ever allow? Must our laws from + henceforward pass the Bank and East India Company, or have their royal + assent before they are in force? + </p> + <p> + To hear some of those worthy reasoners talking of credit, that she is so + nice, so squeamish, so capricious; you would think they were describing a + lady troubled with vapours or the colick, to be only removed by a course + of steel, and swallowing a bullet. By the narrowness of their thoughts, + one would imagine they conceived the world to be no wider than Exchange + Alley. It is probable they may have such a sickly dame among them, and it + is well if she has no worse diseases, considering what hands she passes + through. But the national credit is of another complexion; of sound + health, and an even temper, her life and existence being a quintessence + drawn from the vitals of the whole kingdom. And we find these + money-politicians, after all their noise, to be of the same opinion, by + the court they paid her, when she lately appeared to them in the form of a + <i>lottery</i>.[8] + </p> + <p> + As to that mighty error in politics, they charge upon the Qu[een], for + changing her ministry in the height of a war, I suppose, it is only looked + upon as an error under a Whiggish administration; otherwise, the late King + has much to answer for, who did it pretty frequently. And it is well + known, that the late ministry of famous memory, was brought in during this + present war,[9] only with this circumstance, that two or three of the + chief, did first change their own principles, and then took in suitable + companions. + </p> + <p> + But however, I see no reason why the Tories should not value their wisdom + by events, as well as the Whigs. Nothing was ever thought a more + precipitate rash counsel, than that of altering the coin at the juncture + it was done;[10] yet the prudence of the undertaking was sufficiently + justified by the success. Perhaps it will be said, that the attempt was + necessary, because the whole species of money, was so grievously clipped + and counterfeit. And, is not her Majesty's authority as sacred as her + coin? And has not that been most scandalously clipped and mangled, and + often counterfeited too? + </p> + <p> + It is another grievous complaint of the Whigs, that their late friends, + and the whole party, are treated with abundance of severity in print, and + in particular by the "Examiner." They think it hard, that when they are + wholly deprived of power, hated by the people, and out of all hope of + re-establishing themselves, their infirmities should be so often + displayed, in order to render them yet more odious to mankind. This is + what they employ their writers to set forth in their papers of the week; + and it is humoursome enough to observe one page taken up in railing at the + "Examiner" for his invectives against a discarded ministry; and the other + side filled with the falsest and vilest abuses, against those who are now + in the highest power and credit with their sovereign, and whose least + breath would scatter them into silence and obscurity. However, though I + have indeed often wondered to see so much licentiousness taken and + connived at, and am sure it would not be suffered in any other country of + Christendom; yet I never once invoked the assistance of the gaol or the + pillory, which upon the least provocation, was the usual style during + their tyranny. There hath not passed a week these twenty years without + some malicious paper, scattered in every coffee-house by the emissaries of + that party, whether it were down or up. I believe, they will not pretend + to object the same thing to us. Nor do I remember any constant weekly + paper, with reflections on the late ministry or j[u]nto. They have many + weak, defenceless parts, they have not been used to a regular attack, and + therefore it is that they are so ill able to endure one, when it comes to + be their turn. So that they complain more of a few months' truths from us, + than we did of all their scandal and malice, for twice as many years. + </p> + <p> + I cannot forbear observing upon this occasion, that those worthy authors I + am speaking of, seem to me, not fairly to represent the sentiments of + their party; who in disputing with us, do generally give up several of the + late m[inist]ry, and freely own many of their failings. They confess the + monstrous debt upon the navy, to have been caused by most scandalous + mismanagement; they allow the insolence of some, and the avarice of + others, to have been insupportable: but these gentlemen are most liberal + in their praises to those persons, and upon those very articles, where + their wisest friends give up the point. They gravely tell us, that such a + one was the most faithful servant that ever any prince had; another the + most dutiful, a third the most generous, and a fourth of the greatest + integrity. So that I look upon these champions, rather as retained by a + cabal than a party, which I desire the reasonable men among them would + please to consider. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 37 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Cicero, "Ep. ad Att.," ix. 5. "I am always more affected by + the causes of events than by the events themselves."—E.S. + SHUCKBURGH. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: "I am resolved ... to maintain the indulgence by law allowed + to scrupulous consciences" (Queen Anne's Speech, November 27th, 1710). + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: The Queen appointed Earl Rivers to the lieutenancy of the + Tower without the Duke of Marlborough's concurrence. See "Memoirs Relating + to that Change," etc. (vol. v., pp. 375-7 of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: "Upon the fall of that great minister and favourite + [Godolphin], that whole party became dispirited, and seemed to expect the + worst that could follow". (Swift's "Memoirs Relating to that Change," + etc., vol v., p. 378 of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: The Duchess of Marlborough. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: "The bulk of the high-church, or Tory-party ... were both + very industrious in procuring addresses, which, under the pretence of + expressing their loyalty to the Queen, and affection to the Church + established, were mainly levelled, like so many batteries, against the + ministry and Parliament," etc. (Boyer's "Annals of Queen Anne," ix. + 158-9). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: An Act for reviving ... certain Duties (9 Ann., c. 6), + provided that £1,500,000 should be raised "by way of a lottery." It was + introduced February 15th, and received the Royal Assent March 6th, 1710/1 + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: The Queen appointed a ministry with Lord Godolphin as lord + treasurer in the first months of her reign, May-July, 1702. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: The clipping of coin had become so widespread that it was + absolutely imperative that steps should be taken to readjust matters. It + was resolved, therefore, in 1695, to call in all light money and recoin + it. The matter was placed in charge of the then chancellor of the + exchequer, Charles Montague, afterwards Earl of Halifax, and he, with the + assistance of Sir Isaac Newton, successfully accomplished the very arduous + task. It cost the nation about £2,200,000, and a considerable + inconvenience owing to lack of coins. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0047" id="link2H_4_0047"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 39.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY APRIL 19, TO THURSDAY APRIL 26, 1711. + </h3> + <p> + <i>Indignum est in ed civitate, quae legibus continetur, discedi a + legibus.</i>[2] + </p> + <p> + I[3] have been often considering how it comes to pass, that the dexterity + of mankind in evil, should always outgrow, not only the prudence and + caution of private persons, but the continual expedients of the wisest + laws contrived to prevent it. I cannot imagine a knave to possess a + greater share of natural wit or genius, than an honest man. I have known + very notable sharpers at play, who upon all other occasions, were as great + dunces, as human shape can well allow; and I believe, the same might be + observed among the other knots of thieves and pickpockets, about this + town. The proposition however is certainly true, and to be confirmed by an + hundred instances. A scrivener, an attorney, a stock-jobber, and many + other retailers of fraud, shall not only be able to overreach others, much + wiser than themselves, but find out new inventions, to elude the force of + any law made against them. I suppose, the reason of this may be, that as + the aggressor is said to have generally the advantage of the defender; so + the makers of the law, which is to defend our rights, have usually not so + much industry or vigour, as those whose interest leads them to attack it. + Besides, it rarely happens that men are rewarded by the public for their + justice and virtue; neither do those who act upon such principles, expect + any recompense till the next world: whereas fraud, where it succeeds, + gives present pay; and this is allowed the greatest spur imaginable both + to labour and invention. When a law is made to stop some growing evil, the + wits of those, whose interest it is to break it with secrecy or impunity, + are immediately at work; and even among those who pretend to fairer + characters, many would gladly find means to avoid, what they would not be + thought to violate. They desire to reap the advantage, if possible, + without the shame, or at least, without the danger. This art is what I + take that dexterous race of men, sprung up soon after the Revolution, to + have studied with great application ever since, and to have arrived at + great perfection in it. According to the doctrine of some Romish casuists, + they have found out <i>quam propè ad peccatum sine peccato possint + accedere</i>.[3] They can tell how to go within an inch of an impeachment, + and yet come back untouched. They know what degree of corruption will just + forfeit an employment, and whether the bribe you receive be sufficient to + set you right, and put something in your pocket besides. How much to a + penny, you may safely cheat the Qu[ee]n, whether forty, fifty or sixty <i>per + cent.</i> according to the station you are in, and the dispositions of the + persons in office, below and above you. They have computed the price you + may securely take or give for a place, or what part of the salary you + ought to reserve. They can discreetly distribute five hundred pounds in a + small borough, without any danger from the statutes, against bribing + elections. They can manage a bargain for an office, by a third, fourth or + fifth hand, so that you shall not know whom to accuse; and win a thousand + guineas at play, in spite of the dice, and send away the loser satisfied: + They can pass the most exorbitant accounts, overpay the creditor with half + his demands, and sink the rest. + </p> + <p> + It would be endless to relate, or rather indeed impossible to discover, + the several arts which curious men have found out to enrich themselves, by + defrauding the public, in defiance of the law. The military men, both by + sea and land, have equally cultivated this most useful science: neither + hath it been altogether neglected by the other sex; of which, on the + contrary, I could produce an instance, that would make ours blush to be so + far outdone. + </p> + <p> + Besides, to confess the truth, our laws themselves are extremely defective + in many articles, which I take to be one ill effect of our best + possession, liberty. Some years ago, the ambassador of a great prince was + arrested,[4] and outrages committed on his person in our streets, without + any possibility of redress from Westminster-Hall, or the prerogative of + the sovereign; and the legislature was forced to provide a remedy against + the like evils in times to come. A commissioner of the stamped paper[5] + was lately discovered to have notoriously cheated the public of great sums + for many years, by counterfeiting the stamps, which the law had made + capital. But the aggravation of his crime, proved to be the cause that + saved his life; and that additional heightening circumstance of betraying + his trust, was found to be a legal defence. I am assured, that the + notorious cheat of the brewers at Portsmouth,[6] detected about two months + ago in Parliament, cannot by any law now in force, be punished in any + degree, equal to the guilt and infamy of it. Nay, what is almost + incredible, had Guiscard survived his detestable attempt upon Mr. Harley's + person, all the inflaming circumstances of the fact, would not have + sufficed, in the opinion of many lawyers, to have punished him with + death;[7] and the public must have lain under this dilemma, either to + condemn him by a law, <i>ex post facto</i> (which would have been of + dangerous consequence, and form an ignominious precedent) or undergo the + mortification to see the greatest villain upon earth escape unpunished, to + the infinite triumph and delight of Popery and faction. But even this is + not to be wondered at, when we consider, that of all the insolences + offered to the Qu[een] since the Act of Indemnity, (at least, that ever + came to my ears) I can hardly instance above two or three, which, by the + letter of the law could amount to high treason. + </p> + <p> + From these defects in our laws, and the want of some discretionary power + safely lodged, to exert upon emergencies; as well as from the great + acquirements of able men, to elude the penalties of those laws they break, + it is no wonder, the injuries done to the public, are so seldom redressed. + But besides, no individual suffers, by any wrong he does to the + commonwealth, in proportion to the advantage he gains by doing it. There + are seven or eight millions who contribute to the loss, while the whole + gain is sunk among a few. The damage suffered by the public, is not so + immediately or heavily felt by particular persons, and the zeal of + prosecution is apt to drop and be lost among numbers. + </p> + <p> + But imagine a set of politicians for many years at the head of affairs, + the game visibly their own, and by consequence acting with great security: + may not these be sometimes tempted to forget their caution, by length of + time, by excess of avarice and ambition, by the insolence or violence of + their nature, or perhaps by a mere contempt for their adversaries? May not + such motives as these, put them often upon actions directly against the + law, such as no evasions can be found for, and which will lay them fully + open to the vengeance of a prevailing interest, whenever they are out of + power? It is answered in the affirmative. And here we cannot refuse the + late m[inistr]y their due praises, who foreseeing a storm, provided for + their own safety, by two admirable expedients, by which, with great + prudence, they have escaped the punishments due to pernicious counsels and + corrupt management. The first, was to procure, under pretences hardly + specious, a general Act of Indemnity,[8] which cuts off all impeachments. + The second, was yet more refined: suppose, for instance, a counsel is to + be pursued, which is necessary to carry on the dangerous designs of a + prevailing party, to preserve them in power, to gratify the immeasurable + appetites of a few leaders, civil and military, though by hazarding the + ruin of the whole nation: this counsel, desperate in itself, unprecedented + in the nature of it, they procure a majority to form into an address,[9] + which makes it look like the sense of the nation. Under that shelter they + carry on their work, and lie secure against after-reckonings. + </p> + <p> + I must be so free to tell my meaning in this, that among other things, I + understand it of the address made to the Qu[een] about three years ago, to + desire that her M[ajest]y would not consent to a peace, without the entire + restitution of Sp[ai]n.[10] A proceeding, which to people abroad, must + look like the highest strain of temerity, folly, and gasconade. But we at + home, who allow the promoters of that advice to be no fools, can easily + comprehend the depth and mystery of it. They were assured by this means, + to pin down the war upon us, consequently to increase their own power and + wealth, and multiply difficulties on the Qu[een] and kingdom, till they + had fixed their party too firmly to be shaken, whenever they should find + themselves disposed to reverse their address, and give us leave to wish + for a peace. + </p> + <p> + If any man entertains a more favourable opinion of this monstrous step in + politics; I would ask him what we must do, in case we find it impossible + to recover Spain? Those among the Whigs who believe a God, will confess, + that the events of war lie in His hands; and the rest of them, who + acknowledge no such power, will allow, that Fortune hath too great a share + in the good or ill success of military actions, to let a wise man reason + upon them, as if they were entirely in his power. If Providence shall + think fit to refuse success to our arms, with how ill a grace, with what + shame and confusion, shall we be obliged to recant that precipitate + address, unless the world will be so charitable to consider, that + parliaments among us, differ as much as princes, and that by the fatal + conjunction of many unhappy circumstances, it is very possible for our + island to be represented sometimes by those who have the least pretensions + to it. So little truth or justice there is in what some pretend to + advance, that the actions of former senates, ought always to be treated + with respect by the latter; that those assemblies are all equally + venerable, and no one to be preferred before another: by which argument, + the Parliament that began the rebellion against King Charles the First, + voted his trial, and appointed his murderers, ought to be remembered with + respect. + </p> + <p> + But to return from this digression; it is very plain, that considering the + defectiveness of our laws, the variety of cases, the weakness of the + prerogative, the power or the cunning of ill-designing men, it is + possible, that many great abuses may be visibly committed, which cannot be + legally punished: especially if we add to this, that some enquiries might + probably involve those, whom upon other accounts, it is not thought + convenient to disturb. Therefore, it is very false reasoning, especially + in the management of public affairs, to argue that men are innocent, + because the law hath not pronounced them guilty. + </p> + <p> + I am apt to think, it was to supply such defects as these, that satire was + first introduced into the world; whereby those whom neither religion, nor + natural virtue, nor fear of punishment, were able to keep within the + bounds of their duty, might be withheld by the shame of having their + crimes exposed to open view in the strongest colours, and themselves + rendered odious to mankind. Perhaps all this may be little regarded by + such hardened and abandoned natures as I have to deal with; but, next to + taming or binding a savage animal, the best service you can do the + neighbourhood, is to give them warning, either to arm themselves, or not + come in its way. + </p> + <p> + Could I have hoped for any signs of remorse from the leaders of that + faction, I should very gladly have changed my style, and forgot or passed + by their million of enormities. But they are every day more fond of + discovering their impotent zeal and malice: witness their conduct in the + city about a fortnight ago,[11] which had no other end imaginable, beside + that of perplexing our affairs, and endeavouring to make things desperate, + that themselves may be thought necessary. While they continue in this + frantic mood, I shall not forbear to treat them as they deserve; that is + to say, as the inveterate, irreconcilable enemies to our country and its + constitution. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 38 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "It is a shameful thing in a state which is governed by laws, + that there should be any departure from them." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: This paper called forth a reply which was printed in two + forms, one with the title: "A Few Words upon the Examiner's Scandalous + Peace" (London, 1711), and the other, "Reflections upon the Examiner's + Scandalous Peace" (London: A. Baldwin, 1711). A careful comparison of + these pamphlets shows that the text corresponds page for page. The author + commences: "Though 'The Examiner' be certainly the most trifling, + scurrilous, and malicious writer that ever appeared, yet, in spite of all + his gross untruths and absurd notions, by assuming to himself an air of + authority, and speaking in the person of one employed by the ministry, he + sometimes gives a kind of weight to what he says, so as to make + impressions of terror upon honest minds." Then, after quoting several of + the Queen's Speeches to Parliament, and the Addresses in reply, he + observes: "The 'Examiner' is resolved to continue so faithful to his + principal quality of speaking untruths, that he has industriously taken + care not to recite truly the very Address he makes it his business to rail + at;" and he points out that it was not the "restitution of Spain," but the + restoration of the Spanish Monarchy to the House of Austria that was + desired. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: "How near to sin they can go without actually sinning." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: The Muscovite Ambassador (A.A. Matveof) was arrested and + taken out of his coach by violence. A Bill was brought into the House of + Commons "for preserving the Privileges of Ambassadors," February 7th, + 1708/9, and obtained the Royal Assent, April 21st, 1709 (7 Ann. c. 12). + </p> + <p> + Matveof, it seemed, was arrested by his creditors, who feared that, since + he had taken leave at Court, they would never be paid. Peter the Great was + angry at the indignity thus offered his representative, and was only + unwillingly pacified by the above Act. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Richard Dyet, J.P., "is discovered to have counterfeited + stamped paper, in which he was a commissioner; and, with his accomplices, + has cheated the Queen of £100,000" (Swift's "Journal to Stella," October + 3rd, 1710, vol. ii., p. 20 of present edition). He was tried for felony at + the Old Bailey, January 13th, 1710/1, and was acquitted, because his + offence was only a breach of trust. He was, however, re-committed for + trial on the charge of misdemeanour. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: "Some very considerable abuses," the chancellor of the + exchequer informed the House of Commons on January 3rd, 1710/1, "have been + discovered in the victualling." It appears that the seamen in the navy + were allowed seven pints of beer per day, during the time they were on + board. In port, of course the sailors were permitted to go ashore, but the + allowance was still charged to the ship's account; and became a perquisite + of the purser. It often happened that the contractors did not send in the + full amount of beer paid for, but gave the purser money in exchange for + the difference. The scandal was brought to the attention of the House as + stated, and a committee was appointed to inquire into the abuse. On + February 15th the House considered the committee's report, and it was + found that Thomas Ridge, Member for Portsmouth, contracted to supply 5,513 + tons of beer, and had delivered only 3,213. Several other brewers of + Portsmouth had been guilty of the same fraud. Mr. Ridge was expelled the + House the same day. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: See Swift's "Journal," quoted in notes to No. 33, <i>ante</i>, + p. 214. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: This Act was passed in 1708. See No. 18, <i>ante</i>, and + note, p. 105. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: The Address from both Houses, presented to the Queen, + February 18th, 1709/10, prayed that she "would be pleased to order the + Duke of Marlborough's immediate departure for Holland, where his presence + will be equally necessary, to assist at the negotiations of peace, and to + hasten the preparations for an early campaign," etc. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: The Address of both Houses to the Queen, presented on + December 23rd, 1707, urged: "That nothing could restore a just balance of + power in Europe, but the reducing the whole Spanish monarchy to the + obedience of the House of Austria; and ... That no peace can be honourable + or safe, for your Majesty or your allies, if Spain, the West Indies, or + any part of the Spanish Monarchy, be suffered to remain under the power of + the House of Bourbon." The resolutions as carried in the House of Lords on + December 19th did not include the words "or any part of the Spanish + Monarchy"; these words were introduced on a motion by Somers who was in + the chair when the Select Committee met on December 20th to embody the + resolutions in proper form. The altered resolution was quickly hurried + through the Lords and agreed to by the Commons, and the Address as amended + was presented to the Queen. By this bold move Somers prolonged the war + indefinitely. See also note at the commencement of this number. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: This refers to the election of the governor and directors of + the Bank of England on April 12th and 13th. All the Whig candidates were + returned, and Sir H. Furnese was on the same day chosen Alderman for + Bridge Within. See also No. 41, <i>post</i>, p. 267, [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0048" id="link2H_4_0048"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 40.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY APRIL 26, TO THURSDAY MAY 3, 1711. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Quis tulerit Gracchos de seditione querentes?</i>[2] +</pre> + <p> + There have been certain topics of reproach, liberally bestowed for some + years past, by the Whigs and Tories, upon each other. We charge the former + with a design of destroying the established Church, and introducing + fanaticism and freethinking in its stead. We accuse them as enemies to + monarchy; as endeavouring to undermine the present form of government, and + to build a commonwealth, or some new scheme of their own, upon its ruins. + On the other side, their clamours against us, may be summed up in those + three formidable words, Popery, Arbitrary Power, and the Pretender. Our + accusations against them we endeavour to make good by certain overt acts; + such as their perpetually abusing the whole body of the clergy; their + declared contempt for the very order of priesthood; their aversion for + episcopacy; the public encouragement and patronage they gave to Tindall, + Toland, and other atheistical writers; their appearing as professed + advocates, retained by the Dissenters, excusing their separation, and + laying the guilt of it to the obstinacy of the Church; their frequent + endeavours to repeal the test, and their setting up the indulgence to + scrupulous consciences, as a point of greater importance than the + established worship. The regard they bear to our monarchy, hath appeared + by their open ridiculing the martyrdom of King Charles the First, in their + Calves-head Clubs,[3] their common discourses and their pamphlets: their + denying the unnatural war raised against that prince, to have been a + rebellion; their justifying his murder in the allowed papers of the week; + their industry in publishing and spreading seditious and republican + tracts; such as Ludlow's "Memoirs," Sidney "Of Government,"[4] and many + others; their endless lopping of the prerogative, and mincing into nothing + her M[ajest]y's titles to the crown. + </p> + <p> + What proofs they bring for our endeavouring to introduce Popery, arbitrary + power, and the Pretender, I cannot readily tell, and would be glad to + hear; however, those important words having by dexterous management, been + found of mighty service to their cause, though applied with little colour, + either of reason or justice; I have been considering whether they may not + be adapted to more proper objects. + </p> + <p> + As to Popery, which is the first of these, to deal plainly, I can hardly + think there is any set of men among us, except the professors of it, who + have any direct intention to introduce it among us: but the question is, + whether the principles and practices of us, or the Whigs, be most likely + to make way for it? It is allowed, on all hands, that among the methods + concerted at Rome, for bringing over England into the bosom of the + Catholic Church; one of the chief was, to send Jesuits and other + emissaries, in lay habits, who personating tradesmen and mechanics, should + mix with the people, and under the pretence of a further and purer + reformation, endeavour to divide us into as many sects as possible, which + would either put us under the necessity of returning to our old errors, to + preserve peace at home; or by our divisions make way for some powerful + neighbour, with the assistance of the Pope's permission, and a consecrated + banner, to convert and enslave us at once. If this hath been reckoned good + politics (and it was the best the Jesuit schools could invent) I appeal to + any man, whether the Whigs, for many years past, have not been employed in + the very same work? They professed on all occasions, that they knew no + reason why any one system of speculative opinions (as they termed the + doctrines of the Church) should be established by law more than another; + or why employments should be confined to the religion of the magistrate, + and that called the Church established. The grand maxim they laid down + was, That no man, for the sake of a few notions and ceremonies, under the + names of doctrine and discipline, should be denied the liberty of serving + his country: as if places would go a begging, unless Brownists, Familists, + Sweet-singers, Quakers, Anabaptists and Muggletonians, would take them off + our hands. + </p> + <p> + I have been sometimes imagining this scheme brought to perfection, and how + diverting it would look to see half a dozen Sweet-singers on the bench in + their ermines, and two or three Quakers with their white staves at court. + I can only say, this project is the very counterpart of the late King + James's design, which he took up as the best method for introducing his + own religion, under the pretext of an universal liberty of conscience, and + that no difference in religion, should make any in his favour. + Accordingly, to save appearances, he dealt some employments among + Dissenters of most denominations; and what he did was, no doubt, in + pursuance of the best advice he could get at home or abroad; and the + Church thought it the most dangerous step he could take for her + destruction. It is true, King James admitted Papists among the rest, which + the Whigs would not; but this is sufficiently made up by a material + circumstance, wherein they seem to have much outdone that prince, and to + have carried their liberty of conscience to a higher point, having granted + it to all the classes of Freethinkers, which the nice conscience of a + Popish prince would not give him leave to do; and was therein mightily + overseen; because it is agreed by the learned, that there is but a very + narrow step from atheism, to the other extreme, superstition. So that upon + the whole, whether the Whigs had any real design of bringing in Popery or + no, it is very plain, that they took the most effectual step towards it; + and if the Jesuits had been their immediate directors, they could not have + taught them better, nor have found apter scholars. + </p> + <p> + Their second accusation is, That we encourage and maintain arbitrary power + in princes, and promote enslaving doctrines among the people. This they go + about to prove by instances, producing the particular opinions of certain + divines in King Charles the Second's reign; a decree of Oxford + University,[5] and some few writers since the Revolution. What they mean, + is the principle of passive obedience and non-resistance, which those who + affirm, did, I believe, never intend should include arbitrary power. + However, though I am sensible that it is not reckoned prudent in a + dispute, to make any concessions without the last necessity; yet I do + agree, that in my own private opinion, some writers did carry that tenet + of passive obedience to a height, which seemed hardly consistent with the + liberties of a country, whose laws can be neither enacted nor repealed, + without the consent of the whole people. I mean not those who affirm it + due in general, as it certainly is to the Legislature, but such as fix it + entirely in the prince's person. This last has, I believe, been done by a + very few; but when the Whigs quote authors to prove it upon us, they bring + in all who mention it as a duty in general, without applying it to + princes, abstracted from their senate. + </p> + <p> + By thus freely declaring my own sentiments of passive obedience, it will + at least appear, that I do not write for a party: neither do I, upon any + occasion, pretend to speak their sentiments, but my own. The majority of + the two Houses, and the present ministry (if those be a party) seem to me + in all their proceedings, to pursue the real interest of Church and State: + and if I shall happen to differ from particular persons among them, in a + single notion about government, I suppose they will not, upon that + account, explode me and my paper. However, as an answer once for all, to + the tedious scurrilities of those idle people, who affirm, I am hired and + directed what to write;[6] I must here inform them, that their censure is + an effect of their principles: The present m[inistr]y are under no + necessity of employing prostitute pens; they have no dark designs to + promote, by advancing heterodox opinions. + </p> + <p> + But (to return) suppose two or three private divines, under King Charles + the Second, did a little overstrain the doctrine of passive obedience to + princes; some allowance might be given to the memory of that unnatural + rebellion against his father, and the dismal consequences of resistance. + It is plain, by the proceedings of the Churchmen before and at the + Revolution, that this doctrine was never designed to introduce arbitrary + power.[7] + </p> + <p> + I look upon the Whigs and Dissenters to be exactly of the same political + faith; let us, therefore, see what share each of them had in advancing + arbitrary power. It is manifest, that the fanatics made Cromwell the most + absolute tyrant in Christendom:[8] The Rump abolished the House of Lords; + the army abolished the Rump; and by this army of <i>saints</i>, he + governed. The Dissenters took liberty of conscience and employments from + the late King James, as an acknowledgment of his dispensing power; which + makes a King of England as absolute as the Turk. The Whigs, under the late + king, perpetually declared for keeping up a standing army, in times of + peace; which has in all ages been the first and great step to the ruin of + liberty. They were, besides, discovering every day their inclinations to + destroy the rights of the Church; and declared their opinion, in all + companies, against the bishops sitting in the House of Peers: which was + exactly copying after their predecessors of 'Forty-one. I need not say + their real intentions were to make the king absolute, but whatever be the + designs of innovating men, they usually end in a tyranny: as we may see by + an hundred examples in Greece, and in the later commonwealths of Italy, + mentioned by Machiavel. + </p> + <p> + In the third place, the Whigs accuse us of a design to bring in the + Pretender; and to give it a greater air of probability, they suppose the + Qu[een] to be a party in this design; which however, is no very + extraordinary supposition in those who have advanced such singular + paradoxes concerning Gregg and Guiscard. Upon this article, their charge + is general, without ever offering to produce an instance. But I verily + think, and believe it will appear no paradox, that if ever he be brought + in, the Whigs are his men. For, first, it is an undoubted truth, that a + year or two after the Revolution, several leaders of that party had their + pardons sent them by the late King James,[9] and had entered upon measures + to restore him, on account of some disobligations they received from King + William. Besides, I would ask, whether those who are under the greatest + ties of gratitude to King James, are not at this day become the most + zealous Whigs? And of what party those are now, who kept a long + correspondence with St. Germains? + </p> + <p> + It is likewise very observable of late, that the Whigs upon all occasions, + profess their belief of the Pretender's being no impostor, but a real + prince, born of the late Queen's body:[10] which whether it be true or + false, is very unseasonably advanced, considering the weight such an + opinion must have with the vulgar, if they once thoroughly believe it. + Neither is it at all improbable, that the Pretender himself puts his chief + hopes in the friendship he expects from the Dissenters and Whigs, by his + choice to invade the kingdom when the latter were most in credit: and he + had reason to count upon the former, from the gracious treatment they + received from his supposed father, and their joyful acceptance of it. But + further, what could be more consistent with the Whiggish notion of a + revolution-principle, than to bring in the Pretender? A + revolution-principle, as their writings and discourses have taught us to + define it, is a principle perpetually disposing men to revolutions: and + this is suitable to the famous saying of a great Whig, "That the more + revolutions the better"; which how odd a maxim soever in appearance, I + take to be the true characteristic of the party. + </p> + <p> + A dog loves to turn round often; yet after certain revolutions, he lies + down to rest: but heads, under the dominion of the moon, are for perpetual + changes, and perpetual revolutions: besides, the Whigs owe all their + wealth to wars and revolutions; like the girl at Bartholomew-fair, who + gets a penny by turning round a hundred times, with swords in her + hands.[11] + </p> + <p> + To conclude, the Whigs have a natural faculty of bringing in pretenders, + and will therefore probably endeavour to bring in the great one at last: + How many <i>pretenders</i> to wit, honour, nobility, politics, have they + brought in these last twenty years? In short, they have been sometimes + able to procure a majority of pretenders in Parliament; and wanted nothing + to render the work complete, except a Pretender at their head. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 39 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Juvenal, "Satires," ii. 24. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Who his spleen could rein, + And hear the Gracchi of the mob complain?"—W. GIFFORD. + + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: The Calves-Head Club "was erected by an impudent set of + people, who have their feast of calves-heads in several parts of the town, + on the 30th of January; in derision of the day, and defiance of monarchy" + ("Secret History of the Calves-Head Club," 1703). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: These works can hardly be called "tracts." Algernon Sidney's + "Discourses concerning Government" (1698), is a portly folio of 467 pages, + and Ludlow's "Memoirs" (1698-9) occupy three stout octavo volumes. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: On July 21st, 1683, the University of Oxford passed a decree + condemning as "false, seditious, and impious," a series of twenty-seven + propositions, among which were the following: + </p> + <p> + "All civil authority is derived originally from the people." + </p> + <p> + "The King has but a co-ordinate power, and may be over-ruled by the Lords + and Commons." + </p> + <p> + "Wicked kings and tyrants ought to be put to death." + </p> + <p> + "King Charles the First was lawfully put to death." + </p> + <p> + The decree was reprinted in 1709/10 with the title, "An Entire Confutation + of Mr. Hoadley's Book, of the Original of Government." It was burnt by the + order of the House of Lords, dated March 23rd, 1709/10. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: In a letter to Dr. Chenevix, Bishop of Waterford (dated May + 23rd, 1758), Lord Chesterfield, speaking of Swift's "Last Four Years," + says that it "is a party pamphlet, founded on the lie of the day, which, + as Lord Bolingbroke who had read it often assured me, <i>was coined and + delivered out to him, to write 'Examiners' and other political papers upon</i>" + (Chesterfield's "Works," ii. 498, edit. 1777). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: From this and many previous passages it is obvious, that, in + joining the Tories, Swift reserved to himself the right of putting his own + interpretation upon the speculative points of their political creed. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: See Swift's "Presbyterians' Plea of Merit," and note, vol. + iv., p. 36, of present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: James II. sent a Declaration to England, dated April 20th, + 1692, in which he promised to pardon all those who should return to their + duty. He made a few exceptions, and among these were Ormonde, Sunderland, + Nottingham, Churchill, etc. It is said that of Churchill James remarked + that he never could forgive him until he should efface the memory of his + ingratitude by some eminent service. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: "The Pretended Prince of Wales," as he is styled in several + Acts of Parliament, was first called "the Pretender" in Queen Anne's + speech to Parliament on March 11th, 1707/8. She then said: "The French + fleet sailed from Dunkirk, Tuesday, at three in the morning, northward, + with the Pretender on board." The same epithet is employed in the + Addresses by the two Houses in reply to this speech. + </p> + <p> + It was currently reported that he was not a son of James II. and Queen + Mary. Several pamphlets were written by "W. Fuller," to prove that he was + the son of a gentlewoman named Grey, who was brought to England from + Ireland in 1688 by the Countess of Tyrconnel. See also note on p. 409 of + vol. v. of present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: An exhibition described at length in Ward's "London Spy." + The wonder and dexterity of the feat consisted in the damsel sustaining a + number of drawn swords upright upon her hands, shoulders, and neck, and + turning round so nimbly as to make the spectators giddy. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0049" id="link2H_4_0049"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 41.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY MAY 3, TO THURSDAY MAY 10, 1711.[2] + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Dos est magna parentium virtus.</i>[3] +</pre> + <p> + I took up a paper[4] some days ago in a coffee-house; and if the + correctness of the style, and a superior spirit in it, had not immediately + undeceived me, I should have been apt to imagine, I had been reading an + "Examiner." In this paper, there were several important propositions + advanced. For instance, that "Providence raised up Mr. H[arle]y to be an + instrument of great good, in a very critical juncture, when it was much + wanted." That, "his very enemies acknowledge his eminent abilities, and + distinguishing merit, by their unwearied and restless endeavours against + his person and reputation": That "they have had an inveterate malice + against both": That he "has been wonderfully preserved from <i>some</i> + unparalleled attempts"; with more to the same purpose. I immediately + computed by rules of arithmetic, that in the last cited words there was + something more intended than the attempt of Guiscard, which I think can + properly pass but for <i>one</i> of the "some." And, though I dare not + pretend to guess the author's meaning; yet the expression allows such a + latitude, that I would venture to hold a wager, most readers, both Whig + and Tory, have agreed with me, that this plural number must, in all + probability, among other facts, take in the business of Gregg.[5] + </p> + <p> + See now the difference of styles. Had I been to have told my thoughts on + this occasion; instead of saying how Mr. H[arle]y was "treated by some + persons," and "preserved from some unparalleled attempts"; I should with + intolerable bluntness and ill manners, have told a formal story, of a + com[mitt]ee[6] sent to a condemned criminal in Newgate, to bribe him with + a pardon, on condition he would swear high treason against his master, who + discovered his correspondence, and secured his person, when a certain + grave politician had given him warning to make his escape: and by this + means I should have drawn a whole swarm of hedge-writers to exhaust their + catalogue of scurrilities against me as a liar, and a slanderer. But with + submission to the author of that forementioned paper, I think he has + carried that expression to the utmost it will bear: for after all this + noise, I know of but two "attempts" against Mr. H[arle]y, that can really + be called "unparalleled," which are those aforesaid of Gregg and Guiscard; + and as to the rest, I will engage to parallel them from the story of + Catiline, and others I could produce. + </p> + <p> + However, I cannot but observe, with infinite pleasure, that a great part + of what I have charged upon the late prevailing faction, and for affirming + which, I have been adorned with so many decent epithets, hath been + sufficiently confirmed at several times, by the resolutions of one or the + other House of Parliament.[7] I may therefore now say, I hope, with good + authority, that there have been "some unparalleled attempts" against Mr. + Harley. That the late ministry were justly to blame in some management, + which occasioned the unfortunate battle of Almanza,[8] and the + disappointment at Toulon.[9] That the public has been grievously wronged + by most notorious frauds, during the Whig administration. That those who + advised the bringing in the Palatines,[10] were enemies to the kingdom. + That the late managers of the revenue have not duly passed their + accounts,[11] for a great part of thirty-five millions, and ought not to + be trusted in such employments any more. Perhaps in a little time, I may + venture to affirm some other paradoxes of this kind, and produce the same + vouchers. And perhaps also, if it had not been so busy a period, instead + of one "Examiner," the late ministry might have had above four hundred, + each of whose little fingers would be heavier than my loins. It makes me + think of Neptune's threat to the winds: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Quos ego—sed motos praestat componere fluctus.</i>[12] +</pre> + <p> + Thus when these sons of Aeolus, had almost sunk the ship with the tempests + they raised, it was necessary to smooth the ocean, and secure the vessel, + instead of pursuing the offenders. + </p> + <p> + But I observe the general expectation at present, instead of dwelling any + longer upon conjectures who is to be punished for past miscarriages, seems + bent upon the rewards intended to those, who have been so highly + instrumental in rescuing our constitution from its late dangers. It is the + observation of Tacitus, in the life of Agricola, that his eminent services + had raised a general opinion of his being designed, by the emperor, for + praetor of Britain. <i>Nullis in hoc suis sermonibus, sed quia par + videbatur:</i> and then he adds, <i>Non semper errat fama, aliquando et + eligit.</i>[13] The judgment of a wise prince, and the general disposition + of the people, do often point at the same person; and sometimes the + popular wishes, do even foretell the reward intended for some superior + merit. Thus among several deserving persons, there are two,[14] whom the + public vogue hath in a peculiar manner singled out, as designed very soon + to receive the choicest marks of the royal favour. One of them to be + placed in a very high station, and both to increase the number of our + nobility. This, I say, is the general conjecture; for I pretend to none, + nor will be chargeable if it be not fulfilled; since it is enough for + their honour, that the nation thinks them worthy of the greatest rewards. + </p> + <p> + Upon this occasion I cannot but take notice, that of all the heresies in + politics, profusely scattered by the partisans of the late administration, + none ever displeased me more, or seemed to have more dangerous + consequences to monarchy, than that pernicious talent so much affected, of + discovering a contempt for birth, family, and ancient nobility. All the + threadbare topics of poets and orators were displayed to discover to us, + that merit and virtue were the only nobility; and that the advantages of + blood, could not make a knave or a fool either honest or wise. Most + popular commotions we read of in histories of Greece and Rome, took their + rise from unjust quarrels to the nobles; and in the latter, the plebeians' + encroachments on the patricians, were the first cause of their ruin. + </p> + <p> + Suppose there be nothing but opinion in the difference of blood; every + body knows, that authority is very much founded on opinion. But surely, + that difference is not wholly imaginary. The advantages of a liberal + education, of choosing the best companions to converse with; not being + under the necessity of practising little mean tricks by a scanty + allowance; the enlarging of thought, and acquiring the knowledge of men + and things by travel; the example of ancestors inciting to great and good + actions. These are usually some of the opportunities, that fall in the way + of those who are born, of what we call the better families; and allowing + genius to be equal in them and the vulgar, the odds are clearly on their + side. Nay, we may observe in some, who by the appearance of merit, or + favour of fortune, have risen to great stations, from an obscure birth, + that they have still retained some sordid vices of their parentage or + education, either insatiable avarice, or ignominious falsehood and + corruption. + </p> + <p> + To say the truth, the great neglect of education, in several noble + families, whose sons are suffered to pass the most improvable seasons of + their youth, in vice and idleness, have too much lessened their + reputation; but even this misfortune we owe, among all the rest, to that + Whiggish practice of reviling the Universities, under the pretence of + their instilling pedantry, narrow principles, and high-church doctrines. + </p> + <p> + I would not be thought to undervalue merit and virtue, wherever they are + to be found; but will allow them capable of the highest dignities in a + state, when they are in a very great degree of eminence. A pearl holds its + value though it be found in a dunghill; but however, that is not the most + probable place to search for it. Nay, I will go farther, and admit, that a + man of quality without merit, is just so much the worse for his quality; + which at once sets his vices in a more public view, and reproaches him for + them. But on the other side, I doubt, those who are always undervaluing + the advantages of birth, and celebrating personal merit, have principally + an eye to their own, which they are fully satisfied with, and which nobody + will dispute with them about; whereas they cannot, without impudence and + folly, pretend to be nobly born: because this is a secret too easily + discovered: for no men's parentage is so nicely inquired into, as that of + assuming upstarts; especially when they affect to make it better than it + is, as they often do, or behave themselves with insolence. + </p> + <p> + But whatever may be the opinion of others upon this subject, whose + philosophical scorn for blood and families, reaches even to those that are + royal, or perhaps took its rise from a Whiggish contempt of the latter; I + am pleased to find two such instances of extraordinary merit, as I have + mentioned, joined with ancient and honourable birth, which whether it be + of real or imaginary value, hath been held in veneration by all wise, + polite states, both ancient and modern. And, as much a foppery, as men + pretend to think it, nothing is more observable in those who rise to great + place or wealth, from mean originals, than their mighty solicitude to + convince the world that they are not so low as is commonly believed. They + are glad to find it made out by some strained genealogy, that they have + some remote alliance with better families. Cromwell himself was pleased + with the impudence of a flatterer, who undertook to prove him descended + from a branch of the royal stem. I know a citizen,[15] who adds or alters + a letter in his name with every plum he acquires: he now wants but the + change of a vowel, to be allied to a sovereign prince in Italy; and that + perhaps he may contrive to be done, by a <i>mistake</i> of the graver upon + his tombstone. + </p> + <p> + When I am upon this subject of nobility, I am sorry for the occasion given + me, to mention the loss of a person who was so great an ornament to it, as + the late lord president;[16] who began early to distinguish himself in the + public service, and passed through the highest employments of state, in + the most difficult times, with great abilities and untainted honour. As he + was of a good old age, his principles of religion and loyalty had received + no mixture from late infusions, but were instilled into him by his + illustrious father, and other noble spirits, who had exposed their lives + and fortunes for the royal martyr. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ——<i>Pulcherrima proles, + Magnanimi heroes nati melioribus annis.</i>[17] +</pre> + <p> + His first great action was, like Scipio, to defend his father,[18] when + oppressed by numbers; and his filial piety was not only rewarded with long + life, but with a son, who upon the like occasion, would have shewn the + same resolution. No man ever preserved his dignity better when he was out + of power, nor shewed more affability while he was in. To conclude: his + character (which I do not here pretend to draw) is such, as his nearest + friends may safely trust to the most impartial pen; nor wants the least of + that allowance which, they say, is required for those who are dead. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 40 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Writing to Stella, May 14th, 1711, Swift informs her: "Dr. + Freind was with me, and pulled out a twopenny pamphlet just published + called 'The State of Wit,' giving a character of all the papers that have + come out of late. The author seems to be a Whig, yet he speaks very highly + of a paper called 'The Examiner,' and says the supposed author of it is + Dr. Swift" (vol. ii., p. 176, of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Horace, "Odes," III. xxiv. 21. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The lovers there for dowry claim + The father's virtue, and the mother's fame." + P. FRANCIS. +</pre> + <h3> + [T.S.]] + </h3> + <p> + [Footnote 4: "The Congratulatory Speech of William Bromley, Esq., ... + together with the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Answer."—See also + No. 42, <i>post</i>, pp. 273-4. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: See No. 33, <i>ante</i>, pp. 207-14. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: The writer of "A Letter to the Seven Lords" says this means + "that there was a committee of seven lords, sent to a condemned criminal + in Newgate, to bribe him with a pardon, on condition he would swear high + treason, against his master." + </p> + <p> + In Hoffman's "Secret Transactions" (pp. 14, 15) the matter is thus + referred to: "Who those persons were that offered Gregg his life, with + great preferments and advantages (if he would but accuse his master) may + not uneasily be guessed at, for most of the time he was locked up none but + people of note, were permitted to come near him, who made him strange + promises, and often repeated them." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: "He does, with his own impudence, and with the malice of a + devil, bring in both Houses of P—— to say and mean the same + thing.... It is matter of wonder ... to see the greatest ministers of + state we ever had (till now) treated by a poor paper-pedlar, every + Thursday, like the veriest rascals in the kingdom.... I could, if it were + needful, bring a great many instances, of this licentious way of the scum + of mankind's treating the greatest peers in the nation" ("A Letter to the + Seven Lords"). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: The Earl of Galway was defeated by the Duke of Berwick at + this battle on April 25th, 1707. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: The Allies, under the Duke of Savoy, unsuccessfully laid + siege to Toulon from July 26th to August 21st, 1707. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: The Palatines, who were mostly Lutherans, came over to + England in great numbers in May and June of 1709. So large was the + immigration that the House of Commons, on April 14th, 1711, passed a + resolution declaring that the inviting and bringing over of the Palatines + "at the public expense, was an extravagant and unreasonable charge to the + kingdom, and a scandalous misapplication of the public money." Whoever + advised it, said the resolution, "was an enemy to the Queen and this + kingdom." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: A Committee, appointed January 13th, 1710/1, reported in + April, 1711, that accounts for <i>£</i>35,302,107 18<i>s.</i> 9-5/8<i>d.</i>(<i>sic</i>) + had not been passed. On February 21st, 1711/2, the auditors presented a + statement which showed that of these accounts (which went back to 1681), + <i>£</i>6,133,571 had then been passed, and that a considerable portion of + the remainder was waiting for technicalities only. On June 11th, 1713, it + was reported that <i>£</i>24,624,436 had been either passed or "adjusted." + See "Journals of House of Commons," xvi., xvii. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: Virgil, "Aeneid," i. 135. "Whom I—but first this + uproar must be quelled."—R. KENNEDY. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Tacitus, "Agricola," 9. (Tacitus wrote "Haud semper," etc.) + "An opinion not founded upon any suggestions of his own, but upon his + being thought equal to the station. Common fame does not always err, + sometimes it even directs a choice" ("Oxford Translation" revised). + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: Harley, who was created Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer, + May 23rd, 1711, and Sir Simon Harcourt, made Baron Harcourt, September + 3rd, 1711. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: Sir Henry Furnese (1658-1712), Bart. He obtained his + baronetcy June 18th, 1707, and was the first to receive that dignity since + the Union. He sat in the House as Member for Bramber and Sandwich, and was + twice expelled. He was, however, re-elected for Sandwich and represented + that constituency until his death on November 30th, 1712. + </p> + <p> + The variety of ways in which his name has been spelt is quite remarkable. + In the "Calendar of State Papers" for 1691 and 1692, the name is given as + Furness, Furnese, and Furnes. The "Journals of the House of Commons," + recording his expulsion, speaks of him as Furnesse. When he was knighted + (October 11th, 1691), the "Gazette" of October 19th printed it Furnace, + and when he was made a baronet, the same journal had it Furnese. In the + official "Return of Names of Members," the name is given successively as, + Furnace, Furnac, Furnice, Furnise, Furness and Furnese. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 16: Laurence Hyde, Earl of Rochester, second son of the first + Earl of Clarendon (see No. 27, <i>ante</i>, p. 170). He undertook the + defence of his father when the latter was impeached by the House of + Commons, October 30th, 1667, on a charge of high treason. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 17: Virgil, "Aeneid," vi. 648-9. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Warriors, high souled, in better ages born, + Great Teucer's noble race, these plains adorn."—J.M. KING. + + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 18: "When the tumultuous perplexed charge of accumulated + treasons was preferred against him by the Commons; his son Laurence, then + a Member of that House, stept forth with this brave defiance to his + accusers, that, if they could make out any proof of any one single + article, he would, as he was authorized, join in the condemnation of his + father" (Burton's "Genuineness of Clarendon's History," p. 111). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0050" id="link2H_4_0050"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 42.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY MAY 10, TO THURSDAY MAY 17, 1711. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>———Quem cur distringere coner, + Tutus ab infestis latronibus?</i>[2] +</pre> + <p> + I never let slip an opportunity of endeavouring to convince the world, + that I am not partial, and to confound the idle reproach of my being hired + or directed what to write in defence of the present ministry,[3] or for + detecting the practices of the former. When I first undertook this paper, + I firmly resolved, that if ever I observed any gross neglect, abuse or + corruption in the public management, which might give any just offence to + reasonable people, I would take notice of it with that innocent boldness + which becomes an honest man, and a true lover of his country; at the same + time preserving the respect due to persons so highly entrusted by so wise + and excellent a Queen. I know not how such a liberty might have been + resented; but I thank God there has been no occasion given me to exercise + it; for I can safely affirm, that I have with the utmost rigour, examined + all the actions of the present ministry, as far as they fall under general + cognizance, without being able to accuse them of one ill or mistaken step. + Observing indeed some time ago, that seeds of dissension[4] had been + plentifully scattered from a certain corner, and fearing they began to + rise and spread, I immediately writ a paper on the subject; which I + treated with that warmth I thought it required: but the prudence of those + at the helm soon prevented this growing evil; and at present it seems + likely to have no consequences. + </p> + <p> + I have had indeed for some time a small occasion of quarrelling, which I + thought too inconsiderable for a formal subject of complaint, though I + have hinted at it more than once. But it is grown at present to as great a + height, as a matter of that nature can possibly bear; and therefore I + conceive it high time that an effectual stop should be put to it. I have + been amazed at the flaming licentiousness of several weekly papers, which + for some months past, have been chiefly employed in barefaced scurrilities + against those who are in the greatest trust and favour with the Qu[een], + with the first and last letters of their names frequently printed; or some + periphrasis describing their station, or other innuendoes, contrived too + plain to be mistaken. The consequence of which is, (and it is natural it + should be so) that their long impunity hath rendered them still more + audacious. + </p> + <p> + At this time I particularly intend a paper called the "Medley"; whose + indefatigable, incessant railings against me, I never thought convenient + to take notice of, because it would have diverted my design, which I + thought was of public use.[5] Besides, I never yet observed that writer, + or those writers, (for it is every way a "Medley") to argue against any + one material point or fact that I had advanced, or make one fair + quotation. And after all, I knew very well how soon the world grow weary + of controversy. It is plain to me, that three or four hands at least have + been joined at times in that worthy composition; but the outlines as well + as the finishing, seem to have been always the work of the same pen, as it + is visible from half a score beauties of style inseparable from it. But + who these Meddlers are, or where the judicious leaders have picked them + up, I shall never go about to conjecture: factious rancour, false wit, + abandoned scurrility, impudent falsehood, and servile pedantry, having so + many fathers, and so few to own them, that curiosity herself would not be + at the pains to guess. It is the first time I ever did myself the honour + to mention that admirable paper: nor could I imagine any occasion likely + to happen, that would make it necessary for me to engage with such an + adversary. This paper is weekly published, and as appears by the number, + has been so for several months, and is next to the "Observator,"[6] + allowed to be the best production of the party. Last week my printer + brought me that of May 7, Numb. 32. where there are two paragraphs[7] + relating to the Speaker of the House of Commons, and to Mr. Harley; which, + as little as I am inclined to engage with such an antagonist, I cannot let + pass, without failing in my duty to the public: and if those in power will + suffer such infamous insinuations to pass with impunity, they act without + precedent from any age or country of the world. + </p> + <p> + I desire to open this matter, and leave the Whigs themselves to determine + upon it. The House of Commons resolved, <i>nemine contradicente</i>, that + the Speaker should congratulate Mr. Harley's escape and recovery[8] in the + name of the House, upon his first attendance on their service. This is + accordingly done; and the speech, together with the chancellor of the + exchequer's, are printed by order of the House.[9] The author of the + "Medley" takes this speech to task the very next week after it is + published, telling us, in the aforesaid paper, that the Speaker's + commending Mr. Harley, for being "an instrument of great good" to the + nation, was "ill-chosen flattery"; because Mr. Harley had brought the + "nation under great difficulties, to say no more:" He says, that when the + Speaker tells Mr. Harley, that Providence has "wonderfully preserved" him + "from some unparalleled attempts" (for that the "Medley" alludes to) he + only "revives a false and groundless calumny upon other men"; which is "an + instance of impotent, but inveterate malice,"[10] that makes him [the + Speaker] "still appear more vile and contemptible." This is an extract + from his first paragraph. In the next this writer says, that the Speaker's + "praying to God for the continuance of Mr. Harley's life, as an invaluable + blessing,[11] was a fulsome piece of insincerity, which exposes him to + shame and derision"; because he is "known to bear ill will to Mr. Harley, + to have an extreme bad opinion of him, and to think him an obstructor of + those fine measures he would bring about." + </p> + <p> + I now appeal to the Whigs themselves, whether a great minister of state, + in high favour with the Qu[een], and a Speaker of the House of Commons, + were ever publicly treated after so extraordinary a manner, in the most + licentious times? For this is not a clandestine libel stolen into the + world, but openly printed and sold, with the bookseller's name and place + of abode at the bottom. And the juncture is admirable, when Mr. H[arle]y + is generally believed upon the very point to be made an earl, and promoted + to the most important station of the kingdom:[12] nay, the very marks of + esteem he hath so lately received from the whole representative body of + the people, are called "ill-chosen flattery," and "a fulsome piece of + insincerity," exposing the donors "to shame and derision." + </p> + <p> + Does this intrepid writer think he has sufficiently disguised the matter, + by that stale artifice of altering the story, and putting it as a supposed + case? Did any man who ever saw the congratulatory speech, read either of + those paragraphs in the "Medley," without interpreting them just as I have + done? Will the author declare upon his great sincerity, that he never had + any such meaning? Is it enough, that a jury at Westminster-Hall would, + perhaps, not find him guilty of defaming the Speaker and Mr. Harley in + that paper? which however, I am much in doubt of too; and must think the + law very defective, if the reputation of such persons must lie at the + mercy of such pens. I do not remember to have seen any libel, supposed to + be writ with caution and double meaning, in order to prevent prosecution, + delivered under so thin a cover, or so unartificially made up as this; + whether it were from an apprehension of his readers' dullness, or an + effect of his own. He hath transcribed the very phrases of the Speaker, + and put them in a different character, for fear they might pass + unobserved, and to prevent all possibility of being mistaken. I shall be + pleased to see him have recourse to the old evasion, and say, that I who + make the application, am chargeable with the abuse: let any reader of + either party be judge. But I cannot forbear asserting, as my opinion, that + for a m[inist]ry to endure such open calumny, without calling the author + to account, is next to deserving it. And this is an omission I venture to + charge upon the present m[inist]ry, who are too apt to despise little + things, which however have not always little consequences. + </p> + <p> + When this paper was first undertaken, one design, among others, was, to <i>Examine</i> + some of those writings so frequently published with an evil tendency, + either to religion or government; but I was long diverted by other + enquiries, which I thought more immediately necessary, to animadvert upon + men's actions, rather than their speculations: to shew the necessity there + was of changing the ministry, that our constitution in Church and State + might be preserved; to expose some dangerous principles and practices + under the former administration, and prove by many instances, that those + who are now at the helm, are entirely in the true interest of prince and + people. This I may modestly hope, hath in some measure been already done, + sufficient to answer the end proposed, which was to inform the ignorant + and those at distance, and to convince such as are not engaged in a party, + from other motives than that of conscience. I know not whether I shall + have any appetite to continue this work much longer; if I do, perhaps some + time may be spent in exposing and overturning the false reasonings of + those who engage their pens on the other side, without losing time in + vindicating myself against their scurrilities, much less in retorting + them. Of this sort there is a certain humble companion, a French <i>maître + de langues</i>,[13] who every month publishes an extract from votes, + newspapers, speeches and proclamations, larded with some insipid remarks + of his own; which he calls "The Political State of Great Britain:"[14] + This ingenious piece he tells us himself, is constantly translated into + French, and printed in Holland, where the Dutch, no doubt, conceive most + noble sentiments of us, conveyed through such a vehicle. It is observable + in his account for April, that the vanity, so predominant in many of his + nation, has made him more concerned for the honour of Guiscard, than the + safety of Mr. H[arle]y: And for fear we should think the worse of his + country upon that assassin's account,[15] he tells us, there have been + more murders, parricides and villanies, committed in England, than any + other part of the world. I cannot imagine how an illiterate foreigner, who + is neither master of our language, or indeed of common sense, and who is + devoted to a faction, I suppose, for no other reason, but his having more + Whig customers than Tories, should take it into his head to write politic + tracts of our affairs. But I presume, he builds upon the foundation of + having being called to an account for his insolence in one of his former + monthly productions,[16] which is a method that seldom fails of giving + some vogue to the foolishest composition. If such a work must be done, I + wish some tolerable hand would undertake it; and that we would not suffer + a little whiffling Frenchman to neglect his trade of teaching his language + to our children, and presume to instruct foreigners in our politics. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 41 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +[Footnote 2: Horace, "Satires," II. i. 41-2. + "Safe it lies +Within the sheath, till villains round me rise."—P. FRANCIS. +[T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: See No. 40, <i>ante</i>, and note, p. 259. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: In "A Discourse of the Contests and Dissensions ... Athens + and Rome," 1701 (vol. i., pp. 227-270, of present edition). See also + Swift's reference to this pamphlet in his "Memoirs Relating to that + Change," etc. (vol. v., p. 379). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: "The Medley," under Maynwaring, with occasional help from + Addison and Steele, seems to have been published for the sole purpose of + replying to the "Examiner." No. 40 (July 2nd, 1711) begins: "The + 'Examiner' is grown so insipid and contemptible that my acquaintance are + offended at my troubling myself about him." No. 45 (the final number, + August 6th, 1711) expresses the writer's "deep concern" for the loss of + his "dear friend 'The Examiner,' who has at once left the world and me, + quite unprovided for so great a blow." When the "Examiner" was revived by + W. Oldisworth in December, 1711, it was soon followed by a reappearance of + "The Medley." It started afresh with Numb. I. on March 3rd, 1712 (<i>i.e.</i> + 1711/2), and continued until August 4th, 1712, the date of the publication + of Numb. XLV. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: See No. 16, <i>ante</i>, and note p. 85. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: The two paragraphs appeared in No. 32 of "The Medley," and + the writer introduces them by a reference to "praise and censure, which I + choose out of all the rest, because it only concerns the 'Examiner' to be + well instructed in them, he having no other business but to flatter the + new m[inistry], and abuse the old." The first paragraph runs: + </p> + <p> + "In the first place, whenever any body would praise another, all he can + say will have no weight or effect, if it be not true or probable. If + therefore, for example, my friend should take it into his head to commend + a man, <i>for having been an instrument of great good to a nation</i>, + when in truth that very person had brought that same nation under great + difficulties, to say no more; such ill-chosen flattery would be of no use + or moment, nor add the least credit to the person so commended. Or if he + should take that occasion to revive any false and groundless calumny upon + other men, or another party of men; such an instance of <i>impotent but + inveterate malice</i>, would make him still appear more vile and + contemptible. The reason of all which is, that what he said was neither + just, proper, nor real, and therefore must needs want the force of true + eloquence, which consists in nothing else but in well representing things + as they really are. I advise therefore my friend, before he praises any + more of his heroes, to learn the common rules of writing; and particularly + to read over and over a certain chapter in Aristotle's first book of + Rhetoric, where are given very proper and necessary directions, <i>for + praising a man who has done nothing that he ought to be praised for</i>." + </p> + <p> + There is no reference here to the Speaker. The reference is to the + "Examiner"; nor is there any mention of Providence having wonderfully + preserved him from some unparalleled attempts. + </p> + <p> + The second paragraph runs: + </p> + <p> + "But the ancients did not think it enough for men to speak what was true + or probable, they required further that their orators should be heartily + in earnest; and that they should have all those motions and affections in + their own minds which they endeavoured to raise in others. He that thinks, + says Cicero, to warm others with his eloquence, must first be warm + himself. And Quintilian says, We must first be affected ourselves, before + we can move others. This made Pliny's panegyric upon Trajan so well + received by his hearers, because every body knew the wonderful esteem and + affection which he had for the person he commended: and therefore, when he + concluded with a prayer to Jupiter, that he would take care of the life + and safety of that great and good man, which he said contained in it all + other blessings; though the expression was so high, it passed very well + with those that heard him, as being agreeable to the known sentiments and + affection of the speaker. Whereas, if my friend should be known to bear + ill-will to another person, or to have an extreme bad opinion of him, or + to think him an abstractor of those fine measures he would bring about, + and should yet in one of his panegyrics pray to God for the continuance of + that very person's life, as '<i>an invaluable blessing</i>'; such a + fulsome piece of insincerity would only expose him to shame and derision." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: The House of Commons resolved on April 11th, that the Speaker + should congratulate Mr. Harley when he was able to attend the House. This + was done on April 26th. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: The House of Commons, on April 27th, ordered, "That Mr. + Speaker be desired to print his congratulatory speech ... with the Answer + of Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer to the same." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: The Speaker thanks God that Harley's enemies had "not been + able to accomplish what their inveterate, but impotent, malice, had + designed." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: The Speaker prayed that Providence might "continue still to + preserve so invaluable a life." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: Harley was appointed lord treasurer, May 30th, 1711, and + created Earl of Oxford, May 23rd. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Abel Boyer (1667-1729), author of a French dictionary, a + French grammar, "History of William III.," "History of Queen Anne," "The + Political State," "The Post Boy" (1705-9), and many other works. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: "The Political State of Great Britain" was started in + January, 1710/1, and continued monthly until 1740. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: See No. 33, <i>ante</i>, and note, p. 207. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 16: Boyer appeared before the House of Lords, March 6th, 1710/1, + and owned that he was the compiler of "The Political State of Great + Britain." He was kept in custody till March 12th, when he was reprimanded, + and discharged after he had paid his fees. His offence was that "an + account is pretended to be given of the Debates and Proceedings of this + House" ("Journals of House of Lords," xix). The third number of "The + Political State," Boyer issued on March 17th, giving his reason for the + delay in its appearance: "An unavoidable and unvoluntary avocation, of + which I may give you an account hereafter, has obliged me to write to you + a fortnight later than usual." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0051" id="link2H_4_0051"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 43.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY MAY 17, TO THURSDAY MAY 24, 1711. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Delicta majorum immeritus lues, + Romane; donec templa refeceris, + Aedesque labentes deorum</i>——[2] +</pre> + <p> + Several letters have been lately sent me, desiring I would make honourable + mention of the pious design of building fifty churches, in several parts + of London and Westminster, where they are most wanted; occasioned by an + address of the convocation to the Queen,[3] and recommended by her Majesty + to the House of Commons; who immediately promised, they would enable her + "to accomplish so excellent a design," and are now preparing a Bill + accordingly. I thought to have deferred any notice of this important + affair till the end of this session; at which time I proposed to deliver a + particular account of the great and useful things already performed by + this present Parliament. But in compliance to those who give themselves + the trouble of advising me; and partly convinced by the reasons they + offer; I am content to bestow a paper upon a subject, that indeed so well + deserves it. + </p> + <p> + The clergy, and whoever else have a true concern for the constitution of + the Church, cannot but be highly pleased with one prospect in this new + scene of public affairs. They may very well remember the time, when every + session of Parliament, was like a cloud hanging over their heads; and if + it happened to pass without bursting into some storm upon the Church, we + thanked God, and thought it an happy escape till the next meeting; upon + which we resumed our secret apprehensions, though we were not allowed to + believe any danger. Things are now altered; the Parliament takes the + necessities of the Church into consideration, receives the proposals of + the clergy met in convocation, and amidst all the exigencies of a long + expensive war, and under the pressure of heavy debts, finds a supply for + erecting fifty edifices for the service of God. And it appears by the + address of the Commons to her Majesty upon this occasion (wherein they + discovered a true spirit of religion) that the applying the money granted + "to accomplish so excellent a design,"[4] would, in their opinion, be the + most effectual way of carrying on the war; that it would (to use their own + words) "be a means of drawing down blessings on her Majesty's + undertakings, as it adds to the number of those places, where the prayers + of her devout and faithful subjects, will be daily offered up to God, for + the prosperity of her government at home, and the success of her arms + abroad." + </p> + <p> + I am sometimes hoping, that we are not naturally so bad a people, as we + have appeared for some years past. Faction, in order to support itself, is + generally forced to make use of such abominable instruments, that as long + as it prevails, the genius of a nation is overpressed, and cannot appear + to exert itself: but when <i>that</i> is broke and suppressed, when things + return to the old course, mankind will naturally fall to act from + principles of reason and religion. The Romans, upon a great victory, or + escape from public danger, frequently built a temple in honour of some + god, to whose peculiar favour they imputed their success or delivery: and + sometimes the general did the like, <i>at his own expense</i>, to acquit + himself of some pious vow he had made. How little of any thing resembling + this hath been done by us after all our victories! and perhaps for that + reason, among others, they have turned to so little account. But what + could we expect? We acted all along as if we believed nothing of a God or + His providence; and therefore it was consistent to offer up our edifices + only to those, whom we looked upon as givers of all victory, in His stead. + </p> + <p> + I have computed, that fifty churches may be built by a medium, at six + thousand pound for a church; which is somewhat <i>under</i> the price of a + subject's palace: yet perhaps the care of above two hundred thousand + souls, with the benefit of their prayers for the prosperity of their Queen + and country, may be almost put in the balance with the domestic + convenience, or even magnificence of any subject whatsoever. + </p> + <p> + Sir William Petty, who under the name of Captain Graunt, published some + observations upon bills of mortality about five years after the + Restoration;[5] tells us, the parishes in London, were even then so + unequally divided, that some were two hundred times larger than others. + Since that time, the increase of trade, the frequency of Parliaments, the + desire of living in the metropolis, together with that genius for + building, which began after the fire, and hath ever since continued, have + prodigiously enlarged this town on all sides, where it was capable of + increase; and those tracts of land built into streets, have generally + continued of the same parish they belonged to, while they lay in fields; + so that the care of above thirty thousand souls, hath been sometimes + committed to one minister, whose church would hardly contain the twentieth + part of his flock: neither, I think, was any family in those parishes + obliged to pay above a groat a year to their spiritual pastor. Some few of + those parishes have been since divided; in others were erected chapels of + ease, where a preacher is maintained by general contribution. Such poor + shifts and expedients, to the infinite shame and scandal, of so vast and + flourishing a city, have been thought sufficient for the service of God + and religion; as if they were circumstances wholly indifferent. + </p> + <p> + This defect, among other consequences of it, hath made schism a sort of + necessary evil, there being at least three hundred thousand inhabitants in + this town, whom the churches would not be able to contain, if the people + were ever so well disposed: and in a city not overstocked with zeal, the + only way to preserve any degree of religion, is to make all attendance + upon the duties of it, as easy and cheap as possible: whereas on the + contrary, in the larger parishes, the press is so great, and the + pew-keeper's tax so exorbitant, that those who love to save trouble and + money, either stay at home, or retire to the conventicles. I believe there + are few examples in any Christian country of so great a neglect for + religion; and the dissenting teachers have made their advantages largely + by it, "sowing tares among the wheat while men slept;" being much more + expert at procuring contributions, which is a trade they are bred up in, + than men of a liberal education. + </p> + <p> + And to say truth, the way practised by several parishes in and about this + town, of maintaining their clergy by voluntary subscriptions, is not only + an indignity to the character, but hath many pernicious consequences + attending it; such a precarious dependence, subjecting a clergyman, who + hath not more than ordinary spirit and resolution, to many inconveniences, + which are obvious to imagine: but this defect will, no doubt, be remedied + by the wisdom and piety of the present Parliament; and a tax laid upon + every house in a parish, for the support of their pastor. Neither indeed + can it be conceived, why a house, whose purchase is not reckoned above + one-third less than land of the same yearly rent, should not pay a + twentieth part annually (which is half tithe) to the support of the + minister. One thing I could wish, that in fixing the maintenance to the + several ministers in these new intended parishes, no determinate sum of + money may be named, which in all perpetuities ought by any means to be + avoided; but rather a tax in proportion to the rent of each house, though + it be but a twentieth or even a thirtieth part. The contrary of this, I am + told, was done in several parishes of the city after the fire; where the + incumbent and his successors were to receive for ever a certain sum; for + example, one or two hundred pounds a year. But the lawgivers did not + consider, that what we call at present, one hundred pounds, will, in + process of time, have not the intrinsic value of twenty; as twenty pounds + now are hardly equal to forty shillings, three hundred years ago. There + are a thousand instances of this all over England, in reserved rents + applied to hospitals, in old chiefries, and even among the clergy + themselves, in those payments which, I think, they call a <i>modus</i>.[6] + </p> + <p> + As no prince had ever better dispositions than her present Majesty, for + the advancement of true religion, so there was never any age that produced + greater occasions to employ them on. It is an unspeakable misfortune, that + any designs of so excellent a Queen, should be checked by the necessities + of a long and ruinous war, which the folly or corruption of modern + politicians have involved us in, against all the maxims whereby our + country flourished so many hundred years: else her Majesty's care of + religion would certainly have reached even to her American plantations. + Those noble countries, stocked by numbers from hence, whereof too many are + in no very great reputation for faith or morals, will be a perpetual + reproach to us, till some better care is taken for cultivating + Christianity among them. If the governors of those several colonies were + obliged, at certain times, to transmit an exact representation of the + state of religion, in their several districts; and the legislature here + would, in a time of leisure, take that affair under their consideration, + it might be perfected with little difficulty, and be a great addition to + the glories of her Majesty's reign. + </p> + <p> + But to waive further speculations upon so remote a scene, while we have + subjects enough to employ them on at home; it is to be hoped, the clergy + will not let slip any proper opportunity of improving the pious + dispositions of the Queen and kingdom, for the advantage of the Church; + when by the example of times past, they consider how rarely such + conjunctures are like to happen. What if some method were thought on + towards repairing of churches? for which there is like to be too frequent + occasions, those ancient Gothic structures, throughout this kingdom, going + every year to decay. That expedient of repairing or rebuilding them by + charitable collections, seems in my opinion not very suitable, either to + the dignity and usefulness of the work, or to the honour of our country; + since it might be so easily done, with very little charge to the public, + in a much more decent and honourable manner, while Parliaments are so + frequently called. But these and other regulations must be left to a time + of peace, which I shall humbly presume to wish may soon be our share, + however offensive it may be to any, either abroad or at home, who are + gainers by the war. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 42 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Horace, "Odes," III. vi. 1-3. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Those ills your ancestors have done, + Romans, are now become your own; + And they will cost you dear, + Unless you soon repair + The falling temples which the gods provoke." + + EARL OF ROSCOMMON (1672). [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: The minister and churchwardens of Greenwich applied to the + House of Commons on February 14th, 1710/1, for aid in the rebuilding of + their church. The House referred the application to a committee. On + February 28th the lower house of Convocation sent a deputation to the + Speaker expressing their satisfaction at what had been done. On his + reporting this to the House on the following day, they expressed their + readiness to receive information. The lower house of Convocation prepared + a scheme and presented it to the Speaker on March 9th; this was referred + to the committee on the 10th. Acting on a hint received from the court, + the bishops and clergy presented an Address to the Queen on March 26th, + and this was followed by a Message from Her Majesty, on the 29th, to the + House of Commons, recommending that Parliament should undertake "the great + and necessary work of building more churches." On April 9th the House of + Commons replied in an Address, promising to make provision, and resolved, + on May 1st, to grant a supply for building fifty new churches in or about + London and Westminster. On May 8th it fixed the amount at a sum "not + exceeding £350,000." In pursuance of this a Bill was introduced on May + 18th, which received the Royal Assent on June 12th (9 Ann. c. 17). This + Bill granted £350,000 (to be raised by a duty on coals) for building fifty + new churches in London and Westminster. + </p> + <p> + In this connection it is interesting to remember that Swift, two years + before, had recommended the building of more churches as part of his + suggestions for "the advancement of religion." See his "Project for the + Advancement of Religion" (vol. iii., p. 45 of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: In their Address, on April 9th, 1711, the House of Commons + said: "Neither the long expensive war, in which we are engaged, nor the + pressure of heavy debts, under which we labour, shall hinder us from + granting to your Majesty whatever is necessary, to accomplish so excellent + a design, which, we hope, may be a means of drawing down blessings from + Heaven on all your Majesty's other undertakings, as it adds to the number + of those places, where the prayers of your devout and faithful subjects + will be daily offered up to God, for the prosperity of your Majesty's + government at home, and the success of your arms abroad." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: "Natural and Political Observations ... upon the Bills of + Mortality." By John Graunt, 1662. The writer says in chap. x. that + Cripplegate parish was two hundred times as big as some of the parishes in + the city. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: An abbreviation of <i>modus decimandi</i>, a composition in + lieu of payment of tithes. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0052" id="link2H_4_0052"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 44.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY MAY 24, TO THURSDAY MAY 31, 1711. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Scilicet, ut possem curvo dignoscere rectum.</i>[2] +</pre> + <p> + Having been forced in my papers to use the cant-words of Whig and Tory, + which have so often varied their significations, for twenty years past; I + think it necessary to say something of the several changes those two terms + have undergone since that period; and then to tell the reader what I have + always understood by each of them, since I undertook this work. I reckon + that these sorts of conceited appellations, are usually invented by the + vulgar; who not troubling themselves to examine through the merits of a + cause, are consequently the most violent partisans of what they espouse; + and in their quarrels, usually proceed to their beloved argument of <i>calling + names</i>, till at length they light upon one which is sure to stick; and + in time, each party grows proud of that appellation, which their + adversaries at first intended for a reproach. Of this kind were the + Prasini and Veneti,[3] the Guelfs and Ghibellines,[4] Huguenots and + Papists, Roundheads and Cavaliers,[5] with many others, of ancient and + modern date. Among us of late there seems to have been a barrenness of + invention in this point, the words Whig and Tory,[6] though they are not + much above thirty years old, having been pressed to the service of many + successions of parties, with very different ideas fastened to them. This + distinction, I think, began towards the latter part of King Charles the + Second's reign, was dropped during that of his successor, and then revived + at the Revolution, since which it has perpetually flourished, though + applied to very different kinds of principles and persons. In that + Convention of Lords and Commons,[7] some of both Houses were for a regency + to the Prince of Orange, with a reservation of style and title to the + absent king, which should be made use of in all public acts. Others, when + they were brought to allow the throne vacant, thought the succession + should immediately go to the next heir, according to the fundamental laws + of the kingdom, as if the last king were actually dead. And though the + dissenting lords (in whose House the chief opposition was) did at last + yield both those points, took the oaths to the new king, and many of them + employments, yet they were looked upon with an evil eye by the warm + zealots of the other side; neither did the court ever heartily favour any + of them, though some were of the most eminent for abilities and virtue, + and served that prince, both in his councils and his army, with untainted + faith. It was apprehended, at the same time, and perhaps it might have + been true, that many of the clergy would have been better pleased with + that scheme of a regency, or at least an uninterrupted lineal succession, + for the sake of those whose consciences were truly scrupulous; and they + thought there were some circumstances, in the case of the deprived + bishops,[8] that looked a little hard, or at least deserved commiseration. + </p> + <p> + These, and other the like reflections did, as I conceive, revive the + denominations of Whig and Tory. + </p> + <p> + Some time after the Revolution the distinction of high and low-church came + in, which was raised by the Dissenters, in order to break the Church + party, by dividing the members into high and low; and the opinions raised, + that the high joined with the Papists, inclined the low to fall in with + the Dissenters. + </p> + <p> + And here I shall take leave to produce some principles, which in the + several periods of the late reign, served to denote a man of one or the + other party. To be against a standing army in time of peace, was all + high-church, Tory and Tantivy.[9] To differ from a majority of b[isho]ps + was the same. To raise the prerogative above law for serving a turn, was + low-church and Whig. The opinion of the majority in the House of Commons, + especially of the country-party or landed interest, was high-flying[10] + and rank Tory. To exalt the king's supremacy beyond all precedent, was + low-church, Whiggish and moderate. To make the least doubt of the + pretended prince being supposititious, and a tiler's son, was, in their + phrase, "top and topgallant," and perfect Jacobitism. To resume the most + exorbitant grants, that were ever given to a set of profligate favourites, + and apply them to the public, was the very quintessence of Toryism; + notwithstanding those grants were known to be acquired, by sacrificing the + honour and the wealth of England. + </p> + <p> + In most of these principles, the two parties seem to have shifted + opinions, since their institution under King Charles the Second, and + indeed to have gone very different from what was expected from each, even + at the time of the Revolution. But as to that concerning the Pretender, + the Whigs have so far renounced it, that they are grown the great + advocates for his legitimacy: which gives me the opportunity of + vindicating a noble d[uke] who was accused of a blunder in the House, when + upon a certain lord's mentioning the pretended Prince, his g[race] told + the lords, he "must be plain with them, and call that person, not the + pretended prince, but the pretended impostor:" which was so far from a + blunder in that polite l[or]d, as his ill-willers give out, that it was + only a refined way of delivering the avowed sentiments of his whole party. + </p> + <p> + But to return, this was the state of principles when the Qu[een] came to + the crown; some time after which, it pleased certain great persons, who + had been all their lives in the altitude of Tory-profession, to enter into + a treaty with the Whigs, from whom they could get better terms than from + their old friends, who began to be resty, and would not allow monopolies + of power and favour; nor consent to carry on the war entirely at the + expense of this nation, that they might have pensions from abroad; while + another people, more immediately concerned in the war, traded with the + enemy as in times of peace. Whereas, the other party, whose case appeared + then as desperate, was ready to yield to any conditions that would bring + them into play. And I cannot help affirming, that this nation was made a + sacrifice to the immeasurable appetite of power and wealth in a very few, + that shall be nameless, who in every step they made, acted directly + against what they had always professed. And if his Royal Highness the + Prince[11] had died some years sooner (who was a perpetual check in their + career) it is dreadful to think how far they might have proceeded. + </p> + <p> + Since that time, the bulk of the Whigs appears rather to be linked to a + certain set of persons, than any certain set of principles: so that if I + were to define a member of that party, I would say, he was one "who + believed in the late m[inist]ry." And therefore, whatever I have affirmed + of Whigs in any of these papers, or objected against them, ought to be + understood, either of those who were partisans of the late men in power, + and privy to their designs; or such who joined with them, from a hatred to + our monarchy and Church, as unbelievers and Dissenters of all sizes; or + men in office, who had been guilty of much corruption, and dreaded a + change; which would not only put a stop to further abuses for the future, + but might, perhaps, introduce examinations of what was past. Or those who + had been too highly obliged, to quit their supporters with any common + decency. Or lastly, the money-traders, who could never hope to make their + markets so well of <i>premiums</i> and exorbitant interest, and high + remittances, under any other administration. + </p> + <p> + Under these heads, may be reduced the whole body of those whom I have all + along understood for Whigs: for I do not include within this number, any + of those who have been misled by ignorance, or seduced by plausible + pretences, to think better of that sort of men than they deserve, and to + apprehend mighty danger from their disgrace: because, I believe, the + greatest part of such well-meaning people, are now thoroughly converted. + </p> + <p> + And indeed, it must be allowed, that those two fantastic names of Whig and + Tory, have at present very little relation to those opinions, which were + at first thought to distinguish them. Whoever formerly professed himself + to approve the Revolution, to be against the Pretender, to justify the + succession in the house of Hanover, to think the British monarchy not + absolute, but limited by laws, which the executive power could not + dispense with, and to allow an indulgence to scrupulous consciences; such + a man was content to be called a Whig. On the other side, whoever asserted + the Queen's hereditary right; that the persons of princes were sacred; + their lawful authority not to be resisted on any pretence; nor even their + usurpations, without the most extreme necessity: that breaches in the + succession were highly dangerous; that schism was a great evil, both in + itself and its consequences; that the ruin of the Church, would probably + be attended with that of the State; that no power should be trusted with + those who are not of the established religion; such a man was usually + called a Tory. Now, though the opinions of both these are very consistent, + and I really think are maintained at present by a great majority of the + kingdom; yet, according as men apprehend the danger greater, either from + the Pretender and his party, or from the violence and cunning of other + enemies to the constitution; so their common discourses and reasonings, + turn either to the first or second set of these opinions I have mentioned, + and are consequently styled either Whigs or Tories. Which is, as if two + brothers apprehended their house would be set upon, but disagreed about + the place from whence they thought the robbers would come, and therefore + would go on different sides to defend it. They must needs weaken and + expose themselves by such a separation; and so did we, only our case was + worse: for in order to keep off a weak, remote enemy, from whom we could + not suddenly apprehend any danger, we took a nearer and a stronger one + into the house. I make no comparison at all between the two enemies: + Popery and slavery are without doubt the greatest and most dreadful of + any; but I may venture to affirm, that the fear of these, have not, at + least since the Revolution, been so close and pressing upon us, as that + from another faction; excepting only one short period, when the leaders of + that very faction, invited the abdicating king to return; of which I have + formerly taken notice. + </p> + <p> + Having thus declared what sort of persons I have always meant, under the + denomination of Whigs, it will be easy to shew whom I understand by + Tories. Such whose principles in Church and State, are what I have above + related; whose actions are derived from thence, and who have no attachment + to any set of ministers, further than as these are friends to the + constitution in all its parts, but will do their utmost to save their + prince and country, whoever be at the helm. + </p> + <p> + By these descriptions of Whig and Tory, I am sensible those names are + given to several persons very undeservedly; and that many a man is called + by one or the other, who has not the least title to the blame or praise I + have bestowed on each of them throughout my papers. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 43 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +[Footnote 2: Horace, "Epistles," II. ii. 44. +"Fair truth from falsehood to discern."—P. FRANCIS. + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: There were four factions, or parties, distinguished by their + colours, which contended in the ancient circus at Constantinople. The + white and the red were the most ancient. In the sixth century the + dissension between the green (or Prasini) and the blue (or Veneti) was so + violent, that 40,000 men were killed, and the factions were abolished from + that time. See also Gibbon's "Rome," chap. xl. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: The Guelfs were the Papal and popular party in Italy, and the + Ghibellines were the imperial and aristocratic. It is said that these + names were first used as war cries at the battle of Weinsberg in 1140. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: These terms came into use about 1641. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Writing under date, 1681, Burnet says "At this time the + distinguishing names of Whig and Tory came to be the denominations of the + parties" ("Hist. Own Times," i. 499) [T.S.] + </p> + <p> + <i>Whig a more</i> was a nick name given to the western peasantry of + Scotland, from then using the words frequently in driving strings of + horses. Hence, as connected with Calvinistical principles in religion, and + republican doctrines in policy, it was given as a term of reproach to the + opposition party in the latter years of Charles II. These retorted upon + the courtiers the word <i>Tory</i>, signifying an Irish free-booter, and + particularly applicable to the Roman Catholic followers of the Duke of + York. [S] + </p> + <p> + Macaulay's explanation of the origin of these two terms is somewhat + different from that given by Scott. "In Scotland," he says, "some of the + persecuted Covenanters, driven mad by oppression, had lately murdered the + Primate, had taken aims against the government," etc. "These zealots were + most numerous among the rustics of the western lowlands, who were vulgarly + called Whigs. Thus the appellation of Whig was fastened on the + Presbyterian zealots of Scotland, and was transferred to those English + politicians who showed a disposition to oppose the court, and to treat + Protestant Nonconformists with indulgence. The bogs of Ireland, at the + same time, afforded a refuge to Popish outlaws, much resembling those who + were afterwards known as Whiteboys. These men were then called Tories. The + name of Tory was therefore given to Englishmen who refused to concur in + excluding a Roman Catholic prince from the throne." ("History of England," + vol. i, chap. ii) [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: The Convention was summoned by the Prince of Orange in + December, 1688. After a lengthened debate they resolved, on February 12th, + 1688/9, that the Prince and Princess of Orange should "be declared King + and Queen." The Sovereigns were proclaimed on February 13th, and on the + 20th the Convention was voted a Parliament. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: The bishops who were deprived for refusing to take the oath + of allegiance to King William were: Sancroft, the Archbishop of + Canterbury; Ken, Bishop of Bath; White, Bishop of Peterborough; Turner, + Bishop of Ely; Frampton, Bishop of Gloucester; and Lloyd, Bishop of + Norwich. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: Writing to Stella, under date October 10th, 1711, Swift + complains that "The Protestant Post-Boy" says "that an ambitious tantivy, + missing of his towering hopes of preferment in Ireland, is come over to + vent his spleen on the late ministry," etc. (vol. ii., p. 258, of present + edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: "The most virtuous and pious enemy to their wicked + principles [<i>i.e.</i>, to those of the Calves-Head Club] is always cried + down as a high-flyer, a Papist, and a traitor to his country" ("Secret + History of the Calves-Head Club," 7th edit., 1709). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: Prince George of Denmark died October 28th, 1708. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0053" id="link2H_4_0053"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 45.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY MAY 31, TO THURSDAY JUNE 7, 1711.[2] + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Magna vis est, magnum nomen, unum et idem sentieritis Senatus.</i>[3] +</pre> + <p> + Whoever calls to mind the clamour and the calumny, the artificial fears + and jealousies, the shameful misrepresentation of persons and of things, + that were raised and spread by the leaders and instruments of a certain + party, upon the change of the last ministry, and dissolution of + Parliament; if he be a true lover of his country, must feel a mighty + pleasure, though mixed with some indignation, to see the wishes, the + conjectures, the endeavours, of an inveterate faction entirely + disappointed; and this important period wholly spent, in restoring the + prerogative to the prince, liberty to the subject, in reforming past + abuses, preventing future, supplying old deficiencies, providing for + debts, restoring the clergy to their rights, and taking care of the + necessities of the Church: and all this unattended with any of those + misfortunes which some men hoped for, while they pretended to fear. + </p> + <p> + For my own part, I must confess, the difficulties appeared so great to me, + from such a noise and shew of opposition, that I thought nothing but the + absolute necessity of affairs, could ever justify so daring an attempt. + But, a wise and good prince, at the head of an able ministry, and of a + senate freely chosen; all united to pursue the true interest of their + country, is a power, against which, the little inferior politics of any + faction, will be able to make no long resistance. To this we may add one + additional strength, which in the opinion of our adversaries, is the + greatest and justest of any; I mean the <i>vox populi</i>, so indisputably + declarative on the same side. I am apt to think, when these discarded + politicians begin seriously to consider all this, they will think it + proper to give out, and reserve their wisdom for some more convenient + juncture. + </p> + <p> + It was pleasant enough to observe, that those who were the chief + instruments of raising the noise, who started fears, bespoke dangers, and + formed ominous prognostics, in order scare the allies, to spirit the + French, and fright ignorant people at home; made use of those very + opinions themselves had broached, for arguments to prove, that the change + of ministers was dangerous and unseasonable. But if a house be swept, the + more occasion there is for such a work, the more dust it will raise; if it + be going to ruin, the repairs, however necessary, will make a noise, and + disturb the neighbourhood a while. And as to the rejoicings made in + France,[4] if it be true, that they had any, upon the news of those + alterations among us; their joy was grounded upon the same hopes with that + of the Whigs, who comforted themselves, that a change of ministry and + Parliament, would infallibly put us all into confusion, increase our + divisions, and destroy our credit; wherein, I suppose, by this time they + are equally undeceived. + </p> + <p> + But this long session, being in a manner ended,[5] which several + circumstances, and one accident, altogether unforeseen, have drawn out + beyond the usual time; it may be some small piece of justice to so + excellent an assembly, barely to mention a few of those great things they + have done for the service of their QUEEN and country; which I shall take + notice of, just as they come to my memory. + </p> + <p> + The credit of the nation began mightily to suffer by a discount upon + exchequer bills, which have been generally reckoned the surest and most + sacred of all securities. The present lord treasurer, then a member of the + House of Commons, proposed a method, which was immediately complied with, + of raising them to a <i>par</i> with <i>specie</i>;[6] and so they have + ever since continued. + </p> + <p> + The British colonies of Nevis and St. Christopher's,[7] had been miserably + plundered by the French, their houses burnt, their plantations destroyed, + and many of the inhabitants carried away prisoners: they had often, for + some years past, applied in vain for relief from hence; till the present + Parliament, considering their condition as a case of justice and mercy, + voted them one hundred thousand pound by way of recompense, in some + manner, for their sufferings. + </p> + <p> + Some persons, whom the voice of the nation authorizes me to call her + enemies, taking advantage of the general Naturalization Act, had invited + over a great number of foreigners of all religions, under the name of + Palatines;[8] who understood no trade or handicraft, yet rather chose to + beg than labour;[9] who besides infesting our streets, bred contagious + diseases, by which we lost in natives, thrice the number of what we gained + in foreigners. The House of Commons, as a remedy against this evil, + brought in a bill for repealing that Act of general Naturalization, which, + to the surprise of most people, was rejected by the L[or]ds.[10] And upon + this occasion, I must allow myself to have been justly rebuked by one of + my weekly monitors, for pretending in a former paper, to hope that law + would be repealed; wherein the Commons being disappointed, took care + however to send many of the Palatines away, and to represent their being + invited over, as a pernicious counsel.[11] + </p> + <p> + The Qualification Bill,[12] incapacitating all men to serve in Parliament, + who have not some estate in land, either in possession or certain + reversion, is perhaps the greatest security that ever was contrived for + preserving the constitution, which otherwise might, in a little time, lie + wholly at the mercy of the moneyed interest: And since much the greatest + part of the taxes is paid, either immediately from land, or from the + productions of it, it is but common justice, that those who are the + proprietors, should appoint what portion of it ought to go to the support + of the public; otherwise, the engrossers of money, would be apt to lay + heavy loads on others, which themselves never touch with one of their + fingers. + </p> + <p> + The public debts were so prodigiously increased, by the negligence and + corruption of those who had been managers of the revenue; that the late + m[iniste]rs, like careless men, who run out their fortunes, were so far + from any thoughts of payment, as they had not the courage to state or + compute them. The Parliament found that thirty-five millions had never + been accounted for; and that the debt on the navy, wholly unprovided for, + amounted to nine millions.[13] The late chancellor of the exchequer, + suitable to his transcendent genius for public affairs, proposed a fund to + be security for that immense debt, which is now confirmed by a law, and is + likely to prove the greatest restoration and establishment of the + kingdom's credit.[14] Nor content with this, the legislature hath + appointed commissioners of accompts, to inspect into past mismanagements + of the public money, and prevent them for the future.[15] + </p> + <p> + I have, in a former paper, mentioned the Act for building fifty new + Churches in London and Westminster,[16] with a fund appropriated for that + pious and noble work. But while I am mentioning acts of piety, it would be + unjust to conceal my lord high treasurer's concern for religion, which + have extended even to another kingdom: his lordship having some months + ago, obtained of her Majesty a remission of the first-fruits and tenths to + the clergy of Ireland,[17] as he is known to have formerly done for that + reverend body in this kingdom. + </p> + <p> + The Act for carrying on a Trade to the South-Sea,[18] proposed by the same + great person, whose thoughts are perpetually employed, and always with + success, on the good of his country, will, in all probability, if duly + executed, be of mighty advantage to the kingdom, and an everlasting honour + to the present Parliament.[19] + </p> + <p> + I might go on further, and mention that seasonable law against excessive + gaming;[20] the putting a stop to that scandalous fraud of false musters + in the Guards;[21] the diligent and effectual enquiry made by the Commons + into several gross abuses.[22] I might produce many instances of their + impartial justice in deciding controverted election, against former + example, and great provocations to retaliate.[23] I might shew their + cheerful readiness in granting such vast supplies; their great unanimity, + not to be broken by all the arts of a malicious and cunning faction; their + unfeigned duty to the QUEEN; and lastly, that representation made to her + Majesty from the House of Commons, discovering such a spirit and + disposition in that noble assembly, to redress all those evils, which a + long mal-administration had brought upon us.[24] + </p> + <p> + It is probable, that trusting only to my memory, I may have omitted many + things of great importance; neither do I pretend further in the compass of + this paper, than to give the world some general, however imperfect idea, + how worthily this great assembly hath discharged the trust of those who so + freely chose them; and what we may reasonably hope and expect from the + piety, courage, wisdom, and loyalty of such excellent patriots, in a time + so fruitful of occasions to exert the greatest abilities. + </p> + <p> + And now I conceive the main design I had in writing these papers, is fully + executed. A great majority of the nation is at length thoroughly + convinced, that the Qu[een] proceeded with the highest wisdom, in changing + her ministry and Parliament. That under a former administration, the + greatest abuses of all kinds were committed, and the most dangerous + attempts against the constitution for some time intended. The whole + kingdom finds the present persons in power, directly and openly pursuing + the true service of their QUEEN and country; and to be such whom their + most bitter enemies cannot tax with bribery, covetousness, ambition, + pride, insolence, or any pernicious principles in religion or government. + </p> + <p> + For my own particular, those little barking pens which have so constantly + pursued me, I take to be of no further consequence to what I have writ, + than the scoffing slaves of old, placed behind the chariot, to put the + general in mind of his mortality;[25] which was but a thing of form, and + made no stop or disturbance in the shew. However, if those perpetual + snarlers against me, had the same design, I must own they have effectually + compassed it; since nothing can well be more mortifying, than to reflect + that I am of the same species with creatures capable of uttering so much + scurrility, dullness, falsehood and impertinence, to the scandal and + disgrace of human nature. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 44 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: To Stella, about this time, Swift wrote giving a decided hint + of the end of his term on "The Examiner." Under date June 7th, 1711, he + says: "As for the 'Examiner,' I have heard a whisper, that after that of + this day, which tells what this Parliament has done, you will hardly find + them so good. I prophesy they will be trash for the future; and methinks + in this day's 'Examiner' the author talks doubtfully, as if he would write + no more" (vol. ii., pp. 192-3 of present edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: "Great is the power, great the name, of a Senate which is + unanimous in its opinions."—H.T. RILEY, [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: See No. 24, <i>ante</i>, and note on p. 145. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: The session did not actually close till June 12th. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: The House of Commons had resolved on January 16th, 1710/1, to + provide for converting all non-specie exchequer bills into specie. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: The Act for licensing and regulating hackney coaches, etc. (9 + Ann. c. 16) provided that a sum of £103,003 11<i>s.</i> 4<i>d.</i> should + be distributed among those proprietors and inhabitants of Nevis and St. + Christopher's who had suffered "very great losses by a late invasion of + the French." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: See note on p. 264. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: A petition was presented to the House of Commons on January + 15th, 1710/1, against the Palatines as likely to spread disease and to + become chargeable to the parish. [T.S.] + </p> + <p> + The exactions of the French armies in the Palatinate, in the year 1709, + drove from their habitations six or seven thousand persons of all + descriptions and professions, who came into Holland with a view of + emigrating to British America. It was never accurately ascertained, with + what view, or by whose persuasions, their course was changed, but, by + direction from the English ministers, they were furnished with shipping to + come to England. In the settlements, they would have been a valuable + colony; but in the vicinity of London, this huge accession to the poor of + the metropolis was a burthen and a nuisance. They were encamped on + Blackheath, near Greenwich, where, so soon as their countrymen heard that + they were supported by British charity, the number of the fugitives began + to increase by recruits from the Continent, till government prohibited + further importation. A general Naturalization Act, passed in favour of the + French Protestants, greatly encouraged this influx of strangers. This + matter was inquired into by the Tory Parliament, who voted, that the + bringing over the Palatines was an oppression on the nation, and a waste + of the public money, and that he who advised it was an enemy to his + country. The unfortunate fugitives had been already dispersed; some of + them to North America, some to Ireland, and some through Britain. The + pretence alleged for the vote against them, was the apprehension expressed + by the guardians of the poor in several parishes, that they might + introduce contagious diseases; but the real reason was a wish to gratify + the prejudice of the common people against foreigners, and to dimmish the + number of Dissenters. [S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: See No. 26, <i>ante</i>, and note on p. 160. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: On the invitation of the lord lieutenant 3,000 Palatines + were sent into Ireland in August, 1709, and 800 in the following February. + Many of them subsequently returned to England in the hope that they would + be sent to Carolina. Large numbers had been brought to England from + Holland at the Queen's expense, after the passing of the Naturalization + Act. The government spent <i>£</i>22,275 in transporting 3,300 of them to + New York and establishing them there, undertaking to maintain them until + they could provide for themselves. These sums were to be repaid within + four years. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: See No. 35, <i>ante</i>, and note on p. 225. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: See No. 41, <i>ante</i>, and note on p. 264. The debt on the + navy is a portion of the thirty-five millions referred to. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: Harley proposed a scheme, on May 2nd, 1711, by which all + public and national debts and deficiencies were to be satisfied. + Resolutions were passed on May 3rd, and a Bill brought in on the 17th, + which was the origin of the celebrated South Sea scheme referred to later + in the text. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: The Bill for examining the Public Accounts (9 Ann. c. 18) + became law on May 16th. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 16: See No. 43, <i>ante</i>, pp. 278 <i>et seq.</i> [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 17: On August 15th, 1711, Swift wrote to Archbishop King: "He + [the lord treasurer] told me, 'he had lately received a letter from the + bishops of Ireland, subscribed (as I remember) by seventeen, acknowledging + his favour about the first-fruits'" (Scott's edition, xv. 465). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 18: The South Sea Company was established in pursuance of the + Act 9 Ann. c. 15. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 19: The disastrous results of the South Sea scheme, when the + company failed in 1720-21, are matter of history. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 20: A Bill for the better preventing of Excessive and Deceitful + Gaming, was introduced January 25th, 1710/1, passed April 11th, and + obtained the Royal Assent, May 16th (9 Ann. c. 19). A similar bill, which + had passed the House of Commons in 1709/10, was dropped in the House of + Lords. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 21: A committee of the House of Commons was appointed, on + February 5th, 1710/1 to inquire into alleged false musters in the Guards. + A petition was presented to the House on February 13th, complaining that + tradesmen were listed in Her Majesty's Guards "to screen and protect them + from their creditors." A clause was inserted in the Recruiting Bill to + remedy this evil (10 Ann. c. 12; see sec. 39), and the House passed a + strong resolution against the practice, on May 26th, when considering the + report of the committee. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 22: The House of Commons, on June 4th, presented a + representation to the Queen on mismanagements and abuses. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 23: A large number of petitions to the House of Commons + concerning controverted elections had been considered in December, 1710. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 24: Towards the close of the very long representation addressed + to the Queen on June 4th, the Commons said: "We ... beseech your Majesty + ... that you would employ in places of authority and trust such only, as + have given good testimonies of their duty to your Majesty, and of their + affection to the true interest of your kingdom." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 25: In a Roman triumph a slave accompanied the victorious + general to whisper in his ear: "Remember that thou art but a man." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0054" id="link2H_4_0054"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NUMB. 46.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THURSDAY JUNE 7, TO THURSDAY JUNE 14, 1711.[2] + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Melius non tangere clamo</i>.[3] +</pre> + <p> + When a general has conquered an army, and reduced a country to obedience, + he often finds it necessary to send out small bodies, in order to take in + petty castles and forts, and beat little straggling parties, which are + otherwise, apt to make head and infest the neighbourhood: This case + exactly resembles mine; I count the main body of the Whigs entirely + subdued; at least, till they appear with new reinforcements, I shall + reckon them as such; and therefore do now find myself at leisure to <i>Examine</i> + inferior abuses. The business I have left, is, to fall on those wretches + that will be still keeping the war on foot, when they have no country to + defend, no forces to bring into the field, nor any thing remaining, but + their bare good-will towards faction and mischief: I mean, the present set + of writers, whom I have suffered, without molestation, so long to infest + the town. Were there not a concurrence from prejudice, party, weak + understanding, and misrepresentation, I should think them too + inconsiderable in themselves to deserve correction: But as my endeavour + hath been to expose the gross impositions of the fallen party, I will give + a taste, in the following petition, of the sincerity of these their + factors, to shew how little those writers for the Whigs were guided by + conscience or honour, their business being only to gratify a prevailing + interest. + </p> + <p> + "<i>To the Right Honourable the present M[inist]ry, the humble Petition of + the Party Writers to the late M[inist]ry.</i> + </p> + <h3> + "HUMBLY SHEWETH, + </h3> + <p> + "<i>That your petitioners have served their time to the trade of writing + pamphlets and weekly papers, in defence of the Whigs, against the Church + of England, and the Christian religion, and her Majesty's prerogative, and + her title to the crown: That since the late change of ministry, and + meeting of this Parliament, the said trade is mightily fallen off, and the + call for the said pamphlets and papers, much less than formerly; and it is + feared, to our further prejudice, that the 'Examiner' may discontinue + writing, whereby some of your petitioners will be brought to utter + distress, forasmuch as through false quotations, noted absurdities, and + other legal abuses, many of your petitioners, to their great comfort and + support, were enabled to pick up a weekly subsistence out of the said + 'Examiner.' </i> + </p> + <p> + "That your said poor petitioners, did humbly offer your Honours to write + in defence of the late change of ministry and Parliament, much cheaper + than they did for your predecessors, which your Honours were pleased to + refuse. + </p> + <p> + "Notwithstanding which offer, your petitioners are under daily + apprehension, that your Honours will forbid them to follow the said trade + any longer; by which your petitioners, to the number of fourscore, with + their wives and families, will inevitably starve, having been bound to no + other calling. + </p> + <p> + "Your petitioners desire your Honours will tenderly consider the + premisses, and suffer your said petitioners to continue their trade (those + who set them at work, being still willing to employ them, though at lower + rates) and your said petitioners will give security to make use of the + same stuff, and dress it in the same manner, as they always did, and no + other. <i>And your petitioners" &c.</i> + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: No. 45 in the reprint. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: In his "Journal to Stella," under date June 22nd, 1711, Swift + writes: "Yesterday's was a sad 'Examiner,' and last week was very + indifferent, though, some little scraps of the old spirit, as if he had + given some hints; but yesterday's is all trash. It is plain the hand is + changed." (vol. ii., p, 195). + </p> + <p> + On November 2nd he gives the following account: "I have sent to Leigh the + set of 'Examiners'; the first thirteen were written by several hands; some + good, some bad; the next three-and-thirty were all by one hand, that makes + forty-six: then that author, whoever he was, laid it down on purpose to + confound guessers; and the last six were written by a woman" (vol. ii., p. + 273). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Horace, "Satires," II. i. 45. "'Better not touch me, friend,' + I loud exclaim."—P. FRANCIS. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0055" id="link2H_4_0055"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CONTRIBUTION TO "THE SPECTATOR." + </h2> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + "THE SPECTATOR," projected by Steele, assisted and made famous by Addison, + was first started on March 1st, 1710/1, and continued to be issued daily + until December 6th, 1712. An interval of eighteen months then occurred, + during six of which these two writers were busy with "The Guardian." On + June 18th, 1714, however, "The Spectator" was resumed, and appeared daily + until its final number on December 20th of that year. As with "The + Tatler," so with "The Spectator," its success proved too great a + temptation to be resisted; so that we find a spurious "Spectator" also. + This was begun on Monday, January 3rd, 1714/5, and concluded August 3rd of + the same year. Its sixty numbers (for it was issued twice a week) were + afterwards published as "The Spectator, volume ninth and last." The + principal writer to this spurious edition was said to be Dr. George + Sewell. + </p> + <p> + Of the contributions to Steele's "Spectator," by far the greater number + were written by the projector and Addison. The other contributors were + Eustace Budgell, John Hughes, John Byrom, Henry Grove, Thomas Parnell, + "Orator" Henley, Dr. Zachary Pearce, Philip Yorke, and a few others whose + identity is doubtful. Swift's contribution consisted of one paper only, + and (probably) a single paragraph in another. [T.S.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0056" id="link2H_4_0056"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE SPECTATOR, NUMB. L.[1] + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Nunquam aliud natura, aliud sapientia dicit.</i> + JUV.[2] +</pre> + <h3> + FRIDAY, APRIL 27. 1711. + </h3> + <p> + When the four Indian kings[3] were in this country about a twelvemonth + ago, I often mixed with the rabble and followed them a whole day together, + being wonderfully struck with the sight of everything that is new or + uncommon. I have, since their departure, employed a friend to make many + enquiries of their landlord the upholsterer[4] relating to their manners + and conversation, as also concerning the remarks which they made in this + country: for next to the forming a right notion of such strangers, I + should be desirous of learning what ideas they have conceived of us. + </p> + <p> + The upholsterer finding my friend very inquisitive about these his + lodgers, brought him some time since a little bundle of papers, which he + assured him were written by King Sa Ga Yean Qua Rash Tow, and, as he + supposes, left behind by some mistake. These papers are now translated, + and contain abundance of very odd observations, which I find this little + fraternity of kings made during their stay in the isle of Great Britain. I + shall present my reader with a short specimen of them in this paper, and + may perhaps communicate more to him hereafter. In the article of London + are the following words, which without doubt are meant of the church of + St. Paul. + </p> + <p> + "On the most rising part of the town there stands a huge house, big enough + to contain the whole nation of which I am king. Our good brother E Tow O + Koam king of the Rivers, is of opinion it was made by the hands of that + great God to whom it is consecrated. The kings of Granajah and of the Six + Nations believe that it was created with the earth, and produced on the + same day with the sun and moon. But for my own part, by the best + information that I could get of this matter, I am apt to think that this + prodigious pile was fashioned into the shape it now bears by several tools + and instruments; of which they have a wonderful variety in this country. + It was probably at first an huge mis-shapen rock that grew upon the top of + the hill, which the natives of the country (after having cut it into a + kind of regular figure) bored and hollowed with incredible pains and + industry, till they had wrought in it all those beautiful vaults and + caverns into which it is divided at this day. As soon as this rock was + thus curiously scooped to their liking, a prodigious number of hands must + have been employed in chipping the outside of it, which is now as smooth + as polished marble;[5] and is in several places hewn out into pillars that + stand like the trunks of so many trees bound about the top with garlands + of leaves. It is probable that when this great work was begun, which must + have been many hundred years ago, there was some religion among this + people; for they give it the name of a temple, and have a tradition that + it was designed for men to pay their devotions in. And indeed, there are + several reasons which make us think, that the natives of this Country had + formerly among them some sort of worship; for they set apart every seventh + day as sacred: but upon my going into one of those holy houses on that + day, I could not observe any circumstance of devotion in their behaviour: + There was indeed a man in black who was mounted above the rest, and seemed + to utter something with a great deal of vehemence; but as for those + underneath him, instead of paying their worship to the Deity of the place, + they were most of them bowing and curtsying to one another, and a + considerable number of them fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + "The Queen of the country appointed two men to attend us, that had enough + of our language to make themselves understood in some few particulars. But + we soon perceived these two were great enemies to one another, and did not + always agree in the same story. We could make a shift to gather out of one + of them, that this island was very much infested with a monstrous kind of + animals, in the shape of men, called Whigs; and he often told us, that he + hoped we should meet with none of them in our way, for that if we did, + they would be apt to knock us down for being kings. + </p> + <p> + "Our other interpreter used to talk very much of a kind of animal called a + Tory, that was as great a monster as the Whig, and would treat us as ill + for being foreigners.[6] These two creatures, it seems, are born with a + secret antipathy to one another, and engage when they meet as naturally as + the elephant and the rhinoceros. But as we saw none of either of these + species, we are apt to think that our guides deceived us with + misrepresentations and fictions, and amused us with an account of such + monsters as are not really in their country. + </p> + <p> + "These particulars we made a shift to pick out from the discourse of our + interpreters; which we put together as well as we could, being able to + understand but here and there a word of what they said, and afterwards + making up the meaning of it among ourselves. The men of the country are + very cunning and ingenious in handicraft works; but withal so very idle, + that we often saw young lusty raw-boned fellows carried up and down the + streets in little covered rooms by a couple of porters who are hired for + that service. Their dress is likewise very barbarous, for they almost + strangle themselves about the neck, and bind their bodies with many + ligatures, that we are apt to think are the occasion of several distempers + among them which our country is entirely free from. Instead of those + beautiful feathers with which we adorn our heads, they often buy up a + monstrous bush of hair, which covers their heads, and falls down in a + large fleece below the middle of their backs; with which they walk up and + down the streets, and are as proud of it as if it was of their own growth. + </p> + <p> + "We were invited to one of their public diversions, where we hoped to have + seen the great men of their country running down a stag or pitching a bar, + that we might have discovered who were the men of the greatest perfections + in their country;[7] but instead of that, they conveyed us into an huge + room lighted up with abundance of candles, where this lazy people sat + still above three hours to see several feats of ingenuity performed by + others, who it seems were paid for it. + </p> + <p> + "As for the women of the country, not being able to talk with them, we + could only make our remarks upon them at a distance. They let the hair of + their heads grow to a great length; but as the men make a great show with + heads of hair that are none of their own, the women, who they say have + very fine heads of hair, tie it up in a knot and cover it from being seen. + The women look like angels, and would be more beautiful than the sun, were + it not for little black spots[8] that are apt to break out in their faces, + and sometimes rise in very odd figures. I have observed that those little + blemishes wear off very soon; but when they disappear in one part of the + face, they are very apt to break out in another, insomuch that I have seen + a spot upon the forehead in the afternoon, which was upon the chin in the + morning." + </p> + <p> + The author then proceeds to shew the absurdity of breeches and petticoats, + with many other curious observations, which I shall reserve for another + occasion. I cannot however conclude this paper without taking notice, that + amidst these wild remarks there now and then appears something very + reasonable. I cannot likewise forbear observing, that we are all guilty in + some measure of the same narrow way of thinking which we meet with in this + abstract of the Indian journal; when we fancy the customs, dresses, and + manners of other countries are ridiculous and extravagant, if they do not + resemble those of our own.[9] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: On March 16th, 1711, Swift writes to Stella: "Have you seen + the 'Spectator' yet, a paper that comes out every day? 'Tis written by Mr. + Steele, who seems to have gathered new life, and have a new fund of wit; + it is in the same nature as his 'Tatlers,' and they have all of them had + something pretty. I believe Addison and he club." On April 28th he writes + again: "'The Spectator' is written by Steele with Addison's help: 'tis + often very pretty. Yesterday it was made of a noble hint I gave him long + ago for his 'Tatlers,' about an Indian supposed to write his travels into + England. I repent he ever had it. I intended to have written a book on + that subject. I believe he has spent it all in one paper, and all the + under hints there are mine too" (vol. ii., pp. 139 and 166 of present + edition). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Juvenal, "Satires," xiv. 321. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Nature and wisdom never are at strife."—W. GIFFORD. + + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Steele's paper on the four Indian kings appeared in "The + Tatler" for May 13th, 1710 (No. 171):—"Who can convince the world + that four kings shall come over here, and He at the Two Crowns and + Cushion, and one of them fall sick, and the place be called King Street, + and all this by mere accident?"—The so-called kings were four + Iroquois chiefs who came over to see Queen Anne. The Queen saw them on + April 19th, 1710. During their visit here Colonel Schuyler and Colonel + Francis Nicholson were appointed to attend them. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: They lodged over the shop of Mr. Arne—father of Dr. + Arne and Mrs. Cibber—in King Street, Covent Garden. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: The edition of 1712 has, "as the surface of a pebble." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: In "The Tatler" for February 4th, 1709/10 (No. 129), Steele + prints a letter from "Pasquin of Rome," in which he says: "It would also + be very acceptable here to receive an account of those two religious + orders which are lately sprung up amongst you, the Whigs and the Tories, + with the points of doctrine, severities in discipline, penances, + mortifications, and good works, by which they differ one from another." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: The edition of 1712 has: "the persons of the greatest + abilities among them." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: See "The Spectator," No. 81, and "The Examiner," No. 32. The + "black spots" are the patches ladies stuck on their faces. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: This paper is signed "C.", in the edition of 1712, which is + one of the signatures used by Addison. See, however, Swift's "Journal," + quoted above. [T.S.]] + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + [The following paragraph in "The Spectator," No. 575 Monday, August 2. + 1714. is believed to have been contributed by Swift.] + </p> + <p> + "The following question is started by one of the schoolmen. Supposing the + whole body of the earth were a great ball or mass of the finest sand, and + that a single grain or particle of this sand should be annihilated every + thousand years. Supposing then that you had it in your choice to be happy + all the while this prodigious mass of sand was consuming by this slow + method till there was not a grain of it left, on condition you were to be + miserable for ever after; or, supposing that you might be happy for ever + after, on condition you would be miserable till the whole mass of sand + were thus annihilated at the rate of one sand in a thousand years: Which + of these two cases would you make your choice?" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0057" id="link2H_4_0057"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CONTRIBUTIONS TO "THE INTELLIGENCER." + </h2> + <h3> + NOTE. + </h3> + <p> + "THE INTELLIGENCER" was published in Dublin, commencing May 11th, 1728, + and continued for nineteen numbers. On June 12th, 1731, Swift, writing to + Pope, gives some account of its inception, and the amount of writing he + did for it: "Two or three of us had a fancy, three years ago, to write a + weekly paper, and call it an 'Intelligencer.' But it continued not long; + for the whole volume (it was reprinted in London, and I find you have seen + it) was the work only of two, myself, and Dr. Sheridan. If we could have + got some ingenious young man to have been the manager, who should have + published all that might be sent him, it might have continued longer, for + there were hints enough. But the printer here could not afford such a + young man one farthing for his trouble, the sale being so small, and the + price one halfpenny; and so it dropped. In the volume you saw, (to answer + your questions,) the 1, 3, 5, 7, were mine. Of the 8th I writ only the + verses, (very uncorrect, but against a fellow we all hated [Richard + Tighe],) the 9th mine, the 10th only the verses, and of those not the four + last slovenly lines; the 15th is a pamphlet of mine printed before, with + Dr. Sheridan's preface, merely for laziness, not to disappoint the town: + and so was the 19th, which contains only a parcel of facts relating purely + to the miseries of Ireland, and wholly useless and unentertaining" + (Scott's edition, xvii. 375-6). + </p> + <p> + Of the contributions thus acknowledged, Nos. 1, 3, and 19 are reprinted + here from the original edition; Nos. 5 and 7 were included by Pope in the + fourth volume of "Miscellanies," under the title "An Essay on the Fates of + Clergymen"; No. 9 he entitled "An Essay on Modern Education"; No. 15 was a + reprint of the pamphlet "A Short View of the State of Ireland"— + these will be found in this edition under the above titles. The verses in + No. 8 ("Mad Mullinix and Timothy") and in No. 10 ("Tim and the Fables") + are in Swift's "Poems," Aldine edition, vol. iii., pp. 132-43. + </p> + <p> + The nineteen numbers of "The Intelligencer" were collected and published + in one volume, which was reprinted in London in 1729, "and sold by A. Moor + in St. Paul's Church-yard." Monck Mason never saw a copy of the London + reprint referred to by Swift. He had in his possession the original + papers; "they are twenty in number," he says; "the last is double." The + second London edition, published in 12mo in 1730, as "printed for Francis + Cogan, at the Middle-Temple-Gate in Fleet-street," includes No. 20, "Dean + Smedley, gone to seek his Fortune," and also a poem, "The Pheasant and the + Lark. A Fable." In the poem, several writers are compared to birds, Swift + being the nightingale: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "At length the nightingale was heard, + For voice and wisdom long revered, + Esteemed of all the wise and good, + The guardian genius of the wood;" etc. +</pre> + <p> + The poem was written by Swift's friend, Dr. Delany. The title-page of this + second edition ascribes the authorship, "By the Author of a Tale of a + Tub." + </p> + <p> + "The Intelligencer," in the words of W. Monck Mason, "served as a vehicle + of satire against the Dean's political and literary enemies; of these the + chief were, Richard Tighe, Sir Thomas Prendergast, and Jonathan Smedley, + Dean of Clogher" ("Hist, and Antiq. of St. Patrick's," pp. 376-7). [T.S.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0058" id="link2H_4_0058"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE INTELLIGENCER, NUMB. 1.[1] + </h2> + <h3> + SATURDAY, MAY 11, TO BE CONTINUED WEEKLY. + </h3> + <p> + It may be said, without offence to other cities, of much greater + consequence in the world, that our town of Dublin doth not want its due + proportion of folly, and vice, both native and imported; and as to those + imported, we have the advantage to receive them last, and consequently + after our happy manner to improve, and refine upon them. + </p> + <p> + But, because there are many effects of folly and vice among us, whereof + some are general, others confined to smaller numbers, and others again, + perhaps to a few individuals; there is a society lately established, who + at great expense, have erected an office of Intelligence, from which they + are to receive weekly information of all important events and + singularities, which this famous metropolis can furnish. Strict + injunctions are given to have the truest information: in order to which, + certain qualified persons are employed to attend upon duty in their + several posts; some at the play-house, others in churches, some at balls, + assemblies, coffee-houses, and meetings for quadrille,[2] some at the + several courts of justice, both spiritual and temporal, some at the + college, some upon my lord mayor, and aldermen in their public affairs; + lastly, some to converse with favourite chamber-maids, and to frequent + those ale-houses, and brandy-shops, where the footmen of great families + meet in a morning; only the barracks and Parliament-house are excepted; + because we have yet found no <i>enfans perdus</i> bold enough to venture + their persons at either. Out of these and some other store-houses, we hope + to gather materials enough to inform, or divert, or correct, or vex the + town. + </p> + <p> + But as facts, passages, and adventures of all kinds, are like to have the + greatest share in our paper, whereof we cannot always answer for the + truth; due care shall be taken to have them applied to feigned names, + whereby all just offence will be removed; for if none be guilty, none will + have cause to blush or be angry; if otherwise, then the guilty person is + safe for the future upon his present amendment, and safe for the present, + from all but his own conscience. + </p> + <p> + There is another resolution taken among us, which I fear will give a + greater and more general discontent, and is of so singular a nature, that + I have hardly confidence enough to mention it, although it be absolutely + necessary by way of apology, for so bold and unpopular an attempt. But so + it is, that we have taken a desperate counsel to produce into the world + every distinguished action, either of justice, prudence, generosity, + charity, friendship, or public spirit, which comes well attested to us. + And although we shall neither here be so daring as to assign names, yet we + shall hardly forbear to give some hints, that perhaps to the great + displeasure of such deserving persons may endanger a discovery. For we + think that even virtue itself, should submit to such a mortification, as + by its visibility and example, will render it more useful to the world. + But however, the readers of these papers, need not be in pain of being + overcharged, with so dull and ungrateful a subject. And yet who knows, but + such an occasion may be offered to us, once in a year or two, after we + shall have settled a correspondence round the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + But after all our boasts of materials, sent us by our several emissaries, + we may probably soon fall short, if the town will not be pleased to lend + us further assistance toward entertaining itself. The world best knows its + own faults and virtues, and whatever is sent shall be faithfully returned + back, only a little embellished according to the custom of authors. We do + therefore demand and expect continual advertisements in great numbers, to + be sent to the printer of this paper, who hath employed a judicious + secretary to collect such as may be most useful for the public. + </p> + <p> + And although we do not intend to expose our own persons by mentioning + names, yet we are so far from requiring the same caution in our + correspondents, that on the contrary, we expressly <i>charge</i> and <i>command</i> + them, in all the facts they send us, to set down the names, titles, and + places of abode at length; together with a very particular description of + the persons, dresses, and dispositions of the several lords, ladies, + squires, madams, lawyers, gamesters, toupees, sots, wits, rakes, and + informers, whom they shall have occasion to mention; otherwise it will not + be possible for us to adjust our style to the different qualities, and + capacities of the persons concerned, and treat them with the respect or + familiarity, that may be due to their stations and characters, which we + are determined to observe with the utmost strictness, that none may have + cause to complain. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In the "Contents" to both the editions of 1729 and 1730, this + is called "Introduction." Each of the numbers has a special title in this + table, as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + No. I. Introduction. + II. The Inhospitable Temper of 'Squire Wether. + III. A Vindication of Mr. Gay, and the Beggar's Opera. + IV. The Folly of Gaming. + V. A Description of what the World calls Discretion. + VI. A Representation of the Present Condition of Ireland. + VII. The Character of Corusodes and Eugenio. + VIII. A Dialogue between Mullinix and Timothy. + IX. The foolish Methods of Education among the Nobility. + X. Tim and Gay's Fables. + XI. Proposals in Prose and Verse for, An Universal View of all the + eminent Writers on the Holy Scriptures, &c. + XII. Sir Ralph the Patriot turned Courtier. + XIII. The Art of Story-Telling. + XIV. Prometheus's Art of Man-making: And the Tale of the T—d. + XV. The Services the Drapier has done his Country, and the Steps taken to + ruin it. + XVI. The Adventures of the three Brothers, George, Patrick, and Andrew. + XVII. The Marks of Ireland's Poverty, shewn to be evident Proofs of its + Riches. + XVIII. St. Andrew's Day, and the Drapier's Birth-Day. + XIX. The Hardships of the Irish being deprived of their Silver, and + decoyed into America. + [XX. Dean Smedley, gone to seek his Fortune. + The Pheasant and the Lark. A Fable.]-[T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 2: A fashionable card game of the time. See also Swift's poem, + "The Journal of a Modern Lady" (Aldine edition, vol. i., pp. 214-23), and + "A New Proposal for the better regulation ... of Quadrille," written by + Dr. Josiah Hort, Bp. of Kilmore, in 1735/6 (afterwards Abp. of Tuam), and + included by Scott in his edition of Swift (vii. 372-7). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0059" id="link2H_4_0059"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE INTELLIGENCER, NUMB. III.[1] + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —<i>Ipse per omnes + Ibit personas, et turbam reddet in unam.</i>[2] +</pre> + <p> + The players having now almost done with the comedy, called the "Beggar's + Opera,"[3] for this season, it may be no unpleasant speculation, to + reflect a little upon this dramatic piece, so singular in the subject, and + the manner, so much an original, and which hath frequently given so very + agreeable an entertainment.[4] + </p> + <p> + Although an evil taste be very apt to prevail, both here, and in London, + yet there is a point which whoever can rightly touch, will never fail of + pleasing a very great majority; so great, that the dislikers, out of + dullness or affectation will be silent, and forced to fall in with the + herd; the point I mean, is what we call humour, which in its perfection is + allowed to be much preferable to wit, if it be not rather the most useful, + and agreeable species of it. + </p> + <p> + I agree with Sir William Temple, that the word is peculiar to our English + tongue, but I differ from him in the opinion, that the thing itself is + peculiar to the English nation,[5] because the contrary may be found in + many Spanish, Italian and French productions, and particularly, whoever + hath a taste for true humour, will find a hundred instances of it in those + volumes printed in France, under the name of <i>Le Théâtre Italien</i>,[6] + to say nothing of Rabelais, Cervantes, and many others. + </p> + <p> + Now I take the comedy or farce, (or whatever name the critics will allow + it) called the "Beggar's Opera"; to excel in this article of humour; and, + upon that merit, to have met with such prodigious success both here, and + in England. + </p> + <p> + As to poetry, eloquence and music, which are said to have most power over + the minds of men, it is certain that very few have a taste or judgment of + the excellencies of the two former, and if a man succeeds in either, it is + upon the authority of those few judges, that lend their taste to the bulk + of readers, who have none of their own. I am told there are as few good + judges in music, and that among those who crowd the operas, nine in ten go + thither merely out of curiosity, fashion, or affectation. + </p> + <p> + But a taste for humour is in some manner fixed to the very nature of man, + and generally obvious to the vulgar, except upon subjects too refined, and + superior to their understanding. + </p> + <p> + And as this taste of humour is purely natural, so is humour itself, + neither is it a talent confined to men of wit, or learning; for we observe + it sometimes among common servants, and the meanest of the people, while + the very owners are often ignorant of the gift they possess. + </p> + <p> + I know very well, that this happy talent is contemptibly treated by + critics, under the name of low humour, or low comedy; but I know likewise, + that the Spaniards and Italians, who are allowed to have the most wit of + any nation in Europe, do most excel in it, and do most esteem it. + </p> + <p> + By what disposition of the mind, what influence of the stars, or what + situation of the climate this endowment is bestowed upon mankind, may be a + question fit for philosophers to discuss. It is certainly the best + ingredient toward that kind of satire, which is most useful, and gives the + least offence; which instead of lashing, laughs men out of their follies, + and vices, and is the character which gives Horace the preference to + Juvenal. + </p> + <p> + And although some things are too serious, solemn or sacred to be turned + into ridicule, yet the abuses of them are certainly not, since it is + allowed that corruption in religion, politics, and law, may be proper + topics for this kind of satire. + </p> + <p> + There are two ends that men propose in writing satire, one of them less + noble than the other, as regarding nothing further than personal + satisfaction, and pleasure of the writer; but without any view towards + personal malice; the other is a public spirit, prompting men of genius and + virtue, to mend the world as far as they are able. And as both these ends + are innocent, so the latter is highly commendable. With regard to the + former, I demand whether I have not as good a title to laugh, as men have + to be ridiculous, and to expose vice, as another hath to be vicious. If I + ridicule the follies and corruptions of a court, a ministry, or a senate; + are they not amply paid by pensions, titles, and power, while I expect and + desire no other reward, than that of laughing with a few friends in a + corner. Yet, if those who take offence, think me in the wrong, I am ready + to change the scene with them, whenever they please. + </p> + <p> + But if my design be to make mankind better, then I think it is my duty, at + least I am sure it is the interest of those very courts and ministers, + whose follies or vices I ridicule, to reward me for my good intentions; + for, if it be reckoned a high point of wisdom to get the laughers on our + side, it is much more easy, as well as wise to get those on our side, who + can make millions laugh when they please. + </p> + <p> + My reason for mentioning courts, and ministers, (whom I never think on, + but with the most profound veneration) is because an opinion obtains that + in the "Beggar's Opera" there appears to be some reflection upon courtiers + and statesmen, whereof I am by no means a judge[7]. + </p> + <p> + It is true indeed that Mr. Gay, the author of this piece, hath been + somewhat singular in the course of his fortunes, for it hath happened, + that after fourteen years attending the court, with a large stock of real + merit, a modest, and agreeable conversation, a hundred promises, and five + hundred friends [he] hath failed of preferment, and upon a very weighty + reason. He lay under the suspicion of having written a libel, or lampoon + against a great m[inister][8]. It is true that great m[inister] was + demonstratively convinced, and publicly owned his conviction, that Mr. Gay + was not the author; but having lain under the suspicion, it seemed very + just, that he should suffer the punishment; because in this most reformed + age, the virtues of a great m[inister] are no more to be suspected, than + the chastity of Caesar's wife. + </p> + <p> + It must be allowed, that the "Beggar's Opera" is not the first of Mr. + Gay's works, wherein he hath been faulty, with regard to courtiers and + statesmen. For, to omit his other pieces even in his Fables, published + within two years past, and dedicated to the Duke of Cumberland, for which + he was promised a reward[9]; he hath been thought somewhat too bold upon + courtiers. And although it is highly probable, he meant only the courtiers + of former times, yet he acted unwarily, by not considering that the + malignity of some people might misinterpret what he said to the + disadvantage of present persons, and affairs. + </p> + <p> + But I have now done with Mr. Gay as a politician, and shall consider him + henceforward only as author of the "Beggar's Opera," wherein he hath by a + turn of humour, entirely new, placed vices of all kinds in the strongest + and most odious light; and thereby done eminent service, both to religion + and morality. This appears from the unparalleled success he hath met with. + All ranks parties and denominations of men, either crowding to see his + opera, or reading it with delight in their closets, even ministers of + state, whom he is thought to have most offended (next to those whom the + actors more immediately represent) appearing frequently at the theatre, + from a consciousness of their own innocence, and to convince the world how + unjust a parallel, malice, envy, and disaffection to the government have + made. + </p> + <p> + I am assured that several worthy clergymen in this city, went privately to + see the "Beggar's Opera" represented; and that the fleering coxcombs in + the pit, amused themselves with making discoveries, and spreading the + names of those gentlemen round the audience. + </p> + <p> + I shall not pretend to vindicate a clergyman, who would appear openly in + his habit at a theatre, among such a vicious crew, as would probably stand + round him, and at such lewd comedies, and profane tragedies as are often + represented. Besides I know very well, that persons of their function are + bound to avoid the appearance of evil, or of giving cause of offence. But + when the lords chancellors, who are keepers of the king's conscience, when + the judges of the land, whose title is <i>reverend</i>, when ladies, who + are bound by the rules of their sex, to the strictest decency, appear in + the theatre without censure, I cannot understand, why a young clergyman + who goes concealed out of curiosity to see an innocent and moral play, + should be so highly condemned; nor do I much approve the rigour of a great + p[rela]te, who said, "he hoped none of his clergy were there." I am glad + to hear there are no weightier objections against that reverend body, + planted in this city, and I wish there never may. But I should be very + sorry that any of them should be so weak, as to imitate a court chaplain + in England, who preached against the "Beggar's Opera," which will probably + do more good than a thousand sermons of so stupid, so injudicious, and so + prostitute a divine[10]. + </p> + <p> + In this happy performance of Mr. Gay, all the characters are just, and + none of them carried beyond nature, or hardly beyond practice. It + discovers the whole system of that commonwealth, or that <i>imperium in + imperio</i> of iniquity, established among us, by which neither our lives, + nor our properties are secure, either in the highways, or in public + assemblies, or even in our own houses. It shews the miserable lives, and + the constant fate of those abandoned wretches; for how little they sell + their lives and souls; betrayed by their whores, their comrades, and the + receivers and purchasers of these thefts and robberies. This comedy + contains likewise a satire, which, although it doth by no means affect the + present age, yet might have been useful in the former, and may possibly be + so in ages to come. I mean where the author takes occasion of comparing + those common robbers to robbers of the public;[11] and their several + stratagems of betraying, undermining, and hanging each other,[12] to the + several arts of politicians in times of corruption. + </p> + <p> + This comedy likewise exposeth with great justice, that unnatural taste for + Italian music among us,[13] which is wholly unsuitable to our northern + climate, and the genius of the people, whereby we are over-run with + Italian effeminacy, and Italian nonsense. An old gentleman said to me, + that many years ago, when the practice of an unnatural vice grew so + frequent in London, that many were prosecuted for it, he was sure it would + be a forerunner[14] of Italian operas, and singers; and then we should + want nothing but stabbing or poisoning, to make us perfect Italians. + </p> + <p> + Upon the whole, I deliver my judgment, that nothing but servile attachment + to a party, affectation of singularity, lamentable dullness, mistaken + zeal, or studied hypocrisy, can have the least reasonable objection + against this excellent moral performance of the celebrated Mr. Gay. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: See title in note above, p. 313. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "He will go among the people, and will draw a crowd + together." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Gay's "The Beggar's Opera" was produced by Rich at the + Theatre Royal in Lincoln's Inn Fields, January 29th, 1727/8, and published + in book form in 1728. It was shortly afterwards performed in Dublin, Bath, + and other places. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Writing to Pope, May 10th, 1728, Swift says: "Mr. Gay's Opera + has been acted here twenty times, and my lord lieutenant tells me it is + very well performed; he has seen it often, and approves it much.... 'The + Beggar's Opera' has done its task, <i>discedat uti conviva satur</i>" + (Scott's edition, xvii. 188-9). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: In his essay "Of Poetry," Sir William Temple, writing of + dramatic poetry, says: "Yet I am deceived, if our English has not in some + kind excelled both the modern and the ancient, which has been by force of + a vein natural perhaps to our country, and which with us is called humour, + a word peculiar to our language too, and hard to be expressed in any + other;" etc.—"Works," vol. i., p. 247 (1720). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: "Le Théâtre Italian, ou le Recueil de toutes les Comédies et + Scènes Françoises, qui out été jouées sur le Théâtre Italian." The + collection was edited by Evariste Gherardi, and published in 1695. Two + further volumes were issued in 1698, the third containing complete plays. + The collection was afterwards extended to six volumes. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: A modern writer says of it: "It bristles with keen, + well-pointed satire on the corrupt and venal politicians and courtiers of + the day" (W.H. Husk in Grove's "Dict. of Music").[T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: In the character of Robin of Bagshot Gay intended Sir Robert + Walpole.[T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: Gay's "Fables" was first published in 1727, with a dedication + "To his Highness William Duke of Cumberland." The Fables are said to have + been "invented for his amusement." Cumberland was the second son of + George, Prince of Wales, and was afterwards known as "the butcher."[T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: Dr. Thomas Herring, preacher at Lincoln's Inn, and + afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury, preached a sermon against "The + Beggar's Opera" in March, 1727-8. It is referred to in a letter to the + "Whitehall Evening Post," dated March 30th, 1728, reprinted in the + Appendix to "Letters from Dr. T. Herring to W. Duncombe," 1777. As + Archbishop of York, Herring interested himself greatly, during the + rebellion of 1745, in forming an association for the defence of the + liberties of the people and the constitution of the country. Writing to + Swift, under date May 16th, 1728, Gay remarks: "I suppose you must have + heard, that I had the honour to have had a sermon preached against my + works by a court-chaplain, which I look upon as no small addition to my + fame" (Scott, xvii. 194). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: The edition of 1729 has "those common robbers of the + public." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: Peachum says: "Can it be expected that we should hang our + acquaintance for nothing, when our betters will hardly save theirs without + being paid for it?"—Act II., sc. x. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: The rivalry between Handel and the Italian composers had + then been keen for nearly twenty years. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: The edition of 1729 has "the fore-runner." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0060" id="link2H_4_0060"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE INTELLIGENCER, NUMB. XIX[1]. + </h2> + <p> + <i>Having on the 12th of October last, received a letter signed</i> ANDREW + DEALER, <i>and</i> PATRICK PENNYLESS; <i>I believe the following</i> + PAPER, <i>just come to my hands, will be a sufficient answer to it[2].</i> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Sic vos non vobis vellera fertis oves.</i> + VlRG.[3] +</pre> + <h3> + SIR, + </h3> + <p> + I am a country gentleman, and a Member of Parliament, with an estate of + about 1400<i>l</i>. a year, which as a Northern landlord, I receive from + above two hundred tenants, and my lands having been let, near twenty years + ago, the rents, till very lately, were esteemed to be not above half + value; yet by the intolerable scarcity of silver[4], I lie under the + greatest difficulties in receiving them, as well as in paying my + labourers, or buying any thing necessary for my family from tradesmen, who + are not able to be long out of their money. But the sufferings of me, and + those of my rank, are trifles in comparison, of what the meaner sort + undergo; such as the buyers and sellers, at fairs, and markets; the + shopkeepers in every town, the farmers in general. All those who travel + with fish, poultry, pedlary-ware, and other conveniencies to sell: But + more especially handicrafts-men, who work for us by the day, and common + labourers, whom I have already mentioned. Both these kinds of people, I am + forced to employ, till their wages amount to a double pistole,[5] or a + moidore, (for we hardly have any gold of lower value left among us) to + divide it among themselves as they can; and this is generally done at an + ale-house or brandy shop; where, besides the cost of getting drunk, (which + is usually the case) they must pay tenpence or a shilling, for changing + their piece into silver, to some huckstering fellow, who follows that + trade. But what is infinitely worse, those poor men for want of due + payment, are forced to take up their oatmeal, and other necessaries of + life, at almost double value, and consequently are not able, to discharge + half their score, especially under the scarceness of corn, for two years + past, and the melancholy disappointment of the present crop. + </p> + <p> + The causes of this, and a thousand other evils, are clear and manifest to + you and all other thinking men, though hidden from the vulgar: these + indeed complain of hard times, the dearth of corn, the want of money, the + badness of seasons; that their goods bear no price, and the poor cannot + find work; but their weak reasonings never carry them to the hatred, and + contempt, borne us by our neighbours, and brethren, without the least + grounds of provocation, who rejoice at our sufferings, although sometimes + to their own disadvantage; of the dead weight upon every beneficial branch + of our trade;[6] of half our revenues sent annually to England, and many + other grievances peculiar to this unhappy kingdom, excepted for our sins, + which keep us from enjoying the common benefits of mankind, as you and + some other lovers of their country, have so often observed, with such good + inclinations, and so little effect. + </p> + <p> + It is true indeed, that under our circumstances in general, this complaint + for the want of silver, may appear as ridiculous, as for a man to be + impatient, about a cut finger, when he is struck with the plague; and yet + a poor fellow going to the gallows, may be allowed to feel the smart of + wasps, while he is upon Tyburn Road. This misfortune is too urging,[7] and + vexatious in every kind of small traffic, and so hourly pressing upon all + persons in the country whatsoever, that a hundred inconveniences, of + perhaps greater moment in themselves, have been timely[8] submitted to, + with far less disquietude and murmurs. And the case seems yet the harder, + if it be true, what many skilful men assert, that nothing is more easy, + than a remedy; and, that the want of silver, in proportion to the little + gold remaining among us, is altogether as unnecessary, as it is + inconvenient. A person of distinction assured me very lately, that, in + discoursing with the lord lieutenant,[9] before his last return to + England, his excellency said, "He had pressed the matter often, in proper + time and place, and to proper persons; and could not see any difficulty of + the least moment, that could prevent us from being easy upon that + article."[10] + </p> + <p> + Whoever carries to England, twenty-seven English shillings, and brings + back one moidore, of full weight, is a gainer of ninepence Irish; in a + guinea, the advantage is threepence, and twopence in a pistole. The + BANKERS, who are generally masters of all our gold, and silver, with this + advantage, have sent over as much of the latter, as came into their hands. + The value of one thousand moidores in silver, would thus amount in clear + profit, to 37<i>l</i>. 10,<i>s</i>. The shopkeepers, and other traders, + who go to London to buy goods, followed the same practice, by which we + have been driven into this insupportable distress. + </p> + <p> + To a common thinker, it should seem, that nothing would be more easy, than + for the government to redress this evil, at any time they shall please. + When the value of guineas was lowered in England, from 21<i>s</i>. 6<i>d</i>. + to only 21<i>s</i>.[11] the consequences to this kingdom, were obvious, + and manifest to us all; and a sober man, may be allowed at least to + wonder, though he dare not complain, why a new regulation of coin among + us, was not then made; much more, why it hath never been since. It would + surely require no very profound skill in algebra, to reduce the difference + of ninepence in thirty shillings, or threepence in a guinea, to less than + a farthing; and so small a fraction could be no temptation, either to + bankers, to hazard their silver at sea, or tradesmen to load themselves + with it, in their journeys to England. In my humble opinion, it would be + no unseasonable condescension, if the government would graciously please, + to signify to the poor loyal Protestant subjects of Ireland, either that + this miserable want of silver, is not possible to be remedied in any + degree, by the nicest skill in arithmetic; or else, that it doth not stand + with the good pleasure of England, to suffer any silver at all among us. + In the former case, it would be madness, to expect impossibilities: and in + the other, we must submit: For, lives, and fortunes are always at the + mercy of the CONQUEROR. + </p> + <p> + The question hath been often put in printed papers, by the DRAPIER,[12] + and others, or perhaps by the same WRITER, under different styles, why + this kingdom should not be permitted to have a mint of its own, for the + coinage of gold, silver, and copper, which is a power exercised by many + bishops, and every petty prince in Germany. But this question hath never + been answered, nor the least application that I have heard of, made to the + Crown from hence, for the grant of a public mint, although it stands upon + record, that several cities, and corporations here, had the liberty of + coining silver. I can see no reasons, why we alone of all nations, are + thus restrained, but such as I dare not mention; only thus far, I may + venture, that Ireland is the first imperial kingdom, since Nimrod, which + ever wanted power, to coin their own money. + </p> + <p> + I know very well, that in England it is lawful for any subject, to + petition either the Prince, or the Parliament, provided it be done in a + dutiful, and regular manner; but what is lawful for a subject of Ireland, + I profess I cannot determine; nor will undertake, that your printer shall + not be prosecuted, in a court of justice, for publishing my wishes, that a + poor shopkeeper might be able to change a guinea, or a moidore, when a + customer comes for a crown's worth of goods. I have known less crimes + punished with the utmost severity, under the title of disaffection: And, I + cannot but approve the wisdom of the ancients, who, after Astraea had fled + from the earth,[13] at least took care to provide three upright judges for + Hell. Men's ears among us, are indeed grown so nice, that whoever happens + to think out of fashion, in what relates to the welfare of this kingdom, + dare not so much as complain of the toothache, lest our weak and busy + dabblers in politic should be ready to swear against him for disaffection. + </p> + <p> + There was a method practised by Sir Ambrose Crawley,[14] the great dealer + in iron-works, which I wonder the gentlemen o£ our country, under this + great exigence, have not thought fit to imitate. In the several towns, and + villages, where he dealt, and many miles round, he gave notes, instead of + money, from twopence, to twenty shillings, which passed current in all + shops, and markets, as well as in houses, where meat, or drink was sold. I + see no reason, why the like practice, may not be introduced among us, with + some degree of success, or at least may not serve, as a poor expedient, in + this our blessed age of paper, which, as it dischargeth all our greatest + payments, may be equally useful in the smaller, and may just keep us + alive, till an English Act of Parliament shall forbid it. + </p> + <p> + I have been told, that among some of our poorest American colonies, upon + the continent, the people enjoy the liberty of cutting the little money + among them into halves, and quarters, for the conveniences of small + traffic. How happy should we be in comparison of our present condition, if + the like privilege, were granted to us, of employing the shears, for want + of a mint, upon our foreign gold; by clipping it into half-crowns, and + shillings, and even lower denominations; for beggars must be content to + live upon scraps; and it would be our felicity, that these scraps would + never[15] be exported to other countries, while any thing better was left. + </p> + <p> + If neither of these projects will avail, I see nothing left us, but to + truck and barter our goods, like the wild Indians, with each other, or + with our too powerful neighbours; only with this disadvantage on our side, + that the Indians enjoy the product of their own land, whereas the better + half of ours is sent away without so much as a recompense in bugles, or + glass, in return. + </p> + <p> + It must needs be a very comfortable circumstance, in the present juncture, + that some thousand families are gone, or going, or preparing to go, from + hence, and settle themselves in America. The poorer sort, for want of + work; the farmers whose beneficial bargains, are now become a rack-rent, + too hard to be borne. And those who have any ready money, or can purchase + any, by the sale of their goods, or leases; because they find their + fortunes hourly decaying; that their goods will bear no price, and that + few or none, have any money to buy the very necessaries of life, are + hastening to follow their departed neighbours. It is true, corn among us, + carries a very high price; but it is for the same reason, that rats, and + cats, and dead horses, have been often bought for gold, in a town + besieged. + </p> + <p> + There is a person of quality in my neighbourhood, who twenty years ago, + when he was just come to age, being unexperienced, and of a generous + temper, let his lands, even as times went then, at a low rate, to able + tenants, and consequently by the rise of land, since that time, looked + upon his estate, to be set at half value. But numbers of these tenants, or + their descendants are now offering to sell their leases by cant, even + those which were for lives, some of them renewable for ever, and some + fee-farms, which the landlord himself hath bought in, at half the price + they would have yielded seven years ago. And some leases let at the same + time, for lives, have been given up to him, without any consideration at + all. + </p> + <p> + This is the most favourable face of things at present among us, I say, + among us of the North, who are esteemed the only thriving people of the + kingdom: And how far, and how soon, this misery and desolation may spread, + is easy to foresee. + </p> + <p> + The vast sums of money daily carried off, by our numerous adventurers to + America, have deprived us of our gold in these parts, almost as much as of + our silver. + </p> + <p> + And the good wives who came[16] to our houses, offer us their pieces of + linen, upon which their whole dependence lies, for so little profit, that + it can neither half pay their rents, nor half support their families. + </p> + <p> + It is remarkable, that this enthusiasm spread among our northern people, + of sheltering themselves in the continent of America, hath no other + foundation, than their present insupportable condition at home. I have + made all possible inquiries, to learn what encouragement our people have + met with, by any intelligence from those plantations, sufficient to make + them undertake so tedious, and hazardous a voyage in all seasons of the + year; and so ill accommodated in their ships, that many of them have died + miserably in their passage; but, could never get one satisfactory answer. + Somebody, they know not who, had written a letter to his friend, or + cousin, from thence, inviting him by all means, to come over; that it was + a fine fruitful country, and to be held for ever, at a penny an acre. But + the truth of the fact is this, The English established in those colonies, + are in great want of men to inhabit that tract of ground, which lies + between them, and the wild Indians, who are not reduced under their + dominion. We read of some barbarous people, whom the Romans placed in + their armies, for no other service, than to blunt their enemies' swords, + and afterwards to fill up trenches with their dead bodies. And thus our + people who transport themselves, are settled in those interjacent tracts, + as a screen against the insults of the savages, and many have as much + land, as they can clear from the woods, at a very reasonable rate, if they + can afford to pay about a hundred years' purchase by their labour. Now + beside the fox's reasons which inclines all those, who have already + ventured thither, to represent everything, in a false light, as well for + justifying their own conduct, as for getting companions, in their misery; + so, the governing people in those plantations, have wisely provided,[17] + that no letters shall be suffered to pass from thence hither, without + being first viewed by the council, by which our people here, are wholly + deceived in the opinions, they have of the happy condition of their + friends, gone before them. This was accidentally discovered some months + ago, by an honest man who having transported himself, and family thither, + and finding all things directly contrary to his hope, had the luck to + convey a private note, by a faithful hand, to his relation here, + entreating him, not to think of such a voyage, and to discourage all his + friends from attempting it. Yet this, although it be a truth well known, + hath produced very little effects; which is no manner of wonder, for as it + is natural to a man in a fever to turn often, although without any hope of + ease, or when he is pursued to leap down a precipice, to avoid an enemy + just at his back; so, men in the extremest degree of misery, and want, + will naturally fly to the first appearance of relief, let it be ever so + vain, or visionary. + </p> + <p> + You may observe, that I have very superficially touched the subject I + began with, and with the utmost caution: for I know how criminal the least + complaint hath been thought, however seasonable or just, or honestly + intended, which hath forced me to offer up my daily prayers, that it may + never, at least in my time, be interpreted by innuendoes as a false + scandalous, seditious, and disaffected action, for a man to roar under an + acute fit of the gout, which beside the loss and the danger, would be very + inconvenient to one of my age, so severely afflicted with that distemper. + </p> + <p> + I wish you good success, but I can promise you little, in an ungrateful + office you have taken up, without the least view, either to reputation or + profit. Perhaps your comfort is, that none but villains, and betrayers of + their country, can be your enemies. Upon which, I have little to say, + having not the honour, to be acquainted with many of that sort, and + therefore, as you easily may believe, am compelled to lead a very retired + life. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I am Sir, + Your most obedient, + Humble servant, + + A. NORTH. + + County of Down, + Dec. 2d. 1728. +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 1: See title for this in note above to No. 1, p. 313. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 2: No. 19 of "The Intelligencer" is a reprint of a tract which I + have not been able to find. It appeared again in 1736 under the title: "A + Letter from the Revd. J.S.D.S.P.D. to a Country Gentleman in the North of + Ireland."[T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 3: "Apud Donati Vitam," 17: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Thus do ye sheep grow fleeces for others."—W.F.H. KING. + + [T.S.]] +</pre> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Writing to Dr. Sheridan, under date September 18th, 1728, + Swift says: "I think the sufferings of the country for want of silver + deserves a paper, since the remedy is so easy, and those in power so + negligent" (Scott, xvii. 204). [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 5: The price of the pistole in Ireland was fixed at 18<i>s</i>. + 6<i>d</i>., the double pistole at <i>£</i>1 17<i>s</i>., and the moidore + <i>£</i>1 10<i>s</i>. These prices were fixed by order of the Lords + Justices, July 30th, 1712. In 1737 the moidore was reduced to <i>£</i>1 9<i>s</i>. + 3<i>d</i>. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 6: "A Letter," etc., referred to in note on preceding page, has: + "They consider not the dead weight upon every beneficial branch of our + trade; that half our revenues are annually sent to England; with many + other grievances peculiar to this unhappy kingdom; which keep us," etc. + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 7: The 1736 edition of "A Letter," etc., has "is so urging." + [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 8: The 1736 edition of "A Letter," etc., has "tamely." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 9: John Carteret (1690-1763) succeeded his father as second + Baron Carteret in 1695, and his mother as Earl Granville in 1744. He was + Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from 1724 to 1730. See Swift's "Vindication of + ... Lord Carteret" in vol. vi. of present edition. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 10: "A Letter," etc. (1736 edition), has "being made easy upon + this article." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 11: On December 22nd, 1717, the price of the guinea was reduced, + by a proclamation, from 21<i>s</i>. 6<i>d</i>. to 21<i>s</i>. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 12: See vol. vii. of present edition of Swift's Works, dealing + with the Drapier Letters. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Astraea withdrew from the earth at the close of the Golden + Age. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 14: Sir Ambrose Crowley (or Crawley), Liveryman of the Drapers' + Company and Alderman for Dowgate Ward, sat in Parliament for Andover in + 1713. He was satirized in "The Spectator" (No. 299, February 12th, 1711/2) + as Sir John Enville, and in "The Tatler" (No. 73, September 27th, 1709) as + Sir Arthur de Bradley. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 15: "A Letter," etc. (1736), has "could never." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 16: The reprint of 1730, and "A Letter," etc. (1736), have "who + come." [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 17: "A Letter," etc. (1736), has: "The governing people in those + plantations, have also wisely provided," etc. [T.S.]] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0061" id="link2H_4_0061"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INDEX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ALMANZA, battle of + Anne, Queen, her change of ministry in 1710; + and the Church; + establishment of Queen Anne's bounty; + letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury. + Aretino, Pietro. + Army, essays on the. + Asgill, John. + Astell, Mrs. Mary. + Atterbury, Bishop, his character in "The Tatler"; + contributes to "The Examiner"; + his influence in Convocation. + Avarice, essay on. + + Bank, the, in the Whig interest. + "Banks, Sir Jacob, Letter to". + Bickerstaff, Isaac, Steele's pseudonym. + Birth, value of. + Boyer, Abel. + Boyle, Henry. + Bromley, Clobery. + Bromley, William, speaker; + "Congratulatory Speech of". + Buckingham, George Villiers, Duke of, assassination of. + Buckingham and Normanby, John, Duke of. + Burgess, Daniel. + Burnet, Bishop. + + Caesar, Julius. + Calves-Head Club, the. + Carew, John, speech at the execution of. + Carteret, Lord. + Chamber of Fame. + Charles V. and Aretino. + Church, the, resolution in Parliament as to the state of;; + essay on + answer to essay on; + the Whigs and. + Churches, scheme for building new. + Clément, Jacques. + Clendon, John. + Coffee-houses, signification of the. + Coin, clipping of. + Coligny, Admiral de, assassination of. + Collins, Anthony. + Coningsby, Mrs. + Court of Alienation. + Coward, William. + Cowper, Earl. + Crackanthorpe, Mrs. + Crassus, Marcus, the Duke of Marlborough attacked under the name of. + Crawley, Sir Ambrose. + + D'Ancre, Maréchal. + Daniel, Samuel. + Dartmouth, Lord. + Davila. + Defoe, Daniel, edited "The Review". + Devonshire, William, 2nd Duke of. + Dissenters, the, + under James II.; + essay on; + Whigs and. + Dodwell, Henry. + Dyet, Richard. + + Eloquence, essay on; + further references to, + Elstob, Mrs. Elizabeth. + English tongue, corruption of the. + Eumenes. + "Examiner, The," establishment of. + "Examiner, Letter to the." + + Faction, + fable of; + true characteristics of. + Felton, John. + "Female Tatler, The". + Ford, James. + Freind, Dr. + "French King's Thanks to the Tories of Great Britain, The". + Furnese, Sir Henry. + + Gay, John, + on "The Examiner"; + vindication of his "Beggar's Opera"; + his fables. + George, Prince, of Denmark. + Gertruydenberg, treaty of. + Godolphin, Lord, his change of politics; + dismissal of; + nicknamed "Volpone"; + his intrigues against Harley; + as "Gracchus"; + devoted to the turf; + ministry of. + Good manners, essay on. + Greenshields, Rev. James. + Gregg, William. + Guiscard, Marquis de; + account of. + Guise, Dukes of, assassination of,. + + Harcourt, Sir Simon. + Hare, Dr. Francis. + Harley, Robert, attempted assassination of; + made Earl of Oxford; + the Speaker's congratulation on his escape; + his scheme for securing debts; + his remission of first-fruits to the Irish Clergy. + Harley, Thomas, + Harrison, William, contributed to "The Tatler"; + new issue of "The Tatler" by. + Hastings, Lady Elizabeth. + Henry III, of France, assassination of. + Henry IV. of France, assassination of. + Herring, Dr. Thomas. + Hickes, George. + Honeywood, General, superseded. + Hooker, Richard. + + Indemnity, Act of (1708). + Indian Kings, the, in London. + "Intelligencer, The". + Ireland, scarcity of silver in. + Isaac, Mr., a dancing-master. + Italian music, the taste for. + + James II., King, and the Dissenters; + and the Whigs. + + Kent, Duke of. + + Learning, Bill for the Encouragement of. + Lechmere, Nicholas. + Leeds, Duke of. + Leslie, Rev. Charles. + "Lewis, Erasmus, The Vindication of". + Lions, dream of the. + Lorrain, Paul. + Louis XIV. + + Macartney, General, superseded. + Madonella. + "Management of the War, The," pamphlets by Dr. Hare. + Manley, Mrs., attacked as "Madonella"; + her "Memoirs of Europe". + Marlborough, Duke of + the Treaty of Gertruydenberg; + his change of politics; + rewards and grants to; + his intrigues against Harley; + his proposal to be made Commander-in-chief for life; + attacked by Swift under the name of "Crassus"; + charged with peculations with regard to bread contracts; + threatened resignation of in 1708. + Marlborough, Duchess of. + Masham, Mrs. + Matveof, Muscovite Ambassador, arrest of. + Medina, Sir Solomon de, and the Duke of Marlborough. + "Medley, The," attack by Swift on; + and see notes to "The Examiner," <i>passim</i> + Ménage, Gilles. + Meredith, General, superseded. + Merit, genealogy and description of. + Milton, John. + Ministry, reasons for the change of; + "Mob," Swift's dislike of the word. + More, Henry. + Morphew, the publisher. + + Naturalization Act. + Naunton, Sir Robert. + Nevis. + Norris, John. + Nottingham, Earl of. + + "Observator, The". + Occasional Conformity Bill, the. + October Club, the. + Oldisworth, William; + revival of "The Examiner" by. + Osborne, Francis. + Oxford University, decree of. + + Palatines, the. + Parsons, Robert. + Partridge, John. + Passive obedience, doctrine of; + according to the Whigs; + according to the Tories; + Peace, Address to the Queen concerning (1707). + People, madness of the. + Peterborough, Earl of, letter from Swift to. + Petty, Sir William. + Platonic ladies. + Political Lying, the Art of. + "Political State of Great Britain, The" + Popery, the Tories and. + Pretender, the, party capital made out of; + and the Whigs. + Prior, Matthew, contributes to "The Examiner"; + stated to be the author of "The Examiner". + + Qualification Bill. + + Racan, Mons. + Radcliffe, Dr John. + "Rehearsal, The". + Repington, Mr. + "Review, The". + Ridge, Thomas. + Rivers, Earl, appointed Lieutenant of the Tower. + Rochester, Laurence Hyde, Earl of. + Roper, Abel, suspected as author of "The Examiner". + + Sacheverell, Dr. + St. Christopher's. + St John, Henry, and "The Examiner," + character of; + "A Letter to The Examiner" attributed to; + attempted assassination of; + his hatred of Harley. + Scythia, story of the king of. + Security, Bill of. + Sewell, Dr. George. + Shippen, William. + Shrewsbury, Charles, Duke of. + Silver, scarcity of, in Ireland. + Smalridge, Dr. + Somers, Lord. + South Sea Company, establishment of the. + "Spectator, The". + Stanhope, General. + Stanley, Dr William. + Steele, Richard, and "The Tatler"; + article on Marlborough in "The Taller" by; + and "The Spectator". + Suckling, Sir John. + Sunderland, Earl of. + Swift, Jonathan, his contributions to "The Tatler"; + supports Harrison with the new "Tatler"; + his contentions to "The Examiner"; + his memorial to Harley regarding the first-fruits in Ireland; + his contribution to "The Spectator"; + his contributions to "The Intelligencer". + + "Tatler, The," founding and success of; + authorship of papers in; + discontinued by Steele; + new issues of. + Taxes, increase of. + Temple, Sir William, on humour. + Temson, Archbp. + Test Act, the. + Tindal, Matthew. + Titus, Colonel Silas. + Toland, John. + Tones, principles of the, explained. + Tory, origin of the word. + Toulon, siege of. + Trapp, Dr. Joseph. + Tutchin, John, editor of "The Observator". + Twisden, Heneage. + + Verres (Lord Wharton). + + Walpole, Horatio. + War, many people interested in continuance of the; + pamphlets on the management of the. + Wenman, Viscount. + Wharton, Lord; + as "Clodius"; + attacked by Swift under the name of Verres; + desecration of a church by. + Whig and Tory, designation of the words. + "Whig Examiner, The". + Whigs, principles of the, explained; + and Dissenters; + and the Pretender. + Wotton, Sir Henry. + Wotton, W., his "Case of the Present Convocation considered". +</pre> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13169 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |