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Aitken + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Tatler, Volume 1, 1899 + +Author: George A. Aitken + +Release Date: October 5, 2004 [EBook #13645] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TATLER, VOLUME 1, 1899 *** + + + + +Produced by Jon Ingram and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1><a class="pagenum" name='pageI' title='I' id= + "pageI"></a><a class="pagenum" name='pageII' title='II' id= + "pageII"></a><a class="pagenum" name='pageIII' title='III' id= + "pageIII"></a>THE TATLER</h1> + + <h2>Edited with Introduction & Notes by <b>George A. + Aitken</b></h2> + + <h3><i>Author of</i> "The Life of Richard Steele," Etc.</h3> + + <h2>Vol. I</h2> + <hr /> + + <h3>New York<br /> + Hadley & Mathews<br /> + 156 Fifth Avenue<br /> + London: Duckworth & Co.<br /> + 1899</h3> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>Contents</h2> + + <ul> + <li><a href='#preface'>Editor's Preface</a></li> + + <li><a href='#introduction'>Editor's Introduction</a></li> + + <li><a href='#thepreface'>The Preface.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#dedication'>Dedication to Mr. + Maynwaring.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number1'>No. 1. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number2'>No. 2. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number3'>No. 3. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number4'>No. 4. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number5'>No. 5. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number6'>No. 6. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number7'>No. 7. [Steele</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number8'>No. 8. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number9'>No. 9. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number10'>No. 10. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number11'>No. 11. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number12'>No. 12. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number13'>No. 13. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number14'>No. 14. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number15'>No. 15. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number16'>No. 16. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number17'>No. 17. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number18'>No. 18. [Steele and Addison.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number19'>No. 19. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number20'>No. 20. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number21'>No. 21. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number22'>No. 22. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number23'>No. 23. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number24'>No. 24. [Addison.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number25'>No. 25. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number26'>No. 26. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number27'>No. 27. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number28'>No. 28. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number29'>No. 29. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number30'>No. 30. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number31'>No. 31. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number32'>No. 32. [Swift and Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number33'>No. 33. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number34'>No. 34. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number35'>No. 35. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number36'>No. 36. [?Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number37'>No. 37. [?Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number38'>No. 38. [?Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number39'>No. 39. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number40'>No. 40. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number41'>No. 41. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number42'>No. 42. [Steele and Addison.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number43'>No. 43. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number44'>No. 44. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number45'>No. 45. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number46'>No. 46. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number47'>No. 47. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number48'>No. 48. [Steele.</a></li> + + <li><a href='#number49'>No. 49. [Steele.</a></li> + </ul> + <hr class='full' /> + + <p><a name='preface' id="preface"></a></p> + + <h2>Preface</h2> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='pageIV' title='IV' id= + "pageIV"></a><a class="pagenum" name='pageV' title='V' id= + "pageV"></a></p> + + <div class="italic"> + <p>The original numbers of the <i>Tatler</i> were reissued in + two forms in 1710-11; one edition, in octavo, being published + by subscription, while the other, in duodecimo, was for the + general public. The present edition has been printed from a + copy of the latter issue, which, as recorded on the title-page, + was "revised and corrected by the Author"; but I have had by my + side, for constant reference, a complete set of the folio + sheets, containing the "Lucubrations of Isaac Bickerstaff" in + the form in which they were first presented to the world. + Scrupulous accuracy in the text has been aimed at, but the + eccentricities of spelling—which were the printer's, not + the author's—have not been preserved, and the punctuation + has occasionally been corrected.</p> + + <p>The first and the most valuable of the annotated editions of + the <i>Tatler</i> was published by John Nichols and others in + 1786, with notes by Dr. Percy, Bishop of Dromore, Dr. John + Calder, and Dr. Pearce, Bishop of Rochester; and though these + notes are often irrelevant and out of<a class="pagenum" name= + 'pageVI' title='VI' id="pageVI"></a> date, they contain an + immense amount of information, and have been freely made use of + by subsequent editors. I have endeavoured to preserve what is + of value in the older editions, and to supplement it, as + concisely as possible, by such further information as appeared + desirable. The eighteenth-century diaries and letters published + of late years have in many cases enabled me to throw light on + passages which have hitherto been obscure, and sometimes useful + illustrations have been found in the contemporary newspapers + and periodicals.</p> + + <p>The portraits of Steele, Addison, and Swift, the writers + most associated with the <i>Tatler</i>, have been taken from + contemporary engravings in the British Museum; and the + imaginary portrait of Isaac Bickerstaff in the last volume is + from a rare picture drawn by Lens in 1710 as a frontispiece to + collections of the original folio numbers.</p> + + <p class="right"><i>G. A. A.</i></p> + + <p>August 1898.</p> + </div> + <hr class='full' /> + + <p><a name='introduction' id="introduction"></a></p> + + <h2>Introduction</h2> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='pageVII' title='VII' id= + "pageVII"></a></p> + + <p>When the first number of the <i>Tatler</i> appeared in 1709, + Steele and Addison were about thirty-seven years of age, while + Swift, then still counted among the Whigs, was more than four + years their senior. Addison and Steele had been friends at the + Charterhouse School and at Oxford, and though they had during the + following years had varying experiences, their friendship had in + no way lessened. Addison had been a fellow of his college, had + gained the patronage of Charles Montague and Lord Somers, had + made the grand tour, and published an account of his travels; had + gained popularity by his poem "The Campaign," written in + celebration of the victory at Blenheim; had been made an + Under-Secretary of State, and finally (in December 1708) had been + appointed secretary to Lord Wharton, the Lord Lieutenant of + Ireland. Steele, on the other hand, had enlisted in the Guards, + without taking any degree; had obtained an ensign's commission + after dedicating to Lord Cutts a poem on Queen Mary's death; and + had written a little book called "The Christian Hero," designed + "to fix upon his own mind a strong impression of virtue + and<a class="pagenum" name='pageVIII' title='VIII' id= + "pageVIII"></a> religion, in opposition to a stronger propensity + towards unwarrantable pleasures." At the close of the same year + (1701) he brought out a successful comedy, "The Funeral," which + was followed by "The Lying Lover" and "The Tender Husband," plays + which gave strong evidence of the influence of Jeremy Collier's + attack on the immorality of the stage. "The Tender Husband" owed + "many applauded strokes" to Addison, to whom it was dedicated by + Steele, who wished "to show the esteem I have for you, and that I + look upon my intimacy with you as one of the most valuable + enjoyments of my life." In 1705 Steele married a lady with + property in Barbados, and on her death married, in 1707, Mary + Scurlock, the "dear Prue" to whom he addressed his well-known + letters. For the rest, he had been made gentleman-waiter to + Prince George of Denmark, and appointed Gazetteer, with a salary + of £300, less a tax of £45 a year. He was disappointed in his + hopes of obtaining the Under-Secretaryship vacated by + Addison.</p> + + <p>From 1705 onwards there is evidence of frequent and familiar + intercourse between Swift and Addison and Steele. After Sir + William Temple's death, Swift had become chaplain to the Earl of + Berkeley, who gave him the living of Laracor; and during a visit + to England in 1704 he had gained a position in the front rank of + authors by the "Tale of a Tub" and the "Battle of the Books." At + the close of 1707 he was again in England, charged with a mission + to obtain for the Irish clergy the remission of First Fruits and + Tenths already conceded to the English, and throughout 1708 what + he calls "the triumvirate of <a name="pageIX" id= + "pageIX"></a>Addison, Steele and me" were in constant + communication. In that year Swift published a pamphlet called "A + Project for the Advancement of Religion and the Reformation of + Manners," which anticipated many of the arguments used in the + <i>Tatler</i> and <i>Spectator</i>; and he also commenced his + attack on John Partridge, quack doctor and maker of astrological + almanacs. On the appearance of Partridge's "Merlinus Liberatus" + for 1708, Swift—borrowing a name from the signboard of a + shoemaker—published "Predictions for the year 1708, wherein + the month and day of the month are set down, the persons named, + and the great actions and events of next year particularly + related, as they will come to pass. Written to prevent the people + of England from being further imposed on by vulgar + almanack-makers. By Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq." Isaac Bickerstaff + professed to be a true astrologer, disgusted at the lies told by + impostors, and he said that he was willing to be hooted at as a + cheat if his prophecies were not exactly fulfilled. His first + prediction was that Partridge would die on the 29th of March; and + on the 30th a second pamphlet was published, "The accomplishment + of the first of Mr. Bickerstaff's Predictions ... in a letter to + a person of quality, in which a detailed account is given of + Partridge's death, at five minutes after seven, by which it is + clear that Mr. Bickerstaff was mistaken almost four hours in his + calculation.... Whether he had been the cause of this poor man's + death, as well as the predictor, may be very reasonably + disputed." The joke was maintained by Swift and others in various + pieces, and when Partridge, in his almanac for 1709, protested + that he was still living, Swift <a class="pagenum" name='pageX' + title='X' id="pageX"></a>replied, in "A Vindication of Isaac + Bickerstaff, Esq.," which was advertised in the fifth number of + the <i>Tatler</i>, that he could prove that Partridge was not + alive; for no one living could have written such rubbish as the + new almanac. In starting his new paper Steele assumed the name of + the astrologer Isaac Bickerstaff, rendered famous by Swift, and + made frequent use of Swift's leading idea. He himself summed up + the controversy in the words, "if a man's art is gone, the man is + gone, though his body still appear."</p> + + <p>Much has been written on the interesting question of the early + history of the periodical press; but with one exception none of + its predecessors had much effect on the <i>Tatler</i>. John + Dunton's <i>Athenian Mercury</i> was the forerunner of our + <i>Notes and Queries</i>; and it was followed by the <i>British + Apollo</i> (1708-11), the second title of which was "Curious + Amusements for the Ingenious. To which are added the most + Material Occurrences, Foreign and Domestic. Performed by a + Society of Gentlemen." <i>The Gentleman's Journal</i> of 1692-4, + a monthly paper of poems and other miscellaneous matter, was + succeeded, in 1707, by Oldmixon's <i>Muses' Mercury; or, The + Monthly Miscellany</i>, a periodical which contained also notices + of new plays and books, and numbered Steele among its + contributors. Defoe's <i>Review</i>, begun in 1704, aimed at + setting the affairs of Europe in a clearer light, regardless of + party; but, added Defoe, "After our serious matters are over, we + shall at the end of every paper present you with a little + diversion, as anything occurs to make the world merry; and + whether friend or foe, one party or another, <a class="pagenum" + name='pageXI' title='XI' id="pageXI"></a>if anything happens so + scandalous as to require an open reproof, the world will meet + with it there." Accordingly, of the eight pages in the first + number, one and a half pages consist of "Mercure Scandale; or, + Advice from the Scandalous Club, Translated out of French." The + censure was to be of the actions of men, not of parties; and the + design was to expose not persons but things. A monthly + supplement, dealing with "the immediate subject then on the + tongues of the town," was begun in September 1704; and pressure + on the space before long pushed the Advices from the Scandal Club + out of the ordinary issue of the <i>Review</i>. Subsequently + Defoe wrote more than once in praise of the way in which his work + had been taken up by Isaac Bickerstaff.</p> + + <p>Probably the <i>Tatler</i> was started by Steele without any + very definite designs for the future. According to the first + number, published on April 12, 1709, the aim was to instruct the + public what to think, after their reading, and there was to be + something for the entertainment of the fair sex. The numbers were + published three times a week, on the post-days, at the price of + one penny. Each paper consisted of a single folio sheet, and the + first four were distributed gratuitously. Steele probably thought + that his position of Gazetteer would enable him to give the + latest news, and he says that these paragraphs brought in a + multitude of readers; but as the position of the <i>Tatler</i> + became established, the need for the support of these items of + news grew less, and after the first eighty numbers they are of + rare occurrence. Quite early in the career of the paper Addison, + speaking of the distress which would be <a class="pagenum" name= + 'pageXII' title='XII' id="pageXII"></a>caused among the + news-writers by the conclusion of a peace, said that Bickerstaff + was not personally concerned in the matter; "for as my chief + scenes of action are coffee-houses, playhouses, and my own + apartment, I am in no need of camps, fortifications, and fields + of battle to support me.... I shall still be safe as long as + there are men or women, or politicians, or lovers, or poets, or + nymphs, or swains, or cits, or courtiers in being."<a name= + 'fntag1' id="fntag1"></a><a class="fn" href= + '#footnote1'><sup>1</sup></a></p> + + <p>The subject of each article was to be indicated by the name of + the coffee-house or other place from which it was supposed to + come: "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 Saint + James's Coffee-house; and what else I have to offer on any other + subject shall be dated from my own Apartment." For some time each + number contained short papers from all or several of these + places; but gradually it became usual to devote the whole number + to one topic. The motto of the first forty numbers was "Quicquid + agunt homines ... nostri farrago libelli"; but in the following + numbers it was changed to "Celebrare domestica facta"; and + afterwards each number generally had a quotation bearing upon the + subject of the day. Writing some time after the commencement of + the latter, Steele said, in the Dedication prefixed to the first + volume, "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 sim<a class="pagenum" + name='pageXIII' title='XIII' id="pageXIII"></a>plicity in our + dress, our discourse, and our behaviour." And elsewhere he says: + "As for my labours, which he is pleased to inquire after, if they + but wear one impertinence out of human life, destroy a single + vice, or give a morning's cheerfulness to an honest mind; in + short, if the world can be but one virtue the better, or in any + degree less vicious, or receive from them the smallest addition + to their innocent diversions; I shall not think my pains, or + indeed my life, to have been spent in vain."<a name='fntag2' id= + "fntag2"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote2'><sup>2</sup></a> At + the close, speaking in his own name, Steele wrote: "The general + purpose of the whole has been to recommend truth, innocence, + honour, and virtue, as the chief ornaments of life; but I + considered, that severity of manners was absolutely necessary to + him who would censure others, and for that reason, and that only, + chose to talk in a mask. I shall not carry my humility so far as + to call myself a vicious man, but at the same time must confess + my life is at best but pardonable."<a name='fntag3' id= + "fntag3"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote3'><sup>3</sup></a></p> + + <p>With his usual generosity, Steele more than once spoke in the + warmest terms of the assistance rendered to him by Addison. In + the preface to the collected edition he said: "I have only one + gentleman, who will be nameless, to thank for any frequent + assistance to me, which indeed it would have been barbarous in + him to have denied to one with whom he had lived in an intimacy + from childhood, considering the great ease with which he is able + to despatch the most entertaining pieces of this nature. This + good office he performed with such force of genius, humour, wit, + and learning that I fared like a distressed prince, who calls in + a powerful neighbour to his aid; I was undone by <a class= + "pagenum" name='pageXIV' title='XIV' id="pageXIV"></a>my + auxiliary; when I had called him in I could not subsist without + dependence on him." And in 1722, after Addison's death, in a + preface to his friend's play, "The Drummer," Steele wrote of the + <i>Tatler</i>, "That paper was advanced indeed! for it was raised + to a greater thing than I intended it! For the elegance, purity, + and correctness which appeared in his writings were not so much + my purpose, as (in any intelligible manner, as I could) to rally + all those singularities of human life, through the different + professions and characters in it, which obstruct anything that + was truly good and great."</p> + + <p>It is only fair to Steele to point out that the original idea + of the <i>Tatler</i> was entirely his own, and that he alone was + responsible for the regular supply of material. Addison was in + Ireland when the paper was begun, and did not know who was the + author until several numbers had appeared. His occasional + contributions were of little importance until after eighty + numbers had been published; and of the whole 271 numbers Steele + wrote about 188 and Addison only 42, while they were jointly + responsible for 36. Swift contributed only to about a dozen + numbers; and the assistance received from other writers was so + slight that it does not call for notice here. Steele, unlike + Addison, was probably at his best in the <i>Tatler</i>, where he + had a freer hand, and described, in a perfectly fresh and + unaffected style, the impressions of the moment. Hastily composed + in coffee-house or printing-office, as they often were, and at + very short notice, his papers frequently appeal to the reader of + the present day more than the carefully elaborated and highly + finished work of his friend, who <a class="pagenum" name='pageXV' + title='XV' id="pageXV"></a>wrote only when he found a suitable + topic. And if Addison's art is of a higher standard than + Steele's, it is to Steele that we owe Addison. A minor poet and + the author of a book of travels and of an unsuccessful opera, + Addison found no opportunity for his peculiar genius until his + friend provided the means in the <i>Tatler</i>. It is tolerably + certain that he would himself never have taken the necessary step + of founding a periodical appealing to the general public; and + Steele himself said with perfect truth, "I claim to myself the + merit of having extorted excellent productions from a person of + the greatest abilities, who would not have let them appear by any + other means."<a name='fntag4' id="fntag4"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote4'><sup>4</sup></a></p> + + <p>If more is said here of Steele than of Addison, it is because + it is Steele whose name is most intimately connected with the + <i>Tatler</i>. The field in which Addison shone brightest was the + <i>Spectator</i>, where the whole plan was arranged in the manner + best suited to his genius. But his influence is, nevertheless, + visible in the development of the earlier paper, and some of his + individual articles are equal to anything he afterwards wrote. It + is only necessary to mention his papers on the Distress of the + News-Writers<a name='fntag5' id="fntag5"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote5'><sup>5</sup></a>; on the poetaster, Ned + Softly<a name='fntag6' id="fntag6"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote6'><sup>6</sup></a>; on the pedant and "broker in + learning," Tom Folio<a name='fntag7' id="fntag7"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote7'><sup>7</sup></a>; on the Political + Upholsterer, who was more inquisitive to know what passed in + Poland than in his own family<a name='fntag8' id= + "fntag8"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote8'><sup>8</sup></a>; + and on the Adventures of a Shilling.<a name='fntag9' id= + "fntag9"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote9'><sup>9</sup></a> + His, too, are the Vision of Justice<a name='fntag10' id= + "fntag10"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote10'><sup>10</sup></a>; + the story of a dream;<a name='fntag11' id="fntag11"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote11'><sup>11</sup></a> and the amusing account + of the visit to <a class="pagenum" name='pageXVI' title='XVI' id= + "pageXVI"></a>London of Sir Harry Quickset, who, with his + old-world breeding, was the forerunner of Sir Roger de + Coverley.<a name='fntag12' id="fntag12"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote12'><sup>12</sup></a></p> + + <p>Unlike the members of the Spectator's Club, the <i>dramatis + personæ</i> introduced in the <i>Tatler</i> do not occupy a very + prominent place in the development of the work. Isaac Bickerstaff + himself, an old man of sixty-four, "a philosopher, an humourist, + an astrologer, and a censor," is rather vaguely sketched, and his + familiar, Pacolet, is made use of chiefly in the earlier numbers. + The occasional references to Bickerstaff's half-sister, Jenny + Distaff,<a name='fntag13' id="fntag13"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote13'><sup>13</sup></a> and her husband, Tanquillus, and + to his three nephews and their conduct in the presence of a + "beautiful woman of honour,"<a name='fntag14' id= + "fntag14"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote14'><sup>14</sup></a> + gave Steele a framework for some charming sketches of domestic + life. It is not until No. 132 that we + have the amusing account of the members of Bickerstaff's Club, + the Trumpet, in Shire Lane. There were Sir Geoffrey Notch, a + gentleman of an ancient family, who had wasted his estate in his + youth, and called every thriving man a pitiful upstart; Major + Matchlock, with his reminiscences of the Civil War; Dick Reptile, + and the Bencher who was always praising the wit of former days, + and telling stories of Jack Ogle, with whom he pretended to have + been intimate in his youth. Very little use was afterwards made + of this promising material.</p> + + <p>The poet John Gay has given an excellent account of the work + accomplished by Steele and Addison in a pamphlet called "The + Present State of Wit" (1711). Speaking of the discontinuance of + the <i>Tatler</i>, he says: "His disappearing seemed to be + bewailed as some general <a class="pagenum" name='pageXVII' + title='XVII' id="pageXVII"></a>calamity: every one wanted so + agreeable an amusement; and the coffee-houses began to be + sensible that the Esquire's Lucubrations alone had brought them + more customers than all their other newspapers put together. It + must, indeed, be confessed that never man threw up his pen under + stronger temptations to have employed it longer; his reputation + was at a greater height than, I believe, ever any living author's + was before him.... There is this noble difference between him and + all the rest of our polite and gallant authors: the latter have + endeavoured to please the age by falling in with them, and + encouraging them in their fashionable vices and false notions of + things. It would have been a jest some time since, for a man to + have asserted that anything witty could be said in praise of a + married state; or that devotion and virtue were any way necessary + to the character of a fine gentleman. Bickerstaff ventured to + tell the town that they were a parcel of fops, fools, and vain + coquettes; but in such a manner as even pleased them, and made + them more than half inclined to believe that he spoke truth. + Instead of complying with the false sentiments or vicious tastes + of the age, either in morality, criticism, or good breeding, he + has boldly assured them that they were altogether in the wrong, + and commanded them, with an authority which perfectly well became + him, to surrender themselves to his arguments for virtue and good + sense.</p> + + <p>"It is incredible to conceive the effect his writings have had + on the town; how many thousand follies they have either quite + banished, or given a very great check to; how much countenance + they have added to virtue and religion; <a class="pagenum" name= + 'pageXVIII' title='XVIII' id="pageXVIII"></a>how many people they + have rendered happy, by showing them it was their own fault if + they were not so; and, lastly, how entirely they have convinced + our fops and young fellows of the value and advantages of + learning. He has indeed rescued it out of the hands of pedants + and fools, and discovered the true method of making it amiable + and lovely to all mankind. In the dress he gives it, it is a most + welcome guest at tea-tables and assemblies, and is relished and + caressed by the merchants on the 'Change; accordingly, there is + not a lady at Court, nor a banker in Lombard Street, who is not + verily persuaded that Captain Steele is the greatest scholar and + best casuist of any man in England.</p> + + <p>"Lastly, 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>Gay's opinion has been confirmed by the best judges of nearly + two centuries, and there is no need to labour the question of the + wit and wisdom of the <i>Tatler</i>. But some examples may be + cited in illustration of the topics on which Steele and his + friends wrote, and the manner in which they dealt with them. The + very first numbers contained illustrations of most of what were + to be the characteristics of the paper. There is the account of + the very pretty gentleman at White's Chocolate-house thrown into + a sad condition by a passing vision of a young lady; <a class= + "pagenum" name='pageXIX' title='XIX' id="pageXIX"></a>the notice + of Betterton's benefit performance; the comments on the war; the + campaign against Partridge, with the declaration that all who + were good for nothing would be included among the deceased; the + discussion on the morality of the stage, with praise of Mrs. + Bicknell and reproaches upon a young nobleman who came drunk to + the play; the comparison of the rival beauties, Chloe and + Clarissa; the satire on the Italian opera, and on Pinkethman's + company of strollers; and the allegorical paper on Fælicia, or + Britain. All these and other matters are dealt with in the four + numbers which were distributed gratuitously; as the work + progressed the principal change, besides the disappearance of the + paragraphs of news, was the development of the sustained essay on + morals or manners, and the less frequent indulgence in satire + upon individual offenders, and in personal allusions in general. + This change seems to have been the result partly of design, and + partly of circumstances, including Addison's influence on the + work. Steele himself said, as we have seen, that the + <i>Tatler</i> was raised to a greater height than he had + designed; but no doubt he realised that he must feel his way, and + be at first a tatler rather than a preacher. After some grave + remarks about duelling in an early paper (<a href='#number26'>No. + 26</a>), he makes Pacolet, Bickerstaff's familiar, say, "It was + too soon to give my discourse on this subject so serious a turn; + you have chiefly to do with that part of mankind which must be + led into reflection by degrees, and you must treat this custom + with humour and raillery to get an audience, before you come to + pronounce sentence upon it."</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='pageXX' title='XX' id= + "pageXX"></a>Follies and weaknesses are ridiculed in the + <i>Tatler</i> in a genial spirit, by one who was fully alive to + his own imperfections, and point is usually given to the papers + by a sketch of some veiled or imaginary individual. In this way + Bickerstaff treats of fops,<a name='fntag15' id= + "fntag15"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote15'><sup>15</sup></a> + of wags,<a name='fntag16' id="fntag16"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote16'><sup>16</sup></a> of coquettes,<a name='fntag17' + id="fntag17"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote17'><sup>17</sup></a> of the lady who condemned the + vice of the age, meaning the only vice of which she was not + guilty;<a name='fntag18' id="fntag18"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote18'><sup>18</sup></a> of impudence;<a name='fntag19' + id="fntag19"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote19'><sup>19</sup></a> and of pride and vanity.<a name= + 'fntag20' id="fntag20"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote20'><sup>20</sup></a> In a graver tone he attacks the + practice of duelling;<a name='fntag21' id="fntag21"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote21'><sup>21</sup></a> gamesters and + sharpers;<a name='fntag22' id="fntag22"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote22'><sup>22</sup></a> drunken "roarers" and + "scowrers";<a name='fntag23' id="fntag23"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote23'><sup>23</sup></a> and brutal pastimes at the Bear + Garden and elsewhere.<a name='fntag24' id="fntag24"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote24'><sup>24</sup></a> The campaign against + swindlers exposed Steele to serious threats on more than one + occasion.<a name='fntag25' id="fntag25"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote25'><sup>25</sup></a></p> + + <p>Of what Coleridge called Steele's "pure humanity" there is + nowhere better evidence than in the <i>Tatler</i>. It is enough + to cite once more the well-known examples of the account of his + father's death and his mother's grief;<a name='fntag26' id= + "fntag26"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote26'><sup>26</sup></a> + the stories of Unnion and Valentine,<a name='fntag27' id= + "fntag27"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote27'><sup>27</sup></a> + of the Cornish lovers,<a name='fntag28' id= + "fntag28"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote28'><sup>28</sup></a> + of Clarinda and Chloe,<a name='fntag29' id= + "fntag29"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote29'><sup>29</sup></a> + and of Mr. Eustace,<a name='fntag30' id="fntag30"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote30'><sup>30</sup></a> and the charming + account of the married happiness of an old friend, with the + pathetic picture of the death of the wife, and the grief of + husband and children.<a name='fntag31' id="fntag31"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote31'><sup>31</sup></a> In the last number + Steele said, "It has been a most exquisite pleasure to me to + frame characters of domestic life"; and we know from his letters + that when he wrote of children he <a class="pagenum" name= + 'pageXXI' title='XXI' id="pageXXI"></a>was only expressing the + deep affection which he felt for his own. Equally in advance of + his time was his respect for women, one of whom—Lady + Elizabeth Hastings—he has immortalised in the words, "To + love her is a liberal education."<a name='fntag32' id= + "fntag32"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote32'><sup>32</sup></a> + In the same number he wrote, "As charity is esteemed a + conjunction of the good qualities necessary to a virtuous man, so + love is the happy composition of all the accomplishments that + make a fine gentleman." In a time of much laxity he constantly + dwelt on the happiness of marriage; "wife is the most amiable + term in human life."<a name='fntag33' id="fntag33"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote33'><sup>33</sup></a> But good nature must be + cultivated if the married life is to be happy,<a name='fntag34' + id="fntag34"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote34'><sup>34</sup></a> and all unnecessary provocations + avoided. "Dear Jenny," says Bickerstaff to his sister, "remember + me, and avoid Snap-Dragon."<a name='fntag35' id= + "fntag35"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote35'><sup>35</sup></a> + Women must be rightly educated before they can expect to be + treated by, and to influence men as they should.<a name='fntag36' + id="fntag36"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote36'><sup>36</sup></a> The make of the mind greatly + contributes to the ornament of the body; "there is so immediate a + relation between our thoughts and gestures that a woman must + think well to look well."<a name='fntag37' id= + "fntag37"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote37'><sup>37</sup></a> + The habit of scandal-mongering and other weaknesses are the + result of an improper training of the mind.<a name='fntag38' id= + "fntag38"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote38'><sup>38</sup></a> + "All women especially," says Thackeray, "are bound to be grateful + to Steele, as he was the first of our writers who really seemed + to admire and respect them." His pity extended to the hunted + deer: "I have more than once rode off at the death," he says; "to + be apt to shed tears is a sign of a great as well as a little + spirit."<a name='fntag39' id="fntag39"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote39'><sup>39</sup></a></p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='pageXXII' title='XXII' id= + "pageXXII"></a>Steele's teaching on morals and right living + enters intimately into his literary criticism. His love for + Shakespeare was real and intelligent; there is no formal + discussion of the rules of the drama, but throughout the + <i>Tatler</i> there are references which show the keenest + appreciation of Shakespeare's powers as poet and philosopher. + "The vitiated tastes of the audience at the theatre could only be + amended," says Steele, "by encouraging the representation of the + noble characters drawn by Shakespeare and others, from whence it + is impossible to return without strong impressions of honour and + humanity. On these occasions, distress is laid before us with all + its causes and consequences, and our resentment placed according + to the merit of the persons afflicted. Were dramas of this nature + more acceptable to the taste of the town, men who have genius + would bend their studies to excel in them."<a name='fntag40' id= + "fntag40"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote40'><sup>40</sup></a> + Still more remarkable are the allusions to "Paradise Lost," for + Milton was then even less appreciated than Shakespeare. As in so + many other things, Addison's more elaborate criticism in the + <i>Spectator</i> was foreshadowed in the <i>Tatler</i> by Steele; + and the comparison of passages by Milton and Dryden<a name= + 'fntag41' id="fntag41"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote41'><sup>41</sup></a> must have been very striking to + the reader of that time, who usually knew Shakespeare or Chaucer + only through the adaptations of Dryden or Tate.</p> + + <p>Though it is not true, as some have represented, that the + <i>Tatler</i> is for the most part a mere society journal, + concerned chiefly with the gossip of the day, yet its + contributors made use of the scenes and events familiar to their + readers in order to bring home the kindly lessons <a class= + "pagenum" name='pageXXIII' title='XXIII' id="pageXXIII"></a>they + wished to teach; and in so doing they have given us a picture of + the daily life of the town which would alone have given lasting + interest to the paper. The distinctly "moral" papers have had + countless imitators, and sometimes therefore they are apt to pall + upon us, but the social articles are at least as interesting now + as when they were written, and one of the reasons why some + excellent judges have prefered the <i>Tatler</i> to the + <i>Spectator</i>, is that there is a greater proportion of these + gossiping papers, combining wisdom with satire, and bringing + before us as in a mirror the London of Queen Anne's day. + Bickerstaff takes us from club to coffee-house, from St. James's + to the Exchange; we see the poets and wits at Will's, the + politicians at White's, the merchants at Garraway's, the Templars + at the Smyrna; we see Betterton and the rest on the stage, and + the ladies and gentlemen in the front or side boxes; we see + Pinkethman's players at Greenwich, Powell's puppet-show, Don + Saltero's Museum at Chelsea, and the bear-baiting and + prize-fights at Hockley-in-the-Hole. We are taken to the Mall at + St. James's, or the Ring in Hyde Park, and we study the fine + ladies and the beaux, with their red heels and their amber-headed + canes suspended from their waistcoats; or we follow them to + Charles Lillie's, the perfumer, or to Mather's toy-shop, or to + Motteux's china warehouse; or to the shops in the New Exchange, + where the men bought trifles and ogled the attendants. Or yet + again we watch the exposure of the sharpers and bullies, and the + denunciation of others who brought even greater ruin on those who + fell into their clutches. We see the worshipping and the + flirtations in the church, with Smal<a class="pagenum" name= + 'pageXXIV' title='XXIV' id="pageXXIV"></a>ridge and Atterbury, + Hoadly and Blackall among the preachers, and hear something of + the controversies between High and Low Church, Whig and Tory. We + hear, too, of the war with France, and of the hopes of peace. + Steele tells us not only of Marlborough and Prince Eugene, but of + privates and non-commissioned officers, of their lives and + tragedies, of their comrades and friends. All Sergeant Hall knew + of the battle was that he wished there had not been so many + killed; he had himself a very bad shot in the head, but would + recover, if it pleased God. "To me," says Steele, recalling his + own service as a trooper, "I take the gallantry of private + soldiers to proceed from the same, if not from a nobler impulse + than that of gentlemen and officers.... Sergeant Hall would die + ten thousand deaths rather than a word should be spoken at the + Red Lattice, or any part of the Butcher Row, in prejudice to his + courage or honesty." His letter to his friend was "the picture of + the bravest sort of man, that is to say, a man of great courage + and small hopes."<a name='fntag42' id="fntag42"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote42'><sup>42</sup></a></p> + + <p>Something must be said of the events of 1710, which led to the + discontinuance of the <i>Tatler</i>. The trial of Dr. Sacheverell + in March was followed by the fall of the Whigs in the autumn; and + in October Steele lost his post of Gazetteer. Swift says it was + "for writing a <i>Tatler</i> some months ago, against Mr. Harley, + who gave him the post at first." There was a growing coldness + between Swift and his old friends, and on the 3rd of November + Swift wrote, "We have scurvy <i>Tatlers</i> of late, so pray do + not suspect me." On the preceding day Swift's first paper + <a class="pagenum" name='pageXXV' title='XXV' id="pageXXV"></a>in + the Tory <i>Examiner</i> had been published. He still met Steele + from time to time, and he says that he interceded for him with + Harley, but was frustrated by Addison. However this may be, it is + certain that Harley saw Steele, and that as the result of their + interview Steele retained his post as Commissioner of the Stamp + Office, and brought the <i>Tatler</i> to a close on January 2, + 1711, without consulting Addison. "To say the truth, it was + time," says Swift; "for he grew cruel dull and dry." It is true + that there is a falling off towards the close of the + <i>Tatler</i>, but that it was not want of matter that brought + about the abandonment of the paper is proved by the commencement + only two months later of the <i>Spectator</i>. Steele himself + said that on many accounts it had become an irksome task to + personate Mr. Bickerstaff any longer; he had in some places + touched upon matters concerning Church and State, and he could + not be cold enough to conceal his opinions. Gay tells us, in "The + Present State of Wit," that the town being generally of opinion + that Steele was quite spent as regards matter, was the more + surprised when the <i>Spectator</i> appeared; people were + therefore driven to accept the alternative view that the + <i>Tatler</i> was laid down "as a sort of submission to, or + composition with, the Government for some past offences."</p> + + <p>Excellent testimony to the immediate popularity of the + <i>Tatler</i> is furnished by the fact that its successive + numbers were reprinted in Dublin and in Edinburgh. At least + sixty-nine numbers of the Dublin issue, in quarto, were printed. + The Scottish re-issue was a folio sheet, commenced about February + 1710, and continued until the close of the <a class="pagenum" + name='pageXXVI' title='XXVI' id="pageXXVI"></a>paper. The date of + each number of the Edinburgh paper—"printed by James + Watson, and sold at his shop next door to the Red Lion, opposite + to the Lucken Booths"—is five or six days later than that + of the original issue; it was evidently worked off as soon as the + London post came in. Other evidence of the popularity of the + <i>Tatler</i> in the provinces is afforded by the foundation of + the "Gentleman's Society" at Spalding. Maurice Johnson, a native + of Spalding and a member of the Inner Temple, gives this account + of the matter: "In April 1709, that great genius Captain Richard + Steele ... published the <i>Tatlers</i>, which, as they came out + in half-sheets, were taken in by a gentleman, who communicated + them to his acquaintances at the coffee-house then in the Abbey + Yard; and these papers being universally approved as both + instructive and entertaining, they ordered them to be sent down + thither, with the Gazettes and Votes, for which they paid out of + charity to the person who kept the coffee-house, and they were + accordingly had and read there every post-day, generally aloud to + the company, who would sit and talk over the subject afterwards. + This insensibly drew the men of sense and letters into a sociable + way of conversing, and continued the next year, 1710, until the + publication of these papers desisted, which was in December, to + their great regret." Afterwards the <i>Spectator</i> was taken + in, and a regular society was started in 1712, by the + encouragement of Addison, Steele, and other members of Button's + Club.</p> + + <p>One indication of the popularity of the <i>Tatler</i> in its + own day is the long subscription list prefixed to the reprint in + four octavo volumes. Some copies were printed on <a class= + "pagenum" name='pageXXVII' title='XXVII' id= + "pageXXVII"></a>"royal," others on "medium" paper; and the price + of the former was a guinea a volume, while that of the latter was + half a guinea. There was also an authorised cheap edition, in + duodecimo, at half a crown a volume, besides a pirated edition at + the same price. A still more conclusive proof of the success of + the <i>Tatler</i> was the number of papers started in imitation + of its methods. Addison mentioned some of those periodicals in + No. 229, where details will be found of + the "Female Tatler," "Tit for Tat," and the like. But besides + these, several spurious continuations of the <i>Tatler</i> + appeared directly after the discontinuance of the genuine paper, + including one by William Harrison, written with Swift's + encouragement and assistance. But Harrison, as Swift said, had + "not the true vein for it," and his paper reached only to + fifty-two numbers, which were afterwards reprinted as a fifth + volume to the collected edition of the original <i>Tatler</i>. + Gay said that Steele's imitators seemed to think "that what was + only the garnish of the former <i>Tatlers</i> was that which + recommended them, and not those substantial entertainments which + they everywhere abound in." The town, in the absence of anything + better, welcomed their occasional and faint endeavours at humour; + "but even those are at present become wholly invisible, and quite + swallowed up in the blaze of the <i>Spectator</i>." Steele + himself said that his imitators held the censorship in + commission.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class="label"> + <a href="#fntag1">[1]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote1' id="footnote1"></a><a href= + '#number18'>No. 18.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag2'>[2]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote2' id="footnote2"></a>No. 89.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag3'>[3]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote3' id="footnote3"></a>No. 271.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag4'>[4]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote4' id="footnote4"></a><i>Spectator</i>, + No. 532.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag5'>[5]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote5' id="footnote5"></a><i>Tatler</i>, + <a href='#number18'>No. 18.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag6'>[6]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote6' id="footnote6"></a>No. 163.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag7'>[7]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote7' id="footnote7"></a>No. 158.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag8'>[8]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote8' id="footnote8"></a>Nos. 155, 160.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag9'>[9]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote9' id="footnote9"></a>No. 249.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag10'>[10]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote10' id="footnote10"></a>Nos. 100, 102.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag11'>[11]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote11' id="footnote11"></a>No. 117.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag12'>[12]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote12' id="footnote12"></a>No. 86.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag13'>[13]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote13' id="footnote13"></a><a href= + '#number10'>No. 10.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag14'>[14]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote14' id="footnote14"></a><a href= + '#number30'>No. 30.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag15'>[15]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote15' id="footnote15"></a>No. 142.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag16'>[16]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote16' id="footnote16"></a>No. 184.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag17'>[17]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote17' id="footnote17"></a><a href= + '#number27'>No. 27.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag18'>[18]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote18' id="footnote18"></a>No. 210.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag19'>[19]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote19' id="footnote19"></a>No. 168.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag20'>[20]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote20' id="footnote20"></a>Nos. 127, 186.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag21'>[21]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote21' id="footnote21"></a>Nos. <a href= + "#number25">25</a>, <a href="#number26">26</a>, <a href= + "#number29">29</a>, <a href="#number31">31</a>, <a href= + "#number38">38</a>, <a href="#number39">39</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag22'>[22]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote22' id="footnote22"></a>Nos. 56, &c.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag23'>[23]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote23' id="footnote23"></a>Nos. <a href= + "#number40">40</a>, <a href="#number45">45</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag24'>[24]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote24' id="footnote24"></a>No. 134.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag25'>[25]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote25' id="footnote25"></a>See Nos. 115, 271.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag26'>[26]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote26' id="footnote26"></a>No. 181.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag27'>[27]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote27' id="footnote27"></a><a href= + '#number5'>No. 5.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag28'>[28]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote28' id="footnote28"></a>No. 82.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag29'>[29]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote29' id="footnote29"></a>No. 94.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag30'>[30]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote30' id="footnote30"></a>No. 172.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag31'>[31]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote31' id="footnote31"></a>Nos. 95, 114.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag32'>[32]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote32' id="footnote32"></a><a href= + '#number49'>No. 49.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag33'>[33]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote33' id="footnote33"></a><a href= + '#number33'>No. 33.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag34'>[34]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote34' id="footnote34"></a>No. 149.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag35'>[35]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote35' id="footnote35"></a>No. 85. See, too, No. + 104.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag36'>[36]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote36' id="footnote36"></a>Nos. 141, 248.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag37'>[37]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote37' id="footnote37"></a>No. 212.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag38'>[38]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote38' id="footnote38"></a>Nos. 40, 42, 47.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag39'>[39]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote39' id="footnote39"></a>No. 68.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag40'>[40]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote40' id="footnote40"></a><a href= + '#number8'>No. 8.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag41'>[41]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote41' id="footnote41"></a><a href= + '#number6'>No. 6.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag42'>[42]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote42' id="footnote42"></a>No. 87.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + + <p><a name='thepreface' id="thepreface"></a></p> + + <h2><a class="pagenum" name='page1' title='1' id= + "page1"></a><a class="pagenum" name='page2' title='2' id= + "page2"></a> <a class="pagenum" name='page3' title='3' id= + "page3"></a>The <i>Preface</i>.<a name='fntag43' id= + "fntag43"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote43'><sup>43</sup></a></h2> + + <p>In the last <i>Tatler</i> I promised some explanation of + passages and persons mentioned in this work, as well as some + account of the assistances I have had in the performance. I shall + do this in very few words; for when a man has no design but to + speak plain truth, he may say a great deal in a very narrow + compass. I have in the dedication of the first volume made my + acknowledgments to Dr. Swift, whose pleasant writings, in the + name of Bickerstaff, created an inclination in the town towards + anything that could appear in the same disguise. I must + acknowledge also, that at my first entering upon this work, a + certain uncommon way of thinking, and a turn in conversation + peculiar to that agreeable gentleman, rendered his company very + advantageous to one whose imagination was to be continually + employed upon obvious and common subjects, though at the same + time obliged to treat of them in a new and unbeaten method. His + verses on the Shower in Town,<a name='fntag44' id= + "fntag44"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote44'><sup>44</sup></a> + and the Description of the Morning,<a name='fntag45' id= + "fntag45"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote45'><sup>45</sup></a> + are instances of the happiness of that genius, which could raise + such pleasing ideas upon occasions so barren to an ordinary + invention.</p> + + <p>When I am upon the house of Bickerstaff, I must not forget + that genealogy of the family sent to me by the post, <a class= + "pagenum" name='page5' title='5' id="page5"></a>and written, as I + since understand, by Mr. Twysden,<a name='fntag46' id= + "fntag46"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote46'><sup>46</sup></a> + who died at the battle of Mons, and has a monument in Westminster + Abbey, suitable to the respect which is due to his wit and his + valour. There are through the course of the work very many + incidents which were written by unknown correspondents. Of this + kind is the tale in the second <i>Tatler</i>, and the epistle + from Mr. Downes the prompter,<a name='fntag47' id= + "fntag47"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote47'><sup>47</sup></a> + with others which were very well received by the public. But I + have only one gentleman,<a name='fntag48' id= + "fntag48"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote48'><sup>48</sup></a> + who will be nameless, to thank for any frequent assistance to me, + which indeed it would have been barbarous in him to have denied + to one with whom he has lived in an intimacy from childhood, + considering the great ease with which he is able to dispatch the + most entertaining pieces of this nature. This good office he + performed with such force of genius, humour, wit and learning, + that I fared like a distressed prince who calls in a powerful + neighbour to his aid; I was undone by my auxiliary; when I had + once called him in, I could not subsist without dependence on + him.</p> + + <p>The same hand writ the distinguishing characters of men and + women under the names of Musical Instruments, the Distress of the + News-writers, the Inventory of the Playhouse, and the Description + of the Thermometer,<a name='fntag49' id="fntag49"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote49'><sup>49</sup></a> which I cannot but look + upon as the greatest embellishments of this work.</p> + + <p>Thus far I thought necessary to say relating to the great + hands which have been concerned in these volumes, with relation + to the spirit and genius of the work; and am far from pretending + to modesty in making this acknowledgment. What a man obtains from + the good opinion and friendship of worthy men, is a much greater + honour than he can possibly reap from any accomplishments + <a class="pagenum" name='page6' title='6' id="page6"></a>of his + own. But all the credit of wit which was given me by the + gentlemen above mentioned (with whom I have now accounted) has + not been able to atone for the exceptions made against me for + some raillery in behalf of that learned advocate for the + episcopacy of the Church, and the liberty of the people, Mr. + Hoadly. I mention this only to defend myself against the + imputation of being moved rather by party than opinion;<a name= + 'fntag50' id="fntag50"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote50'><sup>50</sup></a> and I think it is apparent, I + have with the utmost frankness allowed merit wherever I found it, + though joined in interests different from those for which I have + declared myself. When my Favonius<a name='fntag51' id= + "fntag51"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote51'><sup>51</sup></a> + is acknowledged to be Dr. Smalridge, and the amiable character of + the dean in the sixty-sixth <i>Tatler</i> drawn for Dr. + Atterbury, I hope I need say no more as to my impartiality.</p> + + <p>I really have acted in these cases with honesty, and am + concerned it should be thought otherwise: for wit, if a man had + it, unless it be directed to some useful end, is but a wanton + frivolous quality; all that one should value himself upon in this + kind is, that he had some honourable intention in it.</p> + + <p>As for this point, never hero in romance was carried away with + a more furious ambition to conquer giants and tyrants, than I + have been in extirpating gamesters and duellists. And indeed, + like one of those knights too, though I was calm before, I am apt + to fly out again, when the thing that first disturbed me is + presented to my imagination. I shall therefore leave off when I + am well, and fight with windmills no more: only shall be so + <a class="pagenum" name='page7' title='7' id="page7"></a>arrogant + as to say of myself, that in spite of all the force of fashion + and prejudice, in the face of all the world, I alone bewailed the + condition of an English gentleman, whose fortune and life are at + this day precarious; while his estate is liable to the demands of + gamesters, through a false sense of justice; and to the demands + of duellists, through a false sense of honour. As to the first of + these orders of men, I have not one word more to say of them: as + to the latter, I shall conclude all I have more to offer against + them (with respect to their being prompted by the fear of shame) + by applying to the duellist what I think Dr. South says somewhere + of the liar, "He is a coward to man, and a brave to God."</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag43'>[43]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote43' id="footnote43"></a>This Preface was + originally prefixed to the fourth volume of the collected + edition issued in 1710-11.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag44'>[44]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote44' id="footnote44"></a>No. 238.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag45'>[45]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote45' id="footnote45"></a><a href= + '#number9'>No. 9.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag46'>[46]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote46' id="footnote46"></a>See <a href= + '#number11'>No. 11.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag47'>[47]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote47' id="footnote47"></a>No. 193.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag48'>[48]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote48' id="footnote48"></a>Addison.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag49'>[49]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote49' id="footnote49"></a>Nos. 153, <a href="#number18">18</a>, <a href= + "#number42">42</a>, 220.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag50'>[50]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote50' id="footnote50"></a>Benjamin Hoadly, + afterwards Bishop of Bangor, Salisbury, and Winchester, + successively, was in 1709 engaged in controversy with Dr. + Francis Atterbury, who represented the high-church party. + George Smalridge, afterwards Bishop of Bristol, was a + Jacobite.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag51'>[51]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote51' id="footnote51"></a>See Nos. 72, 114.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2><a name="dedication" id="dedication"></a> <a class="pagenum" + name='page8' title='8' id="page8"></a><i>To</i> Mr. + Maynwaring.<a name='fntag52' id="fntag52"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote52'><sup>52</sup></a></h2> + + <p>SIR,</p> + + <p>The state of conversation and business in this town 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 pleasureable, as well as the busy part of mankind. + To make this generally read, it seemed the most proper method to + form it by way of a letter of intelligence, consisting of such + parts as might gratify the curiosity of persons of all + conditions, and of each sex. But a work of this nature <a class= + "pagenum" name='page9' title='9' id="page9"></a>requiring 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<a name='fntag53' id="fntag53"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote53'><sup>53</sup></a> 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.</p> + + <p>By this good fortune, the name of Isaac Bickerstaff gained an + audience of all who had any taste of wit, and the addition of the + ordinary occurrences of common journals of news brought in a + multitude of other readers. I could not, I confess, long keep up + the opinion of the town, that these lucubrations were written by + the same hand with the first works which were published under my + name; but before I lost the participation of that author's fame, + I had already found the advantage of his authority, to which I + owe the sudden acceptance which my labours met with in the + world.</p> + + <p>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 recommend a general simplicity in our dress, our + discourse, and our behaviour. No man has a better judgment for + the discovery, or a nobler spirit for the contempt of such + impostures, than your self; which qualities render you the most + proper patron for the author of these essays. In the general, the + design, however <a class="pagenum" name='page10' title='10' id= + "page10"></a>executed, has met with so great success, that there + is hardly a name now eminent among us for power, wit, beauty, + valour, or wisdom, which is not subscribed, for the encouragement + of the two volumes in octavo, on a royal or medium paper.<a name= + 'fntag54' id="fntag54"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote54'><sup>54</sup></a> This is indeed an honour, for + which it is impossible to express a suitable gratitude; and there + is nothing could be an addition to the pleasure I take in it, but + the reflection that it gives me the most conspicuous occasion I + can ever have, of subscribing myself,</p> + + <p>Sir,</p> + + <p>Your most obliged, most obedient, and most humble Servant,</p> + + <p class="right">ISAAC BICKERSTAFF.</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag52'>[52]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote52' id="footnote52"></a>Arthur Maynwaring + was descended from the ancient family of the Maynwarings of + Over Peover, Cheshire. He was born in 1668, at Ightfield, + Shropshire, and was educated at the Shrewsbury Grammar School + and at Christ Church, Oxford, where Smalridge was his tutor. + Filled with prejudices against the Revolution, he came to + London to study law, but a political satire which he + published brought him under Dryden's notice, and the kind + reception given him by several Whig statesmen, to whom he was + introduced, caused him to change his views on politics, and + after his father's death in 1693 he gave up the law and + determined to push his fortunes at the Court. He was made a + Commissioner of Customs and afterwards Auditor of the + Imprests. He was admitted to the Kit-Cat Club, and in 1706 + the interest of Godolphin procured him a seat in the House of + Commons. Upon the fall of the Whig ministry in 1710, + Maynwaring set up the <i>Medley</i>, a weekly paper in which + the attacks of the <i>Examiner</i> were answered, and wrote + various political pamphlets. But his health soon broke down, + and he died in November, 1712. Mrs. Oldfield, the actress, + was the sole executrix of his will, by which he divided his + small property of some £3000 between her, a son that he had + by her, and his sister. There appear to have been many good + points in his character. His "Life and Posthumous Works" were + published by Oldmixon in 1715. "Maynwaring, whom we hear + nothing of now, was the ruling man in all conversations, + indeed what he wrote had very little merit in it" (Pope, in + Spence's "Anecdotes," 1820, p. 338). Steele says that Harley + told him that he had to thank Maynwaring for his post of + Gazetteer.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag53'>[53]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote53' id="footnote53"></a>Swift.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag54'>[54]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote54' id="footnote54"></a>"Encouragement of + these volumes," in the octavo edition. The list of + subscribers to the original octavo edition comprised the + names of some four hundred of the most prominent persons of + the day.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h1><a class="pagenum" name='page11' title='11' id= + "page11"></a>THE TATLER</h1> + + <h3>BY ISAAC BICKERSTAFF, ESQ.</h3> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number1' id="number1"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 1.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3><i>Tuesday, April 12</i>, 1709.</h3> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class="line"> + Quicquid agunt homines ... nostri farrago libelli. + </div> + + <div class="line right"> + Juv., Sat. I. 85, 86.<a name='fntag55' id= + "fntag55"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote55'><sup>55</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Though the other papers which are published for the use of the + good people of England have certainly very wholesome effects, and + are laudable in their particular kinds, yet they do not seem to + come up to the main design of such narrations, which, I humbly + presume, should be principally intended for the use of politic + persons, who are so public spirited as to neglect their own + affairs to look into transactions of State. Now these gentlemen, + for the most part, being men of strong zeal and weak intellects, + it is both a charitable and necessary work to offer something, + whereby such worthy and well-affected members of the commonwealth + may be instructed, after their reading, what to think; which + shall be the end and purpose of this my paper: wherein I shall + from time to time report and consider all matters of what kind + soever that shall occur to me, and publish such my advices and + reflections every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in <a class= + "pagenum" name='page12' title='12' id="page12"></a>the week for + the convenience of the post.<a name='fntag56' id= + "fntag56"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote56'><sup>56</sup></a> + I have also resolved to have something which may be of + entertainment to the fair sex, in honour of whom I have taken the + title of this paper. I therefore earnestly desire all persons, + without distinction, to take it in for the present gratis, and + hereafter at the price of one penny, forbidding all hawkers to + take more for it at their peril. And I desire my readers to + consider, that I am at a very great charge for proper materials + for this work, as well as that before I resolved upon it, I had + settled a correspondence in all parts of the known and knowing + world. And forasmuch as this globe is not trodden upon by mere + drudges of business only, but that men of spirit and genius are + justly to be esteemed as considerable agents in it, we shall not, + upon a dearth of news, present you with musty foreign edicts, or + dull proclamations, but shall divide our relation of the passages + which occur in action or discourse throughout this town, as well + as elsewhere, under such dates of places as may prepare you for + the matter you are to expect, in the following manner:</p> + + <p>All accounts of gallantry, pleasure, and entertainment, shall + be under the article of White's Chocolate-house;<a name='fntag57' + id="fntag57"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote57'><sup>57</sup></a> poetry, under that of Will's + Coffee-house;<a name='fntag58' id="fntag58"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote58'><sup>58</sup></a> learning, <a class="pagenum" + name='page13' title='13' id="page13"></a>under the title of + Grecian;<a name='fntag59' id="fntag59"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote59'><sup>59</sup></a> foreign and domestic news, you + will have from St. James's Coffee-house;<a name='fntag60' id= + "fntag60"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote60'><sup>60</sup></a> + and what else I shall on any other subject offer, shall be dated + from my own apartment.</p> + + <p>I once more desire my readers to consider that as I cannot + keep an ingenious man to go daily to Will's under twopence each + day merely for his charges,<a name='fntag61' id= + "fntag61"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote61'><sup>61</sup></a> + to White's under sixpence, nor to the Grecian without allowing + him some plain Spanish,<a name='fntag62' id= + "fntag62"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote62'><sup>62</sup></a> + to be as able as others at the learned table; and that a good + observer cannot speak with even Kidney<a name='fntag63' id= + "fntag63"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote63'><sup>63</sup></a> + at St. James's without clean linen; I say, these considerations + will, I hope, make all persons willing to comply with my humble + request (when my gratis stock is exhausted) of a penny a piece; + especially since they are sure of some proper amusement, and that + it is impossible <a class="pagenum" name='page14' title='14' id= + "page14"></a>for me to want means to entertain them, having, + besides the helps of my own parts, the power of divination, and + that I can, by casting a figure, tell you all that will happen + before it comes to pass.</p> + + <p>But this last faculty I shall use very sparingly, and not + speak of anything until it is passed, for fear of divulging + matters which may offend our superiors.<a name='fntag64' id= + "fntag64"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote64'><sup>64</sup></a></p> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, April 11.</h3> + + <p>The deplorable condition of a very pretty gentleman, who walks + here at the hours when men of quality first appear, is what is + very much lamented. His history is, that on the 9th of September, + 1705, being in his one and twentieth year, he was washing his + teeth at a tavern window in Pall Mall, when a fine equipage + passed by, and in it a young lady, who looked up at him; away + goes the coach, and the young gentleman pulled off his nightcap, + and instead of rubbing his gums, as he ought to do out of the + window till about four o'clock, he sits him down, and spoke not a + word till twelve at night; after which, he began to inquire, if + anybody knew the lady. The company asked, "What lady?" But he + said no more until they broke up at six in the morning. All the + ensuing winter he went from church to church every Sunday, and + from play-house to play-house all the week, but could never find + the original of the picture which dwelt in his bosom. In a word, + his attention to anything but his passion, was utterly gone. He + has lost all the money he ever played for, and been confuted in + every argument he has entered upon since the moment he first saw + her. He is of a noble family, has naturally a very good air, and + is of a frank, honest temper: but this <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page15' title='15' id="page15"></a>passion has so extremely + mauled him, that his features are set and uninformed, and his + whole visage is deadened by a long absence of thought. He never + appears in any alacrity, but when raised by wine; at which time + he is sure to come hither, and throw away a great deal of wit on + fellows, who have no sense further than just to observe, that our + poor lover has most understanding when he is drunk, and is least + in his senses when he is sober.<a name='fntag65' id= + "fntag65"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote65'><sup>65</sup></a></p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, April 8.</h3> + + <p>On Thursday last<a name='fntag66' id="fntag66"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote66'><sup>66</sup></a> was presented, for the + benefit of Mr. Betterton,<a name='fntag67' id= + "fntag67"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote67'><sup>67</sup></a> + the celebrated comedy, called "Love for Love."<a name='fntag68' + id="fntag68"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote68'><sup>68</sup></a> Those excellent players, Mrs. + Barry,<a name='fntag69' id="fntag69"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote69'><sup>69</sup></a> Mrs. <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page16' title='16' id="page16"></a>Bracegirdle,<a name='fntag70' + id="fntag70"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote70'><sup>70</sup></a> and Mr. Doggett,<a name='fntag71' + id="fntag71"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote71'><sup>71</sup></a> though not at present concerned + in the house, acted on that occasion. There has not been known so + great a concourse of persons of distinction as at that time; the + stage itself was covered with gentlemen and ladies, and when the + curtain was <a class="pagenum" name='page17' title='17' id= + "page17"></a>drawn, it discovered even there a very splendid + audience. This unusual encouragement, which was given to a play + for the advantage of so great an actor, gives an undeniable + instance, that the true relish for manly entertainments and + <a class="pagenum" name='page18' title='18' id= + "page18"></a>rational pleasures is not wholly lost. All the parts + were acted to perfection; the actors were careful of their + carriage, and no one was guilty of the affectation to insert + witticisms of his own, but a due respect was had to the audience, + for encouraging this accomplished player. It is not now doubted + but plays will revive, and take their usual place in the opinion + of persons of wit and merit, notwithstanding their late apostacy + in favour of dress and sound. This place is very much altered + since Mr. Dryden frequented it; where you used to see songs, + epigrams, and satires in the hands of every man you met, you have + now only a pack of cards; and instead of the cavils about the + turn of the expression, the elegance of the style, and the like, + the learned now dispute only about the truth of the game. But, + however the company is altered, all have shown a great respect + for Mr. Betterton: and the very gaming part of this house have + been so much touched with a sense of the uncertainty of human + affairs (which alter with themselves every moment) that in this + gentleman, they pitied Mark Antony of Rome, Hamlet of Denmark, + Mithridates of Pontus, Theodosius of Greece, and Henry the Eighth + of England. It is well known he has been in the condition of each + of those illustrious personages for several hours together, and + behaved himself in those high stations, in all the changes of the + scene, with suitable dignity. For these reasons, we intend to + repeat this favour to him on a proper occasion, lest he who can + instruct us so well in personating feigned sorrows, should be + lost to us by suffering under real ones. The town is at present + in very great expectation of seeing a comedy now in rehearsal, + which is the twenty-fifth production of my honoured friend Mr. + Thomas D'Urfey;<a name='fntag72' id="fntag72"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote72'><sup>72</sup></a> <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page19' title='19' id="page19"></a>who, besides his great + abilities in the dramatic, has a peculiar talent in the lyric way + of writing, and that with a manner wholly new and unknown to the + ancient Greeks and Romans, wherein he is but faintly imitated in + the translations of the modern Italian operas.<a name='fntag73' + id="fntag73"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote73'><sup>73</sup></a></p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, April 11.</h3> + + <p>Letters from the Hague of the 16th say, that Major-General + Cadogan<a name='fntag74' id="fntag74"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote74'><sup>74</sup></a> was gone to Brussels, with orders + to disperse proper instructions for assembling the whole force of + the allies in Flanders in the beginning of the next + month.<a name='fntag75' id="fntag75"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote75'><sup>75</sup></a> The late offers concerning peace + were made in the style of persons who think themselves upon equal + terms. But the allies have so just a sense of their present + <a class="pagenum" name='page20' title='20' id= + "page20"></a>advantages, that they will not admit of a treaty, + except France offers what is more suitable to her present + condition. At the same time we make preparations, as if we were + alarmed by a greater force than that which we are carrying into + the field. Thus this point seems now to be argued sword in hand. + This was what a great general<a name='fntag76' id= + "fntag76"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote76'><sup>76</sup></a> + alluded to, when being asked the names of those who were to be + plenipotentiaries for the ensuing peace, answered, with a serious + air, "There are about a hundred thousand of us." Mr. Kidney, who + has the ear of the greatest politicians that come hither, tells + me, there is a mail come in to-day with letters, dated Hague, + April 19, N.S., which say, a design of bringing part of our + troops into the field at the latter end of this month, is now + altered to a resolution of marching towards the camp about the + 20th of the next. There happened the other day, in the road of + Scheveling, an engagement between a privateer of Zealand and one + of Dunkirk. The Dunkirker, carrying 33 pieces of cannon, was + taken and brought into the Texel. It is said, the courier of + Monsieur Rouillé<a name='fntag77' id="fntag77"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote77'><sup>77</sup></a> is returned to him from the + Court of France. Monsieur Vendôme being reinstated in the favour + of the Duchess of Burgundy, is to command in Flanders.</p> + + <p>Mr. Kidney added, that there were letters of the 17th from + Ghent, which give an account, that the enemy had formed a design + to surprise two battalions of the allies which lay at Alost; but + those battalions received advice of their march, and retired to + Dendermond. Lieutenant-General Wood<a name='fntag78' id= + "fntag78"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote78'><sup>78</sup></a> + appeared on this occasion at the head of <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page21' title='21' id="page21"></a>5000 foot, and 1000 horse, + upon which the enemy withdrew, without making any further + attempt.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment.</h3> + + <p>I am sorry I am obliged to trouble the public with so much + discourse upon a matter which I at the very first mentioned as a + trifle—viz. the death of Mr. Partridge,<a name='fntag79' + id="fntag79"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote79'><sup>79</sup></a> under whose name there is an + almanack come out for the year 1709, in one page of which it is + asserted by the said John Partridge, that he is still living, and + that not only so, but that he was also living some time before, + and even at the instant when I writ of his death. I have in + another place, and in a paper by itself, sufficiently convinced + this man that he is dead, and if he has any shame, I don't doubt + but that by this time he owns it to all his acquaintance: for + though the legs and arms, and whole body of that man may still + appear and perform their animal functions; yet since, as I have + elsewhere observed, his art is gone, the man is gone. I am, as I + said, concerned, that this little matter should make so much + noise; but since I am engaged, I take myself obliged in honour to + go on in my lucubrations, and by the help of these arts of which + I am master, as well as my skill in astrological speculations, I + shall, as I see occasion, proceed to confute other dead men, who + pretend to be in being, that they are actually deceased. I + therefore give all men fair warning to mend their manners, for I + shall from time to time print bills of mortality; and I beg the + pardon of all such who shall be named therein, if they who are + good for nothing shall find themselves in the number of the + deceased.<a name='fntag80' id="fntag80"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote80'><sup>80</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag55'>[55]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote55' id="footnote55"></a>This motto was + repeated at the head of each of the first 40 numbers in the + folio issue.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag56'>[56]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote56' id="footnote56"></a>These were the + days on which the post left London for the different parts of + the country.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag57'>[57]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote57' id="footnote57"></a>White's + Chocolate-house, five doors from the bottom of the west side + of St. James's Street, was established in 1698. It was burnt + on April 28, 1733, while kept by Mr. Arthur. Plate VI. of + Hogarth's "Rake's Progress" depicts gamblers engrossed in + play in a room in this house during the fire; see also Plate + IV. Swift gives it a bad character in his "Essay on Modern + Education;" it had a strong character for gambling (Timbs's + "Clubs and Club Life in London," where, at p. 48, there is a + sketch of White's from an old drawing). The house became a + private club, as we now have it, about 1736.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag58'>[58]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote58' id="footnote58"></a>Will's + Coffee-house, named after Will Urwin, its proprietor, was the + corner house on the north side of Russell Street, Covent + Garden, at the end of Bow Street. The present house, 21 + Russell Street, is probably part of the old building. Will's + was ceasing to be the resort of the wits in 1709; it was in + its glory at the close of the seventeenth century. The wits' + room, where Dryden presided, was on the first floor.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag59'>[59]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote59' id="footnote59"></a>The Grecian, in + Devereux Court in the Strand, was probably the most ancient + coffee-house in or about London. In 1652 an English Turkey + merchant brought home with him a Greek servant, who first + opened a house for making and selling coffee. This man's name + was Constantine, and his house was much resorted to by + lawyers, Greek scholars, and Members of the Royal Society. + (See Thoresby's Diary, i. 111, 117.) Foote and Goldsmith + afterwards frequented it. In Dr. King's "Anecdotes" there is + a story of two gentlemen friends who disputed at the Grecian + Coffee-house about the accent of a Greek word to such a + length that they went out into Devereux Court and drew + swords, when one of them was killed on the spot.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag60'>[60]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote60' id="footnote60"></a>The St. James's + Coffee-house was the last house but one on the S.W. corner of + St. James's Street. It was frequented by Whig statesmen, and + was closed about 1806. Swift and Steele were at a supper + given by the keeper on the 19th November, 1710.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag61'>[61]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote61' id="footnote61"></a>Cf. the + <i>Spectator</i>, No. 31: "Laying down my penny upon the + bar."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag62'>[62]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote62' id="footnote62"></a>Wine.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag63'>[63]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote63' id="footnote63"></a>A waiter. See + Nos. <a href="#number10">10</a>, <a href= + "#number26">26</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag64'>[64]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote64' id="footnote64"></a>This introduction + was repeated in Nos. <a href="#number2">2</a> and <a href= + "#number3">3</a> of the original issue.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag65'>[65]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote65' id="footnote65"></a>"The reader is + desired to take notice of the article from this place from + time to time, for I design to be very exact in the progress + this unhappy gentleman makes, which may be of great + instruction to all who actually are, or who ever shall be, in + love." (Original folio.) For Viscount Hinchinbroke + ("Cynthio"), see <a href='#number5'>No. 5.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag66'>[66]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote66' id="footnote66"></a>April 7, 1709. + Cibber acknowledges that Steele did the stage very + considerable service by the papers on the theatre in the + <i>Tatler</i>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag67'>[67]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote67' id="footnote67"></a>For further + particulars of Thomas Betterton (1635-1710), see Nos. + 71 and 167. + Cibber says: "I never heard a line in tragedy come from + Betterton wherein my judgment, my ear and my imagination were + not fully satisfied.... The person of this excellent actor + was suitable to his voice, more manly than sweet, not + exceeding the middle stature, inclining to be corpulent; of a + serious and penetrating aspect; his limbs nearer the athletic + than the delicate proportion; yet, however formed, there + arose from the harmony of the whole a commanding mien of + majesty."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag68'>[68]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote68' id="footnote68"></a>By Congreve, + 1695.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag69'>[69]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote69' id="footnote69"></a>Mrs. Elizabeth + Barry on this occasion spoke an epilogue, written by Rowe. + She was the daughter of Edward Barry, barrister, whose + fortunes were ruined by his attachment to Charles I. Tony + Aston, in his "Supplement to Cibber's Apology," says she was + woman to Lady Shelton, of Norfolk, his godmother; and Curll + tells us that she was early taken under the protection of + Lady Davenant. She was certainly on the stage in 1673. At her + first appearance there was so little hope of her success, + that at the end of the season she was discharged [from] the + theatre. It is probable that at this time she became + acquainted with Lord Rochester, who took her under his + protection, and gave her instructions in her theatrical + performances. By his interest she seems to have been restored + to the stage, and, improving daily in her profession, she + soon eclipsed all her competitors, and in the part of Monimia + in "The Orphan" established her reputation, which was + enhanced by her performance as Belvidera in "Venice + Preserved," and as Isabella in "The Fatal Marriage." "In + characters of greatness," says Cibber, "Mrs. Barry had a + presence of elevated dignity, her mien and motion superb, and + gracefully majestic; her voice full, clear, and strong, so + that no violence of passion could be too much for her, and + when distress or tenderness possessed her she subsided into + the most affecting melody and softness. In the art of + exciting pity she had a power beyond all the actresses I have + yet seen, or what your imagination can conceive. In scenes of + anger, defiance, or resentment, while she was impetuous and + terrible, she poured out the sentiment with an enchanting + harmony.... In tragedy she was solemn and august, in comedy + alert, easy, and genteel, pleasant in her face and action, + filling the stage with a variety of gesture. She could + neither sing nor dance, no not in a country dance. She + adhered to Betterton in all the revolutions of the theatre, + which she quitted about 1707, on account of ill-health." She + returned, however, for one night with Mrs. Bracegirdle, April + 7, 1709, and performed Mrs. Frail in "Love for Love" for + Betterton's benefit. She died at Acton in 1713. Mrs. Barry, + Mrs. Bracegirdle, Mr. Betterton, and Mr. Varbriggen were + sworn as Comedians in Ordinary to her Majesty, 30th Oct., 2 + Anne (1703). On the 3rd March, 1692, Mrs. Barry received £25 + for acting in "The Orphan" before their Majesties, and on the + 10th June, 1693, £25 for Caius Marius. (Lord Chamberlain's + Records, Warrant Books, No. 20, p. 151; No. 18, pp. 30, + 242.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag70'>[70]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote70' id="footnote70"></a>Mrs. Anne + Bracegirdle was the daughter of Justinian Bracegirdle, of + Northamptonshire. By the imprudence of her father, who ruined + himself by becoming surety for some friends, she was early + left to the care of Betterton and his wife, whose attentions + to her she always acknowledged to be truly paternal. By them + she was first introduced to the stage, and, while very young, + performed the page in "The Orphan." Increasing in years, and + in ability, she became the favourite performer of the times. + Cibber describes her in these terms: "Mrs. Bracegirdle was + now but just blooming in her maturity; her reputation, as an + actress, gradually rising with that of her person; never any + woman was in such general favour of her spectators, which, to + the last scene of her dramatic life, she maintained by not + being unguarded in her private character. This discretion + contributed not a little to make her the <i>Cara</i>, the + darling of the theatre: for it will be no extravagant thing + to say scarce an audience saw her that were less than half of + them lovers, without a suspected favourite among them: and + though she might be said to have been the universal passion + and under the highest temptations, her constancy in resisting + them served but to increase the number of her admirers. And + this perhaps you will more easily believe, when I extend not + my encomiums on her person beyond a sincerity that can be + suspected; for she had no greater claim to beauty than what + the most desirable brunette might pretend to. But her youth + and lively aspect threw out such a glow of health and + cheerfulness, that, on the stage, few spectators that were + not past it, could behold her without desire. There were two + very different characters in which she acquitted herself with + uncommon applause: if anything could excuse that desperate + extravagance of love, that almost frantic passion of Lee's + Alexander the Great, it must have been when Mrs. Bracegirdle + was his Statira: as when she acted Millamant, all the faults, + follies, and affectation of that agreeable tyrant were + venially melted down into so many charms and attractions of a + conscious beauty." In the theatrical disputes of the times, + she adhered to her benefactor Betterton, and continued to + perform with applause until 1707, when, on the preference + being given to Mrs. Oldfield in a contention between that + actress and Mrs. Bracegirdle, she left the stage, except for + one night, when she returned with Mrs. Barry to the theatre, + and performed Angelica for Betterton's benefit (the + performance described in this number). She died in 1748.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag71'>[71]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote71' id="footnote71"></a>Thomas Doggett + died in 1721. In 1695 he created the character of Ben in + Congreve's "Love for Love." Afterwards he was associated with + Steele in the management of Drury Lane Theatre.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag72'>[72]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote72' id="footnote72"></a>D'Urfey's "Modern + Prophets" was produced in 1709. Thomas D'Urfey died in 1723, + aged 70, leaving Steele a watch and chain, which his friend + wore at the funeral. He wrote many plays and songs. See also + Nos. <a href="#number11">11</a>, <a href= + "#number43">43</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag73'>[73]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote73' id="footnote73"></a>See <a href= + '#number4'>No. 4.</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag74'>[74]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote74' id="footnote74"></a>William, First + Earl Cadogan (1675-1726), was an able officer who took a very + prominent part in Marlborough's campaigns. In January, 1709, + he was made lieutenant-general, and he was dangerously + wounded at the siege of Mons. He was appointed Lieutenant of + the Tower of London in December.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag75'>[75]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote75' id="footnote75"></a>The + news-paragraphs in the earlier numbers of the <i>Tatler</i> + are here preserved for the sake of completeness, but for the + most part the details recorded are not of permanent interest, + and do not call for comment. The reader may be reminded + generally that in the spring of 1709 the French, after the + battle of Oudenarde and the fall of Lille, followed by a very + severe winter, were driven to think of terms of peace. The + negotiations, however, fell through for the time, and the + campaign was begun in the Netherlands, where Marlborough and + Prince Eugene had an army of 110,000 men. The French were + entrenched under Villars between Douay and Béthune, and were + strengthened by part of the garrison of Tournay. Marlborough + seized the opportunity of attacking the half-defended town, + which was obliged to surrender on July 29, after a siege of + nineteen days. The French then made a great effort, and + brought an army of 100,000 men into the field, with the + result that the battle of Malplaquet (Sept. 11) was a very + bloody and hard-earned victory for the allies. The subsequent + fall of Mons brought the campaign to a close.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag76'>[76]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote76' id="footnote76"></a>Marlborough.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag77'>[77]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote77' id="footnote77"></a>A merchant + entrusted by Lewis XIV. to negotiate terms of peace with the + Dutch.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag78'>[78]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote78' id="footnote78"></a>General Wood + played a distinguished part in the battles of Donauwerth + (1704) and Ramilies (1706).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag79'>[79]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote79' id="footnote79"></a>See the + Introduction.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag80'>[80]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote80' id="footnote80"></a>"A Vindication of + Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq., against what is objected to him by + Mr. Partridge in his Almanack for the present year 1709. By + the said Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq., London, printed in the year + 1709." (Advertisement in folio issue.) In a pamphlet called + "Predictions for the Year 1712. By Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq.; + in a Letter to the author of the Oxford Almanack. Printed in + the year 1712," this "Vindication" is thus noticed: "I can't + but express my resentment against a gentleman who personated + me in a paper called 'Mr. Bickerstaff's Vindication.' I'm + grieved to find the times should be so very wicked, that one + impostor should set up to reform another, and that a false + Bickerstaff should write against an imaginary Partridge. And + I am heartily concerned that one who shows so much wit, such + extreme civility, and writes such a gentlemanlike style, + should prefix my name to writings in which there appears so + little solidity and no knowledge of the Arabian philosophy. + If this paper should be transmitted to posterity (as, + perhaps, it might have been by the authority of the name it + wears in the front) it might have been a lasting reflection + upon me to the end of the world.... Till seeing four volumes + of writings—the collected edition of the + <i>Tatler</i>—pretended to be mine, and a serious + philosopher's name prefixed to papers as free from my + solidity as they are full of wit, I thought it high time to + vindicate myself, and give the world a taste of my writings; + for I am now persuaded 'twill be more for my reputation to + convince than to despise mankind."</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number2' id="number2"></a><a class="pagenum" name= + 'page22' title='22' id="page22"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 2.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, April 12</i>, to <i>Thursday, April + 14</i>, 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, April 13.</h3> + + <p>There has lain all this evening, on the table, the following + poem. The subject of it being matter very useful for families, I + thought it deserved to be considered, and made more public. The + turn the poet<a name='fntag81' id="fntag81"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote81'><sup>81</sup></a> gives it is very happy; but + the foundation is from a real accident <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page23' title='23' id="page23"></a>which happened among my + acquaintance.<a name='fntag82' id="fntag82"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote82'><sup>82</sup></a> A young gentleman of a great + estate fell desperately in love with a great beauty of very high + quality, but as ill-natured as long flattery and an habitual + self-will could make her. However, my young spark ventures upon + her, like a man of quality, without being acquainted with her, or + having ever saluted her, till it was a crime to kiss any woman + else. Beauty is a thing which palls with possession; and the + charms of this lady soon wanted the support of good humour and + complaisancy of manners. Upon this my spark flies to the bottle + for relief from his satiety. She disdains him for being tired + with that for which all men envied him; and he never came home, + but it was: "Was there no sot that would stay longer? Would any + man living but you? Did I leave all the world for this usage?" To + which he: "Madam, split me, you are very impertinent!" In a word, + this match was wedlock in its most terrible appearances. She, at + last weary of railing to no purpose, applies to a good uncle, who + gives her a bottle of water. "The virtue of this powerful + liquor," said he, "is such, that if the woman you marry proves a + scold (which, it seems, my dear niece, is your misfortune, as it + was your good mother's before you), let her hold six spoonfuls in + her mouth, for a full half hour after you come home—" But I + find I am not in humour for telling a tale, and nothing in nature + is so ungrateful as story-telling against the grain, therefore + take it as the author has given it you.</p> + + <h3>The MEDECINE.</h3> + + <h4>A Tale—for the Ladies.</h4> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Miss Molly, a famed toast, was fair and young, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Had wealth and charms, but then she had a tongue + </div> + + <div class="line"> + <a class="pagenum" name='page24' title='24' id= + "page24"></a>From morn to night, the eternal larum run, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Which often lost those hearts her eyes had won. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Sir John was smitten, and confessed his flame, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Sighed out the usual time, then wed the dame: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Possessed he thought of every joy of life, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + But his dear Molly proved a very wife. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Excess of fondness did in time decline, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Madam loved money, and the knight loved wine. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + From whence some petty discords would arise, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + As, "You're a fool"; and, "You are mighty wise!" + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Though he and all the world allowed her wit, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Her voice was shrill, and rather loud than sweet, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + When she began,—for hat and sword he'd call. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Then, after a faint kiss, cry, "B'y, dear Moll: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Supper and friends expect me at the Rose."<a name='fntag83' + id="fntag83"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote83'><sup>83</sup></a> + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And, "What, Sir John, you'll get your usual dose! + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Go, stink of smoke, and guzzle nasty wine, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Sure, never virtuous love was used like mine!" + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Oft as the watchful bellman marched his round, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + At a fresh bottle gay Sir John he found. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + By four the knight would get his business done, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And only then reeled off, because alone; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Full well he knew the dreadful storm to come, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + But armed with bordeaux, he durst venture home. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + My lady with her tongue was still prepared, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + She rattled loud, and he impatient heard: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + "'Tis a fine hour? In a sweet pickle made! + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And this, Sir John, is every day the trade. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Here I sit moping all the live-long night, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Devoured with spleen, and stranger to delight; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + <a class="pagenum" name='page25' title='25' id= + "page25"></a>'Till morn sends staggering home a drunken + beast, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Resolved to break my heart, as well as rest." + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Hey! Hoop! d'ye hear my damned obstreperous spouse! + </div> + + <div class="line"> + What, can't you find one bed about the house! + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Will that perpetual clack lie never still! + </div> + + <div class="line"> + That rival to the softness of a mill! + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Some couch and distant room must be my choice, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Where I may sleep uncursed with wife and noise." + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Long this uncomfortable life they led, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + With snarling meals, and each, a separate bed. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + To an old uncle oft she would complain, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Beg his advice, and scarce from tears refrain. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Old Wisewood smoked the matter as it was, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + "Cheer up!" cried he, "and I'll remove the cause. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "A wonderous spring within my garden flows, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Of sovereign virtue, chiefly to compose + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Domestic jars, and matrimonial strife, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The best elixir t' appease man and wife; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Strange are th' effects, the qualities divine, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + 'Tis water called, but worth its weight in wine. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + If in his sullen airs Sir John should come, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Three spoonfuls take, hold in your mouth—then mum: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Smile, and look pleased, when he shall rage and scold, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Still in your mouth the healing cordial hold; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + One month this sympathetic medecine tried, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + He'll grow a lover, you a happy bride. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + But, dearest niece, keep this grand secret close, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Or every prattling hussy'll beg a dose." + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + A water-bottle's brought for her relief, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Not Nantz could sooner ease the lady's grief: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + <a class="pagenum" name='page26' title='26' id= + "page26"></a>Her busy thoughts are on the trial bent, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And female-like, impatient for th' event: + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + The bonny knight reels home exceeding clear, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Prepared for clamour, and domestic war. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Entering, he cries, "Hey! where's our thunder fled? + </div> + + <div class="line"> + No hurricane! Betty, 's your lady dead?" + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Madam, aside, an ample mouthful takes, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Curtsies, looks kind, but not a word she speaks: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Wondering, he stared, scarcely his eyes believed, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + But found his ears agreeably deceived. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + "Why, how now, Molly, what's the crotchet now?" + </div> + + <div class="line"> + She smiles, and answers only with a bow. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Then clasping her about,—"Why, let me die! + </div> + + <div class="line"> + These nightclothes, Moll, become thee mightily!" + </div> + + <div class="line"> + With that, he sighed, her hand began to press, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And Betty calls, her lady to undress; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + "Nay, kiss me, Molly, for I'm much inclined." + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Her lace she cuts, to take him in the mind. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Thus the fond pair to bed enamoured went, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The lady pleased, and the good knight content. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + For many days these fond endearments passed, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The reconciling bottle fails at last; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + 'Twas used and gone: Then midnight storms arose, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And looks and words the union discompose. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Her coach is ordered, and post-haste she flies, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + To beg her uncle for some fresh supplies; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Transported does the strange effects relate, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Her knight's conversion, and her happy state! + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Why, niece," says he, "I prithee apprehend + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The water's water. Be thyself thy friend; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Such beauty would the coldest husband warm, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + But your provoking tongue undoes the charm: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + <a class="pagenum" name='page27' title='27' id= + "page27"></a>Be silent, and complying; you'll soon find, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Sir John, without a medecine, will be kind." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, April 13.</h3> + + <p>Letters from Venice say, the disappointment of their + expectation to see his Danish Majesty, has very much disquieted + the Court of Rome. Our last advices from Germany inform us, that + the minister of Hanover has urged the council at Ratisbon to + exert themselves in behalf of the common cause, and taken the + liberty to say, that the dignity, the virtue, the prudence of his + electoral highness, his master, were called to the head of their + affairs in vain, if they thought fit to leave him naked of the + proper means to make those excellences useful for the honour and + safety of the Empire. They write from Berlin of the 13th, O.S., + that the true design of General Fleming's visit to that Court + was, to insinuate, that it will be for the mutual interest of the + King of Prussia and King Augustus to enter into a new alliance; + but that the ministers of Prussia are not inclined to his + sentiments. We hear from Vienna, that his Imperial Majesty has + expressed great satisfaction in their high mightinesses having + communicated to him the whole that has passed in the affair of a + peace. Though there have been practices used by the agents of + France, in all the Courts of Europe, to break the good + understanding of the allies, they have had no other effect, but + to make all the members concerned in the alliance, more doubtful + of their safety from the great offers of the enemy. The Empire is + roused by this alarm, and the frontiers of all the French + dominions are in danger of being insulted the ensuing campaign: + advices from all parts confirm, that it is impossible for France + to find a way to obtain so much credit, as to gain any one + potentate <a class="pagenum" name='page28' title='28' id= + "page28"></a>of the allies, or make any hope for safety from + other prospects.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, April 13.</h3> + + <p>I find it of very great use, now I am setting up for a writer + of news, that I am an adept in astrological speculations; by + which means, I avoid speaking of things which may offend great + persons. But at the same time, I must not prostitute the liberal + sciences so far, as not to utter the truth in cases which do not + immediately concern the good of my native country. I must + therefore boldly contradict what has been so assuredly reported + by the news-writers of England, that France is in the most + deplorable condition, and that their people die in great + multitudes. I will therefore let the world know, that my + correspondent, by the way of Brussels, informs me, upon his + honour, that the gentleman who writes the Gazette of Paris, and + ought to know as well as any man, has told him, that ever since + the king has been past his 63rd year, or grand climacteric, there + has not one man died of the French nation who was younger than + his Majesty, except a very few, who were taken suddenly near the + village of Hochsted<a name='fntag84' id="fntag84"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote84'><sup>84</sup></a> in Germany; and some + more, who were straitened for lodging at a place called Ramilies, + and died on the road to Ghent and Bruges. There are also other + things given out by the allies, which are shifts below a + conquering nation to make use of. Among others, 'tis said, there + is a general murmuring among the people of France, though at the + same time all my letters agree, that there is so good an + understanding among them, that there is not one morsel carried + out of any market in the kingdom, but what is delivered upon + credit.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag81'>[81]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote81' id="footnote81"></a>William Harrison + (1685-1713) was a favourite with Swift and Addison. He wrote + verses, and a continuation of the <i>Tatler</i>, and + afterwards obtained office in the diplomatic service; but his + health soon broke down, and he died when 28.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag82'>[82]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote82' id="footnote82"></a>There is a + similar story in Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag83'>[83]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote83' id="footnote83"></a>The Rose Tavern, + in Russell Street, adjoined Drury Lane Theatre, and was a + favourite resort during and after the play.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag84'>[84]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote84' id="footnote84"></a>The Battle of + Blenheim.</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page29' title='29' id= + "page29"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number3' id="number3"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 3.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, April 14</i>, to <i>Saturday, April + 16</i>, 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, April 14.</h3> + + <p>This evening, the comedy called "The Country Wife"<a name= + 'fntag85' id="fntag85"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote85'><sup>85</sup></a> was acted in Drury Lane, for the + benefit of Mrs. Bignell.<a name='fntag86' id= + "fntag86"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote86'><sup>86</sup></a> + The part which gives name to the play was performed by herself. + Through the whole action, she made a very pretty figure, and + exactly entered into the nature of the part. Her husband in the + drama, is represented to be one of those debauchees who run + through the vices of the town, and believe when they think fit + they can marry, and settle at their ease. His own knowledge of + the iniquity of the age, makes him choose a wife wholly ignorant + of it, and place his security in her want of skill how to abuse + him. The poet, on many occasions, where the propriety of the + character will admit of it, insinuates, that there is no defence + against vice, but the contempt of it: and has, in the natural + ideas of an untainted innocent, shown the gradual steps to ruin + and destruction, which <a class="pagenum" name='page30' title= + '30' id="page30"></a>persons of condition run into, without the + help of a good education how to form their conduct. The torment + of a jealous coxcomb, which arises from his own false maxims, and + the aggravation of his pain, by the very words in which he sees + her innocence, makes a very pleasant and instructive satire. The + character of Horner, and the design of it, is a good + representation of the age in which that comedy was written; at + which time love and wenching were the business of life, and the + gallant manner of pursuing women was the best recommendation at + Court. To which only it is to be imputed, that a gentleman of Mr. + Wycherley's character and sense, condescends to represent the + insults done to the honour of the bed, without just reproof; but + to have drawn a man of probity with regard to such + considerations, had been a monster, and a poet had at that time + discovered his want of knowing the manners of the Court he lived + in, by a virtuous character in his fine gentleman, as he would + show his ignorance, by drawing a vicious one to please the + present audience. Mrs. Bignell did her part very happily, and had + a certain grace in her rusticity, which gave us hopes of seeing + her a very skilful player, and in some parts, supply our loss of + Mrs. Verbruggen.<a name='fntag87' id="fntag87"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote87'><sup>87</sup></a> I cannot be <a class= + "pagenum" name='page31' title='31' id="page31"></a>of the same + opinion with my friends and fellow-labourers, the Reformers of + Manners,<a name='fntag88' id="fntag88"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote88'><sup>88</sup></a> in their severity towards plays, + but must allow that a good play acted before a well-bred + audience, must raise very proper incitements to good behaviour, + and be the most quick and most prevailing method of giving young + people a turn of sense and breeding. But as I have set up for a + weekly historian, I resolve to be a faithful one; and therefore + take this public occasion to admonish a young nobleman, who came + flustered into the box last night, and let him know, how much all + his friends were out of countenance for him. The women sat in + terror of hearing something that should shock their modesty, and + all the gentlemen in as much pain, out of compassion to the + ladies, and perhaps resentment for the indignity which was + offered in coming into their presence in so disrespectful a + manner. Wine made him say nothing that was rude, therefore he is + forgiven, upon condition he will never hazard his offending more + in this kind. As I just now hinted, I own myself of the Society + for Reformation of Manners. We have lower instruments than those + of the family of Bickerstaff, for punishing great crimes, and + exposing the abandoned. Therefore, as I design to have notices + from all public assemblies, I shall take upon me only indecorums, + <a class="pagenum" name='page32' title='32' id= + "page32"></a>improprieties, and negligences, in such as should + give us better examples. After this declaration, if a fine lady + thinks fit to giggle at church, or a great beau come in drunk to + a play, either shall be sure to hear of it in my ensuing paper: + for merely as a well-bred man, I cannot bear these + enormities.</p> + + <p>After the play, we naturally stroll to this coffee-house, in + hopes of meeting some new poem, or other entertainment, among the + men of wit and pleasure, where there is a dearth at present. But + it is wonderful there should be so few writers, when the art is + become merely mechanic, and men may make themselves great that + way, by as certain and infallible rules, as you may be a joiner + or a mason. There happens a good instance of this, in what the + hawker just now has offered to sale; to wit, "Instructions to + Vanderbank; a Sequel to the Advice to the Poets: A Poem, + occasioned by the Glorious Success of her Majesty's Arms, under + the Command of the Duke of Marlborough, the last Year in + Flanders."<a name='fntag89' id="fntag89"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote89'><sup>89</sup></a> Here you are to understand, that + the author finding the poets would not take his advice, he + troubles himself no more about them; but has met with one + Vanderbank,<a name='fntag90' id="fntag90"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote90'><sup>90</sup></a> who works in arras, and makes + very <a class="pagenum" name='page33' title='33' id= + "page33"></a>good tapestry hangings. Therefore, in order to + celebrate the hero of the age, he claps me together all that can + be said of a man that makes hangings, as:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Then, artist, who dost Nature's face express + </div> + + <div class="line"> + In silk and gold, and scenes of action dress; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Dost figured arras animated leave, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Spin a bright story, or a passion weave + </div> + + <div class="line"> + By mingling threads; canst mingle shade and light, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Delineate triumphs, or describe a fight. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Well, what shall this workman do? Why, to show how great an + hero the poet intends, he provides him a very good horse:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Champing his foam, and bounding on the plain, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Arch his high neck, and graceful spread his mane. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Now as to the intrepidity, the calm courage, the constant + application of the hero, it is not necessary to take that upon + yourself; you may, in the lump, bid him you employ raise him as + high as he can, and if he does it not, let him answer for + disobeying orders:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Let fame and victory in inferior sky, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Hover with ballanced wings, and smiling fly + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Above his head, &c. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>A whole poem of this kind may be ready against an ensuing + campaign, as well as a space left in the canvas of a piece of + tapestry for the principal figure, while the under<a class= + "pagenum" name='page34' title='34' id="page34"></a>parts are + working: so that in effect, the adviser copies after the man he + pretends to direct. This method should, methinks, encourage young + beginners: for the invention is so fitted to all capacities, that + by the help of it a man may make a receipt for a poem. A young + man may observe, that the jig<a name='fntag91' id= + "fntag91"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote91'><sup>91</sup></a> + of the thing is, as I said, finding out all that can be said of + his way [whom] you employ to set forth your worthy. Waller and + Denham had worn out the expedient of "Advice to a + Painter."<a name='fntag92' id="fntag92"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote92'><sup>92</sup></a> This author has transferred the + work, and sent his advice to the Poets; that is to say, to the + turners of verse, as he calls them. Well, that thought is worn + out also, therefore he directs his genius to the loom, and will + have a new set of hangings in honour of the last year in + Flanders. I must own to you, I approve extremely this invention, + and it might be improved for the benefit of manufactory: as, + suppose an ingenious gentleman should write a poem of advice to a + calico-printer: do you think there is a girl in England, that + would wear anything but the taking of Lille, or the Battle of + Oudenarde? They would certainly be all the fashion, till the + heroes abroad had cut out some more patterns. I should fancy + small skirmishes might do for under-petticoats, provided they had + a siege for the upper. If our adviser were well imitated, many + industrious people might be put to work. Little Mr. Dactile, now + in the room, who formerly writ a song and a half, is a week + <a class="pagenum" name='page35' title='35' id="page35"></a>gone + in a very pretty work upon this hint: he is writing an epigram to + a young virgin who knits very well ('tis a thousand pities he is + a Jacobite); but his epigram is by way of advice to this damsel, + to knit all the actions of the Pretender and the Duke of Burgundy + last campaign in the clock of a stocking. It were endless to + enumerate the many hands and trades that may be employed by + poets, of so useful a turn as this adviser's. I shall think of + it; and in this time of taxes, shall consult a great critic + employed in the custom-house, in order to propose what tax may be + proper to put upon knives, seals, rings, hangings, wrought-beds, + gowns and petticoats, where any of those commodities bear + mottoes, or are worked upon poetical grounds.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, April 15.</h3> + + <p>Letters from Turin of the 3rd instant, N.S., inform us, that + his Royal Highness employs all his address in alarming the enemy, + and perplexing their speculations concerning his real designs the + ensuing campaign. Contracts are entered into with the merchants + of Milan, for a great number of mules to transport his provisions + and ammunition. His Royal Highness has ordered the train of + artillery to be conveyed to Susa before the 20th of the next + month. In the meantime, all accounts agree, that the enemy are + very backward in their preparations, and almost incapable of + defending themselves against an invasion, by reason of the + general murmurs of their own people; which, they find, are no way + to be quieted, but by giving them hopes of a speedy peace. When + these letters were dispatched, the Marshal de Thesse was arrived + at Genoa, where he has taken much pains to keep the + correspondents of the merchants of France in hopes, that measures + will be found out to support the credit and commerce between that + state and Lyons. But the late <a class="pagenum" name='page36' + title='36' id="page36"></a>declaration of the agents of Monsieur + Bernard, that they cannot discharge the demands made upon them, + has quite dispirited all those who are engaged in the remittances + of France.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, April 15.</h3> + + <p>It is a very natural passion in all good members of the + commonwealth, to take what care they can of their families. + Therefore I hope the reader will forgive me, that I desire he + would go to the play, called the "Stratagem,"<a name='fntag93' + id="fntag93"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote93'><sup>93</sup></a> this evening, which is to be + acted for the benefit of my near kinsman, Mr. John + Bickerstaff.<a name='fntag94' id="fntag94"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote94'><sup>94</sup></a> I protest to you the + gentleman has not spoken to me to desire this favour; but I have + a respect for him, as well in regard to consanguinity, as that he + is an intimate friend of that famous and heroic actor, Mr. George + Powell, who formerly played Alexander the Great in all places, + though he is lately grown so reserved as to act it only on the + stage.<a name='fntag95' id="fntag95"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote95'><sup>95</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag85'>[85]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote85' id="footnote85"></a>By Wycherley, + first acted in 1683.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag86'>[86]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote86' id="footnote86"></a>Mrs. Bicknell (or + Bignell) was born about 1695. It is not clear whether she was + married, or whether the name Bicknell was taken to + distinguish her from her sister, Mrs. Young, who was also an + actress. We first hear of her acting in 1706; she took parts + in which sauciness and coquetry were the chief features. Her + last recorded appearance was on the 2nd of April, 1723; and + she died in May. She signed a petition "M. Bicknell"; + probably her name was Margaret, her mother's name. Steele + alludes to her as "pretty Mrs. Bignell" in <a href= + '#number11'>No. 11</a>, and as his friend in the + <i>Guardian</i>, No. 50. She was Miss + Prue in Congreve's "Love for Love," and Miss Hoyden in + Vanbrugh's "Relapse." In the <i>Spectator</i> (No. 370) + Steele praises her dancing.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag87'>[87]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote87' id="footnote87"></a>Cibber writes + thus of this actress: "Mrs. Mountford, whose second marriage + gave her the name of Verbruggen, was mistress of more variety + of humour than I ever knew in any one woman actress. This + variety, too, was attended with an equal vivacity, which made + her excellent in characters extremely different.... She was + so fond of humour, in what low part soever to be found, that + she would make no scruple of defacing her fair form to come + heartily into it." She could act admirably as a Devonshire + lass, a pretty fellow, or a fine lady. Mrs. Verbruggen's + first husband, the actor Mountford, was killed by Captain + Hill, with the assistance of Lord Mohun, in 1692, because + Hill, who was making unsuccessful suit to Mrs. Bracegirdle + was jealous of her fellow-actor. Mountford was then in his + thirty-third year. Mrs. Mountford's second husband, John + Verbruggen, is described by Tony Aston as "nature without + extravagance." ... "That rough diamond shone more bright than + all the artful polished brilliants that ever sparkled on our + stage." The same writer says of Mrs. Verbruggen: "She was all + art, but dressed so nice, it looked like nature. She was the + most easy actress in the world. Her maiden name was + Percival."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag88'>[88]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote88' id="footnote88"></a>Various Societies + for the Reformation of Manners were founded in the reign of + William III. An "Account" of these societies was published in + 1699, and Defoe often wrote on the subject. In 1708 the + Society for London and Westminster secured the conviction of + 3299 "lewd and scandalous" persons, guilty of Sunday trading + swearing, drunkenness, &c.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag89'>[89]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote89' id="footnote89"></a>See Steele's + apology to Blackmore, author of this poem, in No. 14. Sir + Richard Blackmore (died 1729) was a Whig physician who wrote + epics on religious and other subjects, and was often at + loggerheads with the actors and wits. Though he was not a + poet, Addison and Steele praised him on account of the + religious tone of his work (see <i>Spectator</i>, Nos. 6, + 339).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag90'>[90]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote90' id="footnote90"></a>Vanderbank, or as + his father sometimes wrote his name, Vandrebanc, was a son of + Peter Vanderbank, a Parisian, who came into England with + Gascar the painter, about 1674, and died at Bradfield, in + Hertfordshire, in 1697. His father was admired for the + softness of his prints, and still more for the size of them, + some of his heads being the largest that had then appeared in + England; but the prices he received by no means compensated + for the time employed on his works, and he was reduced to + want, and died at the house of Mr. Forester, his + brother-in-law. After his death, his widow sold his plates to + one Brown, a print-seller, who made a great profit by them. + His eldest son had some share in the theatre at Dublin; the + youngest, William, was a poor labourer, who gave an account + of his father and the family to Vertue. The person mentioned + in this paper was probably his father's name-son, and might + be, as Walpole conjectures, an engraver. Whatever concern the + father might have had in any manufacture of tapestry, he + could not be the person meant here, for at this time he had + been dead above ten years. The suite of tapestry, in the Duke + of Ancaster's sale, with Vanderbank's name to it, mentioned + by Walpole, must therefore be supposed to belong to the son, + who is said, upon the authority of the French translator of + the <i>Tatler</i>, to have represented nature very happily in + works of tapestry, and to have been a man inimitable in this + way. (See Walpole's "Anecdotes of Painting," 1782, vol. v. p. + 166.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag91'>[91]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote91' id="footnote91"></a>Trick (the early + editions have "gigg").</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag92'>[92]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote92' id="footnote92"></a>Waller wrote + "Instructions to a Painter" and "Advice to a Painter," and + Denham "Directions to a Painter."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag93'>[93]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote93' id="footnote93"></a>Farquhar's + "Beaux' Stratagem," 1707.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag94'>[94]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote94' id="footnote94"></a>Bickerstaff acted + the part of the Captain in Mrs. Centlivre's farce, "A + Bickerstaff's Burying; or, Work for the Upholders" (1713), + which was dedicated to the "magnificent Company of Upholders, + whom the judicious Censor of Great Britain has so often + condescended to mention." In the "British Apollo," vol. ii. + No. 107 (Feb. 27 to March 1, 1710), + is a "New Prologue to 'Don Quixote' for Mr. Bickerstaff's + Benefit at the Theatre Royal, spoken by himself." The + prologue ends:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "I need not from the ladies fear my doom, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + When it shall thus be said, in my behalf, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + He bears the awful name of BICKERSTAFF." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>In the <i>Daily Courant</i> for Feb. 4, 1710, there was + advertised a performance of the "Comical History of Don + Quixote" at Drury Lane, "at the desire of Isaac Bickerstaff, + Esq., for the benefit of his cousin, John Bickerstaff."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag95'>[95]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote95' id="footnote95"></a>George Powell, + actor and dramatist, gave way often to drink. He died in + 1714. Addison praised his acting of tragic parts in No. 40 of + the <i>Spectator</i>. See also <a href='#number31'>No. + 31</a>. An order to the comedians in Dorset Gardens forbade + them acting till further order, because they had allowed + Powell to play after he was committed for drawing his sword + on Colonel Stanhope and Mr. Davenant. This is dated May 3, 10 + Will. III. (1698); but on May 4 there was another order for + the comedians to resume acting. (Lord Chamberlain's Records, + Warrant Book No. 19, p. 80.) Cibber's remarks on this + incident will be found in his "Apology," chap. x.</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page37' title='37' id= + "page37"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number4' id="number4"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 4.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday April 16</i>, to <i>Tuesday, April 19, + 1709</i>.</h3> + </div> + + <p>It is usual with persons who mount the stage for the cure or + information of the crowd about them, to make solemn professions + of their being wholly disinterested in the pains they take for + the public good. At the same time, those very men, who make + harangues in plush doublets, and extol their own abilities and + generous inclinations, tear their lungs in vending a drug, and + show no act of bounty, except it be, that they lower a demand of + a crown, to six, nay, to one penny. We have a contempt for such + paltry barterers, and have therefore all along informed the + public that we intend to give them our advices for our own sakes, + and are labouring to make our lucubrations come to some price in + money, for our more convenient support in the service of the + public. It is certain, that many other schemes have been proposed + to me; as a friend offered to show me a treatise he had writ, + which he called "The Whole Art of Life, or the Introduction to + Great Men, illustrated in a Pack of Cards." But being a novice at + all manner of play I declined the offer. Another advised me, for + want of money, to set up my coach and practise physic, but having + been bred a scholar, I feared I should not succeed <a class= + "pagenum" name='page38' title='38' id="page38"></a>that way + neither; therefore resolved to go on in my present project. But + you are to understand, that I shall not pretend to raise a credit + to this work, upon the weight of my politic news only, but, as my + Latin sentence in the title-page informs you, shall take anything + that offers for the subject of my discourse. Thus, new persons, + as well as new things, are to come under my consideration; as, + when a toast, or a wit, is first pronounced such, you shall have + the freshest advice of their preferment from me, with a + description of the beauty's manner, and the wit's style; as also, + in whose places they are advanced. For this town is never + good-natured enough to raise one, without depressing another. But + it is my design, to avoid saying anything, of any person, which + ought justly to displease; but shall endeavour, by the variety of + the matter and style, to give entertainment for men of pleasure, + without offence to those of business.</p> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, April 18.</h3> + + <p>All hearts at present pant for two ladies only<a name= + 'fntag96' id="fntag96"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote96'><sup>96</sup></a>, who have for some time engrossed + the dominion of the town. They are indeed both exceeding + charming, but differ very much in their excellences. The beauty + of <a class="pagenum" name='page39' title='39' id= + "page39"></a>Clarissa is soft, that of Chloe piercing. When you + look at Clarissa, you see the most exact harmony of feature, + complexion, and shape; you find in Chloe nothing extraordinary in + any one of those particulars, but the whole woman irresistible. + Clarissa looks languishing; Chloe, killing. Clarissa never fails + of gaining admiration; Chloe, of moving desire. The gazers at + Clarissa are at first unconcerned, as if they were observing a + fine picture. They who behold Chloe, at the first glance, + discover transport, as if they met their dearest friend. These + different perfections are suitably represented by the last great + painter Italy has sent us, Mr. Jervas.<a name='fntag97' id= + "fntag97"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote97'><sup>97</sup></a> + Clarissa is, by that skilful hand, placed in a manner that looks + artless, and innocent of the torments she gives; Chloe drawn with + a liveliness that shows she is conscious, but not affected, of + her perfections. Clarissa is a shepherdess; Chloe, a country + girl. I must own, the design of Chloe's picture shows, to me, + great mastery in the painter; for nothing could be better + imagined than the dress he has given her, of a straw hat and + riband, to represent that sort of beauty which enters the heart + with a certain familiarity, and cheats it into a belief, that it + has received a lover as well as an object of love. The force of + their different beauties is seen also in the effects it makes on + their lovers. The admirers of Chloe are eternally gay and + well-pleased: those of Clarissa, melancholy and thoughtful. And + as this passion always changes the natural man into a quite + different creature from what he was before, the love of Chloe + makes coxcombs; that of Clarissa, madmen. There were of each kind + just now here. Here was one that whistles, laughs, sings, and + <a class="pagenum" name='page40' title='40' id="page40"></a>cuts + capers, for love of Chloe. Another has just now written three + lines to Clarissa, then taken a turn in the garden, then came + back again, then tore his fragment, then called for some + chocolate, then went away without it.</p> + + <p>Chloe has so many admirers in the room at present, that there + is too much noise to proceed in my narration, so that the + progress of the loves of Clarissa and Chloe, together with the + bottles that are drank each night for the one, and the many sighs + which are uttered, and songs written, on the other, must be our + subject on future occasions.</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, April 18.</h3> + + <p>Letters from the Haymarket inform us, that on Saturday night + last the opera of "Pyrrhus and Demetrius"<a name='fntag98' id= + "fntag98"></a><a class='fn' href='#footnote98'><sup>98</sup></a> + was performed with great applause. This intelligence is not very + acceptable to us friends of the theatre; for the stage being an + entertainment of the reason and all our faculties, this way of + being pleased with the suspense of them for three hours together, + and being given up to the shallow satisfaction of the eyes and + ears only, seems to arise rather from the degeneracy of our + understanding, than an improvement of our diversions.<a name= + 'fntag99' id="fntag99"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote99'><sup>99</sup></a> That the understanding has no + part in the pleasure is evident, from <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page41' title='41' id="page41"></a>what these letters very + positively assert, to wit, that a great part of the performance + was done in Italian: and a great critic fell into fits in the + gallery, at feeling, not only time and place, but languages and + nations confused in the most incorrigible manner. His spleen is + so extremely moved on this occasion, that he is going to publish + a treatise against operas, which, he thinks, have already + inclined us to thoughts of peace, and if tolerated, must + infallibly dispirit us from carrying on the war. He has + communicated his scheme to the whole room, and declared in what + manner things of this kind were first introduced. He has upon + this occasion considered the nature of sounds in general, and + made a very elaborate digression upon the London cries,<a name= + 'fntag100' id="fntag100"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote100'><sup>100</sup></a> wherein he has shown from + reason and philosophy why oysters are cried, card-matches<a name= + 'fntag101' id="fntag101"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote101'><sup>101</sup></a> sung, and turnips and all other + vegetables neither cried, sung, nor said, but sold, with an + accent and tone neither natural to man or beast. This piece seems + to be taken from the model of that excellent discourse of Mrs. + Manly the schoolmistress, concerning samplers.<a name='fntag102' + id="fntag102"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote102'><sup>102</sup></a> Advices from the upper end of + Piccadilly say that Mayfair is utterly abolished;<a name= + 'fntag103' id="fntag103"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote103'><sup>103</sup></a> <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page42' title='42' id="page42"></a>and we hear Mr. + Pinkethman<a name='fntag104' id="fntag104"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote104'><sup>104</sup></a> has removed his ingenious + company of strollers to Greenwich: but other letters from + Deptford say, the company is only making thither, and not yet + settled; but that several heathen gods and goddesses, which are + to descend in machines, landed at the King's Head Stairs last + Saturday. Venus and Cupid went on foot from thence to Greenwich; + Mars got drunk in the town, and broke his landlord's head; for + which he sat in the stocks the whole evening; but Mr. Pinkethman + giving security that he should do nothing this ensuing summer, he + was set at liberty. The most melancholy part of all, was, that + Diana was taken in the act of fornication with a boatman, and + committed by Justice Wrathful, which has, it seems, put a stop to + the diversions of the theatre of Blackheath. But there goes down + another Diana and a patient Grissel next tide from + Billingsgate.<a name='fntag105' id="fntag105"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote105'><sup>105</sup></a> <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page43' title='43' id="page43"></a></p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, April 18.</h3> + + <p>They write from Saxony of the 13th instant, N.S., that the + Grand General of the Crown of Poland was so far from entering + into a treaty with King Stanislaus, that he had written circular + letters, wherein he exhorted the Palatinates to join against him; + declaring, that this was the most favourable conjuncture for + asserting their liberty.</p> + + <p>Letters from the Hague of the 23rd instant, N.S., say, they + have advices from Vienna, which import, that his Electoral + Highness of Hanover had signified to the Imperial Court, that he + did not intend to put himself at the head of the troops of the + Empire, except more effectual measures were taken for acting + vigorously against the enemy the ensuing campaign. Upon this + representation, the Emperor has given orders to several regiments + to march towards the Rhine, and despatched expresses to the + respective princes of the Empire to desire an augmentation of + their forces.</p> + + <p>These letters add, that an express arrived at the Hague on the + 20th instant, with advice, that the enemy having made a + detachment from Tournay of 1500 horse, each trooper carrying a + foot-soldier behind him, in order to surprise the garrison of + Alost; the allies, upon notice of their march, sent out a strong + body of troops from Ghent, which engaged the enemy at Asche, and + took 200 of them prisoners, obliging the rest to retire without + making any further attempt. On the 22nd in the morning a fleet of + merchant ships coming from Scotland, were attacked by six French + privateers at the entrance of the Meuse. We have yet no certain + advice of the event: but letters from Rotterdam say, that a Dutch + man-of-war of forty guns, which was convoy to the said fleet, was + taken, as <a class="pagenum" name='page44' title='44' id= + "page44"></a>were also eighteen of the merchants. The Swiss + troops, in the service of the States, have completed the + augmentation of their respective companies. Those of Wirtemberg + and Prussia are expected on the frontiers within few days; and + the auxiliaries from Saxony, as also a battalion of Holstein, and + another of Wolfembuttel, are advancing thither with all + expedition. On the 21st instant, the deputies of the States had a + conference near Woerden with the President Rouillé, but the + matter which was therein debated is not made public. His Grace + the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene continue at the + Hague.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, April 18.</h3> + + <p>I have lately been very studious for intelligence, and have + just now, by my astrological flying-post, received a packet from + Felicia,<a name='fntag106' id="fntag106"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote106'><sup>106</sup></a> an island in America, with an + account that gives me great satisfaction, and lets me understand + that the island was never in greater prosperity, or the + administration in so good hands, since the death of their late + valiant king. These letters import, that the chief minister has + entered into a firm league with the ablest and best men of the + nation, to carry on the cause of liberty, to the encouragement of + religion, virtue, and honour. Those persons at the helm are so + useful, and in themselves of such weight, that their strict + alliance must needs tend to the universal prosperity of the + people. Camillo,<a name='fntag107' id="fntag107"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote107'><sup>107</sup></a> it seems, presides + over the deliberations of state; and is so highly valued by all + men, for his singular probity, courage, affability, and love of + mankind, that his being placed in that station has dissipated the + fears of that people, who of all the world are the most jealous + of their <a class="pagenum" name='page45' title='45' id= + "page45"></a>liberty and happiness. The next member of their + society is Horatio,<a name='fntag108' id="fntag108"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote108'><sup>108</sup></a> who makes all the + public despatches. This minister is master of all the languages + in use to great perfection: he is held in the highest veneration + imaginable for a severe honesty, and love of his country: he + lives in a court, unsullied with any of its artifices, the refuge + of the oppressed, and terror of oppressors. Martio<a name= + 'fntag109' id="fntag109"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote109'><sup>109</sup></a> has joined himself to this + council; a man of most undaunted resolution and great knowledge + in maritime affairs; famous for destroying the navy of the + Franks,<a name='fntag110' id="fntag110"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote110'><sup>110</sup></a> and singularly happy in one + particular, that he never preferred a man who has not proved + remarkably serviceable to his country. Philander<a name= + 'fntag111' id="fntag111"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote111'><sup>111</sup></a> is mentioned with particular + distinction; a nobleman who has the most refined taste of the + true pleasures and elegance of life, joined to an indefatigable + industry in business; a man eloquent in assemblies, agreeable in + conversation, and dextrous in all manner of public negotiations. + These letters add, that Verono,<a name='fntag112' id= + "fntag112"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote112'><sup>112</sup></a> who is also of this council, + has lately set sail to his government of Patricia, with design to + confirm the affections of the people in the interests of his + queen. This minister is master of great abilities, and is as + industrious and restless for the preservation of the liberties of + the people, as the greatest enemy can be to subvert them. The + influence of these personages, who are men of such distinguished + parts and virtues, makes the people enjoy the utmost tranquillity + in the midst of a war, and <a class="pagenum" name='page46' + title='46' id="page46"></a>gives them undoubted hopes of a secure + peace from their vigilance and integrity.<a name='fntag113' id= + "fntag113"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote113'><sup>113</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag96'>[96]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote96' id="footnote96"></a>In a copy of the + original edition of the <i>Tatler</i>, with MS. notes written + early in the last century, which was sold at Messrs. + Sotheby's, in April, 1887, the ladies here described were + said to be Mrs. Chetwine and Mrs. Hales respectively. Mrs. + Hales was a maid of honour who married Mr. Coke, + vice-chamberlain, in July, 1709 (Luttrell's "Brief Relation," + vi. 462); "Mrs. Chetwine" was probably the wife of William + Richard Chetwynd, afterwards third Viscount Chetwynd, who + married Honora, daughter of John Baker, Consul at Algiers; or + the wife of his brother Walter, M.P. for Stafford, and Master + of the Buckhounds. In 1717, Lady M. W. Montagu, describing a + week spent by a fashionable lady, said, 'Friday, Mrs. + Chetwynd's, &c.; a perpetual round of hearing the same + scandal' (Pope's Works, ix. 385).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag97'>[97]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote97' id="footnote97"></a>Charles Jervas, + portrait painter (died 1739), became principal painter to + George I. and George II. He also made a translation of "Don + Quixote," first published in 1742.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag98'>[98]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote98' id="footnote98"></a>A translation of + Owen McSwiney (1709) from the Italian of Scarlatti.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag99'>[99]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote99' id="footnote99"></a>In the + <i>Spectator</i> (Nos. 1, 5, 13, &c.) Addison often wrote + against the Italian opera. In 1706, Dennis published "An + Essay on the Operas after the Italian Manner, which are about + to be established on the English Stage: with some reflections + on the damage which they may bring to the Public." He traces + to the recent alterations in the entertainments of the stage, + the fact that familiar conversation among all classes was + confined to two points, news and toasting, neither of which + required much intelligence.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag100'>[100]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote100' id="footnote100"></a>The street + cries of 1709 are described in Lauron's "Habits and Cries of + the City of London." They included "Any card-matches or + save-alls" and "Twelve-pence a peck, oysters."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag101'>[101]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote101' id="footnote101"></a>Matches made by + dipping pieces of card in melted sulphur. In the + <i>Spectator</i> (No. 251), Addison speaks of vendors of + card-matches as examples of the fact that those made most + noise who had least to sell.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag102'>[102]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote102' id="footnote102"></a>In vol. ii. of + Dr. W. King's Works (1776) is "An Essay on the Invention of + Samplers, by Mrs. Arabella Manly, schoolmistress at + Hackney."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag103'>[103]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote103' id="footnote103"></a>May Fair was + abolished in 1709, after it had on several occasions been + presented as a nuisance by the Grand Jury at Westminster. + This fair was granted by King James II. under the Great Seal, + in the fourth year of his reign, to Sir John Coell and his + heirs for ever, in trust for Henry Lord Dover and his heirs + for ever, to be held in the field called Brookfield, in the + parish of St. Martin's, Westminster, to commence on the first + day of May, and to continue fifteen days yearly. It soon + became the resort of the idle, the dissipated, and the + profligate, insomuch that the peace-officers were frequently + opposed in the performance of their duty; and, in the year + 1702, John Cooper, one of the constables, was killed, for + which a fencing-master, named Cook, was executed. (See also + <a href='#number20'>No. 20</a>.) The fair was revived under + George I., but was finally abolished through the exertions of + the sixth Earl of Coventry.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag104'>[104]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote104' id="footnote104"></a>William + Pinkethman, the popular actor and droll, was spoken of by + Gildon as "the flower of Bartholomew Fair, and the idol of + the rabble." In June, 1710, he opened a theatre at Greenwich, + and in 1711 his "wonderful invention called The Pantheon, or, + The Temple of the Heathen Gods," with over 100 figures, was + to be seen in the Little Piazza, Covent Garden + (<i>Spectator</i>, No. 46, advertisement).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag105'>[105]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote105' id="footnote105"></a>"It is credibly + reported that Mr. D——y has agreed with Mr. + Pinkethman to have his play acted before that audience as + soon as it has had its first sixteen days' run in Drury Lane" + (folio). The play was D'Urfey's "Modern Prophets."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag106'>[106]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote106' id="footnote106"></a>Britain.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag107'>[107]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote107' id="footnote107"></a>John, Lord + Somers, President of the Council.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag108'>[108]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote108' id="footnote108"></a>Sidney, Lord + Godolphin, the Lord High Treasurer; or (according to the MS. + notes in the copy mentioned above) Lord Sunderland.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag109'>[109]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote109' id="footnote109"></a>Edward, Earl of + Orford.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag110'>[110]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote110' id="footnote110"></a>At La Hogue, + 1692.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag111'>[111]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote111' id="footnote111"></a>Probably Lord + Halifax.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag112'>[112]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote112' id="footnote112"></a>Thomas, Earl of + Wharton, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag113'>[113]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote113' id= + "footnote113"></a>"Advertisement.—Upon the humble + petition of Running Stationers, &c., this paper maybe had + of them, for the future, at the price of one penny" (folio). + The first four numbers were distributed gratuitously.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number5' id="number5"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 5.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, April 19</i>, to <i>Thursday, April + 21</i>, 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, April 20.</h3> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Who names that lost thing, love, without a tear, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Since so debauched by ill-bred customs here, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + To an exact perfection they have brought + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The action, love, the passion is forgot. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>This was long ago a witty author's lamentation, but the evil + still continues; and if a man of any delicacy were to attend the + discourses of the young fellows of this age, they would believe + there were none but prostitutes to make the objects of passion. + So true it is what the author of the above verses said, a little + before his death, of the modern pretenders to gallantry: "They + set up for wits in this age, by saying when they are sober, what + they of the last spoke only when they were drunk." But Cupid is + not only blind at present, but dead-drunk, he has lost all his + faculties: else how should Celia be so long a maid with that + agreeable behaviour? Corinna, with that uprightly wit? Lesbia, + with that heavenly voice? And Sacharissa, with all those + excellences in one person, frequent the park, the play, and + murder the poor tits that drag her to public places, and not a + man turn pale at her appearance? But such is the fallen state of + love, that <a class="pagenum" name='page47' title='47' id= + "page47"></a>if it were not for honest Cynthio,<a name='fntag114' + id="fntag114"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote114'><sup>114</sup></a> who is true to the cause, we + should hardly have a pattern left of the ancient worthies that + way: and indeed he has but very little encouragement to + persevere; but he has a devotion, rather than love, for his + mistress; and says,</p> + + <div class='poem italic'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Only tell her that I love, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Leave the rest to her, and Fate; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Some kind planet from above, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + May, perhaps, her passsion move: + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Lovers on their stars must wait.<a name='fntag115' id= + "fntag115"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote115'><sup>115</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>But the stars I am so intimately acquainted with, that I can + assure him, he will never have her: for would you believe it, + though Cynthio has wit, good sense, fortune, and his very being + depends on her, the termagant for whom he sighs, is in love with + a fellow, who stares in the glass all the time he is with her, + and lets her plainly see, she may possibly be his rival, but + never his mistress. Yet Cynthio, the same unhappy man whom I + mentioned in my first narrative, pleases himself with a vain + imagination, that with the language of his eyes, now he has found + who she is, he shall conquer her, though her eyes are intent upon + one who looks from her; which is ordinary with the sex. It is + certainly a mistake in the ancients, to draw the little + gentleman, Love, as a blind boy; for his real <a class="pagenum" + name='page48' title='48' id="page48"></a>character is, a little + thief that squints. For ask Mrs. Meddle, who is a confidante, or + spy, upon all the passions in town, and she will tell you, that + the whole is a game of cross purposes. The lover is generally + pursuing one who is in pursuit of another, and running from one + that desires to meet him. Nay, the figure of this passion is so + justly represented in a squinting little thief (who is always in + a double action) that do but observe Clarissa next time you see + her, and you'll find, when her eyes have made their tour round + the company, she makes no stay on him they say she is to marry, + but rests two seconds of a minute on Wildair, who neither looks + nor thinks on her, or any woman else. However, Cynthio had a bow + from her the other day, upon which he is very much come to + himself; and I heard him send his man of an errand yesterday + without any manner of hesitation; a quarter of an hour after + which he reckoned twenty, remembered he was to sup with a friend, + and went exactly to his appointment. I sent to know how he did + this morning, and I find he very perfectly remembers that he + spoke to me yesterday.</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, April 20.</h3> + + <p>This week<a name='fntag116' id="fntag116"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote116'><sup>116</sup></a> being sacred to holy + things, and no public diversions allowed, there has been taken + notice of, even here, a little treatise, called, "A Project for + the Advancement of Religion; dedicated to the Countess of + Berkeley."<a name='fntag117' id="fntag117"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote117'><sup>117</sup></a> The title was so uncommon, + and promised so <a class="pagenum" name='page49' title='49' id= + "page49"></a>peculiar a way of thinking, that every man here has + read it, and as many as have done so, have approved it. It is + written with the spirit of one, who has seen the world enough to + undervalue it with good breeding. The author must certainly be a + man of wisdom, as well as piety, and have spent much time in the + exercise of both. The real causes of the decay of the interest of + religion, are set forth in a clear and lively manner, without + unseasonable passions; and the whole air of the book, as to the + language, the sentiments, and the reasonings, show it was written + by one whose virtue sits easy about him, and to whom vice is + thoroughly contemptible. It was said by one of this + company,<a name='fntag118' id="fntag118"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote118'><sup>118</sup></a> alluding to the knowledge the + author seems to have of the world, "The man writes much like a + gentleman, and goes to heaven with a very good mien."</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, April 20.</h3> + + <p>Letters from Italy say, that the Marquis de Prie, upon the + receipt of an express from the Court of Vienna, went immediately + to the palace of Cardinal Paulucci, minister of state to his + Holiness, and demanded in the name of his Imperial Majesty, that + King Charles should be forthwith acknowledged king of Spain, by a + solemn act of the congregation of cardinals appointed for that + purpose: he declared at the same time, that if the least + hesitation were made in this most important article of the late + treaty, he should not only be obliged to leave Rome himself, but + also transmit his master's orders to the imperial troops to face + about, and return into the ecclesiastical dominions. When the + cardinal reported this <a class="pagenum" name='page50' title= + '50' id="page50"></a>message to the Pope, he was struck with so + sensible an affliction, that he burst into tears. His sorrow was + aggravated by letters which immediately after arrived from the + Court of Madrid, wherein his Nuncio acquainted his Holiness, that + upon the news of his accommodation with the Emperor, he had + received a message to forbear coming to Court; and the people + were so highly provoked, that they could hardly be restrained + from insulting his palace. These letters add, that the King of + Denmark was gone from Florence to Pisa, and from Pisa to Leghorn, + where the governor paid his Majesty all imaginable honours. The + king designed to go from thence to Lucca, where a magnificent + tournament was prepared for his diversion. An English man-of-war, + which came from Port Mahon to Leghorn in six days, brought + advice, that the fleet commanded by Admiral Whitaker, was safely + arrived at Barcelona, with the troops and ammunition which he had + taken in at Naples.</p> + + <p>General Boneval, Governor of Commacchio, had summoned the + magistrates of all the towns near that place to appear before + him, and take an oath of fidelity to his Imperial Majesty, + commanding also the gentry to pay him homage, on pain of death + and confiscation of goods. Advices from Switzerland inform us, + that the bankers of Geneva were utterly ruined by the failure of + Mr. Bernard. They add, that the deputies of the Swiss Cantons + were returned from Solleure, where they were assembled at the + instance of the French Ambassador; but were very much + dissatisfied with the reception they had from that minister. 'Tis + true, he omitted no civilities, or expressions of friendship from + his master, but he took no notice of their pensions and arrears; + what further provoked their indignation, was, that instead of + twenty-five pistoles formerly allowed to each member, for their + charge in <a class="pagenum" name='page51' title='51' id= + "page51"></a>coming to the Diet, he had presented them with six + only. They write from Dresden, that King Augustus was still busy + in recruiting his cavalry, and that the Danish troops, which + lately served in Hungary, had orders to be in Saxony in the + middle of May, and that his Majesty of Denmark was expected at + Dresden in the beginning of that month. King Augustus makes great + preparations for his reception, and has appointed sixty coaches, + each drawn by six horses for that purpose: the interview of these + princes affords great matter for speculation. Letters from Paris + of the 22nd of this month say, that Mareschal Harcourt and the + Duke of Berwick were preparing to go into Alsace and Dauphine, + but that their troops were in want of all manner of necessaries. + The Court of France had received advices from Madrid, that on the + 7th of this month, the States of Spain had with much magnificence + acknowledged the Prince of Asturias presumptive heir of the + crown. This was performed at Buen Retiro; the deputies took the + oaths on that occasion by the hands of Cardinal Portocarrero. + Those advices add, that it was signified to the Pope's Nuncio, by + order of council, to depart from that Court in twenty-four hours, + and that a guard was accordingly appointed to conduct him to + Bayonne.</p> + + <p>Letters from the Hague of the 26th instant inform us, that + Prince Eugene was to set out the next day for Brussels, to put + all things in a readiness for opening the campaign. They add, + that the Grand Pensioner having reported to the Duke of + Marlborough what passed in the last conference with Mr. + Rouillé,<a name='fntag119' id="fntag119"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote119'><sup>119</sup></a> his Grace had taken a + resolution immediately to return to Great Britain, to communicate + to her Majesty all that has been transacted in that important + affair.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page52' title='52' id= + "page52"></a></p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, April 20.</h3> + + <p>The nature of my miscellaneous work is such, that I shall + always take the liberty to tell for news such things (let them + have happened never so much before the time of writing) as have + escaped public notice, or have been misrepresented to the world, + provided that I am still within rules, and trespass not as a + Tatler any further than in an incorrectness of style, and writing + in an air of common speech. Thus if anything that is said, even + of old Anchises or Æneas, be set by me in a different light than + has hitherto been hit upon, in order to inspire the love and + admiration of worthy actions, you will, gentle reader, I hope, + accept of it for intelligence you had not before. But I am going + upon a narrative, the matter of which I know to be true: it is + not only doing justice to the deceased merit<a name='fntag120' + id="fntag120"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote120'><sup>120</sup></a> of such persons, as, had they + lived, would not have had it in their power to thank me, but also + an instance of the greatness of spirit in the lowest of her + Majesty's subjects; take it as follows:</p> + + <p>At the siege of Namur by the Allies, there were in the ranks + of the company commanded by Captain Pincent, in Colonel Frederick + Hamilton's regiment, one Unnion a corporal, and one Valentine a + private sentinel: there happened between these two men a dispute + about a matter of love, which, upon some aggravations, grew to an + irreconcilable hatred. Unnion being the officer of Valentine, + took all opportunities even to strike his rival, and profess + <a class="pagenum" name='page53' title='53' id="page53"></a>the + spite and revenge which moved him to it. The sentinel bore it + without resistance, but frequently said he would die to be + revenged of that tyrant. They had spent whole months thus, one + injuring, the other complaining; when in the midst of this rage + towards each other, they were commanded upon the attack of the + castle, where the corporal received a shot in the thigh, and + fell; the French pressing on, and he expecting to be trampled to + death, called out to his enemy, "Ah, Valentine! Can you leave me + here?" Valentine immediately ran back, and in the midst of a + thick fire of the French, took the corporal upon his back, and + brought him through all that danger as far as the Abbey of + Salsine, where a cannon-ball took off his head: his body fell + under his enemy whom he was carrying off Unnion immediately + forgot his wound, rose up, tearing his hair, and then threw + himself upon the bleeding carcass, crying, "Ah, Valentine! Was it + for me, who have so barbarously used thee, that thou hast died? I + will not Jive after thee." He was not by any means to be forced + from the body, but was removed with it bleeding in his arms, and + attended with tears by all their comrades, who knew their enmity. + When he was brought to a tent, his wounds were dressed by force; + but the next day, still calling upon Valentine, and lamenting his + cruelties to him, he died in the pangs of remorse and + despair.</p> + + <p>It may be a question among men of noble sentiments, whether of + these unfortunate persons had the greater soul; he that was so + generous as to venture his life for his enemy, or he who could + not survive the man that died, in laying upon him such an + obligation?</p> + + <p>When we see spirits like these in a people, to what heights + may we not suppose their glory may arise, but (as it is + excellently observed by Sallust<a name='fntag121' id= + "fntag121"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote121'><sup>121</sup></a>) it is not only to the + <a class="pagenum" name='page54' title='54' id= + "page54"></a>general bent of a nation that great revolutions are + owing, but to the extraordinary genios<a name='fntag122' id= + "fntag122"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote122'><sup>122</sup></a> that lead them. On which + occasion he proceeds to say that the Roman greatness was neither + to be attributed to their superior policy, for in that the + Carthaginians excelled; nor to their valour, for in that the + French were preferable; but to particular men, who were born for + the good of their country, and formed for great attempts. This he + says, to introduce the characters of Cassar and Cato. It would be + entering into too weighty a discourse for this place, if I + attempted to show that our nation has produced as great and able + men for public affairs, as any other. But I believe the reader + outruns me, and fixes his imagination upon the Duke of + Marlborough. It is, methinks, a pleasing reflection, to consider + the dispensations of Providence in the fortune of this + illustrious man, who, in the space of forty years, has passed + through all the gradations of human life, till he has ascended to + the character of a prince, and become the scourge of a tyrant, + who sat in one of the greatest thrones of Europe, before the man + who was to have the greatest part in his downfall had made one + step in the world.<a name='fntag123' id="fntag123"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote123'><sup>123</sup></a> But such elevations + are the natural consequences of an exact prudence, a calm + courage, a well-governed temper, a patient ambition, and an + affable behaviour. These arts, as they are the steps to his + greatness, so they are the pillars of it now it is raised. To + this her glorious son, Great Britain is indebted for the happy + conduct of her arms, in whom she can boast, she has produced a + man formed by nature to lead a nation of heroes.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag114'>[114]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote114' id="footnote114"></a>Edward Richard + Montagu, styled Viscount Hinchinbroke, who died before his + father, on October 3, 1722, was the only son of Edward, third + Earl of Sandwich. He was born about 1690, and became colonel + of the First Regiment of Foot Guards, and Lord Lieutenant of + Huntingdonshire. In 1707, he married Elizabeth, daughter of + Alexander Popham, of Littlecot, Wilts, and of Anne, daughter + of the first Duke of Montagu. (See Nos. <a href= + "#number1">1</a>, <a href="#number22">22</a>, <a href= + "#number35">35</a>, 85, and the + <i>Lover</i>, No. 38.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag115'>[115]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote115' id="footnote115"></a>These lines are + part of a song by Lord Cutts, under whom Steele had served as + secretary when in the army. The verses will be found in + Nichols' "Select Collection" (1780), ii. 327.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag116'>[116]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote116' id="footnote116"></a>Passion + Week.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag117'>[117]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote117' id="footnote117"></a>First published + as "By a Person of Quality." "The gentleman I here intended + was Dr. Swift, this kind of man I thought him at that time. + We have not met of late, but I hope he deserves this + character still." (Steele's "Apology," 1714.) This pamphlet + is closely in accord with the <i>Tatler</i> in its + condemnation of gaming, drunkenness, swearing, immorality on + the stage, and other evils of the time. Swift suggests, too, + a revival of censors.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag118'>[118]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote118' id="footnote118"></a>Forster + suggests that it was Addison.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag119'>[119]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote119' id="footnote119"></a>See <a href= + '#number1'>No. 1</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag120'>[120]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote120' id="footnote120"></a>This phrase, as + well as Unnion's forgetting his wound, is criticised in a + little book called, "Annotations on the <i>Tatler</i>, in two + parts," 12mo, said to have been written originally in French + by Monsieur Bournelle, and translated into English by Walter + Wagstaff, Esq. London, Bernard Lintott, 1710. The annotator + goes no farther with his annotations than to <i>Tatler</i> + No. 83. See Nos. 78, 191.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag121'>[121]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote121' id="footnote121"></a>"Bell. Catal.," + c. 53.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag122'>[122]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote122' id="footnote122"></a>"A man of a + particular turn of mind" (Johnson).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag123'>[123]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote123' id="footnote123"></a>In 1705, after + the battle of Blenheim, Marlborough was made Prince of + Mildenheim by the Emperor. Lewis XIV. succeeded to the French + throne in 1643; Marlborough was born in 1650.</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page55' title='55' id= + "page55"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number6' id="number6"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 6.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, April 21</i>, to <i>Saturday, April + 23</i>, 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, April 22.</h3> + + <p>I am just come from visiting Sappho,<a name='fntag124' id= + "fntag124"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote124'><sup>124</sup></a> a fine lady, who writes verses, + sings, dances and can say and do whatever she pleases, without + the imputation of anything that can injure her character; for she + is so well known to have no passion but self-love, or folly, but + affectation; that now upon any occasion they only cry, "'Tis her + way," and "That's so like her," without further reflection. As I + came into the room, she cries, "O Mr. Bickerstaff, I am utterly + undone! I have broke that pretty Italian fan I showed you when + you were here last, wherein were so admirably drawn our first + parents in Paradise asleep in each other's arms." But there is + such an affinity between painting and poetry, that I have been + improving the images which were raised by that picture, by + reading the same representation in two of our greatest poets. + Look you, here are the passages in Milton and in Dryden. All + Milton's thoughts are wonderfully just and natural, in this + inimitable description which Adam makes of himself in the eighth + book of "Paradise Lost." But there is none of them finer than + that contained in the following lines, where he tells us his + thoughts when he was falling asleep a little after his + creation.</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <a class="pagenum" name='page56' title='56' id="page56"></a> + + <div class="line"> + While thus I called, and strayed I know not whither, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + From whence I first drew air, and first beheld + </div> + + <div class="line"> + This happy light; when answer none returned, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + On a green shady bank, profuse of flowers, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Pensive I sate me down, there gentle sleep + </div> + + <div class="line"> + First found me, and with soft oppression seized + </div> + + <div class="line"> + My drowned sense, untroubled, though I thought + </div> + + <div class="line"> + I then was passing to my former state, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Insensible, and forthwith to dissolve.<a name='fntag125' + id="fntag125"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote125'><sup>125</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>But now I can't forgive this odious thing, this Dryden, who, + in his "State of Innocence," has given my great-grand-mother Eve + the same apprehension of annihilation, on a very different + occasion, as Adam pronounces it of himself, when he was seized + with a pleasing kind of stupor and deadness, Eve fancies herself + falling away, and dissolving in the hurry of a rapture. However, + the verses are very good, and I don't know but it may be natural + what she says. I'll read them:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + When your kind eyes looked languishing on mine, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And wreathing arms did soft embraces join, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + A doubtful trembling seized me first all o'er, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Then wishes, and a warmth unknown before; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + What followed was all extasy and trance, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Immortal pleasures round my swimming eyes did dance, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And speechless joys, in whose sweet tumults tost, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + I thought my breath and my new being lost.<a name= + 'fntag126' id="fntag126"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote126'><sup>126</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>She went on, and said a thousand good things at random, but so + strangely mixed that you would be apt to say all her wit is mere + good luck, and not the effect of <a class="pagenum" name='page57' + title='57' id="page57"></a>reason and judgment. When I made my + escape hither I found a gentleman playing the critic on two other + great poets, even Virgil and Homer.<a name='fntag127' id= + "fntag127"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote127'><sup>127</sup></a> He was observing, that Virgil + is more judicious than the other in the epithets he gives his + hero. "Homer's usual epithet," said he, "is <span lang="el" + title="Pódas ôchùs" xml:lang= + "el">Πόδας ὠχὺς</span>, + or <span lang="el" title="Podárchês" xml:lang= + "el">Ποδάρχης</span>, + and his indiscretion has been often rallied by the critics, for + mentioning the nimbleness of foot in Achilles, though he + describes him standing, sitting, lying down, fighting, eating, + drinking, or in any other circumstance, however foreign or + repugnant to speed and activity. Virgil's common epithet to + Æneas, is 'Pius' or 'Pater.' I have therefore considered," said + he, "what passage there is in any of his hero's actions, where + either of these appellations would have been most improper, to + see if I could catch him at the same fault with Homer: and this, + I think, is his meeting with Dido in the cave, where Pius Æneas + would have been absurd, and Pater Æneas a burlesque: the poet has + therefore wisely dropped them both for Dux Trojanus,</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Speluncam Dido dux et Trojanus eandem Devenient;<a name= + 'fntag128' id="fntag128"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote128'><sup>128</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>which he has repeated twice in Juno's speech, and his own + narration: for he very well knew a loose action might be + consistent enough with the usual manners of a soldier, though it + became neither the chastity of a pious man, nor the gravity of + the father of a people."</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page58' title='58' id= + "page58"></a></p> + + <h3>Grecian Coffee-house, April 22.</h3> + + <p>While other parts of the town are amused with the present + actions, we generally spend the evening at this table in + inquiries into antiquity, and think anything news which gives us + new knowledge. Thus we are making a very pleasant entertainment + to ourselves, in putting the actions of Homer's "Iliad" into an + exact journal.</p> + + <p>This poem is introduced by Chryses, King of Chryseis, and + priest of Apollo, who comes to re-demand his daughter, who was + carried off at the taking of that city, and given to Agamemnon + for his part of the booty. The refusal he received enrages + Apollo, who for nine days showered down darts upon them, which + occasioned the pestilence.</p> + + <p>The tenth day Achilles assembles the council, and encourages + Chalcas to speak for the surrender of Chryseis to appease Apollo. + Agamemnon and Achilles storm at one another, notwithstanding + which Agamemnon will not release his prisoner, unless he has + Briseis in her stead. After long contestations, wherein Agamemnon + gives a glorious character of Achilles' valour, he determines to + restore Briseis to her father, and sends two heralds to fetch + away Chryseis from Achilles, who abandons himself to sorrow and + despair. His mother Thetis came to comfort him under his + affliction, and promises to represent his sorrowful lamentations + to Jupiter; but he could not attend it; for the evening before, + he had appointed to divert himself for two days beyond the seas + with the harmless Æthiopians.</p> + + <p>It was the twenty-first day after Chryseis' arrival to the + camp, that Thetis went very early to demand an audience of + Jupiter. The means he uses to satisfy her were, to persuade the + Greeks to attack the Trojans; that so they <a class="pagenum" + name='page59' title='59' id="page59"></a>might perceive the + consequence of condemning Achilles and the miseries they suffer + if he does not head them. The next night he orders Agamemnon, in + a dream, to attack them; who was deceived with the hopes of + obtaining a victory, and also taking the city, without sharing + the honour with Achilles.</p> + + <p>On the 22nd, in the morning, he assembles the council, and + having made a feint of raising the siege and retiring, he + declares to them his dream; and, together with Nestor and + Ulysses, resolves on an engagement.</p> + + <p>This was the twenty-third day, which is full of incidents, and + which continues from almost the beginning of the second canto to + the eighth. The armies being then drawn up in view of one + another, Hector brings it about that Menelaus and Paris, the two + persons concerned in the quarrel, should decide it by a single + combat; which tending to the advantage of Menelaus, was + interrupted by a cowardice infused by Minerva: then both armies + engage, where the Trojans have the disadvantage; but being + afterwards animated by Apollo, they repulse the enemy, yet they + are once again forced to give ground; but their affairs were + retrieved by Hector, who has a single combat with Ajax. The gods + threw themselves into the battle, Juno and Minerva took the + Grecians' part, and Apollo and Mars the Trojans': but Mars and + Venus are both wounded by Diomedes.</p> + + <p>The truce for burying the slain ended the twenty-third day; + after which the Greeks threw up a great entrenchment to secure + their navy from danger. Councils are held on both sides. On the + morning of the twenty-fourth day the battle is renewed, but in a + very disadvantageous manner to the Greeks, who were beaten back + to their retrenchments. Agamemnon being in despair at this ill + success, proposes to the council to quit the enterprise and + retire from Troy. <a class="pagenum" name='page60' title='60' id= + "page60"></a>But by the advice of Nestor, he is persuaded to + regain Achilles, by returning Chryseis, and sending him + considerable presents. Hereupon, Ulysses and Ajax are sent to + that hero, who continues inflexible in his anger. Ulysses, at his + return, joins himself with Diomedes, and goes in the night to + gain intelligence of the enemy: they enter into their very camp, + where, finding the sentinels asleep, they made a great slaughter. + Rhesus, who was just then arrived with recruits from Thrace for + the Trojans, was killed in that action. Here ends the tenth + canto. The sequel of this journal will be inserted in the next + article from this place.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, April 22.</h3> + + <p>We hear from Italy, that notwithstanding the Pope has received + a letter from the Duke of Anjou, demanding of him to explain + himself upon the affair of acknowledging King Charles: his + Holiness has not yet thought fit to send any answer to that + prince. The Court of Rome appears very much mortified, that they + are not to see his Majesty of Denmark in that city, having + perhaps given themselves vain hopes from a visit made by a + Protestant priest to that see. The Pope has despatched a + gentleman to compliment his Majesty, and sent the king a present + of all the curiosities and antiquities of Rome, represented in + seventeen volumes, very richly bound, which were taken out of the + Vatican library. Letters from Genoa of the 14th instant say, a + felucca was arrived there in five days from Marseilles, with an + account, that the people of that city had made an insurrection, + by reason of the scarcity of provisions, and that the Intendant + had ordered some companies of marines, and the men belonging to + the galleys, to stand to their arms to protect him from violence; + but that he began to be in as much <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page61' title='61' id="page61"></a>apprehension of his guards as + those from whom they were to defend him. When that vessel came + away, the soldiers murmured publicly for want of pay, and it was + generally believed they would pillage the magazines, as the + garrison of Grenoble, and other towns of France, had already + done. A vessel which lately came into Leghorn, brought advice, + that the British squadron was arrived at Port Mahon, where they + were taking in more troops, in order to attempt the relief of + Alicante, which still made a very vigorous defence. 'Tis said, + Admiral Byng will be at the head of that expedition. The King of + Denmark was gone from Leghorn towards Lucca.</p> + + <p>They write from Vienna, that in case the Allies should enter + into a treaty of peace with France, Count Zinzendorf will be + appointed first plenipotentiary, the Count de Goes the second, + and Monsieur van Konsbruch a third. Major-General Palmes, Envoy + Extraordinary from her Britannic Majesty, has been very urgent + with that Court to make their utmost efforts against France the + ensuing campaign, in order to oblige it to such a peace, as may + establish the tranquillity of Europe for the future.</p> + + <p>We are also informed, that the Pope uses all imaginable shifts + to elude the treaty concluded with the Emperor, and that he + demanded the immediate restitution of Commacchio; insisting also, + that his Imperial Majesty should ask pardon, and desire + absolution for what has formerly passed, before he would solemnly + acknowledge King Charles: but this was utterly refused.</p> + + <p>They hear at Vienna, by letters from Constantinople, dated the + 22nd of February last, that on the 12th of that month the Grand + Signior took occasion, at the celebration of the festivals of the + Mussulmen, to set all the Christian slaves which were in the + galleys at liberty.</p> + + <p>Advices from Switzerland import, that the preachers of + <a class="pagenum" name='page62' title='62' id="page62"></a>the + county of Tockenburg continue to create new jealousies of the + Protestants, and some disturbances lately happened there on that + account. The Protestants and Papists in the town of Hamman go to + divine service one after another in the same church, as is usual + in many other parts of Switzerland; but on Sunday, the 10th + instant, the Popish curate, having ended his service, attempted + to hinder the Protestants from entering into the church according + to custom; but the Protestants briskly attacked him and his + party, and broke into it by force.</p> + + <p>Last night between seven and eight, his Grace the Duke of + Marlborough arrived at Court.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, April 22.</h3> + + <p>The present great captains of the age, the Duke of Marlborough + and Prince Eugene, having been the subject of the discourse of + the last company I was in, it has naturally led me into a + consideration of Alexander and Cæsar, the two greatest names + which ever appeared before this century. In order to enter into + their characters, there needs no more but examining their + behaviour in parallel circumstances. It must be allowed, that + they had an equal greatness of soul; but Cæsar's was more + corrected and allayed by a mixture of prudence and + circumspection. This is seen conspicuously in one particular in + their histories, wherein they seem to have shown exactly the + difference of their tempers. When Alexander, after a long course + of victories, would still have led his soldiers farther from + home, they unanimously refused to follow him. We meet with the + like behaviour in Cæsar's army in the midst of his march against + Ariovistus. Let us therefore observe the conduct of our two + generals in so nice an affair: and here we find Alexander at the + head of his army, upbraiding them with <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page63' title='63' id="page63"></a>their cowardice, and meanness + of spirit; and in the end, telling them plainly, he would go + forward himself, though not a man followed him. This showed + indeed an excessive bravery; but how would the commander have + come off, if the speech had not succeeded, and the soldiers had + taken him at his word? The project seems of a piece with Mr. + Bayes' in "The Rehearsal,"<a name='fntag129' id= + "fntag129"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote129'><sup>129</sup></a> who, to gain a clap in his + prologue, comes out, with a terrible fellow in a fur cap + following him, and tells his audience, if they would not like his + play, he would lie down and have his head struck off. If this + gained a clap, all was well; but if not, there was nothing left + but for the executioner to do his office. But Cæsar would not + leave the success of his speech to such uncertain events: he + shows his men the unreasonableness of their fears in an obliging + manner, and concludes, that if none else would march along with + them, he would go himself with the Tenth Legion, for he was + assured of their fidelity and valour, though all the rest forsook + him; not but that in all probability they were as much against + the march as the rest. The result of all was very natural: the + Tenth Legion, fired with the praises of their general, send + thanks to him for the just opinion he entertains of them; and the + rest, ashamed to be outdone, assure him, that they are as ready + to follow where he pleases to lead them, as any other part of the + army.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag124'>[124]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote124' id="footnote124"></a>It has been + suggested, with little or no reason, that Sappho is meant for + Mrs. Manley (Author of the "New Atalantis"), or Mrs. + Elizabeth Thomas (known as "Corinna"), or Mrs. Elizabeth + Heywood. See <a href='#number40'>No. 40</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag125'>[125]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote125' id="footnote125"></a>"Paradise + Lost," viii. 283.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag126'>[126]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote126' id="footnote126"></a>Dryden's "State + of Innocence and Fall of Man: an Opera," act iii. sc. i. In + the <i>Spectator</i> (No. 345), Addison illustrated Milton's + chaste treatment of the subject of Eve's nuptials by + contrasting what he says with the account in the opera in + which Dryden, according to Lee's verses, refined "Milton's + golden ore, and new-weaved his hard-spun thought."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag127'>[127]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote127' id="footnote127"></a>Addison, on + reading here this remark upon Virgil, which he himself had + communicated to Steele, discovered that his friend was the + author of the <i>Tatler</i>. He was at this time in Ireland, + Secretary to Lord Wharton, and returned to England with the + Lord Lieutenant on the 8th of September following. (Tickell's + Preface to Addison's Works.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag128'>[128]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote128' id="footnote128"></a>"Æneid," iv. + 124.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag129'>[129]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote129' id="footnote129"></a>"The + Rehearsal," act i. sc. 2. This play of the Duke of + Buckingham's was produced in 1671, and the poet Bayes, as + finally drawn after revision, was a satire on Dryden.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number7' id="number7"></a> <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page64' title='64' id="page64"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 7.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, April 23</i>, to <i>Tuesday, April + 26</i>, 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <p>It is so just an observation, that mocking is catching, that I + am become an unhappy instance of it, and am (in the same manner + that I have represented Mr. Partridge) myself a dying man in + comparison of the vigour with which I first set out in the world. + Had it been otherwise, you may be sure I would not have pretended + to have given for news, as I did last Saturday, a diary of the + siege of Troy. But man is a creature very inconsistent with + himself: the greatest heroes are sometimes fearful, the + sprightliest wits at some hours dull; and the greatest + politicians on some occasions whimsical. But I shall not pretend + to palliate, or excuse the matter; for I find, by a calculation + of my own nativity, that I cannot hold out with any tolerable wit + longer than two minutes after twelve o'clock at night, between + the 18th and 19th of the next month. For which space of time you + may still expect to hear from me, but no longer, except you will + transmit to me the occurrences you meet with relating to your + amours, or any other subject within the rules by which I have + proposed to walk. If any gentleman or lady sends to Isaac + Bickerstaff, Esq., at Mr. Morphew's,<a name='fntag130' id= + "fntag130"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote130'><sup>130</sup></a> near Stationers' Hall, by the + Penny Post, the grief or joy of their soul, what they think fit + of the matter shall be related in colours as much to their + advantage, as those in which Jervas<a name='fntag131' id= + "fntag131"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote131'><sup>131</sup></a> has drawn the agreeable Chloe. + But since, without such assistance, I frankly confess, and am + <a class="pagenum" name='page65' title='65' id= + "page65"></a>sensible, that I have not a month's wit more, I + think I ought, while I am in my sound health and senses, to make + my will and testament; which I do in manner and form + following:</p> + + <p>Imprimis, I give to the stockjobbers about the Exchange of + London, as a security for the trusts daily reposed in them, all + my real estate; which I do hereby vest in the said body of worthy + citizens for ever.</p> + + <p>Item, Forasmuch as it is very hard to keep land in repair + without ready cash, I do, out of my personal estate, bestow the + bearskin,<a name='fntag132' id="fntag132"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote132'><sup>132</sup></a> which I have frequently lent to + several societies about this town, to supply their necessities. I + say, I give also the said bearskin, as an immediate fund to the + said citizens for ever.</p> + + <p>Item, I do hereby appoint a certain number of the said + citizens to take all the custom-house or customary oaths, + concerning all goods imported to the whole city, strictly + directing, that some select members, and not the whole number of + a body corporate, should be perjured.</p> + + <p>Item, I forbid all n——s and persons of + q——ty to watch bargains near and about the Exchange, + to the diminution and wrong of the said stockjobbers.</p> + + <p>Thus far, in as brief and intelligible a manner as any will + can appear, till it is explained by the learned, I have disposed + of my real and personal estate: but, as I am an adept, I have by + birth an equal right to give also an indefeasible title to my + endowments and qualifications; which I do in the following + manner:</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page66' title='66' id= + "page66"></a>Item, I give my chastity to all virgins who have + withstood their market.</p> + + <p>Item, I give my courage among all who are ashamed of their + distressed friends, all sneakers in assemblies, and men who show + valour in common conversation.</p> + + <p>Item, I give my wit (as rich men give to the rich) among such + as think they have enough already. And in case they shall not + accept of the legacy, I give it to Bentivolio,<a name='fntag133' + id="fntag133"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote133'><sup>133</sup></a> to defend his works from time + to time, as he shall think fit to publish them.</p> + + <p>Item, I bestow my learning upon the honorary members of the + Royal Society.<a name='fntag134' id="fntag134"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote134'><sup>134</sup></a></p> + + <p>Now for the disposal of this body.</p> + + <p>As these eyes must one day cease to gaze on Teraminta, and + this heart shall one day pant no more for her indignation: that + is to say, since this body must be earth, I shall commit it to + the dust in a manner suitable to my character. Therefore, as + there are those who dispute, whether there is any such real + person as Isaac Bickerstaff or not, I shall excuse all persons + who appear what they really are, from coming to my funeral. But + all those who are, in their way of life, persons, as the Latins + have it, persons assumed, and who appear what they really are + not, are hereby invited to that solemnity.</p> + + <p>The body shall be carried by six watchmen, who are never seen + in the day.</p> + + <p>Item, The pall shall be held up by the six most known + pretenders to honesty, wealth and power, who are not <a class= + "pagenum" name='page67' title='67' id="page67"></a>possessed of + any of them. The two first, an half-lawyer, a complete justice. + The two next, a chemist, a projector. The third couple, a + Treasury solicitor, and a small courtier.</p> + + <p>To make my funeral (what that solemnity, when done to common + men, really is in itself) a very farce; and since all mourners + are mere actors on these occasions, I shall desire those who are + professedly such, to attend me. I humbly therefore beseech Mrs. + Barry<a name='fntag135' id="fntag135"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote135'><sup>135</sup></a> to act once more, and be my + widow. When she swoons away at the church-porch, I appoint the + merry Sir John Falstaff, and the gay Sir Harry Wildair, to + support her. I desire Mr. Pinkethman<a name='fntag136' id= + "fntag136"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote136'><sup>136</sup></a> to follow in the habit of a + cardinal, and Mr. Bullock<a name='fntag137' id= + "fntag137"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote137'><sup>137</sup></a> in that of a privy councillor. + To make up the rest of the appearance, I desire all the ladies + from the balconies to weep with Mrs. Barry, as they hope to be + wives and widows themselves. I invite all, who have nothing else + to do, to accept of gloves and scarves.</p> + + <p>Thus, with the great Charles V. of Spain, I resign the glories + of this transitory world: yet, at the same time, to show you my + indifference, and that my desires are not too much fixed upon + anything, I own to you, I am as willing to stay as go: therefore + leave it in the choice of my gentle readers, whether I shall hear + from them, or they hear no more from me.</p> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, April 25.</h3> + + <p>Easter Day being a time when you can't well meet with any but + humble adventures; and there being such a thing as low gallantry, + as well as a low comedy, Colonel <a class="pagenum" name='page68' + title='68' id="page68"></a>Ramble<a name='fntag138' id= + "fntag138"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote138'><sup>138</sup></a> and myself went early this + morning into the fields, which were strewed with shepherds and + shepherdesses, but indeed of a different turn from the simplicity + of those of Arcadia. Every hedge was conscious of more than what + the representations of enamoured swains admit of. While we were + surveying the crowd around us, we saw at a distance a company + coming towards Pancras Church; but though there was not much + disorder, we thought we saw the figure of a man stuck through + with a sword, and at every step ready to fall, if a woman by his + side had not supported him; the rest followed two and two. When + we came nearer this appearance, who should it be but Monsieur + Guardeloop, mine and Ramble's French tailor, attended by others, + leading one of Madame Depingle's<a name='fntag139' id= + "fntag139"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote139'><sup>139</sup></a> maids to the church, in order + to their espousals. It was his sword tucked so high above his + waist, and the circumflex which persons of his profession take in + their walking, that made him appear at a distance wounded and + falling. But the morning being rainy, methought the march to this + wedding was but too lively a picture of wedlock itself. They + seemed both to have a month's mind to make the best of their way + single; yet both tugged arm in arm; and when they were in a dirty + way, he was but deeper in the mire, by endeavouring to pull out + his companion, and yet without helping her. The bridegroom's + feathers in his hat all drooped, one of his shoes had lost an + heel. In short, he was in his whole person and dress so extremely + soused, that there did not appear one inch or single thread about + him unmarried.<a name='fntag140' id="fntag140"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote140'><sup>140</sup></a> Pardon me, that the + melancholy <a class="pagenum" name='page69' title='69' id= + "page69"></a>object still dwells upon me so far, as to reduce me + to punning. However, we attended to the chapel, where we stayed + to hear the irrevocable words pronounced upon our old servant, + and made the best of our way to town. I took a resolution to + forbear all married persons, or any, in danger of being such, for + four-and-twenty hours at least; therefore dressed, and went to + visit Florimel, the vainest thing in town, where I knew would + drop in Colonel Picket, just come from the camp, her professed + admirer. He is of that order of men who has much honour and + merit, but withal a coxcomb; the other of that set of females, + who has innocence and wit, but the first of coquettes. It is easy + to believe, these must be admirers of each other. She says, "The + Colonel rides the best of any man in England": the Colonel says, + "She talks the best of any woman." At the same time, he + understands wit just as she does horsemanship. You are to know, + these extraordinary persons see each other daily; and they + themselves, as well as the town, think it will be a match: but it + can never happen that they can come to the point; for instead of + addressing to each other, they spend their whole time in reports + of themselves. He is satisfied if he can convince her he is a + fine gentleman, and a man of consequence; and she, in appearing + to him an accomplished lady and a wit, without further design. + Thus he tells her of his manner of posting his men at such a + pass, with the numbers he commanded on that detachment: she tells + him, how she was dressed on such a day at Court, and what offers + were made her the week following. She seems to hear the + repetition of his men's names with admiration; and waits only to + answer him with as false a muster of lovers. They talk to each + other not to be informed, but approved. Thus they are so like, + that they are to be ever distant, and the parallel lines may run + together for ever, but never meet.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page70' title='70' id= + "page70"></a></p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, April 25.</h3> + + <p>This evening, the comedy, called "Epsom Wells,"<a name= + 'fntag141' id="fntag141"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote141'><sup>141</sup></a> was acted for the benefit of + Mr. Bullock,<a name='fntag142' id="fntag142"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote142'><sup>142</sup></a> who, though he is a person + of much wit and ingenuity, has a peculiar talent of looking like + a fool, and therefore excellently well qualified for the part of + Biskett in this play. I cannot indeed sufficiently admire his way + of bearing a beating, as he does in this drama, and that with + such a natural air and propriety of folly, that one cannot help + wishing the whip in one's own hand; so richly does he seem to + deserve his chastisement. Skilful actors think it a very peculiar + happiness to play in a scene with such as top their parts. + Therefore I cannot but say, when the judgment of any good author + directs him to write a beating for Mr. Bullock from Mr. William + Pinkethman, or for Mr. William Pinkethman from Mr. Bullock, those + excellent players seem to be in their most shining circumstances, + and please me more, but with a different sort of delight, than + that which I receive from those grave scenes of Brutus and + Cassius, or Antony and Ventidius. The whole comedy is very just, + and the low part of human life represented with much humour and + wit.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, April 25.</h3> + + <p>We are advised from Vienna, by letters of the 20th instant, + that the Emperor hath lately added twenty new members to his + Council of State, but they have not yet taken their places at the + board. General Thaun is returned from Baden, his health being so + well re-established by the baths of that place, that he designs + to set out next week for Turin, to his command of the Imperial + troops in <a class="pagenum" name='page71' title='71' id= + "page71"></a>the service of the Duke of Savoy. His Imperial + Majesty has advanced his brother Count Henry Thaun to be a + brigadier, and a Councillor of the Aulic Council of War. These + letters import, that King Stanislaus and the Swedish General + Crassau are directing their march to the Nieper, to join the King + of Sweden's army in Ukrania: that the States of Austria have + furnished Marshal Heister with a considerable sum of money, to + enable him to push on the war vigorously in Hungary, where all + things as yet are in perfect tranquillity: and that General + Thungen has been very importunate for a speedy reinforcement of + the forces on the Upper Rhine, representing at the same time, + what miseries the inhabitants must necessarily undergo, if the + designs of France on those parts be not speedily and effectually + prevented.</p> + + <p>Letters from Rome, dated the 13th instant, say, that on the + preceding Sunday his Holiness was carried in an open chair from + St. Peter's to St. Mary's, attended by the Sacred College, in + cavalcade; and, after Mass, distributed several dowries for the + marriage of poor and distressed virgins. The proceedings of that + Court are very dilatory concerning the recognition of King + Charles, notwithstanding the pressing instances of the Marquis de + Prie, who has declared, that if this affair be not wholly + concluded by the 15th instant, he will retire from that Court, + and order the Imperial troops to return into the ecclesiastical + state. On the other hand, the Duke of Anjou's minister has, in + the name of his master, demanded of his Holiness to explain + himself on that affair; which, it is said, will be finally + determined in a consistory to be held on Monday next; the Duke + d'Uzeda designing to delay his departure till he sees the issue. + These letters also say, that the Court was mightily alarmed at + the news which they received by an express from Ferrara, that + General Boneval, who commands <a class="pagenum" name='page72' + title='72' id="page72"></a>in Commachio, had sent circular + letters to the inhabitants of St. Alberto, Longastrino, Fillo, + and other adjacent parts, enjoining them to come and swear fealty + to the Emperor, and receive new investitures of their fiefs from + his hands. Letters from other parts of Italy say, that the King + of Denmark continues at Lucca; that four English and Dutch + men-of-war were seen off of Oneglia, bound for Final, in order to + transport the troops designed for Barcelona; and that her + Majesty's ship the <i>Colchester</i> arrived at Leghorn the 4th + instant from Port Mahon, with advice, that Major-General Stanhope + designed to part from thence the 1st instant with 6000 or 7000 + men to attempt the relief of the Castle of Alicant.</p> + + <p>Our last advices from Berlin, bearing date the 27th instant, + import, that the King was gone to Linum, and the Queen to + Mecklenburg; but that their Majesties designed to return the next + week to Oranienburg, where a great chase of wild beasts was + prepared for their diversion, and from thence they intend to + proceed together to Potsdam; that the Prince Royal was set out + for Brabant, but intended to make some short stay at Hanover. + These letters also inform us, that they are advised from Obory, + that the King of Sweden, being on his march towards Holki, met + General Renne with a detachment of Muscovites, who placing some + regiments in ambuscade, attacked the Swedes in their rear, and + putting them to flight, killed 2000 men, the king himself having + his horse shot under him.</p> + + <p>We hear from Copenhagen, that, the ice being broke, the Sound + is again open for the ships; and that they hoped his Majesty + would return sooner than they at first expected.</p> + + <p>Letters from the Hague, dated May the 4th, N.S., say that an + express arrived there on the 1st from Prince Eugene to his Grace + the Duke of Marlborough. The States are <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page73' title='73' id="page73"></a>advised, that the auxiliaries + of Saxony were arrived on the frontiers of the United Provinces; + as also, that the two regiments of Wolfembuttel, and 4000 troops + from Wirtemberg, which are to serve in Flanders, are in full + march thither. Letters from Flanders, say that the great convoy + of ammunition and provisions which set out from Ghent for Lille, + was safely arrived at Courtray. We hear from Paris, that the King + has ordered the militia on the coasts of Normandy and Bretagne to + be in a readiness to march; and that the Court was in + apprehension of a descent, to animate the people to rise in the + midst of their present hardships.</p> + + <p>They write from Spain, that the Pope's Nuncio left Madrid the + 10th of April, in order to go to Bayonne; that the Marquis de Bay + was at Badajos to observe the motions of the Portuguese; and that + the Count d'Estain, with a body of 5000 men, was on his march to + attack Gironne. The Duke of Anjou has deposed the Bishop of + Lerida, as being a favourer of the interest of King Charles; and + has summoned a convocation at Madrid, composed of the + archbishops, bishops and states of that kingdom, wherein he hopes + they will come to a resolution to send for no more bulls to + Rome.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag130'>[130]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote130' id="footnote130"></a>John Morphew + was the publisher of the <i>Tatler</i>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag131'>[131]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote131' id="footnote131"></a>See <a href= + '#number4'>No. 4</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag132'>[132]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote132' id="footnote132"></a>Stockjobbers, + who contract for a sale of stock which they do not possess, + are called sellers of bearskins; and universally whoever + sells what he does not possess was said to sell the bear's + skin, while the bear runs in the woods. "You never heard such + bellowing about the town of the state of the nation, + especially among the sharpers, sellers of + bearskins—<i>i.e.</i> stockjobbers, &c." (Swift). + See <a href='#number38'>No. 38</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag133'>[133]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote133' id="footnote133"></a>Dr. Richard + Bentley, Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, took a leading + part in the controversy regarding the genuineness of the + Epistles of Phalaris. In 1709 he published critical notes on + the Tusculan Disputations.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag134'>[134]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote134' id="footnote134"></a>There are + several sneers at the members of the Royal Society in the + <i>Tatler</i>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag135'>[135]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote135' id="footnote135"></a>See <a href= + '#number1'>No. 1</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag136'>[136]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote136' id="footnote136"></a>See <a href= + '#number4'>No. 4</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag137'>[137]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote137' id="footnote137"></a>William Bullock + was a comic actor whose abilities are praised by Gildon and + others. He was the original Sir Tunbelly Clumsy in Vanbrugh's + "Relapse." Later on in this number (p. 70), Steele says that + Bullock had a peculiar talent of looking like a fool, and in + No. 188 he compares Bullock and + Pinkethman in a satirical vein.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag138'>[138]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote138' id="footnote138"></a>Perhaps Colonel + Hunter, afterwards Governor of New York; or Colonel Brett, + one of the managers of Drury Lane Theatre.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag139'>[139]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote139' id="footnote139"></a>See <a href= + '#number34'>No. 34</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag140'>[140]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote140' id="footnote140"></a>The pun is, of + course, on the word "unmarred."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag141'>[141]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote141' id="footnote141"></a>By Thomas + Shadwell, 1676.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag142'>[142]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote142' id="footnote142"></a>See note on p. + 67, above.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number8' id="number8"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 8.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, April 26.</i> to <i>Thursday, April + 28</i>, 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>Wills Coffee-house, April 26.</h3> + + <p>The play of "The London Cuckolds"<a name='fntag143' id= + "fntag143"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote143'><sup>143</sup></a> was acted this evening before a + suitable audience, who were extremely well diverted with that + heap of vice and <a class="pagenum" name='page74' title='74' id= + "page74"></a>absurdity. The indignation which Eugenio, who is a + gentleman of a just taste, has, upon occasion of seeing human + nature fall so low in their delights, made him, I thought, + expatiate upon the mention of this play very agreeably. "Of all + men living," said he, "I pity players (who must be men of good + understanding to be capable of being such) that they are obliged + to repeat and assume proper gestures for representing things, of + which their reason must be ashamed, and which they must disdain + their audience for approving. The amendment of these low + gratifications is only to be made by people of condition, by + encouraging the presentation of the noble characters drawn by + Shakespeare and others, from whence it is impossible to return + without strong impressions of honour and humanity. On these + occasions, distress is laid before us with all its causes and + consequences, and our resentment placed according to the merit of + the persons afflicted. Were dramas of this nature more acceptable + to the taste of the town, men who have genius would bend their + studies to excel in them. How forcible an effect this would have + on our minds, one needs no more than to observe how strongly we + are touched by mere pictures. Who can see Le Brun's<a name= + 'fntag144' id="fntag144"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote144'><sup>144</sup></a> picture of the Battle of Porus, + without entering into the character of that fierce gallant + man,<a name='fntag145' id="fntag145"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote145'><sup>145</sup></a> and being accordingly spurred + to an emulation of his constancy and courage? When he is falling + with his wound, the features are at the same time very terrible + and languishing; and there is such a stern faintness <a class= + "pagenum" name='page75' title='75' id="page75"></a>diffused + through his look, as is apt to move a kind of horror, as well as + pity, in the beholder. This, I say, is an effect wrought by mere + lights and shades; consider also a representation made by words + only, as in an account given by a good writer: Catiline in + Sallust makes just such a figure as Porus by Le Brun. It is said + of him, 'Catilina vero longe a suis inter hostium cadavera + repertus est; paululum etiam spirans, ferocitatemque animi quam + vivus habuerat in vultu retinens.'<a name='fntag146' id= + "fntag146"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote146'><sup>146</sup></a> ('Catiline was found killed far + from his own men among the dead bodies of the enemy: he seemed + still to breathe, and still retained in his face the same + fierceness he had when he was living.') You have in that one + sentence, a lively impression of his whole life and actions. What + I would insinuate from all this, is, that if the painter and the + historian can do thus much in colours and language, what may not + be performed by an excellent poet, when the character he draws is + presented by the person, the manner, the look, and the motion, of + an accomplished player? If a thing painted or related can + irresistibly enter our hearts, what may not be brought to pass by + seeing generous things performed before our eyes?" Eugenio ended + his discourse, by recommending the apt use of a theatre, as the + most agreeable and easy method of making a polite and moral + gentry, which would end in rendering the rest of the people + regular in their behaviour, and ambitious of laudable + undertakings.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, April 27.</h3> + + <p>Letters from Naples of the 9th instant, N.S., advise, that + Cardinal Grimani had ordered the regiment commanded by General + Pate to march towards Final, in <a class="pagenum" name='page76' + title='76' id="page76"></a>order to embark for Catalonia, whither + also a thousand horse are to be transported from Sardinia, + besides the troops which come from the Milanese. An English + man-of-war has taken two prizes, one a vessel of Malta, the other + of Genoa, both laden with goods of the enemy. They write from + Florence of the 13th, that his Majesty of Denmark had received a + courier from the Hague, with an account of some matters relating + to the treaty of a peace; upon which he declared, that he thought + it necessary to hasten to his own dominions.</p> + + <p>Letters from Switzerland inform us, that the effects of the + great scarcity of corn in France were felt at Geneva; the + magistrates of which city had appointed deputies to treat with + the cantons of Berne and Zurich, for leave to buy up such + quantities of grain within their territories as should be thought + necessary. The Protestants of Tockenburg are still in arms about + the convent of St. John, and have declared, that they will not + lay them down, till they shall have sufficient security from the + Roman Catholics, of living unmolested in the exercise of their + religion. In the meantime the deputies of Berne and Tockenburg + have frequent conferences at Zurich, with the regency of that + canton, to find out methods for the quieting these disorders.</p> + + <p>Letters from the Hague of the 3rd of May advise, that the + President Rouillé, after his last conference with the deputies of + the States, had retired to Bodegrave, five miles distant from + Worden, and expected the return of a courier from France on the + 4th, with new instructions. It is said, if his answer from the + French Court shall not prove satisfactory, he will be desired to + withdraw out of these parts. In the meantime it is also reported, + that his equipage, as an ambassador on this great occasion, is + <a class="pagenum" name='page77' title='77' id= + "page77"></a>actually on the march towards him. They write from + Flanders, that the great convoy of provisions, which set out from + Ghent, is safely arrived at Lille. Those advices add, that the + enemy had assembled near Tournay a considerable body of troops + drawn out of the neighbouring garrisons. Their high mightinesses + having sent orders to their Ministers at Hamburg and Dantzic, to + engage the magistrates of those cities to forbid the sale of corn + to the French, and to signify to them, that the Dutch merchants + will buy up as much of that commodity as they can spare, the + Hamburgers have accordingly contracted with the Dutch, and + refused any commerce with the French on that occasion.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment.</h3> + + <p>After the lassitude of a day spent in the strolling manner, + which is usual with men of pleasure in this town, and with a head + full of a million of impertinences, which had danced round it for + ten hours together, I came to my lodging, and hastened to bed. My + <i>valet-de-chambre</i><a name='fntag147' id= + "fntag147"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote147'><sup>147</sup></a> knows my University trick of + reading there; and he being: a good scholar for a gentleman, ran + over the names of Horace, Tibullus, Ovid, and others, to know + which I would have. "Bring Virgil," said I, "and if I fall + asleep, take care of the candle." I read the sixth book over with + the most exquisite delight, and had gone half through it a second + time, when the pleasing ideas of Elysian Fields, deceased + worthies walking in them, sincere lovers enjoying their + languishment without pain, compassion for the unhappy spirits who + had misspent their short daylight, and were exiled from the seats + of bliss for ever; I say, I was deep again in my reading, when + this mixture of <a class="pagenum" name='page78' title='78' id= + "page78"></a>images had taken place of all others in my + imagination before, and lulled me into a dream, from which I am + just awake, to my great disadvantage. The happy mansions of + Elysium by degrees seemed to be wafted from me, and the very + traces of my late waking thoughts began to fade away, when I was + cast by a sudden whirlwind upon an island, encompassed with a + roaring and troubled sea, which shaked its very centre, and + rocked its inhabitants as in a cradle. The islanders lay on their + faces, without offering to look up, or hope for preservation; all + her harbours were crowded with mariners, and tall vessels of war + lay in danger of being driven to pieces on her shores. "Bless + me!" said I, "why have I lived in such a manner that the + convulsion of nature should be so terrible to me, when I feel in + myself, that the better part of me is to survive it? Oh! may that + be in happiness." A sudden shriek, in which the whole people on + their faces joined, interrupted my soliloquy, and turned my eyes + and attention to the object which had given us that sudden start, + in the midst of an inconsolable and speechless affliction. + Immediately the winds grew calm, the waves subsided, and the + people stood up, turning their faces upon a magnificent pile in + the midst of the island. There we beheld an hero of a comely and + erect aspect, but pale and languid, sitting under a canopy of + state. By the faces and dumb sorrow of those who attended we + thought him in the article of death. At a distance sat a lady, + whose life seemed to hang upon the same thread with his: she kept + her eyes fixed upon him, and seemed to smother ten thousand + thousand nameless things, which urged her tenderness to clasp him + in her arms: but her greatness of spirit overcame those + sentiments, and gave her power to forbear disturbing his last + moment; which immediately approached. The hero looked up with an + air of negligence, and satiety <a class="pagenum" name='page79' + title='79' id="page79"></a>of being, rather than of pain to leave + it; and leaning back his head, expired.<a name='fntag148' id= + "fntag148"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote148'><sup>148</sup></a></p> + + <p>When the heroine, who sat at a distance, saw his last instant + come, she threw herself at his feet, and kneeling, pressed his + hand to her lips; in which posture she continued under the agony + of an unutterable sorrow, till conducted from our sight by her + attendants. That commanding awe, which accompanies the grief of + great minds, restrained the multitude while in her presence; but + as soon as she retired, they gave way to their distraction, and + all the islanders called upon their deceased hero. To him, + methought, they cried out, as to a guardian being, and I gathered + from their broken accents, that it was he who had the empire over + the ocean and its powers, by which he had long protected the + island from shipwreck and invasion. They now give a loose to + their moan, and think themselves exposed without hopes of human + or divine assistance. While the people ran wild, and expressed + all the different forms of lamentation, methought a sable cloud + overshadowed the whole land, and covered its inhabitants with + darkness: no glimpse of light appeared, except one ray from + heaven upon the place in which the heroine now secluded herself + from the world, with her eyes fixed on those abodes to which her + consort was ascended.<a name='fntag149' id= + "fntag149"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote149'><sup>149</sup></a> Methought, a long period of + time had passed away in mourning and in darkness, when a twilight + began by degrees to enlighten the hemisphere; and looking round + me, I saw a boat rowed towards the shore, in which <a class= + "pagenum" name='page80' title='80' id="page80"></a>sat a + personage adorned with warlike trophies, bearing on his left arm + a shield, on which was engraven the image of Victory, and in his + right hand a branch of olive. His visage was at once so winning + and so awful, that the shield and the olive seemed equally + suitable to his genius.</p> + + <p>When this illustrious person<a name='fntag150' id= + "fntag150"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote150'><sup>150</sup></a> touched on the shore, he was + received by the acclamations of the people, and followed to the + palace of the heroine. No pleasure in the glory of her arms, or + the acclamations of her applauding subjects, were ever capable to + suspend her sorrow for one moment, until she saw the olive branch + in the hand of that auspicious messenger. At that sight, as + Heaven bestows its blessings on the wants and importunities of + mortals, out of its native bounty, and not to increase its own + power, or honour, in compassion to the world, the celestial + mourner was then first seen to turn her regard to things below; + and taking the branch out of the warrior's hand, looked at it + with much satisfaction, and spoke of the blessings of peace, with + a voice and accent, such as that in which guardian spirits + whisper to dying penitents assurances of happiness. The air was + hushed, the multitude attentive, and all nature in a pause, while + she was speaking. But as soon as the messenger of peace had made + some low reply, in which, methought, I heard the word Iberia, the + heroine assuming a more severe air, but such as spoke resolution, + without rage, returned him the olive, and again veiled her face. + Loud cries and clashing of arms immediately followed, which + forced me from my charming vision, and drove me back to these + mansions of care and sorrow.<a name='fntag151' id= + "fntag151"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote151'><sup>151</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag143'>[143]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote143' id="footnote143"></a>A very coarse + play by Edward Ravenscroft, produced in 1682, and often acted + on Lord Mayors' days and other holidays.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag144'>[144]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote144' id="footnote144"></a>Charles Le + Brun, who was born in 1619, and died in 1690, was the son of + a sculptor, of Scotch extraction. Under Colbert's patronage + he founded the Academy of Painting and Sculpture, at Paris, + and he received many honours from Louis XIV. Le Brun's + painting of the Defeat of Porus is 16 feet high and 39 feet 5 + inches long.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag145'>[145]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote145' id="footnote145"></a>Porus was an + Indian king who was defeated and put to death by Alexander + the Great. See Q. Curtius, viii. 12, 14.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag146'>[146]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote146' id="footnote146"></a>"Bell. Catil." + cap. 61.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag147'>[147]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote147' id="footnote147"></a>Steele seems to + have forgotten that he was Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq., and had + only an old maid-servant. (Nichols.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag148'>[148]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote148' id="footnote148"></a>Prince George + of Denmark, the consort of Queen Anne, died on October 21, + 1708, after a few days' illness. This dream gives a picture + of the state of England from his death until the conclusion + of the negotiations at the Hague in 1709.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag149'>[149]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote149' id="footnote149"></a>The mourning of + Queen Anne was so long that the manufacturers remonstrated, + and secured a limit to the duration of public mournings.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag150'>[150]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote150' id="footnote150"></a>About this time + the D[uke]. of M[arlborough]. returned from Holland with the + preliminaries of a peace.—(Steele.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag151'>[151]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote151' id="footnote151"></a>"Mr. + Bickerstaff thanks Mr. Quarterstaff for his kind and + instructive letter dated the 26th instant" (folio).</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number9' id="number9"></a><a class="pagenum" name= + 'page81' title='81' id="page81"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 9.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, April 28</i>, to <i>Saturday, April + 30</i>, 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, April 28.</h3> + + <p>This evening we were entertained with "The Old + Bachelor,"<a name='fntag152' id="fntag152"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote152'><sup>152</sup></a> a comedy of deserved + reputation. In the character which gives name to the play, there + is excellently represented the reluctance of a battered debauchee + to come into the trammels of order and decency: he neither + languishes nor burns, but frets for love. The gentlemen of more + regular behaviour are drawn with much spirit and wit, and the + drama introduced by the dialogue of the first scene with + uncommon, yet natural conversation. The part of Fondlewife is a + lively image of the unseasonable fondness of age and impotence. + But instead of such agreeable works as these, the town has this + half age been tormented with insects called "easy writers," whose + abilities Mr. Wycherley one day described excellently well in one + word: "That," said he, "among these fellows is called easy + writing, which any one may easily write." Such jaunty scribblers + are so justly laughed at for their sonnets on Phillis and + Chloris, and fantastical descriptions in them, that an ingenious + kinsman of mine,<a name='fntag153' id="fntag153"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote153'><sup>153</sup></a> of the family of the + Staffs, Mr. Humphrey Wagstaff by name, has, to avoid their + strain, run into a way perfectly new, and described things + exactly as they happen: he never forms fields, or nymphs, or + groves, where they are not, but makes the incidents just as they + <a class="pagenum" name='page82' title='82' id= + "page82"></a>really appear. For an example of it; I stole out of + his manuscript the following lines: they are a Description of the + Morning, but of the morning in town; nay, of the morning at this + end of the town, where my kinsman at present lodges.</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Now hardly here and there an hackney coach + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Appearing, showed the ruddy morn's approach. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Now Betty from her master's bed had flown, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And softly stole to discompose her own. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The slipshod 'prentice from his master's door, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Had pared the street, and sprinkled round the floor. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Now Moll had whirled her mop with dext'rous airs, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Prepared to scrub the entry and the stairs. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The youth with broomy stumps began to trace + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The kennel edge, where wheels had worn the place. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The smallcoal-man was heard with cadence deep, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Till drowned in shriller notes of chimney-sweep. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Duns at his lordship's gate began to meet; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And Brickdust Moll had screamed through half a street; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The turnkey now his flock returning sees, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Duly let out at nights to steal for fees. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The watchful bailiffs take their silent stands; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And schoolboys lag with satchels in their hands. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>All that I apprehend is, that dear Numps will be angry I have + published these lines; not that he has any reason to be ashamed + of them, but for fear of those rogues, the bane to all excellent + performances, the imitators. Therefore, beforehand, I bar all + descriptions of the evenings; as, a medley of verses signifying, + grey-peas are now cried warm: that wenches now begin to amble + round the passages of the playhouse: or of noon; as, that fine + ladies and great beaux are just yawning out of their beds and + windows in Pall Mall, and so forth. I forewarn also all <a class= + "pagenum" name='page83' title='83' id="page83"></a>persons from + encouraging any draughts after my cousin; and foretell any man + who shall go about to imitate him, that he will be very insipid. + The family stock is embarked in this design, and we will not + admit of counterfeits: Dr. Anderson<a name='fntag154' id= + "fntag154"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote154'><sup>154</sup></a> and his heirs enjoy his pills, + Sir. William Read<a name='fntag155' id="fntag155"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote155'><sup>155</sup></a> has the cure of eyes, + and Monsieur Rozelli<a name='fntag156' id= + "fntag156"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote156'><sup>156</sup></a> can only cure the gout. We + pretend to none of these things; but to examine who and who are + together, to tell any mistaken man he is not what he believes he + is, to distinguish merit, and expose false pretences to it, is a + liberty our family has by law in them, from an intermarriage with + a daughter of Mr. Scoggan,<a name='fntag157' id= + "fntag157"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote157'><sup>157</sup></a> the famous droll of the last + century. This right I design to make use of; but will not + encroach upon <a class="pagenum" name='page84' title='84' id= + "page84"></a>the above-mentioned adepts, or any other. At the + same time I shall take all the privileges I may, as an + Englishman, and will lay hold of the late Act of + Naturalisation<a name='fntag158' id="fntag158"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote158'><sup>158</sup></a> to introduce what I shall + think fit from France. The use of that law may, I hope, be + extended to people the polite world with new characters, as well + as the kingdom itself with new subjects. Therefore an author of + that nation, called La Bruyère, I shall make bold with on such + occasions. The last person I read of in that writer, was Lord + Timon.<a name='fntag159' id="fntag159"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote159'><sup>159</sup></a> Timon, says my author, is the + most generous of all men; but is so hurried away with that strong + impulse of bestowing, that he confers benefits without + distinction, and is munificent without laying obligations. For + all the unworthy, who receive from him, <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page85' title='85' id="page85"></a>have so little sense of this + noble infirmity, that they look upon themselves rather as + partners in a spoil, than partakers of a bounty. The other day, + coming into Paris, I met Timon going out on horseback, attended + only by one servant. It struck me with a sudden damp, to see a + man of so excellent a disposition, and that understood making a + figure so very well, so much shortened in his retinue. But + passing by his house, I saw his great coach break to pieces + before his door, and by a strange enchantment, immediately turned + into many different vehicles. The first was a very pretty + chariot, into which stepped his lordship's secretary. The second + was hung a little heavier; into that strutted the fat steward. In + an instant followed a chaise, which was entered by the butler. + The rest of the body and wheels were forthwith changed into + go-carts, and ran away with by the nurses and brats of the rest + of the family. What makes these misfortunes in the affairs of + Timon the more astonishing, is, that he has a better + understanding than those who cheat him; so that a man knows not + which more to wonder at, the indifference of the master, or the + impudence of the servant.</p> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, April 29.</h3> + + <p>It is matter of much speculation among the beaux and oglers, + what it is that can have made so sudden a change, as has been of + late observed, in the whole behaviour of Pastorella, who never + sat still a moment till she was eighteen, which she has now + exceeded by two months. Her aunt, who has the care of her, has + not been always so rigid as she is at this present date; but has + so good a sense of the frailty of woman, and falsehood of man, + that she resolved on all manner of methods to keep Pastorella, if + possible, in safety, against herself, and all her admirers. At + the same time the good lady knew by long <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page86' title='86' id="page86"></a>experience, that a gay + inclination, curbed too rashly, would but run to the greater + excesses for that restraint: therefore intended to watch her, and + take some opportunity of engaging her insensibly in her own + interests, without the anguish of an admonition. You are to know + then, that miss, with all her flirting and ogling, had also + naturally a strong curiosity in her, and was the greatest + eavesdropper breathing. Parisatis (for so her prudent aunt is + called) observed this humour, and retires one day to her closet, + into which she knew Pastorella would peep, and listen to know how + she was employed. It happened accordingly, and the young lady saw + her good governante on her knees, and after a mental behaviour, + break into these words: "As for the dear child committed to my + care, let her sobriety of carriage, and severity of behaviour, be + such, as may make that noble lord, who is taken with her beauty, + turn his designs to such as are honourable." Here Parisatis heard + her niece nestle closer to the keyhole: she then goes on; "Make + her the joyful mother of a numerous and wealthy offspring, and + let her carriage be such, as may make this noble youth expect the + blessings of an happy marriage, from the singularity of her life, + in this loose and censorious age." Miss having heard enough, + sneaks off for fear of discovery, and immediately at her glass, + alters the sitting of her head; then pulls up her tucker,<a name= + 'fntag160' id="fntag160"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote160'><sup>160</sup></a> and forms herself into the + exact manner of Lindamira: in a word, becomes a sincere convert + to everything that's commendable in a fine young lady; and two or + three such matches as her aunt feigned in her devotions, are at + this day in her choice. This is the history and original cause of + Pastorella's conversion from coquetry. The prudence <a class= + "pagenum" name='page87' title='87' id="page87"></a>in the + management of this young lady's temper, and good judgment of it, + is hardly to be exceeded. I scarce remember a greater instance of + forbearance of the usual peevish way with which the aged treat + the young, than this, except that of our famous Noye,<a name= + 'fntag161' id="fntag161"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote161'><sup>161</sup></a> whose good nature went so far, + as to make him put off his admonitions to his son, even till + after his death; and did not give him his thoughts of him, till + he came to read that memorable passage in his will: "All the rest + of my estate," says he, "I leave to my son Edward (who is + executor to this my will) to be squandered as he shall think fit: + I leave it him for that purpose, and hope no better from him." A + generous disdain and reflection, upon how little he deserved from + so excellent a father, reformed the young man, and made Edward, + from an errant rake, become a fine gentleman.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, April 29.</h3> + + <p>Letters from Portugal of the 18th instant, dated from + Estremos, say, that on the 6th the Earl of Galway arrived at that + place, and had the satisfaction to see the quarters well + furnished with all manner of provisions, and a quantity of bread + sufficient for subsisting the troops for sixty days, besides + biscuits for twenty-five days. The enemy give out, that they + shall bring into the field 14 regiments of horse, and 24 + battalions. The troops in the service of Portugal will make up + 14,000 foot, and 4000 <a class="pagenum" name='page88' title='88' + id="page88"></a>horse. On the day these letters were despatched, + the Earl of Galway received advice, that the Marquis de Bay was + preparing for some enterprise, by gathering his troops together + on the frontiers. Whereupon his Excellency resolved to go that + same night to Villa-Vicosa, to assemble the troops in that + neighbourhood, in order to disappoint his designs.</p> + + <p>Yesterday in the evening Captain Foxon, aide-de-camp to + Major-General Cadogan, arrived here express from the Duke of + Marlborough. And this day a mail is come in, with letters dated + from Brussels of the 6th of May, N.S., which advise, that the + enemy had drawn together a body, consisting of 20,000 men, with a + design, as was supposed, to intercept the great convoy on the + march towards Lille, which was safely arrived at Menin and + Courtray, in its way to that place, the French having retired + without making any attempt.</p> + + <p>We hear from the Hague, that a person of the first quality is + arrived in the Low Countries from France, in order to be a + plenipotentiary in an ensuing treaty of peace.</p> + + <p>Letters from France acknowledge, that Monsieur Bernard has + made no higher offers of satisfaction to his creditors than of + £35 per cent.</p> + + <p>These advices add, that the Marshal Boufflers, Monsieur Torcy + (who distinguished himself formerly, by advising the Court of + France to adhere to the treaty of partition), and Monsieur + d'Harcourt (who negotiated with Cardinal Portocarrero for the + succession of the crown of Spain in the House of Bourbon), are + all three joined in a commission for a treaty of peace. The + Marshal is come to Ghent: the other two are arrived at the + Hague.</p> + + <p>It is confidently reported here that the Right Honour<a class= + "pagenum" name='page89' title='89' id="page89"></a>able the Lord + Townshend is to go with his Grace the Duke of Marlborough into + Holland.<a name='fntag162' id="fntag162"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote162'><sup>162</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag152'>[152]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote152' id="footnote152"></a>Congreve's + first play, produced in 1693. See also No. 193. This piece is attacked in Jeremy + Collier's "Short View of the Profaneness and Immorality of + the English Stage," 1698.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag153'>[153]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote153' id="footnote153"></a>Swift.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag154'>[154]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote154' id="footnote154"></a>A Scotch + physician in the reigns of Charles I. and Charles II. An + advertisement of his "famous Scots Pills" requested the + public to beware of counterfeits, especially an ignorant + pretender, one Muffen, who kept a china-shop.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag155'>[155]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote155' id="footnote155"></a>"Henley would + fain have me to go with Steele and Rowe, &c., to an + invitation at Sir William Read's. Surely you have heard of + him. He has been a mountebank, and is the Queen's oculist; he + makes admirable punch, and treats you in gold vessels. But I + am engaged, and won't go; neither indeed am I fond of the + jaunt" (Swift's "Journal," April 11, 1711). Read was knighted + in 1705, for services done in curing soldiers and sailors of + blindness gratis. Beginning life as a tailor, he became Queen + Anne's oculist in ordinary, and died in 1715. See + <i>Spectator</i>, No. 547.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag156'>[156]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote156' id="footnote156"></a>Rozelli, the + inventor of a specific for the gout, died at the Hague. In + <a href='#number33'>No. 33</a> was an advertisement of the + "Memoirs of the Life and Adventures of Signior Rozelli, at + the Hague, giving a particular account of his birth, + education, slavery, monastic state, imprisonment in the + Inquisition at Rome, and the different figures he has since + made, as well in Italy, as in France and Holland.... Done + into English from the second edition of the French." This + work, like the continuation of 1724, has been wrongly + attributed to Defoe. Rozelli advertised in the <i>London + Gazette</i>, for July 19, 1709, that the book was entirely + fictitious, and a libel upon his character.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag157'>[157]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote157' id="footnote157"></a>We learn from + Ben Jonson, that Scoggan, or Skogan, was M.A., and lived in + the time of Henry IV. "He made disguises for the King's sons, + writ in ballad-royal daintily well, and was regarded and + rewarded." Jonson calls him the moral Skogan; and introduces + him with Skelton, the poet laureate of Henry VIII., into his + Masque, entitled "The Fortunate Isles," where he keeps them + in character, and makes them rhyme in their own manner.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag158'>[158]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote158' id="footnote158"></a>7 Anne, cap. 5, + was an "Act for naturalising Foreign Protestants." After the + preamble, "Whereas many strangers of the Protestant or + reformed religion would be induced to transport themselves + and their estates into this kingdom, if they might be made + partakers of the advantages and privileges which the + natural-born subjects thereof do enjoy," it was enacted that + all persons taking the oaths, and making and subscribing the + declaration appointed by 6 Anne, cap. 23, should be deemed + natural-born subjects; but no person was to have the benefit + of this Act unless he received the sacrament. The Act was + repealed by 10 Anne, c. 5, because "divers mischiefs and + inconveniences have been found by experience to follow from + the same, to the discouragement of the natural-born subjects + of this kingdom, and to the detriment of the trade and wealth + thereof."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag159'>[159]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote159' id="footnote159"></a>It has been + alleged that there is here an allusion to the Duke of Ormond, + whose servants enriched themselves at their master's expense + (see <i>Examiner</i>, vol. iii. p. 48). But in the + <i>Guardian</i>, No. 53, Steele, writing in his own name, + declared that the character of Timon was not disgraceful, and + that when he drew it he thought it resembled himself more + than any one else.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag160'>[160]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote160' id="footnote160"></a>The tucker, an + edging round the top of a low dress, began to be discontinued + about 1713, as appears from complaints in the + <i>Guardian</i>, <i>passim</i>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag161'>[161]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote161' id="footnote161"></a>"William Noye, + of St. Burian in Cornwall, gentleman, was made + Attorney-General in 1631; his will is dated June 3, 1634, + about a month or six weeks before his death. The expedient + did not operate an alteration in his son so altogether + favourable; for within two years Edward was slain in a duel + by one Captain Byron, who was pardoned for it" (Wood's + "Athen. Oxon." 1691, i. 506). Noye's character is drawn in + the first book of Clarendon's "History of the Civil War."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag162'>[162]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote162' id="footnote162"></a>"Mr. + Bickerstaff has received the epistles of Mrs. Rebecca + Wagstaff, Timothy Pikestaff and Wagstaff, which he will + acknowledge farther as occasion shall serve" (folio).</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number10' id="number10"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 10.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>By Mrs.<a name='fntag163' id="fntag163"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote163'><sup>163</sup></a> JENNY DISTAFF, + half-sister to Mr. BICKERSTAFF.</h3> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, April 30</i>, to <i>Tuesday, May 3</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, May 1.</h3> + + <p>My brother Isaac having a sudden occasion to go out of town, + ordered me to take upon me the despatch of the next advices from + home, with liberty to speak it my own way; not doubting the + allowances which would be given to a writer of my sex. You may be + sure I undertook it with much satisfaction, and I confess, I am + not a little pleased with the opportunity of running over all the + papers in his closet, which he has left open for my use on this + occasion. The first that I lay my hands on, is, <a class= + "pagenum" name='page90' title='90' id="page90"></a>a treatise + concerning "The Empire of Beauty," and the effects it has had in + all nations of the world, upon the public and private actions of + men; with an appendix, which he calls, "The Bachelor's Scheme for + Governing his Wife." The first thing he makes this gentleman + propose, is, that she shall be no woman; for she is to have an + aversion to balls, to operas, to visits: she is to think his + company sufficient to fill up all the hours of life with great + satisfaction: she is never to believe any other man wise, + learned, or valiant; or at least but in a second degree. In the + next place, he intends she shall be a cuckold; but expects, that + he himself must live in perfect security from that terror. He + dwells a great while on instructions for her discreet behaviour, + in case of his falsehood. I have not patience with these + unreasonable expectations, therefore turn back to the treatise + itself. Here, indeed, my brother deduces all the revolutions + among men from the passion of love; and in his preface, answers + that usual observation against us, that there is no quarrel + without a woman in it, with a gallant assertion, that there is + nothing else worth quarrelling for. My brother is of a complexion + truly amorous; all his thoughts and actions carry in them a + tincture of that obliging inclination; and this turn has opened + his eyes to see, we are not the inconsiderable creatures which + unlucky pretenders to our favour would insinuate. He observes + that no man begins to make any tolerable figure, till he sets out + with the hopes of pleasing some one of us. No sooner he takes + that in hand, but he pleases every one else by-the-bye. It has an + immediate effect upon his behaviour. There is Colonel Ranter, who + never spoke without an oath, till he saw the Lady Betty + Modish;<a name='fntag164' id="fntag164"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote164'><sup>164</sup></a> now never gives his man an + order, <a class="pagenum" name='page91' title='91' id= + "page91"></a>but it is, "Pray, Tom, do it." The drawers where he + drinks live in perfect happiness. He asked Will at the "George" + the other day how he did? Where he used to say, "Damn it, it is + so," he now believes there is some mistake: he must confess, he + is of another opinion; but however he won't insist.</p> + + <p>Every temper, except downright insipid, is to be animated and + softened by the influence of beauty: but of this untractable sort + is a lifeless handsome fellow that visits us, whom I have dressed + at this twelvemonth; but he is as insensible of all the arts I + use, as if he conversed all that time with his nurse. He outdoes + our whole sex in all the faults our enemies impute to us; he has + brought laziness into an opinion, and makes his indolence his + philosophy: insomuch, that no longer ago than yesterday in the + evening he gave me this account of himself: "I am, madam, + perfectly unmoved at all that passes among men, and seldom give + myself the fatigue of going among them; but when I do, I always + appear the same thing to those whom I converse with. My hours of + existence, or being awake, are from eleven in the morning to + eleven at night; half of which I live to myself, in picking my + teeth, washing my hands, paring my nails, and looking in the + glass. The insignificancy of my manners to the rest of the world + makes the laughers call me a <i>quidnunc</i>, a phrase I shall + never inquire what they mean by it. The last of me each night is + at St. James's Coffee-house, where I converse, yet never fall + into a dispute on any occasion, but leave the understanding I + have, passive of all that goes through it, without entering into + the business of life. <a class="pagenum" name='page92' title='92' + id="page92"></a>And thus, madam, have I arrived by laziness, to + what others pretend to by devotion, a perfect neglect of the + world." Sure, if our sex had the liberty of frequenting + public-houses and conversations, we should put these rivals of + our faults and follies out of countenance. However, we shall soon + have the pleasure of being acquainted with them one way or other, + for my brother Isaac designs, for the use of our sex, to give the + exact characters of all the chief politicians who frequent any of + the coffee-houses from St. James's to the Change; but designs to + begin with that cluster of wise heads, as they are found sitting + every evening, from the left side of the fire, at the + Smyrna,<a name='fntag165' id="fntag165"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote165'><sup>165</sup></a> to the door. This will be of + great service for us, and I have authority to promise an exact + journal of their deliberations; the publication of which I am to + be allowed for pin-money. In the meantime, I cast my eye upon a + new book, which gave me a more pleasing entertainment, being a + sixth part of "Miscellany Poems," published by Jacob + Tonson,<a name='fntag166' id="fntag166"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote166'><sup>166</sup></a> which I find, by my brother's + notes upon it, no way inferior to the other volumes. There are, + it seems, in this, a collection of the best pastorals that have + hitherto appeared in England; but among them, none superior to + that dialogue between Sylvia and Dorinda, written by one of my + own sex,<a name='fntag167' id="fntag167"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote167'><sup>167</sup></a> where all our little + weak<a class="pagenum" name='page93' title='93' id= + "page93"></a>nesses are laid open in a manner more just, and + with, truer raillery than ever man yet hit upon.</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Only this I now discern. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + From the things thou'st have me learn; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + That womankind's peculiar joys + </div> + + <div class="line"> + From past or present beauties rise. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>But to reassume my first design, there cannot be a greater + instance of the command of females, than in the prevailing charms + of the heroine in the play which was acted this night, called + "All for Love; or, The World Well Lost."<a name='fntag168' id= + "fntag168"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote168'><sup>168</sup></a> The enamoured Antony resigns + glory and power to the force of the attractive Cleopatra, whose + charms were the defence of her diadem, against a people otherwise + invincible. It is so natural for women to talk of themselves, + that it is to be hoped all my own sex, at least, will pardon me, + that I could fall into no other discourse. If we have their + favour, we give ourselves very little anxiety for the rest of our + readers. I believe I see a sentence of Latin in my brother's + day-book of wit, which seems applicable on this occasion, and in + contempt of the critics.</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line i2"> + —Tristitiam et metus + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Tradam protectis in mare Criticum + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Portare ventis.<a name='fntag169' id= + "fntag169"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote169'><sup>169</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>But I am interrupted by a packet from Mr. Kidney,<a name= + 'fntag170' id="fntag170"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote170'><sup>170</sup></a> from the St. James's + Coffee-house, which I am obliged to insert in the very style and + words which Mr. Kidney uses in his letter.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page94' title='94' id= + "page94"></a></p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, May 2.</h3> + + <p>We are advised by letters from Berne, dated the 1st instant, + N.S., that the Duke of Berwick arrived at Lyons the 25th of the + last month, and continued his journey the next day to visit the + passes of the mountains, and other posts in Dauphine and + Provence. These letters also informed us, that the miseries of + the people in France are heightened to that degree, that unless a + peace be speedily concluded, half of that kingdom would perish + for want of bread. On the 24th, the Marshal de Thesse passed + through Lyons, in his way to Versailles; and two battalions, + which were marching from Alsace to reinforce the army of the Duke + of Berwick, passed also through that place. Those troops were to + be followed by six Battalions more.</p> + + <p>Letters from Naples of the 16th of April say, that the Marquis + de Prie's son was arrived there, with instructions from his + father, to signify to the viceroy the necessity his Imperial + Majesty was under, of desiring an aid from that kingdom, for + carrying on the extraordinary expenses of the war. On the 14th of + the same month, they made a review of the Spanish troops in that + garrison, and afterwards of the marines; one part of whom will + embark with those designed for Barcelona, and the rest are to be + sent on board the galleys appointed to convoy provisions to that + place.</p> + + <p>We hear from Rome, by letters dated the 20th of April, that + the Count de Mellos, envoy from the King of Portugal, had made + his public entry into that city with much state and magnificence. + The Pope has lately held two other consistories, wherein he made + a promotion of two cardinals; but the acknowledgment of King + Charles is still deferred.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page95' title='95' id= + "page95"></a>Letters from other parts of Italy advise us, that + the Doge of Venice continues dangerously ill: that the Prince de + Carignan, having relapsed into a violent fever, died the 23rd of + April, in his 80th year.</p> + + <p>Advices from Vienna of the 27th of April import, that the + Archbishop of Saltzburg is dead, who is succeeded by Count + Harrach, formerly Bishop of Vienna, and for these last three + years coadjutor to the said Archbishop; and that Prince + Maximilian of Lichtenstein has likewise departed this life, at + his country seat called Cromaw in Moravia. These advices add, + that the Emperor has named Count Zinzendorf, Count Goes, and + Monsieur Consbruck, for his plenipotentiaries in an ensuing + treaty of peace; and they hear from Hungary, that the + Imperialists have had several successful skirmishes with the + malcontents.</p> + + <p>Letters from Paris, dated May the 6th, say, that the Marshal + de Thesse arrived there on the 29th of the last month; and that + the Chevalier de Beuil was sent thither by Don Pedro Ronquillo + with advice, that the confederate squadron appeared before + Alicante the 17th, and having for some time cannonaded the city, + endeavoured to land some troops for the relief of the castle; but + General Stanhope finding the passes well guarded, and the + enterprise dangerous, demanded to capitulate for the castle; + which being granted him, the garrison, consisting of 600 regular + troops, marched out with their arms and baggage the day + following; and being received on board, they immediately set sail + for Barcelona. These letters add, that the march of the French + and Swiss regiments is further deferred for a few days; and that + the Duke of Noailles was just ready to set out for Roussillon, as + well as the Count de Bezons for Catalonia.</p> + + <p>The same advices say, bread was sold at Paris for 6d. + <a class="pagenum" name='page96' title='96' id="page96"></a>per + pound; and that there was not half enough, even at that rate, to + supply the necessities of the people, which reduced them to the + utmost despair; that 300 men had taken up arms, and having + plundered the market of the suburb St. Germain, pressed down by + their multitude the King's Guards who opposed them. Two of those + mutineers were afterwards seized, and condemned to death; but + four others went to the magistrate who pronounced that sentence, + and told him, he must expect to answer with his own life for + those of their comrades. All order and sense of government being + thus lost among the enraged people, to keep up a show of + authority, the captain of the Guards, who saw all their + insolence, pretended, that he had represented to the King their + deplorable condition, and had obtained their pardon. It is + further reported, that the Dauphin and Duchess of Burgundy, as + they went to the Opera, were surrounded by crowds of people, who + upbraided them with their neglect of the general calamity, in + going to diversions, when the whole people were ready to perish + for want of bread. Edicts are daily published to suppress these + riots, and papers, with menaces against the Government, are + publicly thrown about. Among others, these words were dropped in + a court of justice: "France wants a Ravilliac or a Jesuit to + deliver her." Besides this universal distress, there is a + contagious sickness, which, it is feared, will end in a + pestilence. Letters from Bordeaux bring accounts no less + lamentable: the peasants are driven by hunger from their abodes + into that city, and make lamentations in the streets without + redress.</p> + + <p>We are advised by letters from the Hague, dated the 10th + instant, N.S., that on the 6th, the Marquis de Torcy arrived + there from Paris; but the passport, by which he came, having been + sent blank by Monsieur Rouillé, he <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page97' title='97' id="page97"></a>was there two days before his + quality was known. That Minister offered to communicate to + Monsieur Heinsius the proposals which he had to make; but the + pensionary refused to see them, and said, he would signify it to + the States, who deputed some of their own body to acquaint him, + That they would enter into no negotiation till the arrival of his + Grace the Duke of Marlborough, and the other Ministers of the + Alliance. Prince Eugene was expected there the 12th instant from + Brussels. It is said, that besides Monsieur de Torcy and Monsieur + Pajot, Director-general of the Posts, there are two or three + persons at the Hague whose names are not known; but it is + supposed that the Duke d'Alba, ambassador from the Duke of Anjou, + was one of them. The States have sent letters to all the cities + of the Provinces, desiring them to send their deputies to receive + the propositions of peace made by the Court of France.<a name= + 'fntag171' id="fntag171"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote171'><sup>171</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag163'>[163]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote163' id="footnote163"></a>The word "Miss" + was still confined, in Steele's day, to very young girls or + to young women of giddy or doubtful character. Thus + Pastorella in <a href='#number9'>No. 9</a> is called "Miss," + and similarly we find "Miss Gruel" in <a href='#number33'>No. + 33</a>. In the "Original Letters to the <i>Tatler</i> and + <i>Spectator</i>," printed by Charles Lillie (i. 223) there + is a "Table of the Titles and Distinctions of Women," from + which what follows is extracted. "Let all + country-gentlewomen, without regard to more or less fortune, + content themselves with being addressed by the style of + 'Mrs.' Let 'Madam' govern independently in the city, &c. + Let no women after the known age of 21 presume to admit of + her being called 'Miss,' unless she can fairly prove she is + not out of her sampler. Let every common maid-servant be + plain 'Jane,' 'Doll,' or 'Sue,' and let the better-born and + higher-placed be distinguished by 'Mrs. Patience,' 'Mrs. + Prue,' or 'Mrs. Abigail.'"</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag164'>[164]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote164' id="footnote164"></a>Perhaps there + is here an illusion to Mrs. Anne Oldfield (died 1730), and + Brigadier-General Charles Churchill, brother of the Duke of + Marlborough. Mrs. Oldfield acted as Lady Betty Modish in + Cibber's "Careless Husband," a part which was not only + written for, but copied from her. Her son by Churchill + married Lady Mary Walpole.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag165'>[165]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote165' id="footnote165"></a>A coffee-house + in Pall Mall. Swift and Prior frequented it: "Prior and I + came away at nine, and sat at the Smyrna till eleven + receiving acquaintance." "I walked a little in the Park till + Prior made me go with him to the Smyrna + Coffee-house."—("Journal to Stella," Oct. 15, 1710; + Feb. 19, 1711.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag166'>[166]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote166' id="footnote166"></a>The sixth and + last volume of the "Dryden" Miscellany Poems was published by + Tonson in 1709. The elder Tonson, who was founder and + secretary of the Kit Cat Club, died in 1736.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag167'>[167]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote167' id="footnote167"></a>By Elizabeth + Singer, who became Mrs. Rowe in 1710, and died in 1737. + Besides poems which gained for her the friendship of Prior, + Dr. Watts, and Bishop Ken, she published "Friendship in + Death, in twenty letters from the Dead to the Living," and + "Letters Moral and Entertaining."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag168'>[168]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote168' id="footnote168"></a>Dryden's + version of "Antony and Cleopatra" was produced in 1673.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag169'>[169]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote169' id="footnote169"></a>Horace, 1 Od. + xxvi. 2. The joke consists in Mrs. Jenny Distaff mistaking + Horace's "Creticum" for "Criticum," and so misapplying the + passage.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag170'>[170]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote170' id="footnote170"></a>See <a href= + '#number1'>No. 1</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag171'>[171]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote171' id="footnote171"></a>"In the absence + of Mr. Bickerstaff, Mrs. Distaff has received Mr. Nathaniel + Broomstick's letter" (folio).</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number11' id="number11"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 11.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>By ISAAC BICKERSTAFF, Esq.</h3> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday May 3,</i> to <i>Thursday, May 5</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, May 3.</h3> + + <p>A kinsman<a name='fntag172' id="fntag172"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote172'><sup>172</sup></a> has sent me a letter, + wherein he informs me, he had lately resolved to write an heroic + poem, but by business had been interrupted, and has only made one + <a class="pagenum" name='page98' title='98' id= + "page98"></a>similitude, which he should be afflicted to have + wholly lost, and begs of me to apply it to something, being very + desirous to see it well placed in the world. I am so willing to + help the distressed, that I have taken it in; but though his + greater genius might very well distinguish his verses from mine, + I have marked where his begin. His lines are a description of the + sun in eclipse, which I know nothing more like than a brave man + in sorrow, who bears it as he should, without imploring the pity + of his friends, or being dejected with the contempt of his + enemies. As in the case of Cato:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + When all the globe to Cæsar's fortune bowed, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Cato alone his empire disallowed; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + With inborn strength alone opposed mankind, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + With heaven in view, to all below it blind: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Regardless of his friend's applause, or moan, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Alone triumphant, since he falls alone. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Thus when the Ruler of the genial day, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Behind some darkening planet forms his way, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Desponding mortals, with officious care, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The concave drum, and magic brass prepare; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Implore him to sustain the important fight, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And save depending worlds from endless night. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Fondly they hope their labour may avail, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + To ease his conflict, and assist his toil. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Whilst he in beams of native splendour bright, } + </div> + + <div class="line"> + (Though dark his orb appear to human sight) } + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Shines to the gods with more diffusive light. } + </div> + + <div class="line"> + To distant stars with equal glory burns, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Inflames their lamps, and feeds their golden urns. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Sure to retain his known superior tract, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And proves the more illustrious by defect." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page99' title='99' id= + "page99"></a>This is a very lively image; but I must take the + liberty to say, my kinsman drives the sun a little like Phaëton: + he has all the warmth of Phœbus, but won't stay for his + direction of it. Avail and toil, defect and tract, will never do + for rhymes. But, however, he has the true spirit in him; for + which reason I was willing to entertain anything he pleased to + send me. The subject which he writes upon, naturally raises great + reflections in the soul, and puts us in mind of the mixed + condition which we mortals are to support; which, as it varies to + good or bad, adorns or defaces our actions to the beholders: All + which glory and shame must end in what we so much repine at, + death. But doctrines on this occasion, any other than that of + living well, are the most insignificant and most empty of all the + labours of men. None but a tragedian can die by rule, and wait + till he discovers a plot, or says a fine thing upon his exit. In + real life, this is a chimera; and by noble spirits, it will be + done decently, without the ostentation of it. We see men of all + conditions and characters go through it with equal resolution: + and if we consider the speeches of the mighty philosophers, + heroes, law-givers, and great captains, they can produce no more + in a discerning spirit, than rules to make a man a fop on his + death-bed. Commend me to that natural greatness of soul, + expressed by an innocent, and consequently resolute, country + fellow, who said in the pains of the colic, "If I once get this + breath out of my body, you shall hang me before you put it in + again." Honest Ned! and so he died.<a name='fntag173' id= + "fntag173"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote173'><sup>173</sup></a></p> + + <p>But it is to be supposed, from this place you may expect an + account of such a thing as a new play is not to be omitted. That + acted this night is the newest that ever <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page100' title='100' id="page100"></a>was writ. The author is my + ingenious friend Mr. Thomas D——y. The drama is + called, "The Modern Prophets,"<a name='fntag174' id= + "fntag174"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote174'><sup>174</sup></a> and is a most unanswerable + satire against the late spirit of enthusiasm. The writer had by + long experience observed, that in company, very grave discourses + have been followed by bawdry; and therefore has turned the humour + that way with great success, and taken from his audience all + manner of superstition, by the agitations of pretty Mrs. + Bignell,<a name='fntag175' id="fntag175"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote175'><sup>175</sup></a> whom he has, with great + subtlety, made a lay-sister, as well as a prophetess; by which + means, she carries on the affairs of both worlds with great + success. My friend designs to go on with another work against + winter, which he intends to call, "The Modern Poets"; a people no + less mistaken in their opinions of being inspired than the other. + In order to this, he has by him seven songs, besides many + ambiguities, which cannot be mistaken for anything but what he + means them. Mr. D——y generally writes state-plays, + and is wonderfully useful to the world in such representations. + This method is the same that was used by old Athenians, to laugh + out of countenance, or promote opinions among the people. My + friend has therefore, against this play is acted for his own + benefit, made two dances, which may be also of an universal + benefit. In the first he has represenced absolute power, in the + person of a tall man with a hat and feather, who gives his first + minister, that stands just before him, a huge kick: the minister + gives the kick to the next before; and so to the end of the + stage. In this moral and practical jest, you <a class="pagenum" + name='page101' title='101' id="page101"></a>are made to + understand, that there is, in an absolute government, no + gratification, but giving the kick you receive from one above you + to one below you. This is performed to a grave and melancholy + air; but on a sudden the tune moves quicker, and the whole + company fall into a circle and take hands; then, at a certain + sharp note, they move round, and kick as kick can. This latter + performance he makes to be the representation of a free state; + where, if you all mind your steps, you may go round and round + very jollily, with a motion pleasant to yourselves and those you + dance with: nay, if you put yourselves out, at the worst you only + kick, and are kicked, like friends and equals.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, May 4.</h3> + + <p>Of all the vanities under the sun, I confess, that of being + proud of one's birth is the greatest. At the same time, since in + this unreasonable age, by the force of prevailing custom, things + in which men have no hand are imputed to them; and that I am used + by some people, as if Isaac Bickerstaff, though I write myself + "Esquire," was nobody: to set the world right in that particular, + I shall give you my genealogy, as a kinsman of ours has sent it + me from the Heralds' Office. It is certain, and observed by the + wisest writers, that there are women who are not nicely chaste, + and men not severely honest in all families; therefore let those + who may be apt to raise aspersions upon ours, please to give us + as impartial an account of their own, and we shall be satisfied. + The business of heralds is a matter of so great nicety, that to + avoid mistakes, I shall give you my cousin's letter verbatim, + without altering a syllable.<a name='fntag176' id= + "fntag176"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote176'><sup>176</sup></a></p> + + <p>"<a class="pagenum" name='page102' title='102' id= + "page102"></a>DEAR COUSIN,</p> + + <p>"Since you have been pleased to make yourself so famous of + late, by your ingenious writings, and some time ago by your + learned Predictions: since Partridge, of immortal memory, is dead + and gone, who, poetical as he was, could not understand his own + poetry; and philomathical as he was, could not read his own + destiny: since the Pope, the King of France, and great part of + his Court, are either literally or metaphorically defunct: since, + I say, these things (not foretold by any one but yourself) have + come to pass after so surprising a manner; it is with no small + concern I see the original of the Staffian race so little known + in the world as it is at this time; for which reason, as you have + employed your studies in astronomy and the occult sciences, so I, + my mother being a Welsh woman, dedicated mine to genealogy, + particularly that of our own family, which, for its antiquity and + number, may challenge any in Great Britain. The Staffs are + originally of Staffordshire, which took its name from them: the + first that I find of the Staffs was one Jacobstaff, a famous and + renowned astronomer, who by Dorothy his wife, had issue seven + sons; viz., Bickerstaff, Longstaff, Wagstaff, Quarterstaff, + Whitestaff, Falstaff, and Tipstaff. He also had a younger brother + who was twice married, and had five sons; viz., Distaff, + Pikestaff, Mopstaff, Broomstaff, and Raggedstaff. As for the + branch from whence you <a class="pagenum" name='page103' title= + '103' id="page103"></a>spring, I shall say very little of it, + only that it is the chief of the Staffs, and called Bickerstaff, + <i>quasi</i> Biggerstaff; as much as to say, the great staff, or + staff of staffs; and that it has applied itself to astronomy with + great success, after the example of our aforesaid forefather. The + descendants from Longstaff, the second son, were a rakish + disorderly sort of people, and rambled from one place to another, + till in Harry II.'s time they settled in Kent, and were called + Long-tails, from the long tails which were sent them as a + punishment for the murder of Thomas-à-Becket, as the legends say; + they have been always sought after by the ladies; but whether it + be to show their aversion to popery, or their love to miracles, I + can't say. The Wagstaffs are a merry thoughtless sort of people, + who have always been opinionated of their own wit; they have + turned themselves mostly to poetry. This is the most numerous + branch of our family, and the poorest. The Quarterstaffs are most + of them prize-fighters or deer-stealers. There have been so many + of them hanged lately, that there are very few of that branch of + our family left. The Whitestaffs<a name='fntag177' id= + "fntag177"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote177'><sup>177</sup></a> are all courtiers, and have had + very considerable places: there have been some of them of that + strength and dexterity, that five hundred of the ablest men in + the kingdom<a name='fntag178' id="fntag178"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote178'><sup>178</sup></a> have often tugged in vain + to pull a staff out of their hands. The Falstaffs are strangely + given to whoring and drinking: there are abundance of them in and + about London. And one thing is very remarkable of this branch, + and that is, there are just as many women as men in it. There was + a wicked stick of wood of this name in Harry IV.'s time, one Sir + John Falstaff. As for Tipstaff, the youngest son, he was + <a class="pagenum" name='page104' title='104' id="page104"></a>an + honest fellow; but his sons, and his sons' sons, have all of them + been the veriest rogues living: it is this unlucky branch has + stocked the nation with that swarm of lawyers, attorneys, + serjeants, and bailiffs, with which the nation is overrun. + Tipstaff, being a seventh son, used to cure the king's evil; but + his rascally descendants are so far from having that healing + quality, that by a touch upon the shoulder, they give a man such + an ill habit of body, that he can never come abroad afterwards. + This is all I know of the line of Jacobstaff: his younger brother + Isaacstaff, as I told you before, had five sons, and was married + twice; his first wife was a Staff (for they did not stand upon + false heraldry in those days), by whom he had one son, who in + process of time, being a schoolmaster, and well read in the + Greek, called himself Distaff or Twicestaff: he was not very + rich, so he put his children out to trades; and the Distaffs have + ever since been employed in the woollen and linen manufactures, + except myself, who am a genealogist. Pikestaff, the eldest son by + the second venter, was a man of business, a downright plodding + fellow, and withal so plain, that he became a proverb. Most of + this family are at present in the army. Raggedstaff was an + unlucky boy, and used to tear his clothes getting birds' nests, + and was always playing with a tame bear his father kept. Mopstaff + fell in love with one of his father's maids, and used to help her + to clean the house. Broomstaff was a chimney-sweeper. The + Mopstaffs and Broomstaffs are naturally as civil people as ever + went out of doors; but alas! if they once get into ill hands, + they knock down all before them. Pilgrimstaff run away from his + friends, and went strolling about the country: and Pipestaff was + a wine-cooper. These two were the unlawful issue of + Longstaff.</p> + + <p>"N.B. The Canes, the Clubs, the Cudgels, the Wands, <a class= + "pagenum" name='page105' title='105' id="page105"></a>the Devil + upon two Sticks, and one Bread, that goes by the name of Staff of + Life, are none of our relations.</p> + + <p>"I am, dear Cousin,</p> + + <p>"Your humble Servant,</p> + + <p class="right">"D. DISTAFF.</p> + + <p>"From the Heralds' Office, <i>May 1</i>."</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, May 4.</h3> + + <p>As politic news is not the principal subject on which we + treat, we are so happy as to have no occasion for that art of + cookery, which our brother-newsmongers so much excel in; as + appears by their excellent and inimitable manner of dressing up a + second time for your taste the same dish which they gave you the + day before, in case there come over no new pickles from Holland. + Therefore, when we have nothing to say to you from courts and + camps, we hope still to give you somewhat new and curious from + ourselves: the women of our house, upon occasion, being capable + of carrying on the business, according to the laudable custom of + the wives in Holland; but, without further preface, take what we + have not mentioned in our former relations.</p> + + <p>Letters from Hanover of the 30th of the last month say, that + the Prince Royal of Prussia arrived there on the 15th, and left + that Court on the 2nd of this month, in pursuit of his journey to + Flanders, where he makes the ensuing campaign. Those advices add, + that the young Prince Nassau, hereditary governor of Friesland, + consummated on the 26th of the last month his marriage with the + beauteous princess of Hesse-Cassel, with a pomp and magnificence + suitable to their age and quality.</p> + + <p>Letters from Paris say, his most Christian Majesty retired to + Marli on the 1st instant, N.S., and our last advices from Spain + inform us, that the Prince of Asturias had made his public entry + into Madrid in great splendour. The Duke of Anjou has given Don + Joseph Hartado de Amaraga the government of Terra-Firma de + Veragua, and the presidency of Panama in America. They add, That + the forces commanded by the Marquis de Bay had been reinforced by + six battalions of Spanish and Walloon guards. Letters from Lisbon + advise, That the army of the King of Portugal was at Elvas on the + 22nd of the last month, and would decamp on the 24th, in order to + march upon the enemy, who lay at Badajos.</p> + + <p>Yesterday, at four in the morning, his Grace the Duke of + Marlborough set out for Margate, and embarked for Holland at + eight this morning.</p> + + <p>Yesterday also, Sir George Thorold was declared Alderman of + Cordwainers' Ward, in the room of his brother Sir Charles + Thorold, deceased.<a name='fntag179' id="fntag179"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote179'><sup>179</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag172'>[172]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote172' id="footnote172"></a>Jabez Hughes + (died 1731), the author of these verses, was the younger + brother of John Hughes. He published several translations, + and his "Miscellanies in Verse and Prose" appeared in + 1737.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag173'>[173]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote173' id="footnote173"></a>"Honest Ned" + was a farmer on the estate of Anthony Henley, who mentions + this saying in a letter to Swift.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag174'>[174]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote174' id="footnote174"></a>D'Urfey's + "Modern Prophets" attacked the enthusiasts known as "French + Prophets," who were in the habit of assembling in Moorfields + to exert their alleged gifts. Lord Chesterfield says that the + Government took no steps, except to direct Powell, the + puppet-show man, to make Punch turn prophet, which he did so + well, that it put an end to the fanatics.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag175'>[175]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote175' id="footnote175"></a>See <a href= + '#number3'>No. 3</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag176'>[176]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote176' id="footnote176"></a>The letter is + by Heneage Twysden. (See Steele's Preface.) Heneage Twysden + was the seventh son of Sir William Twysden, Bart., of Roydon + Hall, East Peckham, Kent. At the time of his death (1709, + aged 29) he was a captain of foot in Sir Richard Temple's + Regiment, and aide-de-camp to John, Duke of Argyle. Near his + monument in the north aisle of the Abbey are two other small + ones to the memory of his brothers Josiah and John. Josiah, a + captain of foot, was killed in Flanders in 1708, in his 23rd + year; John was a lieutenant in the admiral's ship, under Sir + Cloudesley Shovel, and perished with him in 1707, in his 24th + year. [Chalmers.]—Heneage Twysden was killed at the + battle of Blarequies.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag177'>[177]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote177' id="footnote177"></a>The allusion is + to the staff carried by the First Lord of the Treasury.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag178'>[178]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote178' id="footnote178"></a>The House of + Commons.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag179'>[179]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote179' id="footnote179"></a>"Any ladies who + have any particular stories of their acquaintance, which they + are willing privately to make public, may send them by the + penny-post to Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq., enclosed to Mr. John + Morphew, near Stationers' Hall" (folio).</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page106' title='106' id= + "page106"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number12' id="number12"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 12.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, May 5</i>, to <i>Saturday, May 7</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>May 5.</h3> + + <p>When a man has engaged to keep a stage-coach, he is obliged, + whether he has passengers or not, to set out: thus it fares with + us weekly historians; but indeed, for my particular, I hope I + shall soon have little more to do in this work, than to publish + what is sent me from such as have leisure and capacity for giving + delight, and <a class="pagenum" name='page107' title='107' id= + "page107"></a>being pleased in an elegant manner. The present + grandeur of the British nation might make us expect, that we + should rise in our public diversions, and manner of enjoying + life, in proportion to our advancement in glory and power. + Instead of that, take and survey this town, and you'll find, + rakes and debauchees are your men of pleasure; thoughtless + atheists, and illiterate drunkards, call themselves free + thinkers; and gamesters, banterers, biters,<a name='fntag180' id= + "fntag180"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote180'><sup>180</sup></a> swearers, and twenty new-born + insects more, are, in their several species, the modern men of + wit. Hence it is, that a man who has been out of town but one + half-year, has lost the language, and must have some friend to + stand by him, and keep him in countenance for talking common + sense. To-day I saw a short interlude at White's of this nature, + which I took notes of, and put together as well as I could in a + public place. The persons of the drama are, Pip, the last + gentleman that has been made so at cards; Trimmer, a person half + undone at them, and is now between a cheat and a gentleman; + Acorn, an honest Englishman, of good plain sense and meaning; and + Mr. Friendly, a reasonable man of the town.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page108' title='108' id= + "page108"></a></p> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, May 5.</h3> + + <p class="right">[<i>Enter</i> PIP, TRIM, <i>and</i> ACORN.</p> + + <p>AC. What's the matter, gentlemen? What! Take no notice of an + old friend?</p> + + <p>PIP. Pox on it! don't talk to me, I am voweled by the Count, + and cursedly out of humour.</p> + + <p>AC. Voweled! Prithee, Trimmer, what does he mean by that?</p> + + <p>TRIM. Have a care, Harry, speak softly; don't show your + ignorance:—If you do, they'll bite you where-e'er they meet + you; they are such cursed curs,—the present wits.</p> + + <p>AC. Bite me! What do you mean?</p> + + <p>PIP. Why! Don't you know what biting is? Nay, you are in the + right on it. However, one would learn it only to defend oneself + against men of wit, as one would know the tricks of play, to be + secure against the cheats. But don't you hear, Acorn, that + report, that some potentates of the Alliance have taken care of + themselves, exclusive of us?</p> + + <p>AC. How! Heaven forbid! After all our glorious victories; all + this expense of blood and treasure!</p> + + <p>PIP. Bite—</p> + + <p>AC. Bite! How?</p> + + <p>TRIM. Nay, he has bit you fairly enough; that's certain.</p> + + <p>AC. Pox! I don't feel it—how? Where?</p> + + <p class="right">[<i>Exit</i> PIP <i>and</i> TRIMMER, + <i>laughing.</i></p> + + <p>AC. Ho! Mr. Friendly, your most humble servant; you heard what + passed between those fine gentlemen and me. Pip complained to me, + that he has been voweled; and they tell me, I am bit.</p> + + <p>FRIEND. You are to understand, sir, that simplicity of + <a class="pagenum" name='page109' title='109' id= + "page109"></a>behaviour, which is the perfection of good breeding + and good sense, is utterly lost in the world; and in the room of + it, there are started a thousand little inventions, which men, + barren of better things, take up in the place of it. Thus, for + every character in conversation that used to please, there is an + impostor put upon you. Him whom we allowed formerly for a certain + pleasant subtilty, and natural way of giving you an unexpected + hit, called a droll, is now mimicked by a biter, who is a dull + fellow, that tells you a lie with a grave face, and laughs at you + for knowing him no better than to believe him. Instead of that + sort of companion, who could rally you, and keep his countenance, + till he made you fall into some little inconsistency of + behaviour, at which you yourself could laugh with him, you have + the sneerer, who will keep you company from morning to night, to + gather your follies of the day (which perhaps you commit out of + confidence in him), and expose you in the evening to all the + scorners in town. For your man of sense and free spirit, whose + set of thoughts were built upon learning, reason, and experience, + you have now an impudent creature made up of vice only, who + supports his ignorance by his courage, and want of learning by + contempt of it.</p> + + <p>AC. Dear sir, hold: what you have told me already of this + change in conversation, is too miserable to be heard with any + delight; but, methinks, as these new creatures appear in the + world, it might give an excellent field to writers for the stage, + to divert us with the representation of them there.</p> + + <p>FRIEND. No, no: as you say, there might be some hopes of + redress of these grievances, if there were proper care taken of + the theatre; but the history of that is yet more lamentable than + that of the decay of conversation I gave you.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page110' title='110' id= + "page110"></a>AC. Pray, sir, a little: I haven't been in town + these six years, till within this fortnight.</p> + + <p>FRIEND. It is now some years since several revolutions in the + gay world had made the empire of the stage subject to very fatal + convulsions, which were too dangerous to be cured by the skill of + little King Oberon,<a name='fntag181' id="fntag181"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote181'><sup>181</sup></a> who then sat in the + throne of it. The laziness of this prince threw him upon the + choice of a person who was fit to spend his life in contentions, + an able and profound attorney, to whom he mortgaged his whole + empire. This Divito<a name='fntag182' id="fntag182"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote182'><sup>182</sup></a> is the most skilful + of all politicians: he has a perfect art in being unintelligible + in discourse, and uncomeatable in business. But he having no + understanding in this polite way, brought in upon us, to get in + his money, ladder-dancers,<a name='fntag183' id= + "fntag183"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote183'><sup>183</sup></a> rope-dancers, jugglers, and + mountebanks, to strut in the place of Shakespeare's heroes, and + Jonson's humorists. When the seat of wit was thus mortgaged, + without equity of redemption, an architect<a name='fntag184' id= + "fntag184"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote184'><sup>184</sup></a> arose, who has built the muse a + new palace, but secured her no <a class="pagenum" name='page111' + title='111' id="page111"></a>retinue; so that instead of action + there, we have been put off by song and dance. This latter help + of sound has also begun to fail for want of voices; therefore the + palace has since been put into the hands of a surgeon,<a name= + 'fntag185' id="fntag185"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote185'><sup>185</sup></a> who cuts any foreign fellow + into an eunuch, and passes him upon us for a singer of Italy.</p> + + <p>AC. I'll go out of town to-morrow.</p> + + <p>FRIEND.<a name='fntag186' id="fntag186"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote186'><sup>186</sup></a> Things are come to this + pass; and yet the world will not understand, that the theatre has + much the same effect on the manners of the age, as the bank on + the credit of the nation. Wit and spirit, humour and good sense, + can never be revived, but under the government of those who are + judges of such talents, who know, that whatever is put up in + their stead, is but a short and trifling expedient, to support + the appearance of them for a season. It is possible, a peace will + give leisure to put these matters under new regulations; but at + present, all the assistance we can see towards our recovery, is + as far from giving us help, as a poultice is from performing what + can be done only by the Grand Elixir.</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, May 6.</h3> + + <p>According to our late design in the applauded verses on the + Morning,<a name='fntag187' id="fntag187"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote187'><sup>187</sup></a> which you lately had from + hence, we proceed to improve that just intention, and present you + with other labours, made proper to the place in which they were + written. The following poem comes from <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page112' title='112' id="page112"></a>Copenhagen, and is as fine + a winter-piece as we have ever had from any of the schools of the + most learned painters. Such images as these give us a new + pleasure in our sight, and fix upon our minds traces of + reflection, which accompany us whenever the like objects occur. + In short, excellent poetry and description dwell upon us so + agreeably, that all the readers of them are made to think, if not + write, like men of wit. But it would be injury to detain you + longer from this excellent performance, which is addressed to the + Earl of Dorset by Mr. Philips,<a name='fntag188' id= + "fntag188"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote188'><sup>188</sup></a> the author of several choice + poems in Mr. Tonson's new Miscellany.<a name='fntag189' id= + "fntag189"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote189'><sup>189</sup></a></p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line right"> + <i>Copenhagen, March 9</i>, 1709. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + From frozen climes, and endless tracks of snow, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + From streams that northern winds forbid to flow; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + What present shall the muse to Dorset bring; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Or how, so near the Pole, attempt to sing? + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The hoary winter here conceals from sight + </div> + + <div class="line"> + All pleasing objects that to verse invite. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The hills and dales, and the delightful woods, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The flowery plains, and silver streaming floods, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + By snow disguised, in bright confusion lie, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And with one dazzling waste fatigue the eye. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + No gentle breathing breeze prepares the spring, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + No birds within the desert region sing. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The ships unmoved the boisterous winds defy, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + While rattling chariots o'er the ocean fly. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The vast leviathan wants room to play, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And spout his waters in the face of day. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The starving wolves along the main sea prowl, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And to the moon in icy valleys howl. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + For many a shining league the level main + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Here spreads itself into a glassy plain: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + There solid billows of enormous size, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + <a class="pagenum" name='page113' title='113' id= + "page113"></a>Alps of green ice, in wild disorder rise. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + And yet but lately have I seen e'en here, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The winter in a lovely dress appear; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Ere yet the clouds let fall the treasured snow, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Or winds begun through hazy skies to blow. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + At evening a keen eastern breeze arose; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And the descending rain unsullied froze. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Soon as the silent shades of night withdrew, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The ruddy morn disclosed at once to view + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The face of nature in a rich disguise, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And brightened every object to my eyes. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + For every shrub, and every blade of grass, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And every pointed thorn, seemed wrought in glass, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + In pearls and rubies rich the hawthorns show, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + While through the ice the crimson berries glow. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The thick-sprung reeds the watery marshes yield, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Seem polished lances in a hostile field. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The stag in limpid currents with surprise, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Sees crystal branches on his forehead rise. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The spreading oak, the beech, and towering pine, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Glazed over, in the freezing ether shine. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The frighted birds the rattling branches shun, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + That wave and glitter in the distant sun. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + When if a sudden gust of wind arise, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The brittle forest into atoms flies: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The crackling wood beneath the tempest bends, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And in a spangled shower the prospect ends. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Or if a southern gale the region warm, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And by degrees unbind the wintry charm; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The traveller a miry country sees, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + <a class="pagenum" name='page114' title='114' id= + "page114"></a>And journeys sad beneath the dropping trees. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Like some deluded peasant, Merlin leads + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Through fragrant bowers, and through delicious meads; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + While here enchanted gardens to him rise, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And airy fabrics there attract his eyes, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + His wandering feet the magic paths pursue; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And while he thinks the fair illusion true, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The trackless scenes disperse in fluid air, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And woods and wilds, and thorny ways appear: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + A tedious road the weary wretch returns, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And, as he goes, the transient vision mourns. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, May 6.</h3> + + <p>There has a mail this day arrived from Holland; but the matter + of the advices importing rather what gives us great expectations, + than any positive assurances, I shall, for this time, decline + giving you what I know, and apply the following verses of Mr. + Dryden, in the second part of "Almanzor," to the present + circumstances of things, without discovering what my knowledge in + astronomy suggests to me.</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + When empire in its childhood first appears, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + A watchful fate o'er sees its tender years: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Till grown more strong, it thrusts and stretches out, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And elbows all the kingdoms round about. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The place thus made for its first breathing free, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + It moves again for ease and luxury; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Till swelling by degrees it has possest + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The greater space, and now crowds up the rest. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + <a class="pagenum" name='page115' title='115' id= + "page115"></a>When from behind there starts some petty + state, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And pushes on its now unwieldy fate. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Then down the precipice of time it goes, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And sinks in minutes, which in ages rose.<a name='fntag190' + id="fntag190"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote190'><sup>190</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag180'>[180]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote180' id="footnote180"></a>"I'll teach you + a way to outwit Mrs. Johnson; it is a new-fashioned way of + being witty, and they call it a <i>bite</i>. You must ask a + bantering question, or tell some damned lie in a serious + manner, then she will answer, or speak as if you were in + earnest, and then cry you, 'Madam, there's a <i>bite</i>.' I + would not have you undervalue this, for it is the constant + amusement in Court, and everywhere else among the great + people; and I let you know it, in order to have it obtain + among you, and to teach you a new refinement" (Swift's + "Journal"). See the <i>Spectator</i>, Nos. 47, 504: "<i>A + Biter</i> is one who tells you a thing you have no reason to + disbelieve in itself; and perhaps has given you, before he + bit you, no reason to disbelieve it for his saying it; and if + you give him credit, laughs in your face, and triumphs that + he has deceived you. In a word, a <i>Biter</i> is one who + thinks you a fool, because you do not think him a knave."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag181'>[181]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote181' id="footnote181"></a>Owen McSwiney, + a manager of Drury Lane Theatre, and afterwards of the + Haymarket Theatre. After living in Italy for some years, he + obtained a place in the Custom-house, and was keeper of the + King's Mews. On his death in 1754 he left his fortune to Mrs. + Woffington.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag182'>[182]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote182' id="footnote182"></a>Christopher + Rich, manager of Drury Lane Theatre, who died in 1714, was at + this time involved in a quarrel with the principal actors + about the profits of their benefits.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag183'>[183]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote183' id="footnote183"></a>Cibber + ("Apology," chap. x.) complains that Rich paid extraordinary + prices to singers, dancers, and other exotic performers, + which were as constantly deducted out of the sinking salaries + of his actors. In December, 1709, the Lord Chamberlain + ordered that no new representations were to be brought upon + the stage which were not necessary to the better performance + of comedy or opera, "such as ladder-dancing, antic postures," + &c., without his leave.—(Lord Chamberlain's + Records, Warrant Book, No. 22.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag184'>[184]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote184' id="footnote184"></a>Sir John + Vanbrugh built the Haymarket Theatre in 1705. The new house + was opened with a translation of an Italian opera, "The + Triumph of Love", which met with little success. This was + followed by Vanbrugh's "Confederacy."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag185'>[185]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote185' id="footnote185"></a>John James + Heidegger, who died in 1749, aged 90, was the son of a Swiss + clergyman. When over 40 he came to England, and became the + chief director of the opera-house and masquerades. His face + was remarkably ugly.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag186'>[186]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote186' id="footnote186"></a>"Trim", in + original editions.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag187'>[187]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote187' id="footnote187"></a>See No. 9.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag188'>[188]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote188' id="footnote188"></a>"Philips + writeth verses in a sledge upon the frozen sea," wrote Swift, + "and transmits them hither to thrive in our warm climate + under the shelter of my Lord Dorset." Addison refers to this + poem by Ambrose Philips in No. 223 of the <i>Spectator</i>, + and Pope commends it.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag189'>[189]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote189' id="footnote189"></a>The sixth and + last volume of Tonson's "Miscellany" opens with Philips' + Pastorals, and closes with those of Pope.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag190'>[190]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote190' id="footnote190"></a>"Almanzor and + Almahide; or, The Conquest of Granada. The Second Part," act + i. sc. I.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number13' id="number13"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 13.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, May 7</i>, to <i>Tuesday, May 10</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, May 8.</h3> + + <p>Much hurry and business had to-day perplexed me into a mood + too thoughtful for going into company; for which reason, instead + of the tavern, I went into Lincoln's Inn Walks; and having taken + a round or two, I sat down, according to the allowed familiarity + of these places, on a bench; at the other end of which sat a + venerable gentleman, who speaking with a very affable air, "Mr. + Bickerstaff," said he, "I take it for a very great piece of good + fortune, that you have found me out." "Sir," said I, "I had + never, that I know of, the honour of seeing you before." "That," + replied he, "is what I have often lamented; but I assure you, I + have for many years done you good offices, without being observed + by you; or else, when you had any little glimpse of my being + concerned in an affair, you have fled from me, and shunned me + like an enemy; but however, the part I am to act in the world is + such, that I am to go on in doing good, though I meet with never + so many repulses, even from those I oblige." This, thought I, + shows a great good nature, but little judgment in the persons + upon whom he confers his favours. He immediately took notice to + me, that he observed by my countenance I <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page116' title='116' id="page116"></a>thought him indiscreet in + his beneficence, and proceeded to tell me his quality in the + following manner: "I know thee, Isaac, to be so well versed in + the occult sciences, that I need not much preface, or make long + preparations to gain your faith that there are airy beings, who + are employed in the care and attendance of men, as nurses are to + infants, till they come to an age in which they can act of + themselves. These beings are usually called amongst men, guardian + angels; and, Mr. Bickerstaff, I am to acquaint you, that I am to + be yours for some time to come; it being our orders to vary our + stations, and sometimes to have one patient under our protection, + and sometimes another, with a power of assuming what shape we + please, to ensnare our wards into their own good. I have of late + been upon such hard duty, and know you have so much work for me, + that I think fit to appear to you face to face, to desire you + would give me as little occasion for vigilance as you can." + "Sir," said I, "it will be a great instruction to me in my + behaviour, if you please to give me some account of your late + employments, and what hardships or satisfactions you have had in + them, that I may govern myself accordingly." He answered: "To + give you an example of the drudgery we go through, I will + entertain you only with my three last stations: I was on the 1st + of April last, put to mortify a great beauty, with whom I was a + week; from her I went to a common swearer, and have been last + with a gamester. When I first came to my lady, I found my great + work was to guard well her eyes and ears; but her flatterers were + so numerous, and the house, after the modern way, so full of + looking-glasses, that I seldom had her safe but in her sleep. + Whenever we went abroad, we were surrounded by an army of + enemies: when a well-made man appeared, he was sure to have a + side-glance of <a class="pagenum" name='page117' title='117' id= + "page117"></a>observation: if a disagreeable fellow, he had a + full face, out of mere inclination to conquests. But at the close + of the evening, on the sixth of the last month, my ward was + sitting on a couch, reading Ovid's 'Epistles'; and as she came to + this line of Helen to Paris,</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + She half consents who silently denies;<a name='fntag191' + id="fntag191"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote191'><sup>191</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>entered Philander,<a name='fntag192' id= + "fntag192"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote192'><sup>192</sup></a> who is the most skilful of all + men in an address to women. He is arrived at the perfection of + that art which gains them, which is, to talk like a very + miserable man, but look like a very happy one. I saw Dictinna + blush at his entrance, which gave me the alarm; but he + immediately said something so agreeable on her being at study, + and the novelty of finding a lady employed in so grave a manner, + that he on a sudden became very familiarly a man of no + consequence; and in an instant laid all her suspicions of his + skill asleep, as he almost had done mine, till I observed him + very dangerously turn his discourse upon the elegance of her + dress, and her judgment in the choice of that very pretty + mourning. Having had women before under my care, I trembled at + the apprehension of a man of sense, who could talk upon trifles, + and resolved to stick to my post with all the circumspection + imaginable. In short, I prepossessed her against all he could say + to the advantage of her dress and person; but he turned again the + discourse, where I found I had no power over her, on the abusing + her friends and acquaintance. He allowed indeed, that Flora had a + little beauty, and a great deal of wit; but then she was so + ungainly in her behaviour, and such a laughing + hoyden—Pastorella <a class="pagenum" name='page118' title= + '118' id="page118"></a>had with him the allowance of being + blameless: but what was that towards being praiseworthy? To be + only innocent, is not to be virtuous. He afterwards spoke so much + against Mrs. Dipple's forehead, Mrs. Prim's mouth, Mrs. + Dentifrice's teeth, and Mrs. Fidget's cheeks, that she grew + downright in love with him: for it is always to be understood, + that a lady takes all you detract from the rest of her sex to be + a gift to her. In a word, things went so far, that I was + dismissed, and she will remember that evening nine months, from + the 6th of April, by a very remarkable token. The next, as I + said, I went to was a common swearer: never was creature so + puzzled as myself when I came first to view his brain; half of it + was worn out, and filled up with mere expletives, that had + nothing to do with any other parts of the texture; therefore, + when he called for his clothes in a morning, he would cry, + 'John—?' John does not answer. 'What a plague! Nobody + there? What the devil, and rot me! John, for a lazy dog as you + are.' I knew no way to cure him, but by writing down all he said + one morning as he was dressing, and laying it before him on the + toilet when he came to pick his teeth. The last recital I gave + him of what he said for half an hour before, was, 'What, a pox + rot me! Where is the washball? Call the chairmen: damn them, I + warrant they are at the ale-house already! Zounds, and confound + them.' When he came to the glass, he takes up my note—'Ha! + this fellow is worse than me: what, does he swear with pen and + ink?' But reading on, he found them to be his own words. The + stratagem had so good an effect upon him, that he grew + immediately a new man, and is learning to speak without an oath, + which makes him extremely short in his phrases; for, as I + observed before, a common swearer has a brain without any idea on + the swearing <a class="pagenum" name='page119' title='119' id= + "page119"></a>side; therefore my ward has yet mighty little to + say, and is forced to substitute some other vehicle of nonsense + to supply the defect of his usual expletives. When I left him, he + made use of, 'Oddsbodikins!' 'Oh me!' and, 'Never stir alive!' + and so forth; which gave me hopes of his recovery. So I went to + the next I told you of, the gamester. When we first take our + place about a man, the receptacles of the pericranium are + immediately searched. In his, I found no one ordinary trace of + thinking; but strong passion, violent desires, and a continued + series of different changes, had torn it to pieces. There + appeared no middle condition; the triumph of a prince, or the + misery of a beggar, were his alternate states. I was with him no + longer than one day, which was yesterday. In the morning at + twelve, we were worth four thousand pounds; at three, we were + arrived at six thousand; half an hour after, we were reduced to + one thousand; at four of the clock, we were down to two hundred; + at five, to fifty; at six, to five; at seven, to one guinea; the + next bet, to nothing: this morning, he borrowed half a crown of + the maid who cleans his shoes; and is now gaming in Lincoln's Inn + Fields among the boys for farthings and oranges, till he has made + up three pieces, and then he returns to White's into the best + company in town." This ended our first discourse; and it is + hoped, you will forgive me, that I have picked so little out of + my companion at our first interview. In the next, it is possible + he may tell me more pleasing incidents; for though he is a + familiar, he is not an evil spirit.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page120' title='120' id= + "page120"></a></p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, May 9.</h3> + + <p>We hear from the Hague of the 14th instant, N.S., that + Monsieur de Torcy hath had frequent conferences with the Grand + Pensioner, and the other Ministers who were heretofore + commissioned to treat with Monsieur Rouillé. The preliminaries of + a peace are almost settled, and the proceedings wait only for the + arrival of the Duke of Marlborough; after whose approbation of + the articles proposed, it is not doubted but the methods of the + treaty will be publicly known. In the meantime, the States have + declared an abhorrence of making any step in this great affair, + but in concert with the Court of Great Britain, and other princes + of the Alliance. The posture of affairs in France does + necessarily oblige that nation to be very much in earnest in + their offers; and Monsieur de Torcy hath professed to the Grand + Pensioner, that he will avoid all occasions of giving him the + least jealousy of his using any address in private conversations + for accomplishing the ends of his embassy. It is said, that as + soon as the preliminaries are adjusted, that Minister is to + return to the French Court. The States of Holland have resolved + to make it an instruction to all their men-of-war and privateers, + to bring into their ports whatever neutral ships they shall meet + with laden with corn, and bound for France; and to avoid all + cause of complaint from the potentates to whom these ships shall + belong, their full demand for their freight shall be paid them + there. The French Protestants residing in that country have + applied themselves to their respective magistrates, desiring that + there may be an article in the treaty of peace, which may give + liberty of conscience to the Protestants in France. Monsieur + Bosnage, minister of the Walloon church at Rotterdam, has been at + the Hague and hath had some <a class="pagenum" name='page121' + title='121' id="page121"></a>conferences with the deputies of the + States on that subject. It is reported there, that all the French + refugees in those dominions are to be naturalised, that they may + enjoy the same good effects of the treaty with the Hollanders + themselves, in respect of France.</p> + + <p>Letters from Paris say, the people conceive great hopes of a + sudden peace, from Monsieur Torcy's being employed in the + negotiation, he being a Minister of too great weight in that + Court, to be sent on any employment in which his master would not + act in a manner wherein he might justly promise himself success. + The French advices add, that there is an insurrection in Poictou; + 3000 men having taken up arms, and beaten the troops which were + appointed to disperse them: three of the mutineers being taken, + were immediately executed; and as many of the king's party were + used after the same manner.</p> + + <p>Our late Act of Naturalisation<a name='fntag193' id= + "fntag193"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote193'><sup>193</sup></a> hath had so great an effect in + foreign parts, that some princes have prohibited the French + refugees in their dominions to sell or transfer their estates to + any other of their subjects; and at the same time have granted + them greater immunities than they hitherto enjoyed. It has been + also thought necessary to restrain their own subjects from + leaving their native country, on pain of death.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag191'>[191]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote191' id="footnote191"></a>Ovid's + "Epistles," 1709; translation of "Helen's Epistle to Paris," + by the Earl of Mulgrave and Dryden.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag192'>[192]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote192' id="footnote192"></a>An original for + Philander has been found in Lord Halifax. See <a href= + '#number49'>No. 49</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag193'>[193]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote193' id="footnote193"></a>See <a href= + '#number9'>No. 9</a>. "If the Whigs were now restored to + power, the bill [for a general naturalisation] now to be + repealed, would then be re-enacted, and the birthright of an + Englishman reduced again to the value of twelve + pence."—(<i>Examiner</i>, vol. i. No. 26.)</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number14' id="number14"></a><a class="pagenum" name= + 'page122' title='122' id="page122"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 14.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday May 10</i>, to <i>Thursday, May 12</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, May 10.</h3> + + <p>Had it not been that my familiar had appeared to me, as I told + you in my last, in person, I had certainly been unable to have + found even words, without meaning, to keep up my intelligence + with the town: but he has checked me severely for my despondence, + and ordered me to go on in my design of observing upon things, + and forbearing persons; "for," said he, "the age you live in is + such, that a good picture of any vice or virtue will infallibly + be misrepresented; and though none will take the kind + descriptions you make so much to themselves, as to wish well to + the author, yet all will resent the ill characters you produce, + out of fear of their own turn in the licence you must be obliged + to take, if you point at particular persons." I took his + admonition kindly, and immediately promised him to beg pardon of + the author of the "Advice to the Poets,"<a name='fntag194' id= + "fntag194"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote194'><sup>194</sup></a> for my raillery upon his work; + though I aimed at no more in that examination, but to convince + him, and all men of genius, of the folly of laying themselves out + on such plans as are below their characters. I hope too it was + done without ill-breeding, and nothing spoken below what a + civilian (as it is allowed I am) may utter to a physician. After + this preface, all the world may be safe from my writings; for if + I can find nothing to commend, I am silent, and will forbear the + subject: for, though I am a reformer, I scorn to be an + inquisitor.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page123' title='123' id= + "page123"></a>It would become all men, as well as me, to lay + before them the noble character of Verus the magistrate,<a name= + 'fntag195' id="fntag195"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote195'><sup>195</sup></a> who always sat in triumph over, + and contempt of, vice; he never searched after it, or spared it + when it came before him: at the same time, he could see through + the hypocrisy and disguise of those, who have no pretence to + virtue themselves, but by their severity to the vicious. This + same Verus was, in times long past, chief justice (as we call it + amongst us) in Fælicia.<a name='fntag196' id= + "fntag196"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote196'><sup>196</sup></a> He was a man of profound + knowledge of the laws of his country, and as just an observer of + them in his own person. He considered justice as a cardinal + virtue, not as a trade for maintenance. Wherever he was judge, he + never forgot that he was also counsel. The criminal before him + was always sure he stood before his country, and, in a sort, a + parent of it. The prisoner knew, that though his spirit was + broken with guilt, and incapable of language to defend itself, + all would be gathered from him which could conduce to his safety; + and that his judge would wrest no law to destroy him, nor conceal + any that could save him. In his time, there were a nest of + pretenders to justice, who happened to be employed to put things + in a method for being examined before him at his usual sessions: + these animals were to Verus, as monkeys are to men, so like, that + you can hardly disown them; but so base, that you are ashamed of + their fraternity. It grew a phrase, "Who would do justice on the + justices?" That certainly would Verus. I have seen an old trial + where he sat judge on two of them; one was called Trick-Track, + the other <a class="pagenum" name='page124' title='124' id= + "page124"></a>Tearshift;<a name='fntag197' id= + "fntag197"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote197'><sup>197</sup></a> one was a learned judge of + sharpers, the other the quickest of all men at finding out a + wench. Trick-Track never spared a pickpocket, but was a companion + to cheats: Tearshift would make compliments to wenches of + quality, but certainly commit poor ones. If a poor rogue wanted a + lodging, Trick-Track sent him to gaol for a thief: if a poor + whore went only with one thin petticoat, Tearshift would imprison + her for being loose in her dress. These patriots infested the + days of Verus, while they alternately committed and released each + other's prisoners. But Verus regarded them as criminals, and + always looked upon men as they stood in the eye of justice, + without respecting whether they sat on the bench, or stood at the + bar.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page125' title='125' id= + "page125"></a></p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, May 11</h3> + + <p>Yesterday we were entertained with the tragedy of "The Earl of + Essex,"<a name='fntag198' id="fntag198"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote198'><sup>198</sup></a> in which there is not one good + line, and yet a play which was never seen without drawing tears + from some part of the audience: a remarkable instance, that the + soul is not to be moved by words, but things; for the incidents + in this drama are laid together so happily, that the spectator + makes the play for himself, by the force which the circumstance + has upon his imagination. Thus, in spite of the most dry + discourses, and expressions almost ridiculous with respect to + propriety, it is impossible for one unprejudiced to see it + untouched with pity. I must confess, this effect is not wrought + on such as examine why they are pleased; but it never fails to + appear on those who are not too learned in nature, to be moved by + her first suggestions. It is certain, the person and behaviour of + Mr. Wilks<a name='fntag199' id="fntag199"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote199'><sup>199</sup></a> has no small share in conducing + to the popularity of the play; and when a handsome fellow is + going to a more coarse exit than beheading, his shape and + countenance make every tender one reprieve him with all her + heart, without waiting till she hears his dying words.</p> + + <p>This evening "The Alchemist"<a name='fntag200' id= + "fntag200"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote200'><sup>200</sup></a> was played. This comedy is an + example of Ben's extensive genius and <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page126' title='126' id="page126"></a>penetration into the + passions and follies of mankind. The scene in the fourth act, + where all the cheated people oppose the man that would open their + eyes, has something in it so inimitably excellent, that it is + certainly as great a masterpiece as has ever appeared by any + hand. The author's great address in showing covetousness the + motive of the actions of the Puritan, the epicure, the gamester, + and the trader; and that all their endeavours, how differently + soever they seem to tend, centre only in that one point of gain, + shows he had to a great perfection, that discernment of spirit, + which constitutes a genius for comedy.</p> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, May 11.</h3> + + <p>It is not to be imagined how far the violence of our desires + will carry us towards our own deceit in the pursuit of what we + wish for. A gentleman here this evening was giving me an account + of a dumb fortune-teller,<a name='fntag201' id= + "fntag201"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote201'><sup>201</sup></a> who outdoes Mr. Partridge, + myself, or the unborn-doctor,<a name='fntag202' id= + "fntag202"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote202'><sup>202</sup></a> for predictions. All his + visitants come to him <a class="pagenum" name='page127' title= + '127' id="page127"></a>full of expectations, and pay his own rate + for the interpretations they put upon his shrugs and nods. There + is a fine rich City widow stole thither the other day (though it + is not six weeks since her husband's departure from her company + to rest), and, with her trusty maid, demanded of him, whether she + should marry again, by holding up two fingers, like horns on her + forehead. The wizard held up both his hands forked. The relict + desired to know, whether he meant by his holding up both hands, + to represent that she had one husband before, and that she should + have another? Or that he intimated, she should have two more? The + cunning-man looked a little sour; upon which Betty jogged her + mistress, who gave the other guinea; and he made her understand, + she should positively have two more; but shaked his head, and + hinted, that they should not live long with her. The widow + sighed, and gave him the other half-guinea. After this + prepossession, all that she had next to do, was to make sallies + to our end of the town, and find out who it is her fate to have. + There are two who frequent this place, whom she <a class= + "pagenum" name='page128' title='128' id="page128"></a>takes for + men of vogue, and of whom her imagination has given her the + choice. They are both the appearances of fine gentlemen, to such + as do not know when they see persons of that turn; and indeed, + they are industrious enough to come at that character, to deserve + the reputation of being such: but this town will not allow us to + be the things we seem to aim at, and are too discerning to be + fobbed off with pretences. One of these pretty fellows fails by + his laborious exactness; the other, by his as much studied + negligence. Frank Careless, as soon as his valet has helped on + and adjusted his clothes, goes to his glass, sets his wig awry, + tumbles his cravat; and in short, undresses himself to go into + company. Will Nice is so little satisfied with his dress, that + all the time he is at a visit, he is still mending it, and is for + that reason the more insufferable; for he who studies + carelessness, has, at least, his work the sooner done of the two. + The widow is distracted whom to take for her first man; for Nice + is every way so careful, that she fears his length of days; and + Frank is so loose, that she has apprehensions for her own health + with him. I am puzzled how to give a just idea of them; but in a + word, Careless is a coxcomb, and Nice a fop: both, you'll say, + very hopeful candidates for a gay woman just set at liberty. But + there is a whisper, her maid will give her to Tom Terrour the + gamester. This fellow has undone so many women, that he'll + certainly succeed if he is introduced; for nothing so much + prevails with the vain part of that sex, as the glory of + deceiving them who have deceived others.</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Desunt multa. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page129' title='129' id= + "page129"></a></p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, May 11.</h3> + + <p>Letters from Berlin, bearing date May 11, N.S., inform us, + that the birthday of her Prussian Majesty has been celebrated + there with all possible magnificence; and the king made her on + that occasion a present of jewels to the value of thirty thousand + crowns. The Marquis de Quesne, who has distinguished himself by + his great zeal for the Protestant interest, was, at the time of + the despatch of these letters, at that Court, soliciting the king + to take care, that an article in behalf of the refugees, + admitting their return to France, should be inserted in the + treaty of peace. They write from Hanover of the 14th, that his + electoral highness had received an express from Count Merci, + representing how necessary it was to the common cause, that he + would please to hasten to the Rhine; for that nothing but his + presence could quicken the measures towards bringing the imperial + army into the field. There are very many speculations upon the + intended interview of the King of Denmark and King Augustus. The + latter has made such preparations for the reception of the other, + that it is said his Danish Majesty will be entertained in Saxony + with much more elegance than he met with in Italy itself.</p> + + <p>Letters from the Hague of the 18th instant, N.S., say, that + his Grace the Duke of Marlborough landed the night before at the + Brill, after having been kept out at sea by adverse winds two + days longer than is usual in that passage. His Excellency the + Lord Townshend, her Majesty's ambassador extraordinary and + plenipotentiary to the States-General, was driven into the Veere + in Zealand on Thursday last, from whence he came to the Hague + within few hours after the arrival of his grace. The duke, soon + after his coming to the Hague, had a visit from the Pensioner of + Holland. All things relating to the peace <a class="pagenum" + name='page130' title='130' id="page130"></a>were in suspense till + this interview; nor is it yet known what resolutions will be + taken on that subject; for the troops of the Allies have fresh + orders despatched to them to move from their respective quarters, + and march with all expedition to the frontiers, where the enemy + are making their utmost efforts for the defence of their country. + These advices further inform us, that the Marquis de Torcy had + received an answer from the Court of France to his letters which + he had sent thither by an express on the Friday before.</p> + + <p>Mr. Bickerstaff has received letters from Mr. Coltstaff, Mr. + Whipstaff, and Mrs. Rebecca Wagstaff; all which relate chiefly to + their being left out in the genealogy of the family lately + published;<a name='fntag203' id="fntag203"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote203'><sup>203</sup></a> but my cousin being a + clerk in the Heralds' Office who writ that draught, and being at + present under the displeasure of the chapter, it is feared, if + that matter should be touched upon at this time, the young + gentleman would lose his place for treason against the Kings at + Arms.<a name='fntag204' id="fntag204"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote204'><sup>204</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag194'>[194]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote194' id="footnote194"></a>Sir Richard + Blackmore. See <a href='#number3'>No. 3</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag195'>[195]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote195' id="footnote195"></a>Sir John Holt + (see <i>Examiner</i>, vol. iv. No. 14) was born in 1642, made + Recorder of London and knighted in 1686, and appointed Chief + Justice of the King's Bench in 1689, a position which he + filled very ably and impartially for twenty-one years. He + died March 5, 1710.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag196'>[196]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote196' id="footnote196"></a>Britain.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag197'>[197]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote197' id="footnote197"></a>According to a + MS. note in the copy of the Tatler referred to in a note to + <a href='#number4'>No. 4</a>, these justices were "Sir H. + C—— and Mr. C——r." Who the latter was + I do not know; the former appears to be meant for Sir Henry + Colt, of whom Luttrell gives some particulars. In April 1694, + a Bill was found against Sir Henry Colt and Mr. Lake, son to + the late Bishop of Chichester, for fighting a duel in St. + James's Park; the trial was to be on May 31. Sir Henry Colt, + a Justice of the Peace, had a duel with Beau Feilding on the + 11th January, 1696, and Colt was run through the body. A + reward of £200 was offered for Feilding's arrest, and he was + captured in March; but in the following month he was set at + liberty upon Colt promising not to prosecute. In July 1698, + Colt unsuccessfully contested Westminster, and in December + the Committee of Privileges decided that his petition against + the return of Mr. Chancellor Montague and Mr. Secretary + Vernon was vexatious, frivolous and scandalous; and Colt was + put out of the commission of the peace for Westminster and + Middlesex. In 1701, he became M.P. for Westminster, for one + Parliament only. In August 1702, he was again displaced from + being a Justice for Westminster. In July 1708, he was + defeated at Westminster, and the petition which he lodged + against Mr. Medlicot's election was dismissed, after Huggins, + the head bailiff, had been examined.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag198'>[198]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote198' id="footnote198"></a>By John Banks, + 1685.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag199'>[199]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote199' id="footnote199"></a>Robert Wilks + died in 1732, age 62. See No. 182, + and the <i>Spectator</i>, Nos. 268, 370: "When I am + commending Wilks for representing the tenderness of a husband + and a father in 'Macbeth', the contrition of a reformed + prodigal in 'Harry the Fourth', the winning emptiness of a + young man of good-nature and wealth in 'The Trip to the + Jubilee', the officiousness of an artful servant in 'The + Fox', when thus I celebrate Wilks, I talk to all the world + who are engaged in any of those circumstances."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag200'>[200]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote200' id="footnote200"></a>Ben Jonson's + "Alchemist" was published in 1610.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag201'>[201]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote201' id="footnote201"></a>Duncan + Campbell, who is best known through Defoe's "History of the + Life and Adventures of Mr. Duncan Campbell, a gentleman, who, + though deaf and dumb, writes down any strange name at first + sight, with their future contingencies of fortune," 1720. + Several other books about Campbell appeared, and some said + that he only pretended to be deaf and dumb. Campbell had a + very large number of clients (<i>Spectator</i>, No. 560). He + died in 1730.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag202'>[202]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote202' id="footnote202"></a>The name of + this quack was Kirleus. He pretended to extraordinary + endowments, on the score of his having been introduced into + the world by means of the Cesarean operation. In the + <i>Examiner</i>, vol. i. No. 49, original edition in folio, + there is among the advertisements subjoined, July 5, 1711, + notice given that some of his nostrums, which had been tested + for fifty years, were to be had of "Mary Kirleus, widow of + John Kirleus, son of Dr. Tho. Kirleus, a sworn physician in + ordinary to K. Charles II." Nichols says that there were two + male and two female quacks of the name of Kirleus; Thomas the + father, and his son John, Susannah the widow of Thomas, and + Mary the relict of John; but it does not appear that any of + them all were rich. The women, after the decease of their + husbands, engaged in a paper war, which was carried on about + this time in polemical advertisements. Dr. Kirleus and Dr. + Case (see <a href='#number20'>No. 20</a>) are said to have + been sent for to prescribe to Partridge in his last illness. + Garth ("Dispensary," canto iii.) wrote:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Whole troops of quacks shall join us on the place, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + From great Kirleus down to Doctor Case." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"In Grays-Inn-lane in Plow-yard, the third door, lives Dr. + Thomas Kirleus, a Collegiate Physician and sworn Physician in + Ordinary to King Charles the Second until his death; who with + a drink and pill (hindring no business) undertakes to cure + any ulcers," &c. &c. "Take heed whom you trust in + physick, for it's become a common cheat to profess it. He + gives his opinion to all that writes or comes for nothing" + (<i>Athenian Mercury</i>, February 13, 1694). See also + <i>Tatler</i>, Nos. <a href="#number41">41</a>, 226, 240.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag203'>[203]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote203' id="footnote203"></a>See <a href= + '#number11'>No. 11</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag204'>[204]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote204' id="footnote204"></a>"Castabella's + complaint is come to hand" (folio). See No. 16.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number15' id="number15"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 15.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, May 12</i>, to <i>Saturday, May 14</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, May 12.</h3> + + <p>I have taken a resolution hereafter, on any want of + intelligence, to carry my familiar abroad with me, who has + promised to give me very proper and just notices of persons and + things, to make up the history of the passing day. He is + wonderfully skilful in the knowledge of men and manners, which + has made me more than ordinary <a class="pagenum" name='page131' + title='131' id="page131"></a>curious to know how he came to that + perfection, and I communicated to him that doubt. "Mr. Pacolet," + said I, "I am mightily surprised to see you so good a judge of + our nature and circumstances, since you are a mere spirit, and + have no knowledge of the bodily part of us." He answered, + smiling, "You are mistaken, I have been one of you, and lived a + month amongst you, which gives me an exact sense of your + condition. You are to know, that all who enter into human life, + have a certain date or stamen given to their being, which they + only who die of age may be said to have arrived at; but it is + ordered sometimes by fate, that such as die infants, are after + death to attend mankind to the end of that stamen of being in + themselves, which was broke off by sickness or any other + disaster. These are proper guardians to men, as being sensible of + the infirmity of their state. You are philosopher enough to know, + that the difference of men's understanding proceeds only from the + various dispositions of their organs; so that he who dies at a + month old, is in the next life as knowing (though more innocent) + as they who live to fifty; and after death, they have as perfect + a memory and judgment of all that passed in their lifetime, as I + have of all the revolutions in that uneasy, turbulent condition + of yours; and, you'd say, I had enough of it in a month, were I + to tell you all my misfortunes." "A life of a month, can't have, + one would think, much variety; but pray," said I, "let us have + your story."</p> + + <p>Then he proceeds in the following manner:</p> + + <p>"It was one of the most wealthy families in Great Britain into + which I was born, and it was a very great happiness to me that it + so happened, otherwise I had still, in all probability, been + living: but I shall recount to you all the occurrences of my + short and miserable existence, just as, by examining into the + traces made in my brain, <a class="pagenum" name='page132' title= + '132' id="page132"></a>they appeared to me at that time. The + first thing that ever struck my senses, was a noise over my head + of one shrieking; after which, methought I took a full jump, and + found myself in the hands of a sorceress, who seemed as if she + had been long waking and employed in some incantation: I was + thoroughly frightened, and cried out, but she immediately seemed + to go on in some magical operation, and anointed me from head to + foot. What they meant I could not imagine; for there gathered a + great crowd about me, crying, 'An heir, an heir'; upon which I + grew a little still, and believed this was a ceremony to be used + only to great persons, and such as made them, what they called, + Heirs. I lay very quiet; but the witch, for no manner of reason + or provocation in the world, takes me and binds my head as hard + as possibly she could, then ties up both my legs, and makes me + swallow down a horrid mixture; I thought it a harsh entrance into + life to begin with taking physic; but I was forced to it, or else + must have taken down a great instrument in which she gave it me. + When I was thus dressed, I was carried to a bedside, where a fine + young lady (my mother I wot) had like to have hugged me to death. + From her, they faced me about, and there was a thing with quite + another look from the rest of the room, to whom they talked about + my nose. He seemed wonderfully pleased to see me; but I knew + since, my nose belonged to another family. That into which I was + born, is one of the most numerous amongst you; therefore crowds + of relations came every day to congratulate my arrival; among + others, my cousin Betty, the greatest romp in nature; she whisks + me such a height over her head, that I cried out for fear of + falling. She pinched me, and called me squealing chit, and threw + me into a girl's arms that was taken in to tend me. The girl was + <a class="pagenum" name='page133' title='133' id= + "page133"></a>very proud of the womanly employment of a nurse, + and took upon her to strip and dress me anew, because I made a + noise, to see what ailed me: she did so, and stuck a pin in every + joint about me. I still cried: upon which, she lays me on my face + in her lap; and to quiet me, fell a nailing in all the pins, by + clapping me on the back, and screaming a lullaby. But my pain + made me exalt my voice above hers, which brought up the nurse, + the witch I first saw, and my grandmother. The girl is turned + down stairs, and I stripped again, as well to find out what ailed + me, as to satisfy my granam's further curiosity. This good old + woman's visit was the cause of all my troubles. You are to + understand, that I was hitherto bred by hand, and anybody that + stood next, gave me pap, if I did but open my lips; insomuch, + that I was grown so cunning, as to pretend myself asleep when I + was not, to prevent my being crammed. But my grandmother began a + loud lecture upon the idleness of the wives of this age, who, for + fear of their shape, forbear suckling their own offspring; and + ten nurses were immediately sent for; one was whispered to have a + wanton eye, and would soon spoil her milk; another was in a + consumption; the third had an ill voice, and would frighten me, + instead of lulling me to sleep. Such exceptions were made against + all but one country milch-wench, to whom I was committed, and put + to the breast. This careless jade was eternally romping with the + footmen, and downright starved me; insomuch that I daily pined + away, and should never have been relieved, had it not been, that + on the thirtieth day of my life, a fellow of the Royal + Society,<a name='fntag205' id="fntag205"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote205'><sup>205</sup></a> who had writ upon <a class= + "pagenum" name='page134' title='134' id="page134"></a>Cold Baths, + came to visit me, and solemnly protested, I was utterly lost for + want of that method: upon which he soused me head and ears into a + pail of water, where I had the good fortune to be drowned, and so + escaped being lashed into a linguist till sixteen, running after + wenches till twenty-five, and being married to an ill-natured + wife till sixty: which had certainly been my fate, had not the + enchantment between body and soul been broke by this philosopher. + Thus, till the age I should have otherwise lived, I am obliged to + watch the steps of men; and if you please, shall accompany you in + your present walks, and get you intelligence from the aërial + lackey, who is in waiting, what are the thoughts and purposes of + any whom you inquire for." I accepted his kind offer, and + immediately took him with me in a hack to White's.</p> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, May 13.</h3> + + <p>We got in hither, and my companion threw a powder round us, + that made me as invisible as himself; so that we could see and + hear all others; ourselves unseen and unheard.</p> + + <p>The first thing we took notice of, was a nobleman of a goodly + and frank aspect, with his generous birth and temper visible in + it, playing at cards with a creature of a black and horrid + countenance, wherein were plainly delineated the arts of his + mind, cozenage and falsehood. They were marking their game with + counters, on which we could see inscriptions, imperceptible to + any but us. My lord had scored with pieces of ivory, on which + were writ, Good Fame, Glory, Riches, Honour, and Posterity. The + spectre over against him had on his counters the inscriptions of, + Dishonour, Impudence, Poverty, Ignorance, and Want of Shame. + "Bless me!" said I, "sure my lord does not see what he plays + for!" "As well as I <a class="pagenum" name='page135' title='135' + id="page135"></a>do," says Pacolet. "He despises that fellow he + plays with, and scorns himself for making him his companion." At + the very instant he was speaking, I saw the fellow who played + with my lord, hide two cards in the roll of his stocking: Pacolet + immediately stole them from thence; upon which the nobleman soon + after won the game. The little triumph he appeared in, when he + got such a trifling stock of ready money, though he had ventured + so great sums with indifference, increased my admiration. But + Pacolet began to talk to me. "Mr. Isaac, this to you looks + wonderful, but not at all to us higher beings: that noble has as + many good qualities as any man of his order, and seems to have no + faults but what, as I may say, are excrescences from virtues: he + is generous to a prodigality, more affable than is consistent + with his quality, and courageous to a rashness. Yet, after all + this, the source of his whole conduct is (though he would hate + himself if he knew it) mere avarice. The ready cash laid before + the gamester's counters makes him venture, as you see, and lay + distinction against infamy, abundance against want; in a word, + all that's desirable against all that's to be avoided." + "However," said I, "be sure you disappoint the sharpers to-night, + and steal from them all the cards they hide." Pacolet obeyed me, + and my lord went home with their whole bank in his pocket.</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, May 13.</h3> + + <p>To-night was acted a second time a comedy, called "The Busy + Body:"<a name='fntag206' id="fntag206"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote206'><sup>206</sup></a> this play is written by a lady. + In old times, we used to sit upon a play here after it was acted; + but now the entertainment is turned another way; <a class= + "pagenum" name='page136' title='136' id="page136"></a>not but + there are considerable men appear in all ages, who, for some + eminent quality or invention, deserve the esteem and thanks of + the public. Such a benefactor is a gentleman of this house, who + is observed by the surgeons with much envy; for he has invented + an engine for the prevention of harms by love adventures, and by + great care and application, hath made it an immodesty to name his + name. This act of self-denial has gained this worthy member of + the commonwealth a great reputation. Some lawgivers have departed + from their abodes for ever, and commanded the observation of + their laws till their return; others have used other artifices to + fly the applause of their merit; but this person shuns glory with + greater address, and has, by giving his engine his own name, made + it obscene to speak of him more. However, he is ranked among, and + received by the modern wits, as a great promoter of gallantry and + pleasure. But I fear, pleasure is less understood in this age, + which so much pretends to it, than in any since the creation. It + was admirably said of him who first took notice, that (<i>res est + severa voluptas</i>) there is a certain severity in pleasure. + Without that, all decency is banished; and if reason is not to be + present at our greatest satisfactions, of all the races of + creatures, the human is the most miserable. It was not so of old; + when Virgil describes a wit, he always means a virtuous man; and + all his sentiments of men of genius are such as show persons + distin<a class="pagenum" name='page137' title='137' id= + "page137"></a>guished from the common level of mankind; such as + placed happiness in the contempt of low fears, and mean + gratifications: fears, which we are subject to with the vulgar; + and pleasures, which we have in common with beasts. With these + illustrious personages, the wisest man was the greatest wit; and + none was thought worthy of that character, unless he answered + this excellent description of the poet:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Qui—metus omnes et inexorabile fatum + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Subjecit pedibus, strepitumque Acherontis avari.<a name= + 'fntag207' id="fntag207"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote207'><sup>207</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, May 13.</h3> + + <p>We had this morning advice, that some English merchant-ships, + convoyed by the <i>Bristol</i> of fifty-four guns, were met with + by a part of Mons. du Guy Trouin's squadron, who engaged the + convoy. That ship defended itself till the English merchants got + clear of the enemy, but being disabled was herself taken. Within + few hours after, my Lord Dursley<a name='fntag208' id= + "fntag208"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote208'><sup>208</sup></a> came up with part of his + squadron and engaging the French, retook the <i>Bristol</i> + (which being very much shattered, sunk), and took the + <i>Glorieux</i>, a ship of forty-four guns, as also a privateer + of fourteen. Before this action, his lordship had taken two + French merchant-men; and had, at the despatch of these advices, + brought the whole safe into Plymouth.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag205'>[205]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote205' id="footnote205"></a>Probably + William Oliver, M.D., F.R.S., who published a Dissertation on + Bath waters, and cold baths, in 1709 (<i>Flying Post</i>, + Feb. 10 to 12, 1709). Sir John Floyer's "Inquiry into the + right Use and Abuses of the Hot, Cold, and Temperate Baths in + England, &c.," appeared in 1697.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag206'>[206]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote206' id="footnote206"></a>By Mrs. + Susannah Centlivre, a lady of Whig views, who was possessed + of considerable beauty. (See also <a href='#number19'>No. + 19</a>.) Isaac Bickerstaff had promised a prologue to "The + Busy Body" before it was to be first played, as appears from + a poetical epistle of Mrs. Centlivre, claiming the + performance of such a promise, printed by Charles Lillie + ("Orig. Letters to <i>Tatler</i> and <i>Spectator</i>" vol. + ii. pp. 33, 34). Leigh Hunt ("The Town") suggests that Pope + put Mrs. Centlivre in the "Dunciad" (ii. 410—"At last + Centlivre felt her voice to fail") on account of her intimacy + with Steele and other friends of Addison. Mrs. Centlivre + (1667-1723) married, as her second husband, Mr. Carrol, a + gentleman of the army, and afterwards Mr. Joseph Centlivre, + principal cook to Queen Anne, 1706.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag207'>[207]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote207' id="footnote207"></a>Virgil, + "Georgics," ii. 492.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag208'>[208]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote208' id="footnote208"></a>In November + 1709, James Viscount Dursley was raised to the rank of + Vice-Admiral of the Blue. Next year he succeeded his father + in the title of Earl of Berkeley.</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page138' title='138' id= + "page138"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number16' id="number16"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 16.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, May 14</i>, to <i>Tuesday, May 17</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, May 15.</h3> + + <p>Sir Thomas,<a name='fntag209' id="fntag209"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote209'><sup>209</sup></a> of this house, has shown + me some letters from the Bath, which give accounts of what passes + among the good company of that place; and allowed me to + transcribe one of them, that seems to be writ by some of Sir + Thomas' particular acquaintances, and is as follows:</p> + + <p>"DEAR KNIGHT,</p> + + <p>"I desire you would give my humble service to all our friends, + which I speak of to you (out of method) in the very beginning of + my epistle, lest the present disorders, by which this seat of + gallantry and pleasure is torn to pieces, should make me forget + it. You keep so good company, that you know Bath is stocked with + such as come hither to be relieved from luxuriant health, or + imaginary sickness, and consequently is always as well stowed + with gallants as invalids, who live together in a very good + understanding. But the season is so early, that our fine company + is not yet arrived: and the warm Bath, which in heathen times was + dedicated to Venus, is now used only by such as really want it + for health's sake. There are however a good many strangers, among + whom are two ambitious ladies, who being both in the autumn of + their life, take the opportunity of placing themselves at the + head of such as we are, before the Chloes, Clarissas, and + Pastorellas come down. One of <a class="pagenum" name='page139' + title='139' id="page139"></a>these two is excessively in pain, + that the ugly being called Time will make wrinkles in spite of + the lead forehead-cloth; and therefore hides, with the gaiety of + her air, the volubility of her tongue, and quickness of her + motion, the injuries which it has done her. The other lady is but + two years behind her in life, and dreads as much being laid aside + as the former, and consequently has taken the necessary + precautions to prevent her reign over us. But she is very + discreet, and wonderfully turned for ambition, being never + apparently transported either with affection or malice. Thus, + while Florimel is talking in public, and spreading her graces in + assemblies, to gain a popular dominion over our diversions, + Prudentia visits very cunningly all the lame, the splenetic, and + the superannuated, who have their distinct classes of followers + and friends. Among these, she has found that some body has sent + down printed certificates of Florimel's age, which she has read + and distributed to this unjoyful set of people, who are always + enemies to those in possession of the good opinion of the + company. This unprovoked injury done by Prudentia, was the first + occasion of our fatal divisions here, and a declaration of war + between these rivals. Florimel has abundance of wit, which she + has lavished in decrying Prudentia, and giving defiance to her + little arts. For an instance of her superior power, she bespoke + the play of 'Alexander the Great,'<a name='fntag210' id= + "fntag210"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote210'><sup>210</sup></a> to be acted by the company of + strollers, and desired us all to be there on Thursday last. When + she spoke to me to come, 'As you are,' said she, 'a lover, you + will not fail the death of Alexander: the passion of love is + wonderfully hit—Statira! Oh that happy woman—to have + a conqueror at her feet—but you will be sure to be there.' + I, and several others, <a class="pagenum" name='page140' title= + '140' id="page140"></a>resolved to be of her party. But see the + irresistible strength of that unsuspected creature, a silent + woman. Prudentia had counterplotted us, and had bespoke on the + same evening the puppet-show of 'The Creation of the + World.'<a name='fntag211' id="fntag211"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote211'><sup>211</sup></a> She had engaged everybody to be + there, and, to turn our leader into ridicule, had secretly let + them know, that the puppet Eve was made the most like Florimel + that ever was seen. On Thursday morning the puppet-drummer, Adam + and Eve, and several others who lived before the Flood, passed + through the streets on horseback, to invite us all to the + pastime, and the representation of such things as we all knew to + be true; and Mr. Mayor was so wise as to prefer these innocent + people the puppets, who, he said, were to represent Christians, + before the wicked players, who were to show Alexander, a heathen + philosopher. To be short, this Prudentia had so laid it, that at + ten of the clock footmen were sent to take places at the + puppet-show, and all we of Florimel's party were to be out of + fashion, or desert her. We chose the latter. All the world + crowded to Prudentia's house, because it was given out, nobody + could get in. When we came to Noah's flood in the show, Punch and + his wife were introduced dancing in the Ark. An honest plain + friend of Florimel's, but a critic withal, rose up in the midst + of the representation, and made many very good exceptions to the + drama itself, and told us, that it was against all morality, as + well as rules of the stage, that Punch should be in jest in the + Deluge, or indeed that he should <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page141' title='141' id="page141"></a>appear at all. This was + certainly a just remark, and I thought to second him; but he was + hissed by Prudentia's party; upon which, really, Sir Thomas, we + who were his friends, hissed him too. Old Mrs. Petulant desired + both her daughters to mind the moral; then whispered Mrs. + Mayoress, 'This is very proper for young people to see.' Punch at + the end of the play made Madam Prudentia a compliment, and was + very civil to the whole company, making bows till his buttons + touched the ground. All was carried triumphantly against our + party. In the meantime Florimel went to the tragedy, dressed as + fine as hands could make her, in hopes to see Prudentia pine away + with envy. Instead of that, she sat a full hour alone, and at + last was entertained with this whole relation from Statira, who + wiped her eyes with her tragical-cut handkerchief, and lamented + the ignorance of the quality. Florimel was stung with this + affront, and the next day bespoke the puppet-show. Prudentia, + insolent with power, bespoke 'Alexander.' The whole company came + then to 'Alexander.' Madam Petulant desired her daughters to mind + the moral, and believe no man's fair words; 'For you'll see, + children,' said she, 'these soldiers are never to be depended + upon; they are sometimes here, sometimes there—don't you + see, daughter Betty, Colonel Clod, our next neighbour in the + country, pulls off his hat to you? Courtesy, good child, his + estate is just by us.' Florimel was now mortified down to + Prudentia's humour; and Prudentia exalted into hers. This was + observed: Florimel invites us to the play a second time, + Prudentia to the show. See the uncertainty of human affairs! The + beaux, the wits, the gamesters, the prues,<a name='fntag212' id= + "fntag212"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote212'><sup>212</sup></a> the coquettes, the + valetudinarians, and gallants, all now <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page142' title='142' id="page142"></a>wait upon Florimel. Such + is the state of things at this present date; and if there happens + any new commotions, you shall have immediate advice from,</p> + + <p>"Sir,</p> + + <p>"Your affectionate Friend</p> + + <p>"and Servant.</p> + + <p>"Bath, <i>May 11</i>, 1709."</p> + + <h4>"<i>To Castabella.</i></h4> + + <p>"MADAM,</p> + + <p>I have the honour of a letter from a friend of yours, relating + to an incivility done to you at the opera, by one of your own + sex; but I, who was an eye-witness of the accident, can testify + to you, that though she pressed before you, she lost her ends in + that design; for she was taken notice of for no other reason, but + her endeavours to hide a finer woman than herself. But indeed, I + dare not go farther in this matter, than just this bare mention; + for though it was taking your place of right, rather than place + of precedence, yet it is so tender a point, and on which the very + life of female ambition depends, that it is of the last + consequence to meddle in it: all my hopes are from your beautiful + sex; and those bright eyes, which are the bane of others, are my + only sunshine. My writings are sacred to you; and I hope I shall + always have the good fortune to live under your protection; + therefore take this public opportunity to signify to all the + world, that I design to forbear anything that may in the least + tend to the diminution of your interest, reputation, or power. + You will therefore <a class="pagenum" name='page143' title='143' + id="page143"></a>forgive me, that I strive to conceal every wrong + step made by any who have the honour to wear petticoats; and + shall at all times do what is in my power, to make all mankind as + much their slaves as myself. If they would consider things as + they ought, there needs not much argument to convince them, that + it is their fate to be obedient to you, and that your greatest + rebels do only serve with a worse grace.</p> + + <p>"I am, Madam,</p> + + <p>"Your most obedient, and</p> + + <p>"most humble Servant,</p> + + <p class="right">"ISAAC BICKERSTAFF.</p> + + <p>"<i>May 16.</i>"</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, May 16.</h3> + + <p>Letters from the Hague, bearing date the 21st instant, N.S., + advise, that his Grace the Duke of Marlborough, immediately after + his arrival, sent his secretary to the President and the + Pensionary, to acquaint them therewith. Soon after, these + Ministers visited the duke, and made him compliments in the name + of the States-General; after which they entered into a conference + with him on the present posture of affairs, and gave his grace + assurances of the firm adherence of the States to the alliance: + at the same time acquainting him, that all overtures of peace + were rejected, till they had an opportunity of acting in concert + with their allies on that subject. After this interview, the + Pensionary and the President returned to the assembly of the + States. Monsieur Torcy has had a conference at the Pensioner's + house with his Grace the Duke of Marlborough, Prince Eugene, and + his Excellency the Lord Townshend. The result of what <a class= + "pagenum" name='page144' title='144' id="page144"></a>was debated + at that time is kept secret; but there appears an air of + satisfaction and good understanding between these Ministers. We + are apt also to give ourselves very hopeful prospects from + Monsieur Torcy's being employed in this negotiation, who has been + always remarkable for a particular way of thinking, in his sense + of the greatness of France; which he has always said, was to be + promoted rather by the arts of peace, than those of war. His + delivering himself freely on this subject, has formerly appeared + an unsuccessful way to power in that Court; but in its present + circumstances, those maxims are better received; and it is + thought a certain argument of the sincerity of the French king's + intentions, that this Minister is at present made use of. The + marquis is to return to Paris within few days, who has sent a + courier thither to give notice of the reasons of his return, that + the Court may be the sooner able to despatch commissions for a + formal treaty.</p> + + <p>The expectations of peace are increased by advices from Paris + of the 17th instant, which say, the Dauphin hath altered his + resolution of commanding in Flanders the ensuing campaign. The + Saxon and Prussian reinforcements, together with Count Merci's + regiment of Imperial horse, are encamped in the neighbourhood of + Brussels; and sufficient stores of corn and forage are + transported to that place and Ghent for the service of the + confederate army.</p> + + <p>They write from Mons, that the Elector of Bavaria had advice, + that an advanced party of the Portuguese army had been defeated + by the Spaniards.</p> + + <p>We hear from Languedoc, that their corn, olives and figs, were + wholly destroyed; but that they have a hopeful prospect of a + plentiful vintage.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag209'>[209]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote209' id="footnote209"></a>The nickname of + a waiter at White's (see <a href='#number1'>No. 1</a>).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag210'>[210]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote210' id="footnote210"></a>"The Rival + Queens; or, Alexander the Great," by Nathaniel Lee, 1677.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag211'>[211]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote211' id="footnote211"></a>The following + advertisement is among the Harleian MSS. (Bayford's Coll. + 5931): "At Crawley's show at the Golden Lion, near St. + George's Church, during the time of Southwark Fair, will be + presented the whole story of the old 'Creation of the World, + or Paradise Lost,' yet newly revived with the addition of + 'Noah's Flood'; &c. The best known puppet-show man was + Martin Powell. (See No. 236.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag212'>[212]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote212' id="footnote212"></a>So in the folio + and original collected editions. "Prue" was Steele's + favourite name for his wife; here it means "prude," and no + doubt Steele sometimes thought "dear Prue" was unnecessarily + and unreasonably particular.</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page145' title='145' id= + "page145"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number17' id="number17"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 17.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, May 17</i>, to <i>Thursday, May 19</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, May 18.</h3> + + <p>The discourse has happened to turn this evening upon the true + nature of panegyric, the perfection of which was asserted to + consist in a certain artful way of conveying the applause in an + indirect manner. There was a gentleman gave us several instances + of it: among others, he quoted, from Sir Francis Bacon, in his + "Advancement of Learning," a very great compliment made to + Tiberius, as follows: In a full debate upon public affairs in the + Senate, one of the assembly rose up, and with a very grave air + said, he thought it for the honour and dignity of the + commonwealth, that Tiberius should be declared a god, and have + divine worship paid him. The Emperor was surprised at the + proposal, and demanded of him to declare whether he had made any + application to incline him to that overture? The senator + answered, with a bold and haughty tone, "Sir, in matters that + concern the commonwealth, I will be governed by no man."<a name= + 'fntag213' id="fntag213"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote213'><sup>213</sup></a> Another gentleman mentioned + something of the same kind spoken by the late Duke of + B——m,<a name='fntag214' id="fntag214"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote214'><sup>214</sup></a> to the late Earl of + O——y:<a name='fntag215' id="fntag215"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote215'><sup>215</sup></a> "My lord," says the + duke, after his libertine way, "you will certainly be damned." + "How, my lord!" says the earl with some warmth. "Nay," said the + duke, "there's no help for it, for it is positively said, 'Cursed + is he of whom all men speak well.'"<a name='fntag216' id= + "fntag216"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote216'><sup>216</sup></a> This is taking a man by + <a class="pagenum" name='page146' title='146' id= + "page146"></a>surprise, and being welcome when you have so + surprised him. The person flattered receives you into his closet + at once; and the sudden change in his heart, from the expectation + of an ill-wisher, to find you his friend, makes you in his full + favour in a moment. The spirits that were raised so suddenly + against you, are as suddenly for you. There was another instance + given of this kind at the table: a gentleman who had a very great + favour done him, and an employment bestowed upon him, without so + much as being known to his benefactor, waited upon the great man + who was so generous, and was beginning to say, he was infinitely + obliged. "Not at all," says the patron, turning from him to + another, "had I known a more deserving man in England, he should + not have had it."</p> + + <p>We should certainly have had more examples, had not a + gentleman produced a book which he thought an instance of this + kind: it was a pamphlet, called, "The Naked Truth."<a name= + 'fntag217' id="fntag217"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote217'><sup>217</sup></a> The idea any one would have of + that work from the title, was, that there would be much plain + <a class="pagenum" name='page147' title='147' id= + "page147"></a>dealing with people in power, and that we should + see things in their proper light, stripped of the ornaments which + are usually given to the actions of the great: but the skill of + this author is such, that he has, under that rugged appearance, + approved himself the finest gentleman and courtier that ever + writ. The language is extremely sublime, and not at all to be + understood by the vulgar: the sentiments are such as would make + no figure in ordinary words; but such is the art of the + expression, and the thoughts are elevated to so high a degree, + that I question whether the discourse will sell much. There was + an ill-natured fellow present, who hates all panegyric mortally. + "P—— take him!" said he, "what the devil means his + 'Naked Truth,' in speaking nothing but to the advantage of all + whom he mentions? This is just such a great action as that of the + champion's on a coronation day, who challenges all mankind to + dispute with him the right of the sovereign, surrounded with his + guards." The gentleman who produced the treatise, desired him to + be cautious, and said, it was writ by an excellent soldier, which + made the company observe it more narrowly: and, as critics are + the greatest conjurers at finding out a known <a class="pagenum" + name='page148' title='148' id="page148"></a>truth, one said, he + was sure it was writ by the hand of his sword-arm. I could not + perceive much wit in that expression: but it raised a laugh, and + I suppose, was meant as a sneer upon valiant men. The same man + pretended to see in the style, that it was a horse officer; but + sure that's being too nice: for though you may know officers of + the cavalry by the turn of their feet, I can't imagine how you + should discern their hands from those of other men. But it is + always thus with pedants, they will ever be carping; if a + gentleman or a man of honour puts pen to paper, I don't doubt, + but this author will find this assertion too true, and that + obloquy is not repulsed by the force of arms. I will therefore + set this excellent piece in a light too glaring for weak eyes, + and, in imitation of the critic Longinus, shall, as well as I + can, make my observations in a style like the author's, of whom I + treat; which perhaps I am as capable of as another, having an + unbounded force of thinking, as well as a most exquisite address, + extensively and wisely indulged to me by the supreme powers. My + author, I will dare to assert, shows the most universal knowledge + of any writer who has appeared this century. He is a poet, and + merchant, which is seen in two master-words, Credit Blossoms. He + is a grammarian, and a politician; for he says, the uniting the + two kingdoms is the emphasis of the security to the Protestant + Succession. Some would be apt to say he is a conjurer; for he has + found that a republic is not made up of every body of animals, + but is composed of men only, and not of horses. Liberty and + property have chosen their retreat within the emulating circle of + a human commonwealth. He is a physician; for he says, "I observe + a constant equality in its pulse, and a just quickness of its + vigorous circulation." And again: "I view the strength of our + Constitution plainly appear in the sanguine <a class="pagenum" + name='page149' title='149' id="page149"></a>and ruddy complexion + of a well-contented city." He is a divine; for he says, "I cannot + but bless myself." And indeed, this excellent treatise has had + that good effect upon me, who am far from being superstitious, + that I, also, can't but bless myself.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, May 18.</h3> + + <p>This day arrived a mail from Lisbon, with letters of the 13th + instant, N.S., containing a particular account of the late action + in Portugal. On the 7th instant, the army of Portugal, under the + command of the Marquis de Frontera, lay on the side of the Caya, + and the army of the Duke of Anjou, commanded by the Marquis de + Bay, on the other. The latter commander having an ambition to + ravage the country, in a manner in sight of the Portuguese, made + a motion with the whole body of his horse toward Fort St. + Christopher, near the town of Badajos. The generals of the + Portuguese, disdaining that such an insult should be offered to + their arms, took a resolution to pass the river, and oppose the + designs of the enemy. The Earl of Galway represented to them, + that the present posture of affairs was such on the side of the + Allies, that there needed no more to be done at present in that + country, but to carry on a defensive part. But his arguments + could not avail in the council of war. Upon which, a great + detachment of foot, and the whole of the horse of the King of + Portugal's army, passed the river, and with some pieces of cannon + did good execution on the enemy. Upon observing this, the Marquis + de Bay advanced with his horse, and attacked the right wing of + the Portuguese cavalry, who faced about, and fled, without + standing the first encounter. But their foot repulsed the same + body of horse in three successive charges, with great order and + resolution. While this was transacting, the <a class="pagenum" + name='page150' title='150' id="page150"></a>British general + commanded the brigade of Pearce to keep the enemy in diversion by + a new attack. This was so well executed, that the Portuguese + infantry had time to retire in good order, and repass the river. + But that brigade, which rescued them, was itself surrounded by + the enemy, and Major-General Sarkey, Brigadier Pearce, together + with both their regiments, and that of the Lord Galway, lately + raised, were taken prisoners.</p> + + <p>During the engagement, the Earl of Barrymore having advanced + too far to give some necessary order, was hemmed in by a squadron + of the enemy; but found means to gallop up to the brigade of + Pearce, with which he remains also a prisoner. My Lord Galway had + his horse shot under him in this action; and the Conde de St. + Juan, a Portuguese general, was taken prisoner. The same night + the army encamped at Aronches, and on the 9th moved to Elvas, + where they lay when these despatches came away. Colonel Stanwix's + regiment is also taken. The whole of this affair has given the + Portuguese a great idea of the capacity and courage of my Lord + Galway, against whose advice they entered upon this unfortunate + affair, and by whose conduct they were rescued from it. The + prodigious constancy and resolution of that great man is hardly + to be paralleled, who, under the oppression of a maimed body, and + the reflection of repeated ill fortune, goes on with an + unspeakable alacrity in the service of the common cause. He has + already put things in a very good posture after this ill + accident, and made the necessary dispositions for covering the + country from any further attempt of the enemy, who lie still in + the camp they were in before the battle.</p> + + <p>Letters from Brussels, dated the 25th instant, advise, that + notwithstanding the negotiations of a peace seem so far advanced, + that some do confidently report the pre<a class="pagenum" name= + 'page151' title='151' id="page151"></a>liminaries of a treaty to + be actually agreed on; yet the Allies hasten their preparations + for opening the campaign; and the forces of the Empire, the + Prussians, the Danes, the Wirtembergers, the Palatines, and Saxon + auxiliaries, are in motion towards the general rendezvous, they + being already arrived in the neighbourhood of Brussels. These + advices add, that the deputies of the States of Holland having + made a general review of the troops in Flanders, set out for + Antwerp on the 21st instant from that place. On the same day the + Prince Royal of Prussia came thither <i>incognito</i>, with a + design to make the ensuing campaign under his Grace the Duke of + Marlborough.</p> + + <p>This day is published a treatise called, "The Difference + between Scandal and Admonition." By Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq.; and + on the 1st of July next, you may expect, "A Prophecy of Things + Past; wherein the Art of Fortune-telling is laid open to the + meanest capacity." And on the Monday following, "Choice Sentences + for the Company of Masons and Bricklayers, to be put upon new + Houses, with a translation of all the Latin sentences that have + been built of late years, together with a comment upon stone + walls," by the same hand.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag213'>[213]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote213' id="footnote213"></a>See Tacitus, + "Annals," i. 8.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag214'>[214]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote214' id="footnote214"></a>George + Villiers, Duke of Buckingham.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag215'>[215]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote215' id="footnote215"></a>Roger Boyle, + Earl of Orrery.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag216'>[216]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote216' id="footnote216"></a>Luke vi. + 26.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag217'>[217]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote217' id="footnote217"></a>Like Nichols, I + have not been able to see a copy of this pamphlet, or the + defence of it, mentioned in <a href='#number21'>No. 21</a>; + but a letter from Peter Wentworth to Lord Raby, dated 20 May, + 1709, throws some light on the matter: "Dear Brother, ... + Brigadeer Crowder of late has made some talk in the Coffee + Houses upon a peice he has lately been pleased to print, he + did me the favour to show it me some time agoe in manuscript, + and I complymented him with desiring a coppy of it, that I + might have the pleasure of reading it more than once, and + that I might communicate the like sattisfaction to you by + sending it to Berlin. He told me it had the approbation of + very ingenious men and good scholars, and his very good + friends who had persuaded him to print it, and then you, as + he always esteem'd to be such, shou'd be sure to have one. + The day before yesterday he perform'd his promise but desir'd + I wou'd not tell you directly who was the author, but + recommend it to you with his most humble service, as from a + friend of his. Yesterday came out this <i>Tatler</i>, and + tho' I reckon myself a little base after all the fine + complyments he made me upon my great judgment, I can't + forbear sending it you as a fine peice of rallery upon his + elaborate work, which I can assure you he has not been a + little proud of. I han't seen him since to know if this + <i>Tatler</i> has given him any mortification. I know before + he was prepar'd for the censorious, for he said lett people + say what they wou'd, he was sure the intention was good, and + his meaning for the service of the public. I am sorry he has + printed, for he's very civill to me, and always profess a + great respect for you, and I wou'd have none that does so + exposed" ("Wentworth Papers," pp. 86-7). See <a href= + '#number46'>No. 46</a>. A writer in "Notes and Queries" (7 S. + iii. 526), in reply to a question of mine, stated that there + is a copy of "Naked Truth," 4to, 1709, in the Bamburgh Castle + Library. The pamphlet is anonymous, but is ascribed in the + catalogue to Colonel Crowder. In May 1710, Thomas Crowther + was made a Major-General (Pointer's "Chron. History," ii. + 679).</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number18' id="number18"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 18.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE AND ADDISON.<a name='fntag218' + id="fntag218"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote218'><sup>218</sup></a></h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, May 19</i>, to <i>Saturday, May 21</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, May 20.</h3> + + <p>It is observed too often, that men of wit do so much employ + their thoughts upon fine speculations, that things useful to + mankind are wholly neglected; and they <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page152' title='152' id="page152"></a>are busy in making + emendations upon some enclitics in a Greek author, while obvious + things, that every man may have use for, are wholly overlooked. + It would be a happy thing, if such as have real capacities for + public service, were employed in works of general use; but + because a thing is everybody's business, it is nobody's business: + this is for want of public spirit. As for my part, who am only a + student, and a man of no great interest, I can only remark + things, and recommend the correction of them to higher powers. + There is an offence I have a thousand times lamented, but fear I + shall never see remedied; which is, that in a nation where + learning is so frequent as in Great Britain, there should be so + many gross errors as there are in the very directions of things, + wherein accuracy is necessary for the conduct of life. This is + notoriously observed by all men of letters when they first come + to town (at which time they are usually curious that way) in the + inscriptions on sign-posts. I have cause to know this matter as + well as anybody; for I have (when I went to Merchant Taylors' + School) suffered stripes for spelling after the signs I observed + in my way; though at the same time, I must confess, staring at + those inscriptions first gave me an idea and curiosity for + medals; in which I have since arrived at some knowledge.<a name= + 'fntag219' id="fntag219"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote219'><sup>219</sup></a> Many a man has lost his way and + his dinner by this general want of skill in orthography: for, + considering that the painters are usually so very bad, that you + cannot know the animal under whose sign you are to live that day, + how must the stranger be misled, if it be wrong spelled, as well + as ill painted? I have a cousin now in town, who has answered + under Bachelor at Queen's College, whose name is <a class= + "pagenum" name='page153' title='153' id="page153"></a>Humphrey + Mopstaff (he is akin to us by his mother). This young man going + to see a relation in Barbican, wandered a whole day by the + mistake of one letter; for it was written, "This is the BEER," + instead of "This is the BEAR." He was set right at last, by + inquiring for the house, of a fellow who could not read, and knew + the place mechanically, only by having been often drunk there. + But, in the name of goodness, let us make our learning of use to + us, or not. Was not this a shame, that a philosopher should be + thus directed by a cobbler? I'll be sworn, if it were known how + many have suffered in this kind by false spelling since the + union, this matter would not long lie thus. What makes these + evils the more insupportable, is, that they are so easily + amended, and nothing done in it. But it is so far from that, that + the evil goes on in other arts as well as orthography. Places are + confounded, as well for want of proper distinctions, as things + for want of true characters. Had I not come by the other day very + early in the morning, there might have been mischief done; for a + worthy North Briton was swearing at Stocks Market,<a name= + 'fntag220' id="fntag220"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote220'><sup>220</sup></a> that they would not let him in + at his lodgings; but I knowing the gentleman, and observing him + look often at the King on horseback, and then double his oaths, + that he was sure he was right, found he mistook that for + <a class="pagenum" name='page154' title='154' id= + "page154"></a>Charing Cross, by the erection of the like statue + in each place. I grant, private men may distinguish their abodes + as they please; as one of my acquaintance who lives at + Marylebone, has put a good sentence of his own invention upon his + dwelling-place, to find out where he lives: he is so near London, + that his conceit is this, "The country in town; or, the town in + the country"; for you know, if they are both in one, they are all + one. Besides that, the ambiguity is not of great consequence; if + you are safe at the place, it is no matter if you do not + distinctly know where to say the place is. But to return to the + orthography of public places: I propose that every tradesman in + the cities of London and Westminster shall give me sixpence a + quarter for keeping their signs in repair, as to the grammatical + part; and I will take into my house a Swiss Count<a name= + 'fntag221' id="fntag221"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote221'><sup>221</sup></a> of my acquaintance, who can + remember all their names without book, for despatch sake, setting + up the head of the said foreigner for my sign; the features being + strong, and fit for hanging high.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, May 20.</h3> + + <p>This day a mail arrived from Holland, by which there are + advices from Paris, that the kingdom of France is in the utmost + misery and distraction. The merchants of Lyons have been at + Court, to remonstrate their great sufferings by the failure of + their public credit; but have received no other satisfaction, + than promises of a sudden peace; and that their debts will be + made good by funds out of the revenue, which will not answer, but + in case of the peace which is promised. In the meantime, the + cries of the common people are loud for want of bread, the gentry + have lost all spirit and zeal for their country, and the king + himself seems to languish under the anxiety of <a class="pagenum" + name='page155' title='155' id="page155"></a>the pressing + calamities of the nation, and retires from hearing those + grievances which he hath not power to redress. Instead of + preparations for war, and the defence of their country, there is + nothing to be seen but evident marks of a general despair. + Processions, fastings, public mournings, and humiliations, are + become the sole employments of a people, who were lately the most + vain and gay of any in the universe.</p> + + <p>The Pope has written to the French king on the subject of a + peace, and his Majesty has answered in the lowliest terms, that + he entirely submits his affairs to divine providence, and shall + soon show the world, that he prefers the tranquillity of his + people to the glory of his arms, and extent of his conquests.</p> + + <p>Letters from the Hague of the 24th say, that his Excellency + the Lord Townshend delivered his credentials on that day to the + States-General, as plenipotentiary from the Queen of Great + Britain; as did also Count Zinzendorf, who bears the same + character from the Emperor.</p> + + <p>Prince Eugene intended to set out the next day for Brussels, + and his Grace the Duke of Marlborough on the Tuesday following. + The Marquis de Torcy talks daily of going, but still continues + here. The army of the Allies is to assemble on the 7th of the + next month at Helchin; though it is generally believed, that the + preliminaries to a treaty are fully adjusted.</p> + + <p>The approach of a peace<a name='fntag222' id= + "fntag222"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote222'><sup>222</sup></a> strikes a panic through our + armies, though that of a battle could never do it, and they + almost repent of their bravery, that made such haste to humble + themselves and the French king. The Duke of Marlborough, though + otherwise the greatest general of the age, has plainly shown + himself unacquainted with the arts <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page156' title='156' id="page156"></a>of husbanding a war. He + might have grown as old as the Duke of Alva, or Prince Waldeck, + in the Low Countries, and yet have got reputation enough every + year for any reasonable man: for the command of general in + Flanders hath been ever looked upon as a provision for life. For + my part, I can't see how his grace can answer it to the world, + for the great eagerness he hath shown to send a hundred thousand + of the bravest fellows in Europe a begging. But the private + gentlemen of the infantry will be able to shift for themselves; a + brave man can never starve in a country stocked with hen-roosts. + "There is not a yard of linen," says my honoured progenitor, Sir + John Falstaff, "in my whole company; but as for that," says this + worthy knight, "I am in no great pain, we shall find shirts on + every hedge."<a name='fntag223' id="fntag223"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote223'><sup>223</sup></a> There is another sort of + gentlemen whom I am much more concerned for, and that is, the + ingenious fraternity of which I have the honour to be an unworthy + member; I mean the news-writers of Great Britain, whether Postmen + or Postboys,<a name='fntag224' id="fntag224"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote224'><sup>224</sup></a> or by what other name or + title soever dignified or distinguished. The case of these + gentlemen is, I think, more hard than that of <a class="pagenum" + name='page157' title='157' id="page157"></a>the soldiers, + considering that they have taken more towns, and fought more + battles. They have been upon parties and skirmishes, when our + armies have lain still; and given the general assault to many a + place, when the besiegers were quiet in their trenches. They have + made us masters of several strong towns many weeks before our + generals could do it; and completed victories, when our greatest + captains have been glad to come off with a drawn battle. Where + Prince Eugene has slain his thousands, Boyer<a name='fntag225' + id="fntag225"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote225'><sup>225</sup></a> has slain his ten thousands. + This, gentleman can indeed be never enough commended for his + courage and intrepidity during this whole war: he has laid about + him with an inexpressible fury, and like the offended Marius of + ancient Rome, made such havoc among his countrymen, as must be + the work of two or three ages to repair. It must be confessed, + the redoubted Mr. Buckley<a name='fntag226' id= + "fntag226"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote226'><sup>226</sup></a> has shed as much blood as the + former; but I cannot forbear saying (and I hope it will not look + like envy) that we regard our brother Buckley as a + Drawcansir,<a name='fntag227' id="fntag227"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote227'><sup>227</sup></a> who spares neither friend + nor foe, but generally kills as many of his own side as the + enemy's. It is impossible for this ingenious sort of men to + subsist after a peace: every one remembers the shifts they were + driven to in the reign of King Charles II., when they could not + furnish out <a class="pagenum" name='page158' title='158' id= + "page158"></a>a single paper of news, without lighting up a comet + in Germany, or a fire in Moscow. There scarce appeared a letter + without a paragraph on an earthquake. Prodigies were grown so + familiar, that they had lost their name, as a great poet of that + age has it. I remember Mr. Dyer,<a name='fntag228' id= + "fntag228"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote228'><sup>228</sup></a> who is justly looked upon by + all the fox-hunters in the nation as the greatest statesman our + country has produced, was particularly famous for dealing in + whales; insomuch that in five months' time (for I had the + curiosity to examine his letters on that occasion) he brought + three into the mouth of the river Thames, besides two porpoises + and a sturgeon. The judicious and wary Mr. I. Dawks<a name= + 'fntag229' id="fntag229"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote229'><sup>229</sup></a> hath all along been the rival + of this great writer, and got himself a reputation from plagues + and famines, by which, in those days, he destroyed as great + multitudes as he has lately done by the sword. In every dearth of + news, Grand Cairo was sure to be unpeopled.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page159' title='159' id= + "page159"></a>It being therefore visible, that our society will + be greater sufferers by the peace than the soldiery itself; + insomuch that the <i>Daily Courant</i><a name='fntag230' id= + "fntag230"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote230'><sup>230</sup></a> is in danger of being broken, + my friend Dyer of being reformed, and the very best of the whole + band of being reduced to half-pay; might I presume to offer + anything in the behalf of my distressed brethren, I would humbly + move, that an appendix of proper apartments furnished with pen, + ink, and paper, and other necessaries of life should be added to + the Hospital of Chelsea,<a name='fntag231' id= + "fntag231"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote231'><sup>231</sup></a> for the relief of such decayed + news-writers as have served their country in the wars; and that + for their exercise, they should compile the annals of their + brother-veterans, who have been engaged in the same service, and + are still obliged to do duty after the same manner.</p> + + <p>I cannot be thought to speak this out of an eye to any private + interest; for, as my chief scenes of action are coffee-houses, + play-houses, and my own apartment, I am in no need of camps, + fortifications, and fields of battle, to support me; I don't call + out for heroes and generals to my assistance. Though the officers + are broken, and the armies disbanded, I shall still be safe as + long as there are men or women, or politicians, or lovers, or + poets, or nymphs, or swains, or cits, or courtiers in being.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag218'>[218]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote218' id="footnote218"></a>It is very + possible that the first article in this number (see the + allusion to medals) is by Addison, as well as the account of + the Distress of the News-writers.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag219'>[219]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote219' id="footnote219"></a>There is much + about medals in Addison's "Remarks on several Parts of + Italy," 1705. His "Dialogues on Medals" was published + posthumously by Tickell.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag220'>[220]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote220' id="footnote220"></a>Stocks Market + was so named from a pair of stocks which were erected there + as early as the 13th century. The two statues referred to + were really very unlike. The one was of white marble; the + other, of brass, was originally intended for John Sobieski, + King of Poland, but being bought by Sir Robert Viner in 1672, + it was altered and erected in honour of King Charles II. The + Turk underneath the horse was metamorphosed into Oliver + Cromwell; but his turban escaped unnoticed or unaltered, to + testify the truth. The statue in Stocks Market, with the + conduit and all its ornaments, was removed to make way for + the Mansion House in 1739. Marvell refers to these statues in + his "Satires."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag221'>[221]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote221' id="footnote221"></a>Heidegger. See + <a href='#number12'>No. 12</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag222'>[222]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote222' id="footnote222"></a>The remainder + of this paper is by Addison. See Steele's Preface, and his + Dedication of "The Drummer" to Congreve.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag223'>[223]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote223' id="footnote223"></a>"There's but a + shirt and a half in all my company; and the half-shirt is two + napkins, tacked together, and thrown over the shoulders like + a herald's coat without sleeves; and the shirt, to say the + truth, stolen from my host of St. Alban, or the red-nosed + innkeeper of Daintry. But that's all one, they'll find linen + enough on every hedge." (1 Henry IV., act iii. sc. 2).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag224'>[224]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote224' id="footnote224"></a>The Tory + <i>Postboy</i> was published by Abel Roper; and the Whig + <i>Flying Post</i> by George Ridpath:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "There Ridpath, Roper, cudgelled might ye view, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The very worsted still looked black and blue." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>("Dunciad," ii. 149.) It is remarkable that both Roper and + Ridpath died on the same day, Feb. 5, 1726. Swift and others + sometimes contributed to Roper's paper for party + purposes.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag225'>[225]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote225' id="footnote225"></a>Abel Boyer + (1667-1729), author of "The Political State of Great + Britain," was a Whig journalist towards whom Swift felt + bitterly. "The Secretary promises me to swinge him," he wrote + in 1711; "I must make that rogue an example for a warning to + others." Boyer compiled a valuable French and English + dictionary.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag226'>[226]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote226' id="footnote226"></a>Samuel Buckley + was printer of the <i>London Gazette, Daily Courant</i>, and + <i>Spectator</i>. He died in 1741.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag227'>[227]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote227' id="footnote227"></a>Drawcansir, in + "The Rehearsal," is described by another character as "a + great hero, who frights his mistress, snubs up kings, baffles + armies, and does what he will, without regard to number, good + sense, or justice."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag228'>[228]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote228' id="footnote228"></a>John Dyer was a + Jacobite journalist who issued a news-letter to country + subscribers, among whom was Sir Roger de Coverley + (<i>Spectator</i>, No. 127), by whom he was held in high + esteem. Defoe (<i>Review</i>, vi. 132) says that Dyer "did + not so much write what his readers should believe, as what + they would believe." Vellum, in Addison's "The Drummer" (act + ii. sc. i), cannot but believe his master is living, "because + the news of his death was first published in Dyer's Letter." + See also <i>Spectator</i>, Nos. 43 and 457. At the trial of + John Tutchin for seditious libel (Howell's "State Trials," + xiv. 1150), on complaint being made by counsel that Dyer had + charged him with broaching seditious principles, Lord Chief + Justice Holt said, "Dyer is very familiar with me too + sometimes; but you need not fear such a little scandalous + paper of such a scandalous author."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag229'>[229]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote229' id="footnote229"></a>Ichabod Dawks + was another "epistolary historian" (see <i>Spectator</i>, No. + 457, and <i>Tatler</i>, No. 178). + Dawks and Dyer are both introduced by Edmund Smith, author of + "Phædra and Hippolitus," in his poem, "Charlettus Percivallo + suo":</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Scribe securus, quid agit Senatus, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Quid caput stertit grave Lambethanum, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Quid comes Guilford, quid habent novorum. + </div> + + <div class="line right"> + "Dawksque Dyerque." + </div> + </div> + </div> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag230'>[230]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote230' id="footnote230"></a>The <i>Daily + Courant</i>, our first daily newspaper, was begun in + 1702.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag231'>[231]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote231' id="footnote231"></a>Chelsea + Hospital, for old soldiers, was founded in 1682.</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page160' title='160' id= + "page160"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number19' id="number19"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 19.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, May 21</i>, to <i>Tuesday, May 24</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, May 23.</h3> + + <p>There is nothing can give a man of any consideration greater + pain, than to see order and distinction laid aside amongst men, + especially when the rank (of which he himself is a member) is + intruded upon by such as have no pretence to that honour. The + appellation of Esquire is the most notoriously abused in this + kind of any class amongst men, insomuch that it is become almost + the subject of derision: but I will be bold to say, this + behaviour towards it proceeds from the ignorance of the people in + its true origin. I shall therefore, as briefly as possible, do + myself and all true esquires the justice to look into antiquity + upon this subject.</p> + + <p>In the first ages of the world, before the invention of + jointures and settlements, when the noble passion of love had + possession of the hearts of men, and the fair sex were not yet + cultivated into the merciful disposition which they have showed + in latter centuries, it was natural for great and heroic spirits + to retire to rivulets, woods, and caves, to lament their destiny, + and the cruelty of the fair persons who were deaf to their + lamentations. The hero in this distress was generally in armour, + and in a readiness to fight any man he met with, especially if + distinguished by any extraordinary qualifications, it being the + nature of heroic love to hate all merit, lest it should come + within the observation of the cruel one, by whom its own + perfections are neglected. A lover of this kind had always about + him a person of a second value, and subordinate to <a class= + "pagenum" name='page161' title='161' id="page161"></a>him, who + could hear his afflictions, carry an enchantment for his wounds, + hold his helmet when he was eating (if ever he did eat); or in + his absence, when he was retired to his apartment in any king's + palace, tell the prince himself, or perhaps his daughter, the + birth, parentage, and adventures, of his valiant master. This + trusty companion was styled his esquire, and was always fit for + any offices about him; was as gentle and chaste as a gentleman + usher, quick and active as an equerry, smooth and eloquent as a + master of the ceremonies. A man thus qualified was the first, as + the ancients affirm, who was called an esquire; and none without + these accomplishments ought to assume our order: but, to the + utter disgrace and confusion of the heralds, every pretender is + admitted into this fraternity, even persons the most foreign to + this courteous institution. I have taken an inventory of all + within this city, and looked over every letter in the post-office + for my better information. There are of the Middle Temple, + including all in the buttery books, and in the lists of the + house, 5000. In the Inner, 4000. In the King's Bench Walks, the + whole buildings are inhabited by esquires only. The adjacent + street of Essex, from Morris' Coffee-house, and the turning + towards the Grecian, you cannot meet one who is not an esquire, + till you take water. Every house in Norfolk and Arundel Streets + is governed also by a squire, or his lady. Soho Square, + Bloomsbury Square, and all other places where the floors rise + above nine feet, are so many universities, where you enter + yourselves, and become of our order. However, if this were the + worst of the evil, it were to be supported, because they are + generally men of some figure and use; though I know no pretence + they have to an honour which had its rise from chivalry. But if + you travel into the counties of Great Britain, we are still more + imposed upon by innovation. <a class="pagenum" name='page162' + title='162' id="page162"></a>We are indeed derived from the + field: but shall that give title to all that ride mad after + foxes, that halloo when they see a hare, or venture their necks + full speed after a hawk, immediately to commence esquires? No, + our order is temperate, cleanly, sober, and chaste; but these + rural esquires commit immodesties upon haycocks, wear shirts half + a week, and are drunk twice a day. These men are also to the last + degree excessive in their food: an esquire of Norfolk eats two + pounds of dumpling every meal, as if obliged to it by our order: + an esquire of Hampshire is as ravenous in devouring hogs' flesh: + one of Essex has as little mercy on calves. But I must take the + liberty to protest against them, and acquaint those persons, that + it is not the quantity they eat, but the manner of eating, that + shows a squire. But above all, I am most offended at small + quillmen, and transcribing clerks, who are all come into our + order, for no reason that I know of, but that they can easily + flourish it at the end of their name. I'll undertake, that if you + read the superscriptions to all the offices in the kingdom, you + will not find three letters directed to any but esquires. I have + myself a couple of clerks, and the rogues make nothing of leaving + messages upon each other's desk: one directs, to "Degory + Goosequill, Esq."; to which the other replies by a note, to + "Nehemiah Dashwell, Esq.; with respect." In a word, it is now, + <i>populus armigerorum</i>, a people of esquires. And I don't + know, but, by the late Act of Naturalisation,<a name='fntag232' + id="fntag232"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote232'><sup>232</sup></a> foreigners will assume that + title, as part of the immunity of being Englishmen. All these + improprieties flow from the negligence of the Heralds' Office. + Those gentlemen in parti-coloured habits do not so rightly, as + they ought, understand themselves; though they are dressed + <i>cap-a-pié</i> in hieroglyphics, they are inwardly but ignorant + men. I <a class="pagenum" name='page163' title='163' id= + "page163"></a>asked an acquaintance of mine, who is a man of wit, + but of no fortune, and is forced to appear as Jack Pudding on the + stage to a mountebank: "Prithee, Jack, why is your coat of so + many colours?" He replied, "I act a fool, and this spotted dress + is to signify, that every man living has a weak place about him; + for I am knight of the shire, and represent you all." I wish the + heralds would know as well as this man does, in his way, that + they are to act for us in the case of our arms and appellations: + we should not then be jumbled together in so promiscuous and + absurd a manner. I design to take this matter into further + consideration, and no man shall be received as an esquire, who + cannot bring a certificate, that he has conquered some lady's + obdurate heart; that he can lead up a country dance, or carry a + message between her and her lover, with address, secrecy and + diligence. A squire is properly born for the service of the sex, + and his credentials shall be signed by three toasts, and one + prude, before his title shall be received in my office.</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, May 23.</h3> + + <p>On Saturday last was presented, "The Busy Body," a comedy, + written (as I have heretofore remarked) by a woman.<a name= + 'fntag233' id="fntag233"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote233'><sup>233</sup></a> The plot and incidents of the + play are laid with that subtlety of spirit which is peculiar to + females of wit, and is very seldom well performed by those of the + other sex, in whom craft in love is an act of invention, and not, + as with women, the effect of nature and instinct.</p> + + <p>To-morrow will be acted a play, called, "The Trip to the + Jubilee."<a name='fntag234' id="fntag234"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote234'><sup>234</sup></a> This performance is the + greatest instance that we can have of the irresistible force of + proper action. <a class="pagenum" name='page164' title='164' id= + "page164"></a>The dialogue in itself has something too low to + bear a criticism upon it: but Mr. Wilks enters into the part with + so much skill, that the gallantry, the youth, and gaiety of a + young man of a plentiful fortune, is looked upon with as much + indulgence on the stage, as in real life, without any of those + intermixtures of wit and humour, which usually prepossess us in + favour of such characters in other plays.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, May 23.</h3> + + <p>Letters from the Hague of the 23rd instant, N.S., say, Mr. + Walpole<a name='fntag235' id="fntag235"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote235'><sup>235</sup></a> (who is since arrived) was + going with all expedition to Great Britain, whither they doubted + not but he carried with him the preliminaries to a treaty of + peace. The French Minister, Monsieur Torcy, has been observed in + this whole negotiation to turn his discourse upon the calamities + sent down by Heaven upon France, and imputed the necessities they + were under to the immediate hand of Providence, in inflicting a + general scarcity of provision, rather than the superior genius of + the generals, or the bravery of the armies against them. It would + be impious not to acknowledge the indulgence of Heaven to us; but + at the same time, as we are to love our enemies, we are glad to + see them mortified enough to mix Christianity with their + politics. An authentic letter from Madame Maintenon to Monsieur + Torcy has been stolen by a person about him, who has communicated + a copy of it to some of the dependants of a Minister of the + Allies. That epistle is writ in the most pathetic manner + imaginable, and in a style which shows her genius, that has so + long engrossed the heart of this great monarch.<a name='fntag236' + id="fntag236"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote236'><sup>236</sup></a></p> + + <p>"<a class="pagenum" name='page165' title='165' id= + "page165"></a>SIR,</p> + + <p>"I received yours, and am sensible of the address and capacity + with which you have hitherto transacted the great affair under + your management. You well observe, that our wants here are not to + be concealed; and that it is vanity to use artifices with the + knowing men with whom you are to deal. Let me beg you therefore, + in this representation of our circumstances, to lay aside art, + which ceases to be such when it is seen, and make use of all your + skill, to gain us what advantages you can from the enemy's + jealousy of each other's greatness; which is the place where only + you have room for any dexterity. If you have any passion for your + unhappy country, or any affection for your distressed master, + come home with peace. O Heaven! Do I live to talk of Lewis the + Great as the object of pity? The king shows a great uneasiness to + be informed of all that passes; but at the same time, is fearful + of every one who appears in his presence, lest he should bring an + account of some new calamity. I know not in what terms to + represent my thoughts to you, when I speak of the king, with + relation to his bodily health. Figure to yourself that immortal + man, who stood in our public places, represented with trophies, + armour, and terrors, on his pedestal: consider, the Invincible, + the Great, the Good, the Pious, the Mighty, which were the usual + epithets we gave him, both in our language and thoughts. I say, + consider him whom you knew the most glorious and great of + monarchs; and now think you see the same man an unhappy Lazar, in + the lowest circumstances of human nature itself, without regard + to the state from whence he is fallen. I write from his bedside: + he is at present in a slumber. I have many, many things to add; + but my <a class="pagenum" name='page166' title='166' id= + "page166"></a>tears flow too fast, and my sorrow is too big for + utterance.</p> + + <p>"I am, etc."</p> + + <p>There is such a veneration due from all men to the persons of + princes, that it were a sort of dishonesty to represent further + the condition which the king is in; but it is certain, that soon + after the receipt of these advices, Monsieur Torcy waited upon + his Grace the Duke of Marlborough and the Lord Townshend, and in + that conference gave up many points, which he had before said + were such, as he must return to France before he could + answer.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag232'>[232]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote232' id="footnote232"></a>See <a href= + '#number13'>No. 13</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag233'>[233]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote233' id="footnote233"></a>Mrs. Centlivre. + See <a href='#number15'>No. 15</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag234'>[234]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote234' id="footnote234"></a>Wilks took the + part of Sir Harry Wildair in Farquhar's "The Constant Couple; + or, A Trip to the Jubilee," 1699.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag235'>[235]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote235' id="footnote235"></a>Horatio + Walpole, Secretary to the Embassy at the Hague, and brother + of Sir Robert Walpole.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag236'>[236]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote236' id="footnote236"></a>This letter is + a pure invention.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number20' id="number20"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 20.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, May 24</i>, to <i>Thursday, May 26</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, May 24.</h3> + + <p>It is not to be imagined how far prepossession will run away + with people's understandings, in cases wherein they are under + present uneasiness. The following narration is a sufficient + testimony of the truth of this observation.</p> + + <p>I had the honour the other day of a visit from a gentlewoman + (a stranger to me) who seemed to be about thirty. Her complexion + is brown; but the air of her face has an agreeableness, which + surpasses the beauties of the fairest women. There appeared in + her look and mien a sprightly health; and her eyes had too much + vivacity to become the language of complaint, which she began to + enter into. She seemed sensible of it; and therefore, with + downcast looks, said she, "Mr. Bickerstaff, you see before you + the <a class="pagenum" name='page167' title='167' id= + "page167"></a>unhappiest of women; and therefore, as you are + esteemed by all the world both a great civilian, as well as an + astrologer, I must desire your advice and assistance, in putting + me in a method of obtaining a divorce from a marriage, which I + know the law will pronounce void." "Madam," said I, "your + grievance is of such a nature, that you must be very ingenuous in + representing the causes of your complaint, or I cannot give you + the satisfaction you desire." "Sir," she answers, "I believed + there would be no need of half your skill in the art of + divination, to guess why a woman would part from her husband." + "It is true," said I; "but suspicions, or guesses at what you + mean, nay certainty of it, except you plainly speak it, are no + foundation for a formal suit." She clapped her fan before her + face; "My husband," said she, "is no more a husband" (here she + burst into tears) "than one of the Italian singers."</p> + + <p>"Madam," said I, "the affliction you complain of, is to be + redressed by law; but at the same time, consider what + mortifications you are to go through in bringing it into open + court; how you will be able to bear the impertinent whispers of + the people present at the trial, the licentious reflections of + the pleaders, and the interpretations that will in general be put + upon your conduct by all the world: 'How little,' will they say, + 'could that lady command her passions.' Besides, consider, that + curbing our desires is the greatest glory we can arrive at in + this world, and will be most rewarded in the next." She answered, + like a prudent matron, "Sir, if you please to remember the office + of matrimony, the first cause of its institution is that of + having posterity: therefore, as to the curbing desires, I am + willing to undergo any abstinence from food as you please to + enjoin me; but I cannot, with any quiet of mind, live in the + neglect of a necessary duty, and an express <a class="pagenum" + name='page168' title='168' id="page168"></a>commandment, Increase + and multiply." Observing she was learned, and knew so well the + duties of life, I turned my arguments rather to dehort her from + this public procedure by examples, than precepts. "Do but + consider, madam, what crowds of beauteous women live in + nunneries, secluded for ever from the sight and conversation of + men, with all the alacrity of spirit imaginable; they spend their + time in heavenly raptures, in constant and frequent devotions, + and at proper hours in agreeable conversations." "Sir," said she + hastily, "tell not me of Papists, or any of their idolatries." + "Well then, madam, consider how many fine ladies live innocently + in the eye of the world, and this gay town, in the midst of + temptation: there's the witty Mrs. W—— is a virgin of + 44, Mrs. T——s is 39, Mrs. L——ce, 33; yet + you see, they laugh and are gay, at the park, at the playhouse, + at balls, and at visits; and so much at ease, that all this seems + hardly a self-denial." "Mr. Bickerstaff," said she, with some + emotion, "you are an excellent casuist; but the last word + destroyed your whole argument; if it is not self-denial, it is no + virtue. I presented you with a half-guinea, in hopes not only to + have my conscience eased, but my fortune told. Yet—" "Well, + madam," said I, "pray of what age is your husband?" "He is," + replied my injured client, "fifty, and I have been his wife + fifteen years." "How happened it, you never communicated your + distress in all this time to your friends and relations?" She + answered, "He has been thus but a fortnight." I am the most + serious man in the world to look at, and yet could not forbear + laughing out. "Why, madam, in case of infirmity, which proceeds + only from age, the law gives no remedy." "Sir," said she, "I find + you have no more learning than Dr. Case;<a name='fntag237' id= + "fntag237"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote237'><sup>237</sup></a> <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page169' title='169' id="page169"></a>and I am told of a young + man, not five and twenty, just come from Oxford, to whom I will + communicate this whole matter, and doubt not but he will appear + to have seven times more useful and satisfactory knowledge than + you and all your boasted family." Thus I have entirely lost my + client: but if this tedious narrative preserves Pastorella from + the intended marriage with one twenty years her senior—To + save a fine lady, I am contented to have my learning decried, and + my predictions bound up with Poor Robin's Almanacks.</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, May 25.</h3> + + <p>This evening was acted, "The Recruiting Officer,"<a name= + 'fntag238' id="fntag238"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote238'><sup>238</sup></a> in which Mr. Estcourt's<a name= + 'fntag239' id="fntag239"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote239'><sup>239</sup></a> proper sense and observation is + what supports the play. There is not, in my humble opinion, the + humour hit in Sergeant Kite; but it is admirably supplied by his + action. If I have skill to judge, that man is an excellent actor; + but the crowd of the audience are fitter for representations at + Mayfair, than a <a class="pagenum" name='page170' title='170' id= + "page170"></a>theatre royal. Yet that fair is now broke,<a name= + 'fntag240' id="fntag240"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote240'><sup>240</sup></a> as well as the theatre is + breaking: but it is allowed still to sell animals there. + Therefore, if any lady or gentleman have occasion for a tame + elephant, let them inquire of Mr. Pinkethman, who has one to + dispose of at a reasonable rate.<a name='fntag241' id= + "fntag241"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote241'><sup>241</sup></a> The downfall of Mayfair has + quite sunk the price of this noble creature, as well as of many + other curiosities of nature. A tiger will sell almost as cheap as + an ox; and I am credibly informed, a man may purchase a cat with + three legs, for very near the value of one with four. I hear + likewise, that there is a great desolation among the gentlemen + and ladies who were the ornaments of the town, and used to shine + in plumes and diadems; the heroes being most of them pressed, and + the queens beating hemp. Mrs. Sarabrand, so famous for her + ingenious puppet-show, has set up a shop in the Exchange,<a name= + 'fntag242' id="fntag242"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote242'><sup>242</sup></a> where she sells her little + troop under the term of jointed babies.<a name='fntag243' id= + "fntag243"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote243'><sup>243</sup></a> I could not but be solicitous + to know of her, how she had disposed of that rake-hell Punch, + whose lewd life and conversation had given so much scandal, and + did not a little contribute to the ruin of the fair. She told me, + with a sigh, that despairing of ever reclaiming him, she would + not offer to place him in a civil family, but got him in a post + upon a stall in Wapping, where he may be seen from sun-rising to + sun-setting, with a glass in one hand, and a pipe in the other, + as sentry to a brandy-shop. <a class="pagenum" name='page171' + title='171' id="page171"></a>The great revolutions of this nature + bring to my mind the distresses of the unfortunate + Camilla<a name='fntag244' id="fntag244"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote244'><sup>244</sup></a>, who has had the ill-luck to + break before her voice, and to disappear at a time when her + beauty was in the height of its bloom. This lady entered so + thoroughly into the great characters she acted, that when she had + finished her part, she could not think of retrenching her + equipage, but would appear in her own lodgings with the same + magnificence that she did upon the stage. This greatness of soul + has reduced that unhappy princess to an involuntary retirement, + where she now passes her time among the woods and forests, + thinking on the crowns and sceptres she has lost, and often + humming over in her solitude,</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "I was born of royal race, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Yet must wander in disgrace," &c. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>But for fear of being overheard, and her quality known, she + usually sings it in Italian:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Naqui al regno, naqui al trono + </div> + + <div class="line"> + E pur sono + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Inventurata Pastorella—" + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Since I have touched upon this subject, I shall communicate to + my reader part of a letter I have received from an ingenious + friend at Amsterdam, where there is a very noble theatre; though + the manner of furnishing it <a class="pagenum" name='page172' + title='172' id="page172"></a>with actors is something peculiar to + that place, and gives us occasion to admire both the politeness + and frugality of the people.</p> + + <p>My friends have kept me here a week longer than ordinary to + see one of their plays, which was performed last night with great + applause. The actors are all of them tradesmen, who, after their + day's work is over, earn about a guilder a night by personating + kings and generals. The hero of the tragedy I saw, was a + journeyman tailor, and his first minister of state a coffee-man. + The empress made me think of Parthenope<a name='fntag245' id= + "fntag245"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote245'><sup>245</sup></a> in "The Rehearsal"; for her + mother keeps an ale-house in the suburbs of Amsterdam. When the + tragedy was over, they entertained us with a short farce, in + which the cobbler did his part to a miracle; but upon inquiry, I + found he had really been working at his own trade, and + representing on the stage what he acted every day in his shop. + The profits of the theatre maintain a hospital: for as here they + do not think the profession of an actor the only trade that a man + ought to exercise, so they will not allow anybody to grow rich on + a profession that in their opinion so little conduces to the good + of the commonwealth. If I am not mistaken, your playhouses in + England have done the same thing; for, unless I am misinformed, + the hospital at Dulwich was erected and endowed by Mr. + Alleyn,<a name='fntag246' id="fntag246"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote246'><sup>246</sup></a> a player: and it is <a class= + "pagenum" name='page173' title='173' id="page173"></a>also said, + a famous she-tragedian<a name='fntag247' id= + "fntag247"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote247'><sup>247</sup></a> has settled her estate, after + her death, for the maintenance of decayed wits, who are to be + taken in as soon as they grow dull, at whatever time of their + life that shall happen.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, May 25.</h3> + + <p>Letters from the Hague of the 31st instant, N.S., say, that + the articles preliminary to a general peace were settled, + communicated to the States-General and all the foreign Ministers + residing there, and transmitted to their respective masters on + the 28th. Monsieur Torcy immediately returned to the Court of + France, from whence he is expected again on the 4th of the next + month, with those articles ratified by that Court. The Hague is + agreed upon for the place of treaty, and the 15th of the next + month the day on which it is to commence. The terms on which this + negotiation is founded, are not yet declared by public authority; + but what is most generally received, is as follows:</p> + + <p>Her Majesty's right and title, and the Protestant succession + to those dominions, is forthwith to be acknowledged. King Charles + is also to be owned the lawful sovereign of Spain; and the French + king shall not only recall his troops out of that kingdom, and + deliver up to the Allies the towns of Roses, Fontarabia, and + Pampeluna; but in case the Duke of Anjou shall not retire out of + the Spanish dominions, he shall be obliged to assist the Allies + to force him from thence. A cessation of arms is agreed upon for + two months from the first day of the treaty. The port and + fortifications of Dunkirk are to be demolished within four + months; but the town itself left in the hands of the French. The + Pretender is to be obliged to leave France. All Newfoundland is + to be restored to the <a class="pagenum" name='page174' title= + '174' id="page174"></a>English. As to the other parts of America, + the French are to restore whatever they may have taken from the + English, as the English in like manner to give up what they may + have taken from the French before the commencement of the treaty. + The trade between Great Britain and France shall be settled upon + the same foundation as in the reign of King Charles II.</p> + + <p>The Dutch are to have for their barriers, Nieuport, Berg, St. + Vinox, Furnes, Ipres, Lille, Tournay, Douay, Valenciennes, Condé, + Maubeuge, Mons, Charleroy, Namur, and Luxemburg; all which places + shall be delivered up to the Allies before the end of June. The + trade between Holland and France shall be on the same foot as in + 1664. The cities of Strasburg, Brisac, and Alsatia, shall be + restored to the Emperor and Empire; and the King of France, + pursuant to the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, shall only retain + the protection of ten imperial cities, viz., Colmar, Schlestat, + Haguenau, Munster, Turkeim, Keisemberg, Obrenheim, Rosheim, + Weisemburg, and Landau. Huninguen, Fort Louis, Fort Kiel, and New + Brisac shall be demolished, and all the fortifications from Basle + to Philipsburg. The King of Prussia shall remain in the peaceable + possession of Neufchatel. The affair of Orange, as also the + pretensions of his Prussian Majesty in the French Comté, shall be + determined at this general negotiation of peace. The Duke of + Savoy shall have a restitution made of all that has been taken + from him by the French, and remain master of Exilles, Chamont, + Fenestrelles, and the Valley of Pragelas.<a name='fntag248' id= + "fntag248"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote248'><sup>248</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag237'>[237]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote237' id="footnote237"></a>John Case, + astrologer and friend of John Partridge, succeeded to + Saffold's habitation in Blackfriars gateway, opposite to + Ludgate Church, whence he issued many advertisements. "Their + old physician begged they would not forget him—he gives + his advice for nothing—his cures are private. At + Lilly's Head, &c., is the only place to obtain health, + long life, and happiness, by your old friend Dr. Case, who + extirpates the foundation of all diseases":</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "At the Golden Ball and Lillie's Head + </div> + + <div class="line"> + John Case lives though Saffold's dead." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>His handbills were commonly adorned with a variety of + emblematic devices and poetry. See note on Kirleus, in + <a href='#number14'>No. 14</a>; and Nos. 216, 240. Case's + most important book was his "Compendium Anatomicum nova + methodo institutum," 1695.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag238'>[238]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote238' id="footnote238"></a>By Farquhar; + first acted in 1706.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag239'>[239]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote239' id="footnote239"></a>Richard + Estcourt (1668-1712), whom Farquhar specially selected to act + the part of Sergeant Kite, is celebrated by Steele in a + well-known paper in the <i>Spectator</i> (No. 468; see also + No. 390). Estcourt was providore of the Beefsteak Club, and + wrote two or three dramatic pieces. See No. 51.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag240'>[240]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote240' id="footnote240"></a>See <a href= + '#number4'>No. 4</a>. This article was printed by Tickell + among Addison's works.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag241'>[241]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote241' id="footnote241"></a>In 1704, + Pinkethman advertised that at his booth he would speak an + epilogue upon an elephant between nine and ten feet high, + arrived from Guinea, led upon the stage by six blacks.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag242'>[242]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote242' id="footnote242"></a>This may be + either the Royal Exchange or the New Exchange, in the Strand. + There were shops for the sale of trinkets and toys at both + places.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag243'>[243]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote243' id="footnote243"></a>"Baby" was a + term often applied to dolls.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag244'>[244]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote244' id="footnote244"></a>Mrs. Katherine + Tofts sang in English to Nicolini's Italian, in Buononcini's + opera of "Camilla," but this absurdity was forgiven on + account of the charm of their voices. In 1709, in the height + of her beauty, Mrs. Tofts left the stage, owing to her + intellect becoming disordered; but afterwards she married Mr. + Joseph Smith, a gentleman who lived in great state; but his + wife's mind again gave way, and she spent hours walking and + singing in a garden attached to a remote part of the house. + She died in 1760. See <i>Spectator,</i> Nos. 18, 22 and 443, + where there is a letter purporting to be from Mrs. Tofts, at + Venice.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag245'>[245]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote245' id="footnote245"></a>In act iii. sc. + 2 of "The Rehearsal," Prince Volscius falls in love at first + sight with Parthenope, who says:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "My mother, sir, sells ale by the town-walls, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And me her dear Parthenope she calls;" + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>whereupon Volscius (repeating words from Davenant's "Siege + of Rhodes") replies:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Can vulgar vestments high-born beauty shroud? + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Thou bring'st the morning pictured in a cloud." + </div> + </div> + </div> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag246'>[246]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote246' id="footnote246"></a>Edward Alleyn, + the actor, who died in 1626, aged 61, founded Dulwich + Hospital.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag247'>[247]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote247' id="footnote247"></a>Mrs. + Bracegirdle; see <a href='#number1'>No. 1</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag248'>[248]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote248' id="footnote248"></a>"It is said + that Monsieur Torcy, when he signed this instrument broke + into this exclamation: 'Would Colbert have signed such a + treaty for France?' On which a Minister present was pleased + to say, 'Colbert himself would have been proud to have saved + France in these circumstances on such terms'" (folio).</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page175' title='175' id= + "page175"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number21' id="number21"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 21.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, May 26</i>, to <i>Saturday, May 28</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, May 26.</h3> + + <p>A gentleman has writ to me out of the country a very civil + letter, and said things which I suppress with great violence to + my vanity. There are many terms in my narratives which he + complains want explaining, and has therefore desired, that, for + the benefit of my country readers, I would let him know what I + mean by a Gentleman, a Pretty Fellow, a Toast, a Coquette, a + Critic, a Wit, and all other appellations in the gayer world, who + are in present possession of these several characters; together + with an account of those who unfortunately pretend to them. I + shall begin with him we usually call a Gentleman, or man of + conversation. It is generally thought, that warmth of + imagination, quick relish of pleasure, and a manner of becoming + it, are the most essential qualities for forming this sort of + man. But any one that is much in company will observe, that the + height of good breeding is shown rather in never giving offence, + than in doing obliging things. Thus, he that never shocks you, + though he is seldom entertaining, is more likely to keep your + favour, than he who often entertains, and sometimes displeases + you. The most necessary talent therefore in a man of + conversation, which is what we ordinarily intend by a fine + gentleman, is a good judgment. He that has this in perfection, is + master of his companion, without letting him see it; and has the + same advantage over men of any other qualifications whatsoever, + as one that can see would have over a blind man of ten times his + strength. <a class="pagenum" name='page176' title='176' id= + "page176"></a>This is what makes Sophronius the darling of all + who converse with him, and the most powerful with his + acquaintance of any man in town. By the light of this faculty, he + acts with great ease and freedom among the men of pleasure, and + acquits himself with skill and despatch among the men of + business. This he performs with so much success, that, with as + much discretion in life as any man ever had, he neither is, nor + appears, cunning. But as he does a good office, if he ever does + it, with readiness and alacrity; so he denies what he does not + care to engage in, in a manner that convinces you, that you ought + not to have asked it. His judgment is so good and unerring, and + accompanied with so cheerful a spirit, that his conversation is a + continual feast, at which he helps some, and is helped by others, + in such a manner, that the equality of society is perfectly kept + up, and every man obliges as much as he is obliged: for it is the + greatest and justest skill in a man of superior understanding, to + know how to be on a level with his companions. This sweet + disposition runs through all the actions of Sophronius, and makes + his company desired by women, without being envied by men. + Sophronius would be as just as he is, if there were no law; and + would be as discreet as he is, if there were no such thing as + calumny.</p> + + <p>In imitation of this agreeable being, is made that animal we + call a Pretty Fellow; who being just able to find out, that what + makes Sophronius acceptable, is a natural behaviour; in order to + the same reputation, makes his own an artificial one. Jack Dimple + is his perfect mimic, whereby he is of course the most unlike him + of all men living. Sophronius just now passed into the inner room + directly forward: Jack comes as fast after as he can for the + right and left looking-glass, in which he had but just approved + himself by a nod at each, and marched on. He <a class="pagenum" + name='page177' title='177' id="page177"></a>will meditate within + for half an hour, till he thinks he is not careless enough in his + air, and come back to the mirror to recollect his + forgetfulness.</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, May 27.</h3> + + <p>This night was acted the comedy, called, "The Fox";<a name= + 'fntag249' id="fntag249"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote249'><sup>249</sup></a> but I wonder the modern writers + do not use their interest in the house to suppress such + representations. A man that has been at this, will hardly like + any other play during the season: therefore I humbly move, that + the writings, as well as dresses, of the last age, should give + way to the present fashion. We are come into a good method enough + (if we were not interrupted in our mirth by such an apparition as + a play of Jonson's) to be entertained at more ease, both to the + spectator and the writer, than in the days of old. It is no + difficulty to get hats, and swords, and wigs, and shoes, and + everything else, from the shops in town, and make a man show + himself by his habit, without more ado, to be a counsellor, a + fop, a courtier, or a citizen, and not be obliged to make those + characters talk in different dialects to be distinguished from + each other. This is certainly the surest and best way of writing: + but such a play as this makes a man for a month after overrun + with criticism, and inquire, what every man on the stage said? + What had such a one to do to meddle with such a thing? How came + the other, who was bred after such a manner, to speak so like a + man conversant among a different people? These questions rob us + of all our pleasure; for at this rate, no one sentence in a play + should be spoken by any one character, which could possibly enter + into the head of any other man represented in it; but every + sentiment should be peculiar to him only who utters it. Laborious + <a class="pagenum" name='page178' title='178' id= + "page178"></a>Ben's works will bear this sort of inquisition; but + if the present writers were thus examined, and the offences + against this rule cut out, few plays would be long enough for the + whole evening's entertainment. But I don't know how they did in + those old times: this same Ben Jonson has made every one's + passion in this play be towards money, and yet not one of them + expresses that desire, or endeavours to obtain it any way but + what is peculiar to him only: one sacrifices his wife, another + his profession, another his posterity from the same motive; but + their characters are kept so skilfully apart, that it seems + prodigious their discourses should rise from the invention of the + same author. But the poets are a nest of hornets, and I'll drive + these thoughts no farther, but must mention some hard treatment I + am like to meet with from my brother-writers. I am credibly + informed, that the author of a play, called, "Love in a Hollow + Tree,"<a name='fntag250' id="fntag250"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote250'><sup>250</sup></a> has made some remarks upon my + late discourse on "The Naked Truth."<a name='fntag251' id= + "fntag251"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote251'><sup>251</sup></a> I cannot blame a gentleman for + writing against any error; it is for the good of the learned + world. But I would have the thing fairly left between us two, and + not under the protection of patrons. But my intelligence is, that + he has dedicated his treatise to the Honourable Mr. + Ed——d H——rd.<a name='fntag252' id= + "fntag252"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote252'><sup>252</sup></a> <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page179' title='179' id="page179"></a></p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, May 27.</h3> + + <p><i>"To Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq.</i></p> + + <p>"York, May 16, 1709.</p> + + <p>"SIR,</p> + + <p>"Being convinced as the whole world is, how infallible your + predictions are, and having the honour to be your near relation, + of the Staffian family, I was under great concern at one of your + predictions relating to yourself, wherein you foretold your own + death would happen on the 17th instant, unless it were prevented + by the assistance of well-disposed people:<a name='fntag253' id= + "fntag253"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote253'><sup>253</sup></a> I have therefore prevailed on + my own modesty to send you a piece of news, which may serve + instead of Goddard's Drops,<a name='fntag254' id= + "fntag254"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote254'><sup>254</sup></a> to keep you alive for two days, + till nature be able to recover itself, or till you meet with some + better help from other hands. Therefore, without further + ceremony, I will go on to relate a singular adventure just + happened in the place where I am <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page180' title='180' id="page180"></a>writing, wherein it may be + highly useful for the public to be informed.<a name='fntag255' + id="fntag255"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote255'><sup>255</sup></a></p> + + <p>"Three young ladies of our town were on Saturday last indicted + for witchcraft. The witnesses against the first deposed upon oath + before Justice Bindover, that she kept spirits locked up in + velvets, which sometimes appeared in flames of blue fire; that + she used magical herbs, with some of which she drew in hundreds + of men daily to her, who went out from her presence all inflamed, + their mouths parched, and a hot steam issuing from them, attended + with a grievous stench; that many of the said men were by the + force of that herb metamorphosed into swine, and lay wallowing in + the kennels for twenty-four hours, before they could reassume + their shapes or their senses.</p> + + <p>"It was proved against the second, that she cut off by night + the limbs from dead bodies that were hanged, and was seen to dig + holes in the ground, to mutter some conjuring words, and bury + pieces of the flesh, after the usual manner of witches.</p> + + <p>"The third was accused for a notorious piece of sorcery, long + practised by hags, of moulding up pieces of dough into the shapes + of men, women, and children; then heating them at a gentle fire, + which had a sympathetic power to torment the bowels of those in + the neighbourhood.</p> + + <p>"This was the sum of what was objected against the three + ladies, who indeed had nothing to say in their own defence, but + downright denying the facts, which is like to avail very little + when they come upon their trials.</p> + + <p>"But the parson of our parish, a strange refractory <a class= + "pagenum" name='page181' title='181' id="page181"></a>man, will + believe nothing of all this; so that the whole town cries out, + 'Shame! that one of his coat should be such an atheist;' and + design to complain of him to the bishop. He goes about very oddly + to solve the matter. He supposes, that the first of these ladies + keeping a brandy and tobacco shop, the fellows went out smoking, + and got drunk towards evening, and made themselves beasts. He + says, the second is a butcher's daughter, and sometimes brings a + quarter of mutton from the slaughter-house overnight against a + market-day, and once buried a bit of beef in the ground, as a + known receipt to cure warts on her hands. The parson affirms, + that the third sells gingerbread, which, to please the children, + she is forced to stamp with images before it is baked; and if it + burns their guts, it is because they eat too much, or do not + drink after it.</p> + + <p>"These are the answers he gives to solve this wonderful + phenomenon; upon which I shall not animadvert, but leave it among + the philosophers: and so wishing you all success in your + undertakings for the amendment of the world, I remain,</p> + + <p>"Dear Cousin,</p> + + <p>"Your most affectionate Kinsman,</p> + + <p>"and humble Servant,</p> + + <p class="right">"EPHRAIM BEDSTAFF."</p> + + <p>"P.S.—Those who were condemned to death among the + Athenians, were obliged to take a dose of poison, which made them + die upwards, seizing first upon their feet, making them cold and + insensible, and so ascending gradually, till it reached the vital + parts. I believe your death, which you foretold would happen on + the 17th instant, will fall <a class="pagenum" name='page182' + title='182' id="page182"></a>out the same way, and that your + distemper hath already seized on you, and makes progress daily. + The lower part of you, that is, the advertisements,<a name= + 'fntag256' id="fntag256"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote256'><sup>256</sup></a> is dead; and these have risen + for these ten days last past, so that they now take up almost a + whole paragraph. Pray, sir, do your endeavour to drive this + distemper as much as possible to the extreme parts, and keep it + there, as wise folks do the gout; for if it once gets into your + stomach, it will soon fly up into your head, and you are a dead + man."</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, May 27.</h3> + + <p>We hear from Leghorn, that Sir Edward Whitaker, with five + men-of-war, four transports, and two fire-ships, was arrived at + that port, and Admiral Byng was suddenly expected. Their + squadrons being joined, they design to sail directly for Final, + to transport the reinforcements, lodged in those parts, to + Barcelona.</p> + + <p>They write from Milan, that Count Thaun arrived there on the + 16th instant, N.S., and proceeded on his journey to Turin on the + 21st, in order to concert such measures with his royal highness, + as shall appear necessary for the operations of the ensuing + campaign.</p> + + <p>Advices from Dauphiny say, that the troops of the Duke of + Savoy began already to appear in those valleys, whereof he made + himself master the last year; and that the Duke of Berwick + applied himself with all imaginable diligence to secure the + passes of the mountains by ordering entrenchments to be made + towards Briançon, Tourneau, and the Valley of Queiras. That + general has also been at Marseilles and Toulon, to hasten the + transportation of the corn and provisions designed for his + army.</p> + + <p>Letters from Vienna, bearing date May 23, N.S., <a class= + "pagenum" name='page183' title='183' id="page183"></a>import, + that the Cardinal of Saxe-Zeits and the Prince of Lichtenstein + were preparing to set out for Presburg, to assist at the Diet of + the States of Hungary, which is to be assembled at that place on + the 25th of this month. General Heister would shortly appear at + the head of his army at Trentschin, which place is appointed for + the general rendezvous of the Imperial forces in Hungary; from + whence he will advance to lay siege to Neuhausel: in the + meantime, reinforcements, with a great train of artillery, are + marching the same way. The King of Denmark arrived on the both + instant at Innspruck, and on the 26th at Dresden, under a triple + discharge of the artillery of that place; but his Majesty refused + the ceremonies of a public entry.</p> + + <p>Our letters from the Upper Rhine say, that the Imperial army + began to form itself at Etlingen; where the respective deputies + of the Elector Palatine, the Prince of Baden Durlach, the + Bishopric of Spires, &c. were assembled, and had taken the + necessary measures for the provision of forage, the security of + the country against the incursions of the enemy, and laying a + bridge over the Rhine. Several vessels laden with corn are daily + passing before Frankfort for the Lower Rhine.</p> + + <p>Letters from Poland inform us, that a detachment of Muscovite + cavalry, under the command of General Infland, had joined the + confederate army; and the infantry commanded by General Goltz, + was expected to come up within few days. These succours will + amount to 20,000 men.</p> + + <p>Our last advices from the Hague, dated June the 4th, N.S., + say, that they expected a courier from the French Court with the + ratification of the preliminaries that night or the day + following. His Grace the Duke of Marlborough will set out for + Brussels on Wednesday or Thursday next, if the despatches which + are expected from Paris don't alter <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page184' title='184' id="page184"></a>his resolutions. Letters + from Majorca confirm the honourable capitulation of the castle of + Alicante, and also the death of the governor, Major-General + Richards, Colonel Sibourg, and Major Vignolles, who were all + buried in the ruins of that place, by the springing of their + great mine, which did, it seems, more execution than was + reported. Monsieur Torcy passed through Mons in his return, and + had there a long conference with the Elector of Bavaria; after + which, that prince spoke publicly of the treatment he had from + France with the utmost indignation.</p> + + <p>Any person that shall come publicly abroad in a fantastical + habit, contrary to the present mode and fashion, except Don Diego + Dismallo,<a name='fntag257' id="fntag257"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote257'><sup>257</sup></a> or any other out of poverty, + shall have his name and dress inserted in our next.</p> + + <p>N.B.—Mr. How'd'call is desired to leave off those + buttons.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag249'>[249]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote249' id="footnote249"></a>Ben Jonson's + "Volpone; or, The Fox."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag250'>[250]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote250' id="footnote250"></a>The comedy, + "Love in a Hollow Tree; or, The Lawyer's Fortune," was + published by William, Lord Viscount Grimston (1683-1756), + when he was twenty-two years of age. On the occasion of a + contested election for the borough of St. Albans (1736), it + was reprinted—by the Duchess of Marlborough, it is + said—with notes attacking the author, and adorned with + the frontispiece of an elephant dancing on a rope. The + viscount bought up as nearly as he could the whole edition. + "This worthy notleman was a good husband to one of the best + of wives, an indulgent father of a numerous offspring, a kind + master to his servants, a generous friend, and an affable, + hospitable neighbour." (Biog. Dram.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag251'>[251]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote251' id="footnote251"></a>See <a href= + '#number17'>No. 17</a></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag252'>[252]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote252' id="footnote252"></a>Probably the + Hon. Edward Howard, second son of Henry, fifth Earl of + Suffolk. On the death of his nephew without issue in 1722, he + became eighth Earl of Suffolk, but he died unmarried in + 1731.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag253'>[253]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote253' id="footnote253"></a>See <a href= + '#number7'>No. 7</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag254'>[254]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote254' id="footnote254"></a>Dr. Jonathan + Goddard, the physician and confidant of Cromwell, a member of + the Royal Society, and medical professor of Gresham College, + discovered in the course of his chemical experiments, the + famous elixir, called here his "drops." Dr. Goddard died of + an apoplexy in 1675. "March 24, 1674-5. About 10 o'clock that + night, my very good friend, Dr. Jonathan Goddard, reader of + the physic lectures at Gresham College, suddenly fell down + dead in the street, as he was entering into a coach. He was a + pretty corpulent and tall man, a bachelor between 45 and 50 + years of age; he was melancholy, inclined to be cynical, and + used now and then to complain of giddiness in his head. He + was an excellent mathematician, and some time physician to + Oliver the Protector" (John Coniers, apothecary, in Shoe + Lane. MSS. Sloan. 958). The "drops" were a preparation of + spirit of hartshorn, with other things; they were used in + fainting, apoplexies, &c.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag255'>[255]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote255' id="footnote255"></a>With this + satire on the vulgar prejudices concerning witches, may be + compared what Addison says in the <i>Spectator</i> (No. 117): + "I believe in general that there is and has been such a thing + as witchcraft; but at the same time can give no credit to any + particular instance of it."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag256'>[256]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote256' id="footnote256"></a>The number of + advertisements in the Tatler gradually increased; but as a + compensation the "news" paragraph was dropped.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag257'>[257]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote257' id="footnote257"></a>This name was + afterwards applied by the Tory writers to the Earl of + Nottingham; and the author of the 'Examiner' (vol. iii. No + 48) says that it was Steele who first used the name for this + nobleman, "and upon no less an important affair, than the + oddness of his buttons." In the 'Guardian (No. 53), however, + Steele disavowed any reference to Lord Nottingham: "I do not + remember the mention of Don Diego; nor do I remember tht ever + I thought of Lord Nottingham in any character drawn in any + one paper of Bickerstaff." See also <a href='#number31'>No. + 31</a>, below.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number22' id="number22"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 22.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, May 28</i>, to <i>Tuesday, May 31</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, May 28.</h3> + + <p>I came hither this evening to see fashions, and who should I + first encounter but my old friend Cynthio<a name='fntag258' id= + "fntag258"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote258'><sup>258</sup></a> (encompassed by a crowd of + young fellows) dictating on the <a class="pagenum" name='page185' + title='185' id="page185"></a>passion of love with the gayest air + imaginable. "Well," says he, "as to what I know of the matter, + there is nothing but ogling with skill carries a woman; but + indeed it is not every fool that is capable of this art: you will + find twenty can speak eloquently, fifty can fight manfully, and a + thousand that can dress genteelly at a mistress, where there is + one that can gaze skilfully. This requires an exquisite judgment, + to take the language of her eyes to yours exactly, and not let + yours talk too fast for hers; as at a play between the acts, when + Beau Frisk stands upon a bench full in Lindamira's face, and her + dear eyes are searching round to avoid that flaring open fool; + she meets the watchful glance of her true lover, and sees his + heart attentive on her charms, and waiting for a second twinkle + of her eye for its next motion." Here the good company sneered; + but he goes on. "Nor is this attendance a slavery, when a man + meets encouragement, and her eye comes often in his way: for, + after an evening so spent, and the repetition of four or five + significant looks at him, the happy man goes home to his lodging, + full of ten thousand pleasing images: his brain is dilated, and + gives him all the ideas and prospects which it ever lets in to + its seat of pleasure. Thus a kind look from Lindamira revives in + his imagination all the beauteous lawns, green fields, woods, + forests, rivers and solitudes, which he had ever before seen in + picture, description, or real life: and all with this addition, + that he now sees them with the eyes of a happy lover, as before + only with those of a common man. You laugh, gentlemen: but + consider yourselves (you common people that were never in love) + and compare yourselves in good humour with yourselves out of + humour, and you will then acknowledge, that all external objects + affect you according to the disposition you are in to receive + their impressions, and not as those objects are in their own + nature. How <a class="pagenum" name='page186' title='186' id= + "page186"></a>much more shall all that passes within his view and + observation, touch with delight a man who is prepossessed with + successful love, which is an assemblage of soft affections, gay + desires, and hopeful resolutions?" Poor Cynthio went on at this + rate to the crowd about him, without any purpose in his talk, but + to vent a heart overflowing with sense of success. I wondered + what could exalt him from the distress in which he had long + appeared, to so much alacrity. But my familiar has given me the + state of his affairs. It seems then, that lately coming out of + the play-house, his mistress, who knows he is in her livery (as + the manner of insolent beauties is), resolved to keep him still + so, and gave him so much wages, as to complain to him of the + crowd she was to pass through. He had his wits and resolution + enough about him to take her hand, and say, he would attend her + to her coach. All the way thither, my good young man stammered at + every word, and stumbled at every step. His mistress, wonderfully + pleased with her triumph, put him to a thousand questions, to + make a man of his natural wit speak with hesitation, and let drop + her fan, to see him recover it awkwardly. This is the whole + foundation of Cynthio's recovery to the sprightly air he appears + with at present. I grew mighty curious to know something more of + that lady's affairs, as being amazed how she could dally with an + offer of one of his merit and fortune. I sent Pacolet to her + lodgings; he immediately brought me back the following letter to + her friend and confidante Amanda in the country, wherein she has + opened her heart and all its folds.</p> + + <p>"DEAR AMANDA,</p> + + <p>The town grows so empty, that you must expect my letter so + too, except you will allow me to talk of myself instead of + others: you cannot imagine what pain it <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page187' title='187' id="page187"></a>is, after a whole day + spent in public, to want your company, and the ease which + friendship allows in being vain to each other, and speaking all + our minds. An account of the slaughter which these unhappy eyes + have made within ten days last past, would make me appear too + great a tyrant to be allowed in a Christian country. I shall + therefore confine myself to my principal conquests, which are the + hearts of Beau Frisk, and Jack Freeland, besides Cynthio, who, + you know, wore my fetters before you went out of town. Shall I + tell you my weakness? I begin to love Frisk: it is the + best-humoured impertinent thing in the world: he is always too in + waiting, and will certainly carry me off one time or other. + Freeland's father and mine have been upon treaty without + consulting me; and Cynthio has been eternally watching my eyes, + without approaching me, my friends, my maid, or any one about me: + he hopes to get me, I believe, as they say the rattlesnake does + the squirrel, by staring at me till I drop into his mouth. + Freeland demands me for a jointure which he thinks deserves me; + Cynthio thinks nothing high enough to be my value: Freeland + therefore will take it for no obligation to have me; and + Cynthio's idea of me, is what will vanish by knowing me better. + Familiarity will equally turn the veneration of the one, and the + indifference of the other, into contempt. I will stick therefore + to my old maxim, to have that sort of man, who can have no + greater views than what are in my power to give him possession + of. The utmost of my dear Frisk's ambition is, to be thought a + man of fashion; and therefore has been so much in mode, as to + resolve upon me, because the whole town likes me. Thus I choose + rather a man who loves me because others do, than one who + approves me on his own judgment. He that judges for himself in + love, will often change his opinion; but he that follows the + sense of others, must be <a class="pagenum" name='page188' title= + '188' id="page188"></a>constant, as long as a woman can make + advances. The visits I make, the entertainments I give, and the + addresses I receive, will be all arguments for me with a man of + Frisk's second-hand genius; but would be so many bars to my + happiness with any other man. However, since Frisk can wait, I + shall enjoy a summer or two longer, and remain a single woman, in + the sublime pleasure of being followed and admired; which nothing + can equal, except that of being beloved by you.</p> + + <p>"I am, &c."</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, May 30.</h3> + + <p>My chief business here this evening was to speak to my friends + in behalf of honest Cave Underhill,<a name='fntag259' id= + "fntag259"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote259'><sup>259</sup></a> who has been a comic for three + generations: my father<a name='fntag260' id= + "fntag260"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote260'><sup>260</sup></a> <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page189' title='189' id="page189"></a>admired him extremely when + he was a boy. There is certainly nature excellently represented + in his manner of action; in which he ever avoided that general + fault in players, of doing too much. It must be confessed, he has + not the merit of some ingenious persons now on the stage, of + adding to his authors; for the actors were so dull in the last + age, that many of them have gone out of the world, without having + ever spoke one word of their own in the theatre. Poor Cave is so + mortified, that he quibbles, and tells you, he pretends only to + act a part fit for a man who has one foot in the grave; viz., a + gravedigger. All admirers of true comedy, it is hoped, will have + the gratitude to be present on the last day of his acting, who, + if he does not happen to please them, will have it even then to + say, that it is his first offence.</p> + + <p>But there is a gentleman here, who says he has it from good + hands, that there is actually a subscription made by many persons + of wit and quality, for the encouragement of new comedies. This + design will very much contribute to the improvement and diversion + of the town: but as every man is most concerned for himself, I, + who am of a saturnine and melancholy complexion, cannot but + murmur, that there is not an equal invitation to write tragedies, + having by me, in my book of commonplaces, enough to enable me to + finish a very sad one by the 5th of next month. I have the + farewell of a general, with a truncheon in his hand, dying for + love, in six lines. I have the principles of a politician (who + does all the mischief in the play) together with his declaration + on the vanity of ambition in his last moments, expressed in a + page and a half. I have all my oaths ready, and my similes want + nothing but application. I won't pretend to give you an account + of the plot, it being the same design upon which all tragedies + have been writ for several years last past; and <a class= + "pagenum" name='page190' title='190' id="page190"></a>from the + beginning of the first scene, the frequenters of the house may + know, as well as the author, when the battle is to be fought, the + lady to yield, and the hero to proceed to his wedding and + coronation. Besides these advantages which I have in readiness, I + have an eminent tragedian very much my friend, who shall come in, + and go through the whole five acts, without troubling me for one + sentence, whether he is to kill or be killed, love or be loved, + win battles or lose them, or whatever other tragical performance + I shall please to assign him.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, May 30.</h3> + + <p>I have this day received a letter subscribed "Fidelia," that + gives me an account of an enchantment under which a young lady + suffers, and desires my help to exorcise her from the power of + the sorcerer. Her lover is a rake of sixty; the lady a virtuous + woman of twenty-five: her relations are to the last degree + afflicted, and amazed at this irregular passion: their sorrow I + know not how to remove, but can their astonishment; for there is + no spirit in woman half so prevalent as that of contradiction, + which is the sole cause of her perseverance. Let the whole family + go dressed in a body, and call the bride to-morrow morning to her + nuptials, and I'll undertake, the inconstant will forget her + lover in the midst of all his aches. But if this expedient does + not succeed, I must be so just to the young lady's distinguishing + sense, as to applaud her choice. A fine young woman, at last, is + but what is due from fate to an honest fellow, who has suffered + so unmercifully by the sex; and I think we cannot enough + celebrate her heroic virtue, who (like the patriot that ended a + pestilence by plunging himself into a gulf) gives herself up to + gorge that dragon which has devoured so many virgins before + her.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page191' title='191' id= + "page191"></a>A letter directed to "Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq.; + astrologer and physician in ordinary to her Majesty's subjects of + Great Britain, with respect," is come to hand.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag258'>[258]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote258' id="footnote258"></a>See Nos. + <a href="#number1">1</a>, <a href="#number5">5</a>, <a href= + "#number35">35</a>, 85.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag259'>[259]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote259' id="footnote259"></a>The following + advertisement appeared in Nos. <a href="#number20">20</a> and + <a href="#number22">22</a>: "Mr. Cave Underhill, the famous + comedian in the reigns of Charles II., King James II., King + William and Queen Mary, and her present Majesty Queen Anne; + but now not able to perform so often as heretofore in the + playhouse, and having had losses to the value of near £2500, + is to have the tragedy of 'Hamlet' acted for his benefit, on + Friday, the 3rd of June next, at the Theatre Royal in Drury + Lane, in which he is to perform his original part, the + Grave-maker. Tickets may be had at the Mitre Tavern in Fleet + Street." Colley Cibber says that Underhill was particularly + admired in the character of the Grave-digger; and he adds: + "Underhill was a correct and natural comedian; his particular + excellence was in characters that may be called still-life; I + mean the stiff, the heavy, and the stupid; to these he gave + the exactest and most expressive colours, and in some of them + looked as if it were not in the power of human passions to + alter a feature of him. A countenance of wood could not be + more fixed than his, when the blockhead of a character + required it; his face was full and long; from his crown to + the end of his nose was the shorter half of it, so that the + disproportion of his lower features, when soberly composed, + threw him into the most lumpish, moping mortal, that ever + made beholders merry; not but, at other times, he could be + wakened into spirit equally ridiculous." Genest says that + Underhill acted again as the Grave-digger on Feb. 23, 1710, + at Drury Lane.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag260'>[260]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote260' id="footnote260"></a>"Grandfather" + (folio).</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number23' id="number23"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 23.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, May 31</i>, to <i>Thursday, June 2</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, May 31.</h3> + + <p>The generality of mankind are so very fond of this world, and + of staying in it, that a man cannot have eminent skill in any one + art, but they will, in spite of his teeth, make him a physician + also, that being the science the worldlings have most need of. I + pretended, when I first set up, to astrology only; but I am told, + I have deep skill also in medicine. I am applied to now by a + gentleman for my advice in behalf of his wife, who, upon the + least matrimonial difficulty, is excessively troubled with fits, + and can bear no manner of passion without falling into immediate + convulsions. I must confess, it is a case I have known before, + and remember the party was recovered by certain words pronounced + in the midst of the fit by the learned doctor who performed the + cure. These ails have usually their beginning from the affections + of the mind: therefore you must have patience to let me give you + an instance, whereby you may discern the cause of the distemper, + and then proceed in the cure as follows:</p> + + <p>A fine town lady was married to a gentleman of ancient descent + in one of the counties of Great Britain, who had good humour to a + weakness, and was that sort of person, of whom it is usually + said, he is no man's enemy but his own: one who had too much + tenderness of soul to have any authority with his wife; and she + too little sense to <a class="pagenum" name='page192' title='192' + id="page192"></a>give him authority for that reason. His kind + wife observed this temper in him, and made proper use of it. But + knowing it was below a gentlewoman to wrangle, she resolved upon + an expedient to save decorum, and wear her dear to her point at + the same time. She therefore took upon her to govern him, by + falling into fits whenever she was repulsed in a request, or + contradicted in a discourse. It was a fish-day, when in the midst + of her husband's good humour at table, she bethought herself to + try her project. She made signs that she had swallowed a bone. + The man grew pale as ashes, and ran to her assistance, calling + for drink. "No, my dear," said she, recovering, "it is down; + don't be frightened." This accident betrayed his softness enough. + The next day she complained, a lady's chariot, whose husband had + not half his estate, had a crane-neck, and hung with twice the + air that hers did. He answered, "Madam, you know my income; you + know I have lost two coach-horses this spring."—Down she + fell.—"Hartshorn! Betty, Susan, Alice, throw water in her + face." With much care and pains she was at last brought to + herself, and the vehicle in which she visited was amended in the + nicest manner, to prevent relapses; but they frequently happened + during that husband's whole life, which he had the good fortune + to end in few years after. The disconsolate soon pitched upon a + very agreeable successor, whom she very prudently designed to + govern by the same method. This man knew her little arts, and + resolved to break through all tenderness, and be absolute master, + as soon as occasion offered. One day it happened, that a + discourse arose about furniture: he was very glad of the + occasion, and fell into an invective against china,<a name= + 'fntag261' id="fntag261"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote261'><sup>261</sup></a> protesting, he would never let + five pounds more of his <a class="pagenum" name='page193' title= + '193' id="page193"></a>money be laid out that way as long as he + breathed. She immediately fainted—he starts up as amazed, + and calls for help—the maids ran to the closet—he + chafes her face, bends her forwards, and beats the palms of her + hands: her convulsions increase, and down she tumbles on the + floor, where she lies quite dead, in spite of what the whole + family, from the nursery to the kitchen, could do for her + relief.</p> + + <p>While every servant was thus helping or lamenting their + mistress, he, fixing his cheek to hers, seemed to be following + her in a trance of sorrow; but secretly whispers her, "My dear, + this will never do: what is within my power and fortune, you may + always command, but none of your artifices: you are quite in + other hands than those you passed these pretty passions upon." + This made her almost in the condition she pretended; her + convulsions now came thicker, nor was she to be held down. The + kind man doubles his care, helps the servants to throw water in + her face by full quarts; and when the sinking part of the fit + came again, "Well, my dear," said he, "I applaud your action; but + I must take my leave of you till you are more sincere with me. + Farewell for ever: you shall always know where to hear of me, and + want for nothing." With that, he ordered the maids to keep plying + her with hartshorn, while he went for a physician: he was scarce + at the stairhead when she followed; and pulling him into a + closet, thanked him for her cure; which was so absolute, that she + gave me this relation herself, to be communicated for the benefit + of all the voluntary invalids of her sex.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page194' title='194' id= + "page194"></a></p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, May 31.</h3> + + <p>The public is not so little my concern, though I am but a + student, as that I should not interest myself in the present + great things in agitation. I am still of opinion, the French king + will sign the preliminaries. With that view, I have sent him by + my familiar the following epistle, and admonished him, on pain of + what I shall say of him to future generations, to act with + sincerity on this occasion.</p> + + <h3>"London, May 31.</h3> + + <h4>"Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq., of Great Britain, to Lewis XIV. of + France.</h4> + + <p>"The surprising news which arrived this day, of your Majesty's + having refused to sign the treaty your Ministers have in a manner + sued for, is what gives ground to this application to your + Majesty, from one whose name, perhaps, is too obscure to have + ever reached your territories; but one who, with all the European + world, is affected with your determinations. Therefore, as it is + mine and the common cause of mankind, I presume to expostulate + with you on this occasion. It will, I doubt not, appear to the + vulgar extravagant, that the actions of a mighty prince should be + balanced by the censure of a private man, whose approbation or + dislike are equally contemptible in their eyes, when they regard + the thrones of sovereigns. But your Majesty has shown, through + the whole course of your reign, too great a value for liberal + arts to be insensible, that true fame lies only in the hands of + learned men, by whom it is to be transmitted to futurity, with + marks of honour or reproach to the end of time. The date of human + life is too short to recompense the cares which attend the most + private condition: <a class="pagenum" name='page195' title='195' + id="page195"></a>therefore it is, that our souls are made as it + were too big for it, and extend themselves in the prospect of a + longer existence, in a good fame and memory of worthy actions + after our decease. The whole race of men have this passion in + some degree implanted in their bosoms, which is the strongest and + noblest incitation to honest attempts: but the base use of the + arts of peace, eloquence, poetry, and all the parts of learning, + have been possessed by souls so unworthy those faculties, that + the names and appellations of things have been confounded by the + labours and writings of prostituted men, who have stamped a + reputation upon such actions as are in themselves the objects of + contempt and disgrace. This is that which has misled your Majesty + in the conduct of your reign, and made that life, which might + have been the most imitable, the most to be avoided. To this it + is, that the great and excellent qualities of which your Majesty + is master, are lost in their application; and your Majesty has + been carrying on for many years the most cruel tyranny, with all + the noble methods which are used to support a just reign. Thus it + is, that it avails nothing that you are a bountiful master; that + you are so generous as to reward even the unsuccessful with + honour and riches; that no laudable action passes unrewarded in + your kingdoms; that you have searched all nations for obscure + merit; in a word, that you are in your private character endowed + with every princely quality, when all this is subjected to unjust + and ill-taught ambition, which to the injury of the world, is + gilded by those endowments. However, if your Majesty will + condescend to look into your own soul, and consider all its + faculties and weaknesses with impartiality; if you will but be + convinced, that life is supported in you by the ordinary methods + of food, rest, and sleep; you would think it impossible that you + could ever be so much <a class="pagenum" name='page196' title= + '196' id="page196"></a>imposed on, as to have been wrought into a + belief, that so many thousands of the same make with yourself, + were formed by Providence for no other end, but by the hazard of + their very being to extend the conquests and glory of an + individual of their own species. A very little reflection will + convince your Majesty, that such cannot be the intent of the + Creator; and if not, what horror must it give your Majesty to + think of the vast devastations your ambition has made among your + fellow creatures? While the warmth of youth, the flattery of + crowds, and a continual series of success and triumph, indulged + your Majesty in this allusion of mind, it was less to be wondered + at, that you proceeded in this mistaken pursuit of grandeur; but + when age, disappointments, public calamities, personal + distempers, and the reverse of all that makes men forget their + true being, are fallen upon you: heavens! is it possible you can + live without remorse? Can the wretched man be a tyrant? Can grief + study torments? Can sorrow be cruel?—</p> + + <p>"Your Majesty will observe, I do not bring against you a + railing accusation; but as you are a strict professor of + religion, I beseech your Majesty to stop the effusion of blood, + by receiving the opportunity which presents itself, for the + preservation of your distressed people. Be no longer so + infatuated, as to hope for renown from murder and violence: but + consider, that the great day will come, in which this world and + all its glory shall change in a moment: when nature shall sicken, + and the earth and sea give up the bodies committed to them, to + appear before the last tribunal. Will it then, O king! be an + answer for the lives of millions who have fallen by the sword, + 'They perished for my glory'? That day will come on, and one like + it is immediately approaching: injured nations advance towards + thy habitation: vengeance has begun its <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page197' title='197' id="page197"></a>march, which is to be + diverted only by the penitence of the oppressor. Awake, O + monarch, from thy lethargy! Disdain the abuses thou hast + received: pull down the statue which calls thee immortal: be + truly great: tear thy purple, and put on sackcloth.</p> + + <p>"I am,</p> + + <p>"Thy generous Enemy,</p> + + <p class="right">"ISAAC BICKERSTAFF."</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, June 1.</h3> + + <p>Advices from Brussels of the 6th instant, N.S., say, his + Highness Prince Eugene had received a letter from Monsieur Torcy, + wherein that Minister, after many expressions of great respect, + acquaints him, that his master had absolutely refused to sign the + preliminaries to the treaty which he had, in his Majesty's + behalf, consented to at the Hague. Upon the receipt of this + intelligence, the face of things at that place were immediately + altered, and the necessary orders were transmitted to the troops + (which lay most remote from thence) to move towards the place of + rendezvous with all expedition. The enemy seem also to prepare + for the field, and have at present drawn together twenty-five + thousand men in the plains of Lenz. Marshal Villars is at the + head of those troops; and has given the generals under his + command all possible assurances, that he will turn the fate of + the war to the advantage of his master.</p> + + <p>They write from the Hague of the 7th, that Monsieur Rouillé + had received orders from the Court of France, to signify to the + States-General and the Ministers of the High Allies, that the + king could not consent to the preliminaries of a treaty of peace, + as it was offered to him by Monsieur Torcy. The great difficulty + is the business of Spain, on <a class="pagenum" name='page198' + title='198' id="page198"></a>which particular his Ministers + seemed only to say, during the treaty, that it was not so + immediately under their master's direction, as that he could + answer for its being relinquished by the Duke of Anjou: but now + he positively answers, that he cannot comply with what his + Minister has promised in his behalf, even in such points as are + wholly in himself to act in or not. This has had no other effect, + than to give the Alliance fresh arguments for being diffident of + engagements entered into by France. The Pensioner made a report + of all which this Minister had declared to the Deputies of the + States-General, and all things turn towards a vigorous war. The + Duke of Marlborough designed to leave the Hague within two days, + in order to put himself at the head of the army, which is to + assemble on the 17th instant between the Scheldt and the Lis. A + fleet of eighty sail, laden with corn from the Baltic, is arrived + in the Texel. The States have sent circular letters to all the + provinces, to notify this change of affairs, and animate their + subjects to new resolutions in defence of their country.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag261'>[261]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote261' id="footnote261"></a>Addison + ridiculed the prevalent craze for collecting china in No. 10 + of the <i>Lover</i>; and Swift wrote to Steele, "What do I + know whether china is dear or not; I once took a fancy of + resolving to go mad for it, but now it is off."</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number24' id="number24"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 24.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[ADDISON.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, June 2</i>, to <i>Saturday, June 4</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, June 2.</h3> + + <p>In my paper of the 28th of the last month,<a name='fntag262' + id="fntag262"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote262'><sup>262</sup></a> I mentioned several characters + which want explanation to the generality of readers: among + others, I spoke of a Pretty Fellow; but I have received a kind + admonition in a letter, to take care that I do not omit to show + also what is meant by a Very Pretty Fellow, which is to be + allowed as a <a class="pagenum" name='page199' title='199' id= + "page199"></a>character by itself, and a person exalted above the + other by a peculiar sprightliness, as one who, by a + distinguishing vigour, outstrips his companions, and has thereby + deserved and obtained a particular appellation, or nickname of + familiarity. Some have this distinction from the fair sex, who + are so generous as to take into their protection those who are + laughed at by the men, and place them for that reason in degrees + of favour. The chief of this sort is Colonel Brunett, who is a + man of fashion, because he will be so; and practises a very + jaunty way of behaviour, because he is too careless to know when + he offends, and too sanguine to be mortified if he did know it. + Thus the colonel has met with a town ready to receive him, and + cannot possibly see why he should not make use of their favour, + and set himself in the first degree of conversation. Therefore he + is very successfully loud among the wits, familiar among the + ladies, and dissolute among the rakes. Thus he is admitted in one + place, because he is so in another; and every man treats Brunett + well, not out of his particular esteem for him, but in respect to + the opinion of others. It is to me a solid pleasure to see the + world thus mistaken on the good-natured side; for it is ten to + one but the colonel mounts into a general officer, marries a fine + lady, and is master of a good estate, before they come to explain + upon him. What gives most delight to me in this observation, is, + that all this arises from pure nature, and the colonel can + account for his success no more than those by whom he succeeds. + For these causes and considerations, I pronounce him a true + woman's man, and in the first degree, "a very pretty fellow." The + next to a man of this universal genius, is one who is peculiarly + formed for the service of the ladies, and his merit chiefly is to + be of no consequence. I am indeed a little in doubt, whether he + ought not rather to be called a "very happy," <a class="pagenum" + name='page200' title='200' id="page200"></a>than a "very pretty" + fellow? For he is admitted at all hours: all he says or does, + which would offend in another, are passed over in him; and all + actions and speeches which please, doubly please if they come + from him: no one wonders or takes notice when he is wrong; but + all admire him when he is in the right. By the way it is fit to + remark, that there are people of better sense than these, who + endeavour at this character; but they are out of nature; and + though, with some industry, they get the characters of fools, + they cannot arrive to be "very," seldom to be merely "pretty + fellows." But where nature has formed a person for this station + amongst men, he is gifted with a peculiar genius for success, and + his very errors and absurdities contribute to it; this felicity + attending him to his life's end. For it being in a manner + necessary that he should be of no consequence, he is as well in + old age as youth; and I know a man, whose son has been some years + a pretty fellow, who is himself at this hour a "very" pretty + fellow. One must move tenderly in this place, for we are now in + the ladies' lodgings, and speaking of such as are supported by + their influence and favour; against which there is not, neither + ought there to be, any dispute or observation. But when we come + into more free air, one may talk a little more at large. Give me + leave then to mention three, whom I do not doubt but we shall see + make considerable figures; and these are such as, for their + Bacchanalian performances, must be admitted into this order. They + are three brothers lately landed from Holland: as yet, indeed, + they have not made their public entry, but lodge and converse at + Wapping. They have merited already on the waterside particular + titles: the first is called Hogshead; the second Culverin; and + the third Musket. This fraternity is preparing for our end of the + town by their ability in the exercises of Bacchus, and measure + their time <a class="pagenum" name='page201' title='201' id= + "page201"></a>and merit by liquid weight, and power of drinking. + Hogshead is a prettier fellow than Culverin by two quarts, and + Culverin than Musket by a full pint. It is to be feared, Hogshead + is so often too full, and Culverin overloaded, that Musket will + be the only lasting "very" pretty fellow of the three.<a name= + 'fntag263' id="fntag263"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote263'><sup>263</sup></a> A third sort of this + denomination are such as, by very daring adventures in love, have + purchased to themselves renown and new names; as, Joe Carry, for + his excessive strength and vigour; Tom Drybones, for his generous + loss of youth and health; and Cancrum, for his meritorious + rottenness. These great and leading spirits are proposed to all + such of our British youth as would arrive at perfection in these + different kinds; and if their parts and accomplishments were well + imitated, it is not doubted but that our nation would soon excel + all others in wit and arts, as they already do in arms.</p> + + <p>N.B.—The gentleman who stole Betty Pepin,<a name= + 'fntag264' id="fntag264"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote264'><sup>264</sup></a> may own it, for he is allowed + to be a "very" pretty fellow.</p> + + <h4>But we must proceed to the explanation of other terms in our + writings.</h4> + + <p>To know what a Toast is in the country, gives as much + <a class="pagenum" name='page202' title='202' id= + "page202"></a>perplexity as she herself does in town: and, + indeed, the learned differ very much upon the original of this + word, and the acceptation of it among the moderns. However, it is + by all agreed to have a joyous and cheerful import. A toast in a + cold morning, heightened by nutmeg, and sweetened with sugar, has + for many ages been given to our rural dissenters of justice, + before they entered upon causes, and has been of great and + politic use to take off the severity of their sentences; but has + indeed been remarkable for one ill effect, that it inclines those + who use it immoderately, to speak Latin, to the admiration, + rather than information, of an audience. This application of "a + toast" makes it very obvious, that the word may, without a + metaphor, be understood as an apt name for a thing which raises + us in the most sovereign degree. But many of the wits of the last + age will assert, that the word, in its present sense, was known + among them in their youth, and had its rise from an accident at + the town of Bath, in the reign of King Charles II. It happened, + that on a public day a celebrated beauty of those times was in + the Cross Bath, and one of the crowd of her admirers took a glass + of the water in which the fair one stood, and drank her health to + the company. There was in the place a gay fellow, half fuddled, + who offered to jump in, and swore, though he liked not the + liquor, he would have the toast. He was opposed in his + resolution; yet this whim gave foundation to the present honour + which is done to the lady we mention in our liquors, who has ever + since been called a "toast." Though this institution had so + trivial a beginning, it is now elevated into a formal order; and + that happy virgin who is received and drank to at their meetings, + has no more to do in this life, but to judge and accept of the + first good offer. The manner of her inauguration is much like + that of the choice of a Doge in <a class="pagenum" name='page203' + title='203' id="page203"></a>Venice: it is performed by + balloting; and when she is so chosen, she reigns indisputably for + that ensuing year; but must be elected anew to prolong her empire + a moment beyond it. When she is regularly chosen, her name is + written with a diamond on a drinking-glass.<a name='fntag265' id= + "fntag265"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote265'><sup>265</sup></a> The hieroglyphic of the diamond + is to show her, that her value is imaginary; and that of the + glass to acquaint her, that her condition is frail, and depends + on the hand which holds her. This wise design admonishes her, + neither to overrate nor depreciate her charms; as well + considering and applying, that it is perfectly according to the + humour and taste of the company, whether the toast is eaten, or + left as an offal.</p> + + <p>The foremost of the whole rank of toasts, and the most + undisputed in their present empire, are Mrs. Gatty and Mrs. + Frontlet: the first, an agreeable; the second, an awful beauty. + These ladies are perfect friends, out of a knowledge that their + perfections are too different to stand in competition. He that + likes Gatty can have no relish for so solemn a creature as + Frontlet; and an admirer of Frontlet will call Gatty a + maypole-girl. Gatty for ever smiles upon you; and Frontlet + disdains to see you smile. Gatty's love is a shining quick flame; + Frontlet's a slow wasting fire. Gatty likes the man that diverts + her; Frontlet him who adores her. Gatty always improves the soil + in which she travels; Frontlet lays waste the country. Gatty does + not only smile, but laughs at her lover; Frontlet not only looks + serious, but frowns at him. All the men of wit (and coxcombs + their followers) are professed servants of Gatty: the politicians + and pretenders give solemn worship to Frontlet. Their reign will + be best judged of by its duration. Frontlet will never be chosen + more; and Gatty is a toast for life.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page204' title='204' id= + "page204"></a></p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, June 3.</h3> + + <p>Letters from Hamburg of the 7th instant, N.S., inform us, that + no art or cost is omitted to make the stay of his Danish Majesty + at Dresden agreeable; but there are various speculations upon the + interview between King Augustus and that prince, many putting + politic constructions upon his Danish Majesty's arrival, at a + time when his troops are marching out of Hungary, with orders to + pass through Saxony, where it is given out, that they are to be + recruited. It is said also, that several Polish senators have + invited King Augustus to return into Poland. His Majesty of + Sweden, according to the same advices, has passed the Dnieper + without any opposition from the Muscovites, and advances with all + possible expedition towards Voldinia, where he proposes to join + King Stanislaus and General Cressau.</p> + + <p>We hear from Berne of the 1st instant, N.S., that there is not + a province in France, from whence the Court is not apprehensive + of receiving accounts of public emotions, occasioned by the want + of corn. The General Diet of the thirteen cantons is assembled at + Baden, but have not yet entered upon business, so that the affair + of Tockenburg is yet at a stand.</p> + + <p>Letters from the Hague, dated the 11th instant, N.S., advise + that Monsieur Rouillé having acquainted the Ministers of the + Allies, that his master had refused to ratify the preliminaries + of a treaty adjusted with Monsieur Torcy, set out for Paris on + Sunday morning. The same day the foreign Ministers met a + committee of the States-General, where Monsieur van Hessen opened + the business upon which they were assembled, and in a very warm + discourse laid before them the conduct of France in the late + negotiations, representing the abject manner in which she had + <a class="pagenum" name='page205' title='205' id= + "page205"></a>laid open her own distresses, which reduced her to + a compliance with the demands of all the Allies, and the mean + manner in receding from those points to which her Minister had + consented. The respective Ministers of each potentate of the + Alliance severally expressed their resentment of the faithless + behaviour of the French, and gave each other mutual assurances of + the constancy and resolution of their principles to proceed with + the utmost vigour against the common enemy. His Grace the Duke of + Marlborough set out from the Hague on the 9th, in the afternoon, + and lay that night at Rotterdam, from whence at four the next + morning he proceeded towards Antwerp, with design to reach Ghent + as on this day. All the troops in the Low Countries are in motion + towards the general rendezvous between the Scheldt and Lis, and + the whole army will be formed on the 12th instant; and it is said + that on the 14th they will advance towards the enemy's country. + In the meantime the Marshal de Villars has assembled the French + army between Lens, la Bassée, and Douay.</p> + + <p>Yesterday morning Sir John Norris<a name='fntag266' id= + "fntag266"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote266'><sup>266</sup></a> with the squadron under his + command, sailed from the Downs for Holland.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, June 3.</h3> + + <p>I have the honour of the following letter from a gentleman + whom I receive into my family, and order the heralds at arms to + enroll him accordingly.</p> + + <p>"MR. BICKERSTAFF,</p> + + <p>"Though you have excluded me the honour of your family, yet I + have ventured to correspond with the same great persons as + yourself, and have wrote this post <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page206' title='206' id="page206"></a>to the King of France; + though I'm in a manner unknown in his country, and have not been + seen there these many months.</p> + + <h4>"'To Lewis le Grand.</h4> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "'Though in your country I'm unknown, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Yet, sir, I must advise you; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Of late so poor and mean you're grown, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + That all the world despise you. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Here vermin eat your majesty, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + There meagre subjects stand unfed; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + What surer signs of poverty, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Than many lice, and little bread? + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Then, sir, the present minute choose, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Our armies are advanced; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Those terms you at the Hague refuse, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + At Paris won't be granted. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Consider this, and Dunkirk raze, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + And Anna's title own; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Send one Pretender out to graze, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + And call the other home.' + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"Your humble Servant,</p> + + <p class="right">"BREAD, THE STAFF OF LIFE."</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag262'>[262]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote262' id="footnote262"></a>No. 21.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag263'>[263]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote263' id="footnote263"></a>It would seem + from the passage in the <i>Examiner</i> (vol. iii. No. 48), + that three men of distinction at that time, probably + noblemen, were supposed to be denoted under the names of + Hogshead, Culverin, and Musket, from Wapping; or, as they are + named by the <i>Examiner</i>, "Tun, Gun, and Pistol, from + Wapping." They are there mentioned among others, said to have + been, "with at least fifty more, sufferers of figure under + this author's satire, in the days of his mirth," &c. In + the <i>Guardian</i> (No. 53) Steele says, "Tun, Gun, and + Pistol from Wapping, laughed at the representation which was + made of them, and were observed to be more regular in their + conduct afterwards."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag264'>[264]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote264' id="footnote264"></a>The kept + mistress of a knight of the shire near Brentford, who + squandered his estate on women, and in contested elections. + He has long since gone into the land of oblivion. See No. + 51.—(Nichols.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag265'>[265]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote265' id="footnote265"></a>Several such + verses, inscribed on the glasses of the Kit Cat Club, are + given in Nichols' "Select Collection of Poems," v. + 168-178.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag266'>[266]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote266' id="footnote266"></a>Admiral Sir + John Norris (died 1749) was sent in June 1709, with a small + squadron, to stop the French supply of corn from the + Baltic.</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page207' title='207' id= + "page207"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number25' id="number25"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 25.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, June 4</i>, to <i>Tuesday, June 7</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, June 6.</h3> + + <p>A letter from a young lady, written in the most passionate + terms (wherein she laments the misfortune of a gentleman, her + lover, who was lately wounded in a duel), has turned my thoughts + to that subject, and inclined me to examine into the causes which + precipitate men into so fatal a folly.<a name='fntag267' id= + "fntag267"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote267'><sup>267</sup></a> And as it has been proposed to + treat of subjects of gallantry in the article from hence, and no + one point of nature is more proper to be considered by the + company who frequent this place, than that of duels, it is worth + our consideration to examine into this chimerical groundless + humour, and to lay every other thought aside, till we have + stripped it of all its false pretences to credit and reputation + amongst men. But I must confess, when I consider what I am going + about, and run over in my imagination all the endless crowd of + men of honour who will be offended at such a discourse, I am + undertaking, methinks, a work worthy an invulnerable hero in + romance, rather than a private gentleman with a single rapier; + but as I am pretty well acquainted by great opportunities with + the nature of man, and know of a truth, that all men fight + against their will, the danger vanishes, and resolution rises + upon this subject. For this reason I shall talk very freely on a + custom which all men wish exploded, though no man has courage + enough to resist it. But there is one unintelligible word which I + fear will extremely perplex my <a class="pagenum" name='page208' + title='208' id="page208"></a>dissertation, and I confess to you I + find very hard to explain, which is, the term "satisfaction." An + honest country gentleman had the misfortune to fall into company + with two or three modern men of honour, where he happened to be + very ill-treated; and one of the company being conscious of his + offence, sends a note to him in the morning, and tells him, he + was ready to give him satisfaction. "This is fine doing," says + the plain fellow: "last night he sent me away cursedly out of + humour, and this morning he fancies it would be a satisfaction to + be run through the body." As the matter at present stands, it is + not to do handsome actions denominates a man of honour; it is + enough if he dares to defend ill ones. Thus you often see a + common sharper in competition with a gentleman of the first rank; + though all mankind is convinced, that a fighting gamester is only + a pickpocket with the courage of a highwayman. One cannot with + any patience reflect on the unaccountable jumble of persons and + things in this town and nation, which occasions very frequently, + that a brave man falls by a hand below that of the common + hangman, and yet his executioner escapes the clutches of the + hangman for doing it. I shall therefore hereafter consider, how + the bravest men in other ages and nations have behaved themselves + upon such incidents as we decide by combat; and show, from their + practice, that this resentment neither has its foundation from + true reason, nor solid fame; but is an imposture,<a name= + 'fntag268' id="fntag268"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote268'><sup>268</sup></a> made up of cowardice, + falsehood, and want of understanding. For this work, a good + history of quarrels would be very edifying to the public, and I + apply myself to the town for particulars and circumstances within + their knowledge, which may serve to embellish the dissertation + with proper cuts. Most of the quarrels I have ever known, have + proceeded from some <a class="pagenum" name='page209' title='209' + id="page209"></a>valiant coxcomb's persisting in the wrong, to + defend some prevailing folly, and preserve himself from the + ingenuity of owning a mistake.<a name='fntag269' id= + "fntag269"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote269'><sup>269</sup></a></p> + + <p>By this means it is called, "giving a man satisfaction," to + urge your offence against him with your sword; which puts me in + mind of Peter's order to the keeper, in the "Tale of a Tub": "If + you neglect to do all this, damn you and your generation for + ever; and so we bid you heartily farewell."<a name='fntag270' id= + "fntag270"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote270'><sup>270</sup></a> If the contradiction in the + very terms of one of our challenges were as well explained, and + turned into plain English, would it not run after this + manner?</p> + + <p>"SIR,</p> + + <p>"Your extraordinary behaviour last night, and the liberty you + were pleased to take with me, makes me this morning give you + this, to tell you, because you are an ill-bred puppy, I will meet + you in Hyde Park an hour hence; and because you want both + breeding and humanity, I desire you would come with a pistol in + your hand, on horseback, and endeavour to shoot me through the + head; to teach you more manners. If you fail of doing me this + pleasure, I shall say, you are a rascal on every post in town: + and so, sir, if you will not injure me more, I shall never + forgive what you have done already. Pray sir, do not fail of + getting everything ready, and you will infinitely oblige,</p> + + <p>"Sir,</p> + + <p>"Your most obedient,</p> + + <p>"humble Servant, &c."</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page210' title='210' id= + "page210"></a></p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, June 6.</h3> + + <p>Among the many employments I am necessarily put upon by my + friends, that of giving advice is the most unwelcome to me; and + indeed, I am forced to use a little art in the matter; for some + people will ask counsel of you, when they have already acted what + they tell you is still under deliberation. I had almost lost a + very good friend the other day, who came to know how I liked his + design to marry such a lady. I answered, "By no means; and I must + be positive against it, for very solid reasons, which are not + proper to communicate." "Not proper to communicate!" said he with + a grave air, "I will know the bottom of this." I saw him moved, + and knew from thence he was already determined; therefore evaded + it by saying, "To tell you the truth, dear Frank, of all women + living, I would have her myself." "Isaac," said he, "thou art too + late, for we have been both one these two months." I learned this + caution by a gentleman's consulting me formerly about his son. He + railed at his damned extravagance, and told me, in a very little + time, he would beggar him by the exorbitant bills which came from + Oxford every quarter. "Make the rogue bite upon the + bridle,"<a name='fntag271' id="fntag271"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote271'><sup>271</sup></a> said I, "pay none of his bills, + it will but encourage him to further trespasses." He looked + plaguy sour at me. His son soon after sent up a paper of verses, + forsooth, in print, on the last public occasion; upon which, he + is convinced the boy has parts, and a lad of spirit is not to be + too much cramped in his maintenance, lest he take ill courses. + Neither father nor son can ever since endure the sight of me. + These sort of people ask opinions, only out of the fulness of + their heart on the subject of their perplexity, and not from a + desire of infor<a class="pagenum" name='page211' title='211' id= + "page211"></a>mation. There is nothing so easy as to find out + which opinion the person in doubt has a mind to; therefore the + sure way is to tell him, that is certainly to be chosen. Then you + are to be very clear and positive; leave no handle for scruple. + "Bless me! sir, there is no room for a question." This rivets you + into his heart; for you at once applaud his wisdom, and gratify + his inclination. However, I had too much bowels to be insincere + to a man who came yesterday to know of me, with which of two + eminent men in the City he should place his son? Their names are + Paulo and Avaro.<a name='fntag272' id="fntag272"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote272'><sup>272</sup></a> This gave me much + debate with myself, because not only the fortune of the youth, + but his virtue also depended upon this choice. The men are + equally wealthy; but they differ in the use and application of + their riches, which you immediately see upon entering their + doors.</p> + + <p>The habitation of Paulo has at once the air of a nobleman and + a merchant. You see the servants act with affection to their + master, and satisfaction in themselves: the master meets you with + an open countenance, full of benevolence and integrity: your + business is despatched with that confidence and welcome which + always accompanies honest minds: his table is the image of plenty + and generosity, supported by justice and frugality. After we had + dined here, our affair was to visit Avaro: out comes an awkward + fellow with a careful countenance; "Sir, would you speak with my + master? May I crave your name?" After the first preambles, he + leads us into a noble solitude, a great house that seemed + uninhabited; but from the end of the spacious hall moves towards + us Avaro, with a suspicious aspect, as if he believed us thieves; + and as for my part, I approached him as if I knew him a + cut-purse. <a class="pagenum" name='page212' title='212' id= + "page212"></a>We fell into discourse of his noble dwelling, and + the great estate all the world knew he had to enjoy in it: and I, + to plague him, fell a commending Paulo's way of living. "Paulo," + answered Avaro, "is a very good man; but we who have smaller + estates, must cut our coat according to our cloth." "Nay," says + I, "every man knows his own circumstance best; you are in the + right, if you haven't wherewithal." He looked very sour (for it + is, you must know, the utmost vanity of a mean-spirited rich man + to be contradicted, when he calls himself poor). But I was + resolved to vex him, by consenting to all he said; the main + design of which was, that he would have us find out, he was one + of the wealthiest men in London, and lived like a beggar. We left + him, and took a turn on the 'Change. My friend was ravished with + Avaro. "This," said he, "is certainly a sure man." I contradicted + him with much warmth, and summed up their different characters as + well as I could. "This Paulo," said I, "grows wealthy by being a + common good; Avaro, by being a general evil: Paulo has the art, + Avaro the craft of trade. When Paulo gains, all men he deals with + are the better: whenever Avaro profits, another certainly loses. + In a word, Paulo is a citizen, and Avaro a cit." I convinced my + friend, and carried the young gentleman the next day to Paulo, + where he will learn the way both to gain, and enjoy a good + fortune. And though I cannot say, I have, by keeping him from + Avaro, saved him from the gallows, I have prevented his deserving + it every day he lives: for with Paulo he will be an honest man, + without being so for fear of the law; as with Avaro, he would + have been a villain within the protection of it.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page213' title='213' id= + "page213"></a></p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, June 6.</h3> + + <p>We hear from Vienna of the 1st instant, that Baron Imoff, who + attended her Catholic Majesty with the character of Envoy from + the Duke of Wolfembuttel, was returned thither. That Minister + brought an account, that Major-general Stanhope, with the troops + which embarked at Naples, was returned to Barcelona. We hear from + Berlin, by advices of the 8th instant, that his Prussian Majesty + had received intelligence from his Minister at Dresden, that the + King of Denmark desired to meet his Majesty at Magdeburg. The + King of Prussia has sent answer, that his present indisposition + will not admit of so great a journey; but has sent the king a + very pressing invitation to come to Berlin or Potsdam. These + advices say, that the Minister of the King of Sweden has produced + a letter from his master to the King of Poland, dated from + Batitzau the 30th of March, O.S., wherein he acquaints him, that + he has been successful against the Muscovites in all the + occasions which have happened since his march into their country. + Great numbers have revolted to the Swedes since General Mazeppa + went over to that side; and as many as have done so, have taken + solemn oaths to adhere to the interests of his Swedish + Majesty.</p> + + <p>Advices from the Hague of the 14th instant, N.S., say, that + all things tended to a vigorous and active campaign; the Allies + having strong resentments against the late behaviour of the Court + of France; and the French using all possible endeavours to + animate their men to defend their country against a victorious + and exasperated enemy. Monsieur Rouillé had passed through + Brussels without visiting either the Duke of Marlborough or + Prince Eugene, who were both there at that time. The States + <a class="pagenum" name='page214' title='214' id= + "page214"></a>have met, and publicly declared their satisfaction + in the conduct of their deputies during the whole treaty. Letters + from France say, that the Court is resolved to put all to the + issue of the ensuing campaign. In the meantime, they have ordered + the preliminary treaty to be published, with observation upon + each article, in order to quiet the minds of the people, and + persuade them, that it has not been in the power of the king to + procure a peace, but to the diminution of his Majesty's glory, + and the hazard of his dominions. His Grace the Duke of + Marlborough and Prince Eugene arrived at Ghent on Wednesday last, + where, at an assembly of all the general officers, it was thought + proper, by reason of the great rains which have lately fallen, to + defer forming a camp, or bringing the troops together; but as + soon as the weather would permit, to march upon the enemy with + all expedition.<a name='fntag273' id="fntag273"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote273'><sup>273</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag267'>[267]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote267' id="footnote267"></a>For Steele's + other papers on duelling, see Nos. <a href= + "#number26">26</a>, <a href="#number28">28</a>, <a href= + "#number29">29</a>, <a href="#number31">31</a>, <a href= + "#number38">38</a>, <a href="#number39">39</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag268'>[268]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote268' id="footnote268"></a>Something + imposed upon us.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag269'>[269]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote269' id="footnote269"></a>"While this + barbarous custom of duelling is tolerated, we shall never be + rid of coxcombs, who will defend their understandings by the + sword, and force us to bear nonsense on pain of + death."—(Steele, <i>Theatre</i>, No. 26.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag270'>[270]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote270' id="footnote270"></a>Swift's "Tale + of a Tub," sect. 4.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag271'>[271]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote271' id="footnote271"></a><i>I.e.</i>, + hold him in.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag272'>[272]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote272' id="footnote272"></a>Said to be + Bateman and Heathcote, both eminent + citizens—(<i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>, lx. 679.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag273'>[273]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote273' id="footnote273"></a>"Mr. + Bickerstaff has received a letter, dated June 6, with the + just exceptions against the pretence of persons therein + mentioned, to the name of Pretty Fellows, which shall be + taken notice of accordingly: as likewise, the letter from + Anthony Longtail of Canterbury, concerning the death of + Thomas à Becket" (folio). See Nos. <a href= + "#number24">24</a>, <a href="#number26">26</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number26' id="number26"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 26.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, June 7</i>, to <i>Thursday, June 9</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, June 8.</h3> + + <p>I have read the following letter with delight and approbation, + and I hereby order Mr. Kidney at St. James's, and Sir Thomas at + White's<a name='fntag274' id="fntag274"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote274'><sup>274</sup></a> (who are my clerks for + enrolling all men in their distant classes, before they presume + to drink tea or chocolate in those places), to take care, that + the persons within the descriptions in the letter <a class= + "pagenum" name='page215' title='215' id="page215"></a>be + admitted, and excluded according to my friend's + remonstrance.<a name='fntag275' id="fntag275"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote275'><sup>275</sup></a></p> + + <p>"<i>To Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq.; at Mr. Morphew's near + Stationers' Hall.</i></p> + + <p>"<i>June 6</i>, 1709.</p> + + <p>"SIR,</p> + + <p>"Your paper of Saturday<a name='fntag276' id= + "fntag276"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote276'><sup>276</sup></a> has raised up in me a noble + emulation, to be recorded in the foremost rank of worthies + therein mentioned; and if any regard be had to merit or industry, + I may hope to succeed in the promotion, for I have omitted no + toil or expense to be a proficient; and if my friends do not + flatter, they assure me, I have not lost my time since I came to + town. To enumerate but a few particulars; there's hardly a + coachman I meet with, but desires to be excused taking me, + because he has had me before. I have compounded two or three + rapes; and let out to hire as many bastards to beggars. I never + saw above the first act of a play: and as to my courage, it is + well known, I have more than once had sufficient witnesses of my + drawing my sword both in tavern and playhouse. Dr. Wall<a name= + 'fntag277' id="fntag277"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote277'><sup>277</sup></a> is my particular friend; and if + it were any service to the public to compose the difference + between Marten and Sintilaer<a name='fntag278' id= + "fntag278"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote278'><sup>278</sup></a> the pearl-driller, I don't know + a judge of more experience than myself: for in that I may say + with the poet,</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "'Quæ regio in villa nostri non plena laboris?'<a name= + 'fntag279' id="fntag279"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote279'><sup>279</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"<a class="pagenum" name='page216' title='216' id= + "page216"></a>I omit other less particulars, the necessary + consequences of greater actions. But my reason for troubling you + at this present is, to put a stop, if it may be, to an + insinuating, increasing set of people, who sticking to the letter + of your treatise, and not to the spirit of it, do assume the name + of 'pretty fellows'; nay, and even get new names, as you very + well hint. Some of them I have heard calling to one another, as I + have sat at White's and St. James's, by the names of Betty, + Nelly, and so forth. You see them accost each other with + effeminate airs: they have their signs and tokens like + freemasons: they rail at women-kind; receive visits on their beds + in gowns, and do a thousand other unintelligible prettinesses + that I cannot tell what to make of. I therefore heartily desire + you would exclude all this sort of animals.</p> + + <p>"There is another matter I am foreseeing an ill consequence + from, but may be timely prevented by prudence; which is, that for + the last fortnight, prodigious shoals of volunteers have gone + over to bully the French, upon hearing the peace was just + signing; and this is so true, that I can assure you, all + engrossing work about the Temple is risen above 3<i>s</i>. in the + pound for want of hands. Now as it is possible some little + alteration of affairs may have broken their measures, and that + they will post back again, I am under the last apprehension, that + these will, at their return, all set up for 'pretty fellows,' and + thereby confound all merit and service, and impose on us some new + alteration in our nightcap-wigs<a name='fntag280' id= + "fntag280"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote280'><sup>280</sup></a> and pockets, unless you can + provide <a class="pagenum" name='page217' title='217' id= + "page217"></a>a particular class for them. I cannot apply myself + better than to you, and I am sure I speak the mind of a very + great number as deserving as myself."</p> + + <p>The pretensions of this correspondent are worthy a particular + distinction: he cannot indeed be admitted as a "pretty," but is, + what we more justly call, a "smart fellow." Never to pay at the + playhouse, is an act of frugality, that lets you into his + character. And his expedient in sending his children a-begging + before they can go, are characteristical instances that he + belongs to this class. I never saw the gentleman; but I know by + his letter, he hangs his cane on his button;<a name='fntag281' + id="fntag281"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote281'><sup>281</sup></a> and by some lines of it, he + should wear red-heeled shoes;<a name='fntag282' id= + "fntag282"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote282'><sup>282</sup></a> which are essential parts of + the habit belonging to the order of "smart fellows."</p> + + <p>My familiar is returned with the following letter from the + French king:</p> + + <p>"Versailles, <i>June 13</i>, 1709.</p> + + <h4>"<i>Louis XIV. to Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq.</i><a name= + 'fntag283' id="fntag283"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote283'><sup>283</sup></a></h4> + + <p>"SIR,</p> + + <p>"I have your epistle, and must take the liberty to say, that + there has been a time, when there were generous spirits in Great + Britain, who would not have suffered my <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page218' title='218' id="page218"></a>name to be treated with + the familiarity you think fit to use. I thought liberal men would + not be such time-servers, as to fall upon a man because his + friends are not in power. But having some concern for what you + may transmit to posterity concerning me, I am willing to keep + terms with you, and make a request to you, which is, that you + would give my service to the nineteenth century (if ever you or + yours reach to them), and tell them, that I have settled all + matters between them and me by Monsieur Boileau. I should be glad + to see you here."</p> + + <p>It is very odd this prince should offer to invite me into his + dominions, or believe I should accept the invitation. No, no, I + remember too well how he served an ingenious gentleman, a friend + of mine,<a name='fntag284' id="fntag284"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote284'><sup>284</sup></a> whom he locked up in the + Bastille for no reason in the world, but because he was a wit, + and feared he might mention him with justice in some of his + writings. His way is, that all men of sense are preferred, + banished, or imprisoned. He has indeed a sort of justice in him, + like that of the gamesters; if a stander-by sees one at play + cheat, he has a right to come in for snares, for knowing the + mysteries of the game. This is a very wise and just maxim; and if + I have not left at Mr. Morphew's, directed to me, bank bills for + £200 on or before this day sevennight, I shall tell how Tom Cash + got his estate. I expect three hundred pounds of Mr. Soilett, for + concealing all the money he has lent to himself, and his landed + friend bound with him, at thirty per cent. at his scrivener's. + Absolute princes make people pay what they please in deference to + their power: I do not know why I should not do the same, out of + fear or respect to my knowledge. I always preserve decorums and + civilities to the fair sex: therefore if a certain lady, + <a class="pagenum" name='page219' title='219' id= + "page219"></a>who left her coach at the New Exchange<a name= + 'fntag285' id="fntag285"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote285'><sup>285</sup></a> door in the Strand, and whipped + down Durham Yard into a boat with a young gentleman for Fox + Hall;<a name='fntag286' id="fntag286"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote286'><sup>286</sup></a> I say, if she will send me + word, that I may give the fan which she dropped, and I found, to + my sister Jenny, there shall be no more said of it. I expect + hush-money to be regularly sent for every folly or vice any one + commits in this whole town; and hope I may pretend to deserve it + better than a chamber-maid, or <i>valet-de-chambre</i>: they only + whisper it to the little set of their companions; but I can tell + it to all men living, or who are to live. Therefore I desire all + my readers to pay their fines, or mend their lives.</p> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, June 8.</h3> + + <p>My familiar being come from France, with an answer to my + letter to Lewis of that kingdom, instead of going on in a + discourse of what he had seen in that Court, <a class="pagenum" + name='page220' title='220' id="page220"></a>he put on the + immediate concern of a guardian, and fell to inquiring into my + thoughts and adventures since his journey. As short as his stay + had been, I confessed I had had many occasions for his assistance + in my conduct; but communicated to him my thoughts of putting all + my force against the horrid and senseless custom of duels. "If it + were possible," said he, "to laugh at things in themselves so + deeply tragical as the impertinent profusion of human life, I + think I could divert you with a figure I saw just after my death, + when the philosopher threw me, as I told you some days ago, into + the pail of water.<a name='fntag287' id="fntag287"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote287'><sup>287</sup></a> You are to know, that + when men leave the body, there are receptacles for them as soon + as they depart, according to the manner in which they lived and + died. At the very instant that I was killed, there came away with + me a spirit which had lost its body in a duel. We were both + examined. Me, the whole assembly looked at with kindness and + pity, but at the same time with an air of welcome, and + consolation: they pronounced me very happy, who had died in + innocence; and told me, a quite different place was allotted to + me, than that which was appointed for my companion; there being a + great distance from the mansions of fools and innocents: 'though + at the same time,' said one of the ghosts, there is a great + affinity between an idiot who has been so for long life, and a + child who departs before maturity. But this gentleman who has + arrived with you is a fool of his own making, is ignorant out of + choice, and will fare accordingly.' The assembly began to flock + about him, and one said to him, 'Sir, I observed you came into + the gate of persons murdered, and I desire to know what brought + you to your untimely end?' He said, he had been a second. + Socrates (who may be said to have been murdered by the + commonwealth of Athens) stood by, and <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page221' title='221' id="page221"></a>began to draw near him, in + order, after his manner, to lead him into a sense of his error by + concessions in his own discourse. 'Sir,' said that divine and + amicable spirit, 'what was the quarrel?' He answered, 'We shall + know very suddenly, when the principal in the business comes, for + he was desperately wounded before I fell.' 'Sir,' said the sage, + 'had you an estate?' 'Yes, sir,' the new guest answered, 'I have + left it in a very good condition; I made my will the night before + this occasion.' 'Did you read it before you signed it?' 'Yes + sure, sir,' said the newcomer. Socrates replies, could a man that + would not give his estate without reading the instrument, dispose + of his life without asking a question? That illustrious shade + turned from him, and a crowd of impertinent goblins, who had been + drolls and parasites in their lifetime, and were knocked on the + head for their sauciness, came about my fellow-traveller, and + made themselves very merry with questions about the words 'carte' + and 'terce' and other terms of fencers. But his thoughts began to + settle into reflection upon the adventure which had robbed him of + his late being; and with a wretched sigh, said he, 'How terrible + are conviction and guilt when they come too late for penitence!'" + Pacolet was going on in this strain, but he recovered from it, + and told me, it was too soon to give my discourse on this subject + so serious a turn; you have chiefly to do with that part of + mankind which must be led into reflection by degrees, and you + must treat this custom with humour and raillery to get an + audience, before you come to pronounce sentence upon it. There is + foundation enough for raising such entertainments from the + practice on this occasion. Don't you know, that often a man is + called out of bed to follow implicitly a coxcomb (with whom he + would not keep company on any other occasion) to ruin and death? + Then a good list of such as are qualified by the laws of + <a class="pagenum" name='page222' title='222' id= + "page222"></a>these uncourteous men of chivalry to enter into + combat (who are often persons of honour without common honesty): + these, I say, ranged and drawn up in their proper order, would + give an aversion to doing anything in common with such as men + laugh at and contemn. But to go through this work, you must not + let your thoughts vary, or make excursions from your theme: + consider at the same time, that the matter has been often treated + by the ablest and greatest writers; yet that must not discourage + you; for the properest person to handle it, is one who has roved + into mixed conversations, and must have opportunities (which I + shall give you) of seeing these sort of men in their pleasures + and gratifications; among which, they pretend to reckon fighting. + It was pleasantly enough said of a bully in France, when duels + first began to be punished: "The king has taken away gaming, and + stage-playing, and now fighting too; how does he expect gentlemen + shall divert themselves?"<a name='fntag288' id= + "fntag288"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote288'><sup>288</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag274'>[274]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote274' id="footnote274"></a>See Nos. + <a href="#number1">1</a>, <a href="#number10">10</a>, + <a href="#number16">16</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag275'>[275]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote275' id="footnote275"></a>This letter is + probably by Anthony Henley; see advertisement at end of + <a href='#number25'>No. 25</a>. At this time Henley was M.P. + for Weymouth, and a friend of the wits belonging to the Whig + party. He died in 1711. See Nos. <a href="#number11">11</a>, + 193.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag276'>[276]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote276' id="footnote276"></a>No. 21.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag277'>[277]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote277' id="footnote277"></a>Wall and the + others named were quack doctors.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag278'>[278]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote278' id="footnote278"></a>Sintelaer, who + lived in High Holborn, published in Feb. 1709, "The Scourge + of Venus and Mercury. With an appendix in answer to Mr. John + Marten's reflections thereupon" (<i>Postman</i>, Feb. 24 to + 26, 1709).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag279'>[279]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote279' id="footnote279"></a>"Æneid," i. + 460. Steele alters Virgil's "terriss" to "villa."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag280'>[280]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote280' id="footnote280"></a>A sort of + periwig, with a short tie and small round head. See No. 30, + end. In the <i>Spectator</i> (No. 319), Dorinda describes a + humble servant of hers who "appeared to me in one of those + wigs that I think you call a 'night-cap,' which had altered + him more effectually than before. He afterwards played a + couple of black riding wigs upon me, with the same + success."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag281'>[281]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote281' id="footnote281"></a>The elaborate + canes used by the beaux commonly had a ribbon to enable them + to be hung on the button of the waistcoat. Thus we find among + the advertisements for lost canes, "A cane with a silver head + and a black ribbon in it, the top of it amber, part of the + head to turn round, and in it a perspective glass."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag282'>[282]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote282' id="footnote282"></a>Men of fashion + wore very high-heeled shoes, and their red heels are often + satirised by Steele and Addison (cf. <i>Spectator</i>, No. + 311). In No. 16 of the <i>Spectator</i> Addison said, "It is + not my intention to sink the dignity of this my paper with + reflections upon red-heels or topknots."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag283'>[283]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote283' id="footnote283"></a>See Nos. + <a href="#number19">19</a>, <a href="#number23">23</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag284'>[284]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote284' id="footnote284"></a>Probably Sir + John Vanbrugh.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag285'>[285]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote285' id="footnote285"></a>A bazaar on the + south side of the Strand, between George Court and Durham + Street, and opposite Bedford Street. There were two long and + double galleries, one above the other, containing shops, with + pretty attendants. The New Exchange was a favourite lounge, + and is frequently mentioned in the Restoration literature; it + was pulled down in 1737. See <i>Spectator</i>, Nos. 96, 155, + and Steele's "Lying Lover," act ii. sc. 2, where Young + Bookwit says, "My choice was so distracted among the pretty + merchants and their dealers, that I knew not where to run + first." On the other hand, we find complaints that young fops + hindered business by lolling on the counter an hour longer + than was necessary, and annoyed the young women who served + them with ingenious ribaldry.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag286'>[286]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote286' id="footnote286"></a>Vauxhall, or + Fox-hall, Gardens were formed about 1661, on the Surrey side + of the Thames, and were at first called the New Spring + Gardens, to distinguish them from the Old Spring Gardens at + Charing Cross. At the end of the seventeenth century Vauxhall + was a favourite place for assignations, and Pepys was + scandalised at scenes he there witnessed. The gardens were + reopened in 1732, after being closed, it would seem, for some + years, and they continued to be a place of fashionable resort + until the end of the reign of George III.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag287'>[287]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote287' id="footnote287"></a>See <a href= + '#number15'>No. 15</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag288'>[288]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote288' id="footnote288"></a>"Whereas + several gentlemen have desired this paper with a blank leaf + to write business on, and for the convenience of the post; + this is to give notice, that this day, and for the future, it + may be had of Mr. Morphew, near Stationers' Hall" (folio, + advertisement).</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number27' id="number27"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 27.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, June 9</i>, to <i>Saturday, June 11, + 1709</i>.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, June 9.</h3> + + <p>Pacolet being gone a strolling among the men of the sword, in + order to find out the secret causes of the frequent disputes we + meet with, and furnish me with material for my treatise on + duelling; I have room left to go on in my information to my + country readers, whereby <a class="pagenum" name='page223' title= + '223' id="page223"></a>they may understand the bright people + whose memoirs I have taken upon me to write. But in my discourse + of the 28th of the last month,<a name='fntag289' id= + "fntag289"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote289'><sup>289</sup></a> I omitted to mention the most + agreeable of all bad characters; and that is, a Rake.</p> + + <p>A Rake is a man always to be pitied; and if he lives, is one + day certainly reclaimed; for his faults proceed not from choice + or inclination, but from strong passions and appetites, which are + in youth too violent for the curb of reason, good sense, good + manners, and good nature: all which he must have by nature and + education, before he can be allowed to be, or have been of this + order. He is a poor unwieldy wretch, that commits faults out of + the redundance of his good qualities. His pity and compassion + make him sometimes a bubble to all his fellows, let them be never + so much below him in understanding. His desires run away with him + through the strength and force of a lively imagination, which + hurries him on to unlawful pleasures, before reason has power to + come in to his rescue. Thus, with all the good intentions in the + world to amendment, this creature sins on against heaven, + himself, his friends, and his country, who all call for a better + use of his talents. There is not a being under the sun so + miserable as this: he goes on in a pursuit he himself + disapproves, and has no enjoyment but what is followed by + remorse; no relief from remorse, but the repetition of his crime. + It is possible I may talk of this person with too much + indulgence; but I must repeat it, that I think this a character + which is the most the object of pity of any in the world. The man + in the pangs of the stone, gout, or any acute distempers, is not + in so deplorable a condition in the eye of right sense, as he + that errs and repents, and repents and errs on. The fellow with + broken limbs justly deserves your alms for his impotent + condition; but he that cannot use his own reason, <a class= + "pagenum" name='page224' title='224' id="page224"></a>is in a + much worse state; for you see him in miserable circumstances, + with his remedy at the same time in his own possession, if he + would or could use it. This is the cause, that of all ill + characters, the rake has the best quarter in the world; for when + he is himself, and unruffled with intemperance, you see his + natural faculties exert themselves, and attract an eye of favour + towards his infirmities. But if we look round us here, how many + dull rogues are there, that would fain be what this poor man + hates himself for? All the noise towards six in the + evening,<a name='fntag290' id="fntag290"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote290'><sup>290</sup></a> is caused by his mimics and + imitators. How ought men of sense to be careful of their actions, + if it were merely from the indignation of feeling themselves ill + drawn by such little pretenders? not to say, he that leads, is + guilty of all the actions of his followers: and a rake has + imitators whom you would never expect should prove so. + Second-hand vice sure of all is the most nauseous. There is + hardly a folly more absurd, or which seems less to be accounted + for (though it is what we see every day) than that grave and + honest natures give into this way, and at the same time have good + sense, if they thought fit to use it: but the fatality (under + which most men labour) of desiring to be what they are not, makes + them go out of a method, in which they might be received with + applause, and would certainly excel, into one, wherein they will + all their life have the air of strangers to what they aim at. For + this reason, I have not lamented the metamorphosis of any one I + know so much as of Nobilis, who was born with sweetness of + temper, just apprehension, and everything else that might make + him a man fit for his order. But instead of the pursuit of sober + studies and applications, in which he <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page225' title='225' id="page225"></a>would certainly be capable + of making a considerable figure in the noblest assembly of men in + the world; I say, in spite of that good nature, which is his + proper bent, he will say ill-natured things aloud, put such as he + was, and still should be, out of countenance, and drown all the + natural good in him, to receive an artificial ill character, in + which he will never succeed: for Nobilis is no rake. He may + guzzle as much wine as he pleases, talk bawdy if he thinks fit; + but he may as well drink water-gruel, and go twice a day to + church, for it will never do. I pronounce it again, Nobilis is no + rake. To be of that order, he must be vicious against his will, + and not so by study or application. All Pretty Fellows are also + excluded to a man, as well as all Inamaratos, or persons of the + epicene gender, who gaze at one another in the presence of + ladies. This class, of which I am giving you an account, is + pretended to also by men of strong abilities in drinking; though + they are such whom the liquor, not the conversation, keeps + together. But blockheads may roar, fight, and stab, and be never + the nearer; their labour is also lost; they want sense: they are + no rakes.</p> + + <p>As a rake among men is the man who lives in the constant abuse + of his reason, so a coquette among women is one who lives in + continual misapplication of her beauty. The chief of all whom I + have the honour to be acquainted with, is pretty Mrs. Toss: she + is ever in practice of something which disfigures her, and takes + from her charms; though all she does, tends to a contrary effect. + She has naturally a very agreeable voice and utterance, which she + has changed for the prettiest lisp imaginable. She sees what she + has a mind to see, at half a mile distance; but poring with her + eyes half shut at every one she passes by, she believes much more + becoming. The Cupid on her fan and she have their eyes full on + each other, all the time <a class="pagenum" name='page226' title= + '226' id="page226"></a>in which they are not both in motion. + Whenever her eye is turned from that dear object, you may have a + glance, and your bow, if she is in humour, returned as civilly as + you make it; but that must not be in the presence of a man of + greater quality: for Mrs. Toss is so thoroughly well bred, that + the chief person present has all her regards. And she, who + giggles at divine service, and laughs at her very mother, can + compose herself at the approach of a man of a good estate.</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, June 9.</h3> + + <p>A fine lady showed a gentleman of this company, for an eternal + answer to all his addresses, a paper of verses, with which she is + so captivated, that she professed, the author should be the happy + man in spite of all other pretenders. It is ordinary for love to + make men poetical, and it had that effect on this enamoured man: + but he was resolved to try his vein upon some of her confidantes + or retinue, before he ventured upon so high a theme as herself. + To do otherwise than so, would be like making an heroic poem a + man's first attempt. Among the favourites to the fair one, he + found her parrot not to be in the last degree: he saw Poll had + her ear, when his sighs were neglected. To write against him, had + been a fruitless labour; therefore he resolved to flatter him + into his interests, in the following manner:</p> + + <h4>"To a Lady on her Parrot.</h4> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "When nymphs were coy, and love could not prevail, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The gods disguised were seldom known to fail, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Leda was chaste, but yet a feathered Jove + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Surprised the fair, and taught her how to love. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + There's no celestial but his heaven would quit, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + For any form which might to thee admit. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + <a class="pagenum" name='page227' title='227' id= + "page227"></a>See how the wanton bird, at every glance, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Swells his glad plumes, and feels an amorous trance. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The queen of beauty has forsook the dove, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Henceforth the parrot be the bird of love." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>It is indeed a very just proposition, to give that honour + rather to the parrot than the other volatile. The parrot + represents us in the state of making love: the dove in the + possession of the object beloved. But instead of turning the dove + off, I fancy it would be better if the chaise of Venus had + hereafter a parrot added (as we see sometimes a third horse to a + coach) which might intimate, that to be a parrot, is the only way + to succeed; and to be a dove, to preserve your conquests. If the + swain would go on successfully, he must imitate the bird he + writes upon. For he who would be loved by women, must never be + silent before the favour, or open his lips after it.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, June 10.</h3> + + <p>I have so many messages from young gentlemen who expect + preferment and distinction, that I am wholly at a loss in what + manner to acquit myself. The writer of the following letter tells + me in a postscript, he cannot go out of town till I have taken + some notice of him, and is very urgent to be somebody, in town + before he leaves it, and returns to his commons at the + university. But take it from himself.<a class="pagenum" name= + 'page228' title='228' id="page228"></a></p> + + <h4>"<i>To Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq., Monitor-General of Great + Britain.</i></h4> + + <p>"Shire Lane, <i>June 8.</i></p> + + <p>I have been above six months from the university, of age these + three months, and so long in town. I was recommended to one + Charles Bubbleboy<a name='fntag291' id="fntag291"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote291'><sup>291</sup></a> near the Temple, who + has supplied me with all the furniture he says a gentleman ought + to have. I desired a certificate thereof from him, which he said + would require some time to consider of; and when I went yesterday + morning for it, he tells me, upon due consideration, I still want + some few odd things more, to the value of threescore or fourscore + pounds, to make me complete. I have bespoke them; and the favour + I beg of you is, to know, when I am equipped, in what part or + class of men in this town you will place me. Pray send me word + what I am, and you shall find me,</p> + + <p>"Sir,</p> + + <p>"Your most humble Servant,</p> + + <p class="right">"JEFFRY NICKNACK."</p> + + <p>I am very willing to encourage young beginners; but <a class= + "pagenum" name='page229' title='229' id="page229"></a>am + extremely in the dark how to dispose of this gentleman. I cannot + see either his person or habit in this letter; but I'll call at + Charles', and know the shape of his snuff-box, by which I can + settle his character. Though indeed, to know his full capacity, I + ought to be informed, whether he takes Spanish or musty.<a name= + 'fntag292' id="fntag292"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote292'><sup>292</sup></a></p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, June 10.</h3> + + <p>Letters from the Low Countries of the 17th instant say, that + the Duke of Marlborough and the Prince of Savoy intended to leave + Ghent on that day, and join the army, which lies between Pont + d'Espiere and Courtray, their headquarters being at Helchin. The + same day the Palatine foot was expected at Brussels. + Lieutenant-General Dompre, with a body of eight thousand men, is + posted at Alost, in order to cover Ghent and Brussels. The + Marshal de Villars was still on the plains of Lens; and it is + said, the Duke of Vendôme is appointed to command in conjunction + with that general. Advices from Paris say, Monsieur Voisin is + made Secretary of State, upon Monsieur Chamillard's resignation + of that employment. The want of money in that kingdom is so + great, that the Court has thought fit to command all the plate of + private families to be brought into the Mint. They write from the + Hague of the 18th, that the States of Holland continue their + session; and that they have approved the resolution of the + States-General, to publish a second <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page230' title='230' id="page230"></a>edict to prohibit the sale + of corn to the enemy. Many eminent persons in that assembly have + declared, that they are of opinion, that all commerce whatsoever + with France should be wholly forbidden: which point is under + present deliberation; but it is feared it will meet with powerful + opposition.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag289'>[289]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote289' id="footnote289"></a><a href= + '#number21'>No. 21</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag290'>[290]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote290' id="footnote290"></a>People of + fashion dined at about four o'clock in Queen Anne's time, and + by six the men, who had often drunk a good deal of wine, + would be finding their way to the clubs and + coffee-houses.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag291'>[291]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote291' id="footnote291"></a>Charles Mather, + a toyman in Fleet Street, next door to Nandoe's Coffee-house, + over against Chancery Lane. Swift wrote ("Sid Hamet's Rod," + 1710):</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "No hobby horse with gorgeous top, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The dearest in Charles Mather's shop; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Or glittering tinsel of Mayfair + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Could with the rod of Sid compare." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>See Nos. 113, 142, and <i>Spectator</i>, Nos. 328, 503 + ("One of Charles Mather's fine tablets"), and 570 ("The + famous Charles Mather was bred up under him").</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag292'>[292]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote292' id="footnote292"></a>Charles Lillie, + the perfumer, tells us how snuff came into use. A great + quantity of musty snuff was captured in the Spanish fleet + taken at Vigo in 1702, and snuff with this special musty + flavour became the fashion. In No. 138 of the + <i>Spectator</i>, Steele humorously announced that "the + exercise of the snuff-box, according to the most fashionable + airs and motions, in opposition to the exercise of the fair, + will be taught with the best plain or perfumed snuff at + Charles Lillie's, perfumer, at the corner of Beaufort + Buildings in the Strand."</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number28' id="number28"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 28.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, June 11</i>, to <i>Tuesday, June 14, + 1709.</i></h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, June 13.</h3> + + <p>I had suspended the business of duelling to a distant time, + but that I am called upon to declare myself on a point proposed + in the following letter.</p> + + <p class="right">"<i>June 9, at night.</i></p> + + <p>"Sir,</p> + + <p>"I desire the favour of you to decide this question, whether + calling a gentleman a 'smart fellow' is an affront or not? A + youth entering a certain coffee-house, with his cane tied at his + button, wearing red-heeled shoes, I thought of your + description,<a name='fntag293' id="fntag293"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote293'><sup>293</sup></a> and could not forbear + telling a friend of mine next to me, 'There enters a smart + fellow.' The gentleman hearing it, had immediately a mind to pick + a quarrel with me, and desired satisfaction: at which I was more + puzzled than at the other, remembering what mention your familiar + makes of those that had lost their lives on such occasions. The + thing is referred to your judgment, and I expect you to be my + second, since you have been the cause of our quarrel. I am,</p> + + <p>"Sir,</p> + + <p>"Your Friend and humble Servant."</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page231' title='231' id= + "page231"></a>I absolutely pronounce, that there is no occasion + of offence given in this expression; for a "smart fellow" is + always an appellation of praise, and is a man of double capacity. + The true cast or mould in which you may be sure to know him is, + when his livelihood or education is in the Civil List, and you + see him express a vivacity or mettle above the way he is in by a + little jerk in his motion, short trip in his steps, well-fancied + lining of his coat, or any other indications which may be given + in a vigorous dress. Now, what possible insinuation can there be, + that it is a cause of quarrel for a man to say, he allows a + gentleman really to be, what he, his tailor, his hosier, and his + milliner, have conspired to make him? I confess, if this person + who appeals to me had said, he was <i>not</i> a "smart fellow," + there had been cause for resentment; but if he stands to it that + he is one, he leaves no manner of ground for a misunderstanding. + Indeed, it is a most lamentable thing, that there should be a + dispute raised upon a man's saying another is, what he plainly + takes pains to be thought. But this point cannot be so well + adjusted, as by inquiring what are the sentiments of wise nations + and communities of the use of the sword, and from thence + conclude, whether it is honourable to draw it so frequently or + not? An illustrious commonwealth of Italy<a name='fntag294' id= + "fntag294"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote294'><sup>294</sup></a> has preserved itself for many + ages, without letting one of their subjects handle this + destructive instrument, always leaving that work to such of + mankind as understand the use of a whole skin so little, as to + make a profession of exposing it to cuts and scars. But what need + we run to such foreign instances: our own ancient and + well-governed cities are conspicuous examples to all mankind in + their regulation of military achievements. The chief citizens, + like the noble Italians, hire mercenaries to carry <a class= + "pagenum" name='page232' title='232' id="page232"></a>arms in + their stead; and you shall have a fellow of a desperate fortune, + for the gain of one half-crown, go through all the dangers of + Tothill Fields, or the Artillery Ground,<a name='fntag295' id= + "fntag295"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote295'><sup>295</sup></a> clap his right jaw within two + inches of the touch-hole of a musket, fire it off, and huzza, + with as little concern as he tears a pullet. Thus you see to what + scorn of danger these mercenaries arrive, out of a mere love of + sordid gain: but methinks it should take off the strong + prepossession men have in favour of bold actions, when they see + upon what low motives men aspire to them. Do but observe the + common practice in the government of those heroic bodies, our + militia and lieutenancies, the most ancient corps of soldiers, + perhaps, in the universe. I question whether there is one + instance of an animosity between any two of these illustrious + sons of Mars since their institution, which was decided by + combat? I remember indeed to have read the chronicle of an + accident which had like to have occasioned bloodshed in the very + field before all the general officers, though most of them were + justices of the peace: Captain Crabtree of Birching Lane, + haberdasher, had drawn a bill upon Major-General Maggot, + cheesemonger in Thames Street. Crabtree draws this upon Mr. + William Maggot and Company. A country lad received this bill, and + not understanding the word "company," used in drawing bills on + men in partnership, carried it to Mr. Jeffry Stick of Crooked + Lane (lieutenant of the major-general's company) whom he had the + day before seen march by the door in all the pomp of his + commission. The lieutenant accepts it, for the honour of the + company, since it had come to him. But repayment <a class= + "pagenum" name='page233' title='233' id="page233"></a>being asked + from the major-general, he absolutely refuses. Upon this, the + lieutenant thinks of nothing less than to bring this to a + rupture, and takes for his second, Tobias Armstrong of the + Counter,<a name='fntag296' id="fntag296"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote296'><sup>296</sup></a> and sends him with a challenge + in a script of parchment, wherein was written, "Stitch contra + Maggot," and all the fury vanished in a moment. The major-general + gives satisfaction to the second, and all was well. Hence it is, + that the bold spirits of our city are kept in such subjection to + the civil power. Otherwise, where would our liberties soon be? If + wealth and valour were suffered to exert themselves with their + utmost force: if such officers as are employed in the terrible + bands above-mentioned, were to draw bills as well as swords: + these dangerous captains, who could victual an army as well as + lead it, would be too powerful for the State. But the point of + honour justly gives way to that of gain; and by long and wise + regulation, the richest is the bravest man. I have known a + captain rise to a colonel in two days by the fall of stocks; and + a major, my good friend, near the Monument, ascended to that + honour by the fall of the price of spirits, and the rising of + right Nantz. By this true sense of honour, that body of warriors + are ever in good order and discipline, with their colours and + coats all whole: as in other battalions (where their principles + of action are less solid) you see the men of service look like + spectres, with long sides, and lank cheeks. In this army, you may + measure a man's services by his waist, and the most prominent + belly is certainly the man who has been most upon action. Besides + all this, there is another excellent remark to be made in the + discipline of these troops. It being of absolute necessity that + the people of England should see what they have for their money, + and <a class="pagenum" name='page234' title='234' id= + "page234"></a>be eye-witnesses of the advantages they gain by it, + all battles which are fought abroad are represented here. But + since one side must be beaten, and the other conquer, which might + create disputes, the eldest company is always to make the other + run, and the younger retreats, according to the last news and + best intelligence. I have myself seen Prince Eugene make Catinat + fly from the back-side of Gray's Inn Lane to + Hockley-in-the-Hole,<a name='fntag297' id= + "fntag297"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote297'><sup>297</sup></a> and not give over the pursuit, + till obliged to leave the Bear Garden on the right, to avoid + being borne down by fencers, wild bulls and monsters, too + terrible for the encounter of any heroes, but such whose lives + are their livelihood.</p> + + <p>We have here seen, that wise nations do not admit of fighting, + even in the defence of their country, as a laudable action; and + they live within the walls of our own city in great honour and + reputation without it. It would be very <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page235' title='235' id="page235"></a>necessary to understand, + by what force of the climate, food, education, or employment, one + man's sense is brought to differ so essentially from that of + another; that one is ridiculous and contemptible for forbearing a + thing which makes for his safety; and another applauded for + consulting his ruin and destruction.</p> + + <p>It will therefore be necessary for us (to show our travelling) + to examine this subject fully, and tell you how it comes to pass, + that a man of honour in Spain, though you offend him never so + gallantly, stabs you basely; in England, though you offend never + so basely, challenges fairly: the former kills you out of + revenge; the latter out of good breeding. But to probe the heart + of a man in this particular to its utmost thoughts and recesses, + I must wait for the return of Pacolet, who is now attending a + gentleman lately in a duel, and sometimes visits the person by + whose hand he received his wounds.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page236' title='236' id= + "page236"></a></p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, June 13.</h3> + + <p>Letters from Vienna of the 8th instant say, there has been a + journal of the marches and actions of the King of Sweden, from + the beginning of January to the 11th of April, N.S., communicated + by the Swedish Ministers to that Court. These advices inform, + that his Swedish Majesty entered the territories of Muscovy in + February last with the main body of his army, in order to oblige + the enemy to a general engagement; but that the Muscovites + declining a battle, and a universal thaw having rendered the + rivers unpassable, the king returned into Ukrania. There are + mentioned several rencounters between considerable detachments of + the Swedish and Russian armies. Marshal Heister intended to take + his leave of the Court on the day after the date of these + letters, and put himself at the head of the army in Hungary. The + malcontents had attempted to send in a supply of provisions into + Neuheusel; but their design was disappointed by the Germans.</p> + + <p>Advices from Berlin of the 15th instant, N.S., say, that his + Danish Majesty having received an invitation from the King of + Prussia to an interview, designed to come to Potsdam within few + days; and that King Augustus resolved to accompany him thither. + To avoid all difficulties in ceremony, the three kings, and all + the company who shall have the honour to sit with them at table, + are to draw lots, and take precedence accordingly.</p> + + <p>They write from Hamburg of the 18th instant, N.S., that some + particular letters from Dantzic speak of a late action between + the Swedes and Muscovites near Jaroslaw; but that engagement + being mentioned from no other place, there is not much credit + given to this intelligence.</p> + + <p>We hear from Brussels, by letters, dated the 20th, that on the + 14th in the evening the Duke of Marlborough and <a class= + "pagenum" name='page237' title='237' id="page237"></a>Prince + Eugene arrived at Courtray, with a design to proceed the day + following to Lille, in the neighbourhood of which city the + confederate army was to rendezvous the same day. Advices from + Paris inform us, that the Marshal de Bezons is appointed to + command in Dauphiné; and that the Duke of Berwick is set out for + Spain, with a design to follow the fortunes of the Duke of Anjou, + in case the French king should comply with the late demands of + the Allies.</p> + + <p>The Court of France has sent a circular letter to all the + governors of the provinces, to recommend to their consideration + his Majesty's late conduct in the affair of peace. It is thought + fit in that epistle, to condescend to a certain appeal to the + people, whether it is consistent with the dignity of the crown, + or the French name, to submit to the preliminaries demanded by + the confederates? The letter dwells upon the unreasonableness of + the Allies, in requiring, that his Majesty should assist in + dethroning his grandson, and treats this particular in language + more suitable to it, as it is a topic of oratory, than a real + circumstance, on which the interests of nations, and reasons of + State, which affect all Europe, are concerned.</p> + + <p>The close of this memorial seems to prepare the people to + expect all events, attributing the confidence of the enemy to the + goodness of their troops; but acknowledging, that his sole + dependence is upon the intervention of Providence.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag293'>[293]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote293' id="footnote293"></a>See <a href= + '#number26'>No. 26</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag294'>[294]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote294' id="footnote294"></a>Venice, where + mercenaries were employed for fighting purposes.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag295'>[295]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote295' id="footnote295"></a>The City + train-bands were often the subject of ridicule by the wits. + See "Harleian Misc." i. 206, Cowper's "John Gilpin," and Nos. + <a href="#number38">38</a>, <a href="#number41">41</a>. + Tothill Fields, Westminster, and the Artillery Ground, + Finsbury, were the usual exercising-grounds for the + train-bands.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag296'>[296]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote296' id="footnote296"></a>The Compter was + a prison for the city of London, where debtors and others + were confined.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag297'>[297]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote297' id="footnote297"></a>Steele wrote at + length in the <i>Spectator</i> (No. 436) of a trial of skill + in the noble art of self-defence at Hockley-in-the-Hole; and + in No. 630 there is an allusion to the gladiators of + Hockley-in-the-Hole. In the "Beggar's Opera," Mrs. Peachum + says: "You should to Hockley-in-the-Hole and to Marybone, + child, to learn valour; there are the schools that have bred + so many brave men." As to the other sports at the Bear + Garden, see No. 134, and Gay's + "Trivia," ii. 407-12:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "When thro' the town, with slow and solemn air, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Led by the nostril, walks the muzzled bear; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Behind him moves, majestically dull, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The pride of Hockley-hole, the surly bull; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Learn hence the periods of the week to name: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Mondays and Thursdays are the days of game." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>There were seats, at half a crown and upwards, for the + quality; the neighbourhood of the Bear Garden was infested by + thieves. The following are specimens of the advertisements + common about 1709: "At the Bear-garden, in Hockley in the + Hole. A trial of skill, to be performed between two profound + masters of the noble science of defence, on Wednesday next, + the 13th of July, 1702, at two o'clock precisely. I George + Gray, born in the city of Norwich, who has fought in most + parts of the West Indies, viz., Jamaica, Barbadoes, and + several other parts of the world, in all twenty-five times + upon the stage, and was never yet worsted; and am now lately + come to London, do invite James Harris to meet, and exercise + at the following weapons, back-sword, sword and dagger, sword + and buckler, single falchon, and case of falchons. I James + Harris, master of the said noble science of defence, who + formerly rid in the Horse-guards, and hath fought 110 prizes, + and never left a stage to any man, will not fail (God + willing) to meet this brave and bold inviter, at the time and + place appointed, desiring sharp swords, and from him no + favour. No person to be upon the stage, but the seconds. + <i>Vivat Regina</i>."</p> + + <p>"At the Bear-garden in Hockley in the Hole, near + Clerkenwell Green, 1710. This is to give notice to all + gentlemen, gamesters, and others, that on this present Monday + is a match to be fought by two dogs, one from Newgate-market, + against one from Honey-lane market, at a bull, for a guinea + to be spent, five let-goes out of hand, which goes fairest + and fastest in, wins all. Likewise, a green bull to be + baited, which was never baited before; and a bull to be + turned loose with fireworks all over him. Also a mad ass to + be baited. With a variety of bull-baiting and bear-baiting, + and a dog to be drawn up with fireworks. To begin exactly at + three of the clock."</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page238' title='238' id= + "page238"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number29' id="number29"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 29.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, June 14</i>, to <i>Thursday, June 16, + 1709.</i></h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, June 14.</h3> + + <p>Having a very solid respect for human nature, however it is + distorted from its natural make, by affectation, humour, custom, + misfortune, or vice, I do apply myself to my friends to help me + in raising arguments for preserving it in all its individuals, as + long as it is permitted. To one of my letters on this subject, I + have received the following answer:<a name='fntag298' id= + "fntag298"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote298'><sup>298</sup></a></p> + + <p>"SIR,</p> + + <p>"In answer to your question, why men of sense, virtue, and + experience, are seen still to comply with that ridiculous custom + of duelling, I must desire you to reflect, that custom has dished + up in ruffs the wisest heads of our ancestors, and put the best + of the present age into huge falbala periwigs.<a name='fntag299' + id="fntag299"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote299'><sup>299</sup></a> Men of sense would not impose + such encumbrances on themselves; but be glad they might show + their faces decently in public upon easier terms. If then such + men appear reasonably slaves to the fashion, in what regards the + figure of their persons, we ought not to wonder, that they are at + least so in what seems to touch their reputations. Besides, you + can't be ignorant, that dress and chivalry have been always + encouraged by the ladies, as the two principal branches of + gallantry. It is to avoid being sneered at for his singularity, + and from a <a class="pagenum" name='page239' title='239' id= + "page239"></a>desire to appear more agreeable to his mistress, + that a wise, experienced, and polite man, complies with the dress + commonly received, and is prevailed upon to violate his reason + and principles, in hazarding his life and estate by a tilt, as + well as suffering his pleasures to be constrained and soured by + the constant apprehension of a quarrel. This is the more + surprising, because men of the most delicate sense and principles + have naturally in other cases a particular repugnance in + accommodating themselves to the maxims of the world: but one may + easily distinguish the man that is affected with beauty, and the + reputation of a tilt, from him who complies with both, merely as + they are imposed upon him by custom; for in the former you will + remark an air of vanity and triumph; whereas when the latter + appears in a long Duvillier full of powder, or has decided a + quarrel by the sword, you may perceive in his face, that he + appeals to custom for an excuse. I think it may not be improper + to inquire into the genealogy of this chimerical monster, called + a 'duel', which I take to be an illegitimate species of the + ancient knight-errantry. By the laws of this whim, your heroic + person, or man of gallantry, was indispensably obliged to starve + in armour a certain number of years in the chase of monsters, + encounter them at the peril of his life, and suffer great + hardships, in order to gain the affection of the fair lady, and + qualify himself for assuming the <i>belair</i>, that is, of a + pretty fellow, or man of honour according to the fashion: but + since the publishing of 'Don Quixote' and extinction of the race + of dragons, which Suetonius says happened in that of + Wantley,<a name='fntag300' id="fntag300"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote300'><sup>300</sup></a> the gallant and heroic spirits + of these latter times have been under the necessity of creating + new chimerical monsters to entertain <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page240' title='240' id="page240"></a>themselves with, by way of + single combats, as the only proofs they are able to give their + own sex, and the ladies, that they are in all points men of nice + honour. But to do justice to the ancient and real monsters, I + must observe, that they never molested those who were not of a + humour to hunt for them in the woods and deserts; whereas on the + contrary, our modern monsters are so familiarly admitted and + entertained in all the Courts and cities of Europe (except + France) that one can scarce be in the most humanised society + without risking one's life; the people of the best sort, and the + fine gentlemen of the age, being so fond of them, that they + seldom appear in any public place without one. I have some + further considerations upon this subject, which, as you encourage + me, shall be communicated to you, by, sir, a cousin but once + removed from the best family of the Staffs, namely, "Sir,</p> + + <p>"Your humble Servant,</p> + + <p>"Kinsman and Friend,</p> + + <p class="right">"TIM SWITCH."</p> + + <p>It is certain, Mr. Switch has hit upon the true source of this + evil; and that it proceeds only from the force of custom that we + contradict ourselves in half the particulars and occurrences of + life. But such a tyranny in love, which the fair impose upon us, + is a little too severe, that we must demonstrate our affection + for them by no certain proof but hatred to one another, or come + at them (only as one does to an estate) by survivorship. This way + of application to gain a lady's heart, is taking her as we do + towns and castles, by distressing the place, and letting none + come near them without our pass. Were such a lover once to + <a class="pagenum" name='page241' title='241' id= + "page241"></a>write the truth of his heart, and let her know his + whole thoughts, he would appear indeed to have a passion for her; + but it would hardly be called love. The billet-doux would run to + this purpose:</p> + + <p>"MADAM,</p> + + <p>"I have so tender a regard for you and your interests, that + I'll knock any man in the head whom I observe to be of my mind, + and like you. Mr. Truman the other day looked at you in so + languishing a manner, that I am resolved to run him through + to-morrow morning: this, I think, he deserves for his guilt in + admiring you; than which I cannot have a greater reason for + murdering him, except it be that you also approve him. Whoever + says he dies for you, I will make his words good, for I will kill + him. I am,</p> + + <p>"Madam,</p> + + <p>"Your most obedient,</p> + + <p>"Most humble Servant."</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, June 14.</h3> + + <p>I am just come hither at ten at night, and have ever since six + been in the most celebrated, though most nauseous, company in + town: the two leaders of the society were a critic and a wit. + These two gentlemen are great opponents upon all occasions, not + discerning that they are the nearest each other in temper and + talents of any two classes of men in the world; for to profess + judgment, and to profess wit, both arise from the same failure, + which is want of judgment. The poverty of the critic this way + proceeds from the abuse of his faculty; that of the wit from the + neglect of it. It is a particular observation I have always made, + that of all mortals, a critic is the <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page242' title='242' id="page242"></a>silliest; for by inuring + himself to examine all things, whether they are of consequence or + not, be never looks upon anything but with a design of passing + sentence upon it; by which means, he is never a companion, but + always a censor. This makes him earnest upon trifles; and dispute + on the most indifferent occasions with vehemence. If he offers to + speak or write, that talent which should approve the work of the + other faculties, prevents their operation. He comes upon action + in armour; but without weapons: he stands in safety; but can gain + no glory. The wit on the other hand has been hurried so long away + by imagination only, that judgment seems not to have ever been + one of his natural faculties. This gentleman takes himself to be + as much obliged to be merry, as the other to be grave. A thorough + critic is a sort of Puritan in the polite world. As an enthusiast + in religion stumbles at the ordinary occurrences of life, if he + cannot quote scripture examples on the occasion; so the critic is + never safe in his speech or writing, without he has among the + celebrated writers an authority for the truth of his sentence. + You will believe we had a very good time with these brethren, who + were so far out of the dress of their native country, and so lost + to its dialect, that they were as much strangers to themselves, + as to their relation to each other. They took up the whole + discourse; sometimes the critic grew passionate, and when + reprimanded by the wit for any trip or hesitation in his voice, + he would answer, Mr. Dryden makes such a character on such an + occasion break off in the same manner; so that the stop was + according to nature, and as a man in a passion should do. The + wit, who is as far gone in letters as himself, seems to be at a + loss to answer such an apology; and concludes only, that though + his anger is justly vented, it wants fire in the utterance. If + wit is to be measured by the circum<a class="pagenum" name= + 'page243' title='243' id="page243"></a>stances of time and place, + there is no man has generally so little of that talent, as he who + is a wit by profession. What he says, instead of arising from the + occasion, has an occasion invented to bring it in. Thus he is new + for no other reason, but that he talks like nobody else; but has + taken up a method of his own, without commerce of dialogue with + other people. The lively Jasper Dactyle<a name='fntag301' id= + "fntag301"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote301'><sup>301</sup></a> is one of this character. He + seems to have made a vow to be witty to his life's end. When you + meet him, "What do you think," says he, "I have been entertaining + myself with?" Then out comes a premeditated turn, to which it is + to no purpose to answer; for he goes on in the same strain of + thought he designed without your speaking. Therefore I have a + general answer to all he can say; as, "Sure there never was any + creature had so much fire!" Spondee, who is a critic, is seldom + out of this fine man's company. They have no manner of affection + for each other, but keep together, like Novel and Oldfox in "The + Plain Dealer,"<a name='fntag302' id="fntag302"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote302'><sup>302</sup></a> because they show each + other. I know several of sense who can be diverted with this + couple; but I see no curiosity in the thing, except it be, that + Spondee is dull, and seems dull; but Dactyle is heavy with a + brisk face. It must be owned also, that Dactyle has almost vigour + enough to be a coxcomb; but Spondee, by the lowness of his + constitution, is only a blockhead.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page244' title='244' id= + "page244"></a></p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, June 15.</h3> + + <p>We have no particulars of moment since our last, except it be, + that the copy of the following original letter came by the way of + Ostend. It is said to have been found in the closet of Monsieur + Chamillard, the late Secretary of State of France, since his + disgrace. It was signed by two brothers of the famous + Cavallier,<a name='fntag303' id="fntag303"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote303'><sup>303</sup></a> who led the Cevennois, and + had a personal interview with the king, as well as a capitulation + to lay down his arms, and leave the dominions of France. There + are many other names to it; among whom, is the chief of the + family of the Marquis Guiscard.<a name='fntag304' id= + "fntag304"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote304'><sup>304</sup></a> It is not yet known, whether + Monsieur Chamillard had any real design to favour the Protestant + interest, or only thought to place himself at the head of that + people, to make himself considerable enough to oppose his enemies + at Court, and reinstate himself in power there.</p> + + <p>"<a class="pagenum" name='page245' title='245' id= + "page245"></a>SIR,</p> + + <p>"We have read your Majesty's<a name='fntag305' id= + "fntag305"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote305'><sup>305</sup></a> letter to the governors of your + provinces, with instructions what sentiments to insinuate into + the minds of your people: but as you have always acted upon the + maxim, that we were made for you, and not you for us, we must + take leave to assure your Majesty, that we are exactly of the + contrary opinion, and must desire you to send for your grandson + home, and acquaint him, that you now know by experience, absolute + power is only a vertigo in the brain of princes, which for a time + may quicken their motion, and double in their diseased sight the + instances of power above them; but must end in their fall and + destruction. Your memorial speaks a good father of your family, + but a very ill one of your people. Your Majesty is reduced to + hear truth when you are obliged to speak it: there is no + governing any but savages by any methods but their own consent, + which you seem to acknowledge, in appealing to us for our opinion + of your conduct in treating of peace. Had your people been always + of your council, the King of France had never been reduced so + low, as to acknowledge his arms were fallen into contempt. But + since it is thus, we must ask, 'How is any man of France, but + they of the <a class="pagenum" name='page246' title='246' id= + "page246"></a>House of Bourbon, the better that Philip is King of + Spain?' We have outgrown that folly of placing our happiness in + your Majesty's being called, The Great; therefore as you and we + are all alike bankrupts,<a name='fntag306' id= + "fntag306"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote306'><sup>306</sup></a> and undone, let us not deceive + ourselves, but compound with our adversaries, and not talk like + their equals. Your Majesty must forgive us that we cannot wish + you success, or lend you help; for if you lose one battle more, + we may have a hand in the peace you make; and doubt not but your + Majesty's faith in treaties will require the ratification of the + states of your kingdoms. So we bid you heartily farewell, till we + have the honour to meet you assembled in Parliament. This happy + expectation makes us willing to wait the event of another + campaign, from whence we hope to be raised from the misery of + slaves, to the privileges of subjects. We are,</p> + + <p>"Your Majesty's</p> + + <p>"Truly faithful, and</p> + + <p>"Loyal Subjects, &c."</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag298'>[298]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote298' id="footnote298"></a>See Nos. + <a href="#number25">25</a>, <a href="#number26">26</a>, + <a href="#number28">28</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag299'>[299]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote299' id="footnote299"></a>The + full-bottomed dress wigs. Another name was "Duvillier," used + below.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag300'>[300]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote300' id="footnote300"></a>See Percy's + "Reliques of Ancient English Poetry," ed. Wheatley, iii. 279. + "The Dragon of Wantley" is a satire on the old ballads of + chivalry.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag301'>[301]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote301' id="footnote301"></a>See Nos. + <a href="#number3">3</a>, 63.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag302'>[302]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote302' id="footnote302"></a>In the list of + characters, Wycherley defines Novel as "a pert railing + coxcomb, and an admirer of novelties," and Major Oldfox as + "an old impertinent fop, given to scribbling."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag303'>[303]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote303' id="footnote303"></a>James Cavallier + was the celebrated leader of the French Protestants in the + Cevennes, when these warlike but enthusiastic mountaineers + opposed the tyranny of Lewis XIV. and made a vigorous stand + against the whole power of France, which for a long time + laboured in vain to subdue them. It was in the heat of this + gallant struggle to preserve themselves from religious + slavery, that the first seeds of that wild fanaticism were + sown, which afterwards grew up to such an amazing + extravagance, and distinguished them, by the name of French + Prophets, among the most extraordinary enthusiasts that are + to be found in the history of human folly. Cavallier, who + found in his latter days an hospitable asylum in Ireland, + published, in 1726, "Memoirs of the Wars of the Cevennes, + under Col. Cavallier, in defence of the Protestants + persecuted in that country, and of the peace concluded + between him and the Mareschal Duke of Villars; of his + conference with the King of France, after the conclusion of + the peace; with letters relating thereto, from Mareschal + Villars, and Chamillard, secretary of state." (Percy.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag304'>[304]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote304' id="footnote304"></a>It was a + younger brother, an abbé, who used his pen and sword against + Lewis XIV. He was employed in England, had preferment in the + army, and a pension; but, being found a useless villain, he + was soon discarded. He then endeavoured to make his peace + with France, by acting here as a spy; but being detected, he + was brought before the Cabinet Council, to be examined, March + 8, 1711. In the course of his examination he took an + opportunity to stab Mr. Harley. Of the wounds given to this + assassin on that occasion, he died in Newgate soon after. See + the "Narrative of Guiscard's Examination," by Mrs. Manley, + from facts communicated to her by Dr. Swift. See also + <i>Examiner</i>, No. 32. (Nichols.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag305'>[305]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote305' id="footnote305"></a>Soon after the + conclusion of the late treaty of peace, the French king + dispersed a letter through his dominions, wherein he shows + the reasons why he could not ratify the preliminaries. + <i>Vide</i> the public newspapers of this date. (Steele.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag306'>[306]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote306' id= + "footnote306"></a>N.B.—Mons. Bernard and the chief + bankers of France became bankrupts about this time + (Steele).—See news paragraph in Nos. <a href= + "#number3">3</a>, <a href="#number5">5</a>, <a href= + "#number9">9</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number30' id="number30"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 30.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, June 16</i>, to <i>Saturday, June 18, + 1709.</i></h3> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, June 16.</h3> + + <p>The vigilance, the anxiety, the tenderness, which I have for + the good people of England, I am persuaded will in time be much + commended; but I doubt whether they will ever be rewarded. + However, I must go on <a class="pagenum" name='page247' title= + '247' id="page247"></a>cheerfully in my work of reformation: that + being my great design, I am studious to prevent my labours + increasing upon me; therefore am particularly observant of the + temper and inclinations of childhood and youth, that we may not + give vice and folly supplies from the growing generation. It is + hardly to be imagined how useful this study is, and what great + evils or benefits arise from putting us in our tender years to + what we are fit, or unfit: therefore on Tuesday last (with a + design to sound their inclinations) I took three lads who are + under my guardianship a rambling, in a hackney-coach, to show + them the town, as the lions,<a name='fntag307' id= + "fntag307"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote307'><sup>307</sup></a> the tombs,<a name='fntag308' + id="fntag308"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote308'><sup>308</sup></a> Bedlam,<a name='fntag309' id= + "fntag309"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote309'><sup>309</sup></a> and the other places which are + entertainments to raw minds, because they strike forcibly on the + fancy. The boys are brothers, one of sixteen, the other of + fourteen, the other of twelve. The first was his father's + darling, the second his mother's, and the third is mine, who am + their uncle. Mr. William is a lad of true genius; but being at + the upper end of a great school, and having all the lads below + him, his arrogance is insupportable. If I begin to show a little + of my Latin, he immediately interrupts: "Uncle, under favour, + that which you say is not understood in that manner." "Brother," + says my boy Jack, "you do not show your manners much in + contradicting my Uncle Isaac." "You queer cur," says Mr. William, + "do you <a class="pagenum" name='page248' title='248' id= + "page248"></a>think my uncle takes any notice of such a dull + rogue as you are?" Mr. William goes on; "He is the most stupid of + all my mother's children: he knows nothing of his book: when he + should mind that, he is hiding or hoarding his taws and marbles, + or laying up farthings. His way of thinking is, four and twenty + farthings make sixpence, and two sixpences a shilling, two + shillings and sixpence half a crown, and two half-crowns five + shillings. So within these two months, the close hunks has + scraped up twenty shillings, and we'll make him spend it all + before he comes home." Jack immediately claps his hands into both + pockets, and turns as pale as ashes. There is nothing touches a + parent (and such I am to Jack) so nearly, as a provident temper. + This lad has in him the true temper for a good husband, a kind + father, and an honest executor. All the great people you see make + considerable figures on the 'Change, in Court, and sometimes in + Senates, are such as in reality have no greater faculty than what + may be called human instinct, which is a natural tendency to + their own preservation, and that of their friends, without being + capable of striking out of the road for adventures. There is Sir + William Scrip was of this sort of capacity from his childhood: he + has bought the country round him, and makes a bargain better than + Sir Harry Wildfire with all his wit and humour. Sir Harry never + wants money but he comes to Scrip, laughs at him half an hour, + and then gives bond for the other thousand. The close men are + incapable of placing merit anywhere but in their pence, and + therefore gain it; while others, who have larger capacities, are + diverted from the pursuit by enjoyments, which can be supported + only by that cash which they despise; and therefore are in the + end, slaves to their inferiors both in fortune and understanding. + I once heard a man of excellent sense observe, <a class="pagenum" + name='page249' title='249' id="page249"></a>that more affairs in + the world failed by being in the hands of men of too large + capacities for their business, than by being in the conduct of + such as wanted abilities to execute them. Jack therefore being of + a plodding make, shall be a citizen; and I design him to be the + refuge of the family in their distress, as well as their jest in + prosperity. His brother Will, shall go to Oxford with all speed, + where, if he does not arrive at being a man of sense, he will + soon be informed wherein he is a coxcomb. There is in that place + such a true spirit of raillery and humour, that if they can't + make you a wise man, they will certainly let you know you are a + fool, which is all my cousin wants to cease to be so. Thus having + taken these two out of the way, I have leisure to look at my + third lad. I observe in the young rogue a natural subtilty of + mind, which discovers itself rather in forbearing to declare his + thoughts on any occasion, than in any visible way of exerting + himself in discourse. For which reason I will place him where, if + he commits no faults, he may go farther than those in other + stations, though they excel in virtues. The boy is well + fashioned, and will easily fall into a graceful manner; + wherefore, I have a design to make him a page to a great lady of + my acquaintance; by which means he will be well skilled in the + common modes of life, and make a greater progress in the world by + that knowledge, than with the greatest qualities without it. A + good mien in a Court will carry a man greater lengths than a good + understanding in any other place. We see a world of pains taken, + and the best years of life spent, in collecting a set of thoughts + in a college for the conduct of life; and after all, the man so + qualified shall hesitate in his speech to a good suit of clothes, + and want common sense before an agreeable woman. Hence it is, + that wisdom, valour, justice, and learning, can't keep a man in + countenance that is possessed <a class="pagenum" name='page250' + title='250' id="page250"></a>with these excellences, if he wants + that less art of life and behaviour, called "good breeding." A + man endowed with great perfections without this, is like one who + has his pockets full of gold, but always wants change for his + ordinary occasions. Will. Courtly is a living instance of this + truth, and has had the same education which I am giving my + nephew. He never spoke a thing but what was said before; and yet + can converse with the wittiest men without being ridiculous. + Among the learned, he does not appear ignorant; nor with the + wise, indiscreet. Living in conversation from his infancy, makes + him nowhere at a loss; and a long familiarity with the persons of + men, is in a manner of the same service to him, as if he knew + their arts. As ceremony is the invention of wise men to keep + fools at a distance, so good breeding is an expedient to make + fools and wise men equals.</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, June 17.</h3> + + <p>The suspension of the playhouse<a name='fntag310' id= + "fntag310"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote310'><sup>310</sup></a> has made me have nothing to + send you from hence; but calling here this evening, I found the + party I usually sit with, upon the business of writing, and + examining what was the handsomest style in which to address + women, and write letters of gallantry. Many were the opinions + which were immediately declared on this subject: some were for a + certain softness; some for I know not what delicacy; others for + something inexpressibly tender: when it came to me, I said there + was no rule in the world to be made for writing letters, but that + of being as near what you speak face to face as you can; which is + so great a truth, that I am of opinion, writing has lost more + mistresses than any <a class="pagenum" name='page251' title='251' + id="page251"></a>one mistake in the whole legend of love. For + when you write to a lady for whom you have a solid and honourable + love, the great idea you have of her, joined to a quick sense of + her absence, fills your mind with a sort of tenderness, that + gives your language too much the air of complaint, which is + seldom successful. For a man may flatter himself as he pleases, + but he will find, that the women have more understanding in their + own affairs than we have, and women of spirit are not to be won + by mourners. Therefore he that can keep handsomely within rules, + and support the carriage of a companion to his mistress, is much + more likely to prevail, than he who lets her see, the whole + relish of his life depends upon her. If possible therefore divert + your mistress, rather than sigh to her. The pleasant man she will + desire for her own sake; but the languishing lover has nothing to + hope from but her pity. To show the difference I produced two + letters a lady gave me, which had been writ to her by two + gentlemen who pretended to her, but were both killed the next day + after the date at the battle of Almanza. One of them was a + mercurial gay-humoured man; the other a man of a serious, but a + great and gallant spirit. Poor Jack Careless! This is his letter: + you see how it is folded: the air of it is so negligent, one + might have read half of it by peeping into it, without breaking + it open. He had no exactness.</p> + + <p>"MADAM,</p> + + <p>"It is a very pleasant circumstance I am in, that while I + should be thinking of the good company we are to meet within a + day or two, where we shall go to loggerheads, my thoughts are + running upon a fair enemy in England. I was in hopes I had left + you there; but you follow the camp, though I have endeavoured to + make <a class="pagenum" name='page252' title='252' id= + "page252"></a>some of our leaguer ladies drive you out of the + field. All my comfort is, you are more troublesome to my colonel + than myself: I permit you to visit me only now and then; but he + downright keeps you. I laugh at his Honour as far as his gravity + will allow me; but I know him to be a man of too much merit to + succeed with a woman. Therefore defend your heart as well as you + can, I shall come home this winter irresistibly dressed, and with + quite a new foreign air. And so I had like to say, I rest, but + alas! I remain,</p> + + <p>"Madam,</p> + + <p>"Your most obedient,</p> + + <p>"Most humble Servant,</p> + + <p class="right">"JOHN CARELESS."</p> + + <p>Now for Colonel Constant's epistle; you see it is folded and + directed with the utmost care.</p> + + <p>"MADAM,</p> + + <p>"I do myself the honour to write to you this evening, because + I believe to-morrow will be a day of battle, and something + forebodes in my breast that I shall fall in it. If it proves so, + I hope you will hear, I have done nothing below a man who had a + love of his country, quickened by a passion for a woman of + honour. If there be anything noble in going to a certain death; + if there be any merit, that I meet it with pleasure, by promising + myself a place in your esteem; if your applause, when I am no + more, is preferable to the most glorious life without you: I say, + madam, if any of these considerations can have weight with you, + you will give me a kind place in your memory, which I prefer to + the glory of Cæsar. I hope, this will be read, as it is writ, + with tears."</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page253' title='253' id= + "page253"></a>The beloved lady is a woman of a sensible mind; but + she has confessed to me, that after all her true and solid value + for Constant, she had much more concern for the loss of Careless. + Those great and serious spirits have something equal to the + adversities they meet with, and consequently lessen the objects + of pity. Great accidents seem not cut out so much for men of + familiar characters, which makes them more easily pitied, and + soon after beloved. Add to this, that the sort of love which + generally succeeds, is a stranger to awe and distance. I asked + Romana, whether of the two she should have chosen had they + survived? She said, she knew she ought to have taken Constant; + but believed she should have chosen Careless.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, June 17.</h3> + + <p>Letters from Lisbon of the 9th instant, N.S., say, that the + enemy's army, having blocked up Olivenza, was posted on the + Guadiana. The Portuguese are very apprehensive that the garrison + of that place, though it consists of five of the best regiments + of their army, will be obliged to surrender, if not timely + relieved, they not being supplied with provisions for more than + six weeks. Hereupon their generals held a council of war on the + 4th instant, wherein it was concluded to advance towards Badajos. + With this design the army decamped on the 5th from Jerumena, and + marched to Cancaon. It is hoped, that if the enemy follow their + motions, they may have opportunity to put a sufficient quantity + of provision and ammunition into Olivenza.</p> + + <p>Mr. Bickerstaff gives notice to all persons that dress + themselves as they please, without regard to decorum (as with + blue and red stockings in mourning; tucked cravats, <a class= + "pagenum" name='page254' title='254' id="page254"></a>and + nightcap wigs, before people of the first quality) that he has + yet received no fine for indulging them in that liberty, and that + he expects their compliance with this demand, or that they go + home immediately and shift themselves. This is further to + acquaint the town, that the report that the hosiers, toymen, and + milliners, have compounded with Mr. Bickerstaff for tolerating + such enormities, is utterly false and scandalous.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag307'>[307]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote307' id="footnote307"></a>At the Tower of + London. The Tower menagerie was one of the sights of London + until its removal in 1834. See Addison's <i>Freeholder</i>; + No. 47.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag308'>[308]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote308' id="footnote308"></a>In Westminster + Abbey.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag309'>[309]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote309' id="footnote309"></a>The Priory of + Bethlem, in St. Botolph Without, Bishopsgate, was given by + Henry VIII. to the Corporation of London, and was from + thenceforth used as a hospital for lunatics. In 1675 a new + hospital was built near London Wall, in Moorfields, at a cost + of £17,000. See Hogarth's "Rake's Progress," Plate 8. In + No. 127, Steele calls Bedlam "that + magnificent palace."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag310'>[310]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote310' id="footnote310"></a>Drury Lane + Theatre was closed on June 6, 1709, by order of the Lord + Chamberlain, in consequence of Rich's ill-treatment of the + actors.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number31' id="number31"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 31.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, June 18</i>, to <i>Tuesday, June 21, + 1709.</i></h3> + </div> + + <h3>Grecian Coffee-house, June 18.</h3> + + <p>In my dissertation against the custom of single + combat,<a name='fntag311' id="fntag311"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote311'><sup>311</sup></a> it has been objected, that + there is not learning, or much reading, shown therein, which is + the very life and soul of all treatises; for which reason, being + always easy to receive admonitions, and reform my errors, I + thought fit to consult this learned board on the subject. Upon + proposing some doubts, and desiring their assistance, a very + hopeful young gentleman, my relation, who is to be called to the + bar within a year and a half at farthest, told me, that he had + ever since I first mentioned duelling turned his head that way; + and that he was principally moved thereto, by reason that he + thought to follow the circuits in the North of England and South + of Scotland, and to reside mostly at his own estate at + Landbadernawz<a name='fntag312' id="fntag312"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote312'><sup>312</sup></a> in Cardiganshire. The + northern Britons and southern Scots are a warm people, and the + Welsh a nation of gentlemen; <a class="pagenum" name='page255' + title='255' id="page255"></a>so that it behoved him to understand + well the science of quarrelling. The young gentleman proceeded + admirably well, and gave the board an account, that he had read + Fitzherbert's "Grand Abridgment,"<a name='fntag313' id= + "fntag313"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote313'><sup>313</sup></a> and had found, that duelling is + a very ancient part of the law: for when a man is sued, be it for + his life or his land, the person that joins the issue, whether + plaintiff or defendant, may put the trial upon the duel. Further + he argued, under favour of the court, that when the issue is + joined by the duel in treason or other capital crimes, the + parties accused and accuser must fight in their own proper + persons: but if the dispute be for lands, you may hire a champion + at Hockley-in-the-Hole,<a name='fntag314' id= + "fntag314"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote314'><sup>314</sup></a> for anywhere else. This part of + the law we had from the Saxons; and they had it, as also the + trial by ordeal, from the Laplanders.<a name='fntag315' id= + "fntag315"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote315'><sup>315</sup></a> "It is indeed agreed," said he, + "the Southern and Eastern nations never knew anything of it; for + though the ancient Romans would scold, and call names filthily, + yet there is not an example of a challenge that ever passed + amongst them." His quoting the Eastern nations, put another + gentleman in mind of an account he had from a boatswain of an + East Indiaman; which was, that a Chinese had tricked and bubbled + him, and that when he came to demand satisfaction the next + morning, and like a true tar of honour called him "Son of a + whore," "Liar," "Dog," and other rough appellatives used by + persons conversant with winds and waves; the Chinese, with great + tranquillity, desired him not to come aboard fasting, nor put + himself in a heat, for it would prejudice his health. Thus the + East knows nothing of this gallantry. There sat at the left of + the table a person of a venerable aspect, who asserted, that half + the impositions which <a class="pagenum" name='page256' title= + '256' id="page256"></a>are put upon these ages, have been + transmitted by writers who have given too great pomp and + magnificence to the exploits of the ancient Bear Garden, and made + their gladiators, by fabulous tradition, greater than + Gorman<a name='fntag316' id="fntag316"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote316'><sup>316</sup></a> and others of Great Britain. He + informed the company, that he had searched authorities for what + he said, and that a learned antiquary, Humphrey Scarecrow, Esq., + of Hockley-in-the-Hole, recorder to the Bear Garden, was then + writing a discourse on the subject. It appears by the best + accounts, says this gentleman, that the high names which are used + among us with so great veneration, were no other than + stage-fighters, and worthies of the ancient Bear Garden. The + renowned Hercules always carried a quarterstaff, and was from + thence called Claviger. A learned chronologist is about proving + what wood this staff was made of, whether oak, ash, or crab-tree. + The first trial of skill he ever performed, was with one Cacus, a + deer-stealer; the next was with Typhonus, a giant of forty feet + four inches. Indeed it was unhappily recorded, that meeting at + last with a sailor's wife, she made his staff of prowess serve + her own use, and dwindle away to a distaff: she clapped him on an + old tar jacket of her husband's; so that this great hero drooped + like a scabbed sheep. Him his contemporary Theseus succeeded in + the Bear Garden, which honour he held for many years: this grand + duellist went to hell, and was the only one of that sort that + ever came back again. As for Achilles and Hector (as the ballads + of those times mention), they were pretty smart fellows; they + fought at sword and buckler; but the former had much the better + of it; his mother, who was an oyster-woman, having got a + blacksmith of Lemnos to make her son's weapons. There is a pair + of trusty Trojans <a class="pagenum" name='page257' title='257' + id="page257"></a>in a song of Virgil's, that were famous for + handling their gauntlets, Dares, and Entellus;<a name='fntag317' + id="fntag317"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote317'><sup>317</sup></a> and indeed it does appear, they + fought [for] no sham prize. What arms the great Alexander used, + is uncertain; however, the historian mentions, when he attacked + Thalestris, it was only at single rapier; but the weapon soon + failed; for it was always observed, that the Amazons had a sort + of enchantment about them, which made the blade of the weapon, + though of never so good metal, at every home push, lose its edge + and grow feeble. The Roman Bear Garden was abundantly more + magnificent than anything Greece could boast of; it flourished + most under those delights of mankind, Nero and Domitian: at one + time it is recorded, four hundred senators entered the list, and + thought it an honour to be cudgelled and quarterstaffed.<a name= + 'fntag318' id="fntag318"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote318'><sup>318</sup></a> I observe, the Lanistaé were + the people chiefly employed, which makes me imagine our Bear + Garden copied much after this, the butchers being the greatest + men in it. Thus far the glory and honour of the Bear Garden stood + secure, till fate, that irresistible ruler of sublunary things, + in that universal ruin of arts and politer learning, by those + savage people the Goths and Vandals, destroyed and levelled it to + the ground. Thus fell the grandeur and bravery of the Roman + state, till at last the warlike genius (but accompanied with more + courtesy) revived in the Christian world under those puissant + champions, St. George, St. Denis, and other dignified heroes: one + killed his dragon, another his lion, and were all afterwards + canonised for it, having red letters before them to illustrate + their martial temper.<a name='fntag319' id= + "fntag319"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote319'><sup>319</sup></a> The Spanish nation, it must be + owned, were devoted to gallantry and chivalry above the rest of + the world. What <a class="pagenum" name='page258' title='258' id= + "page258"></a>a great figure does that great name, Don Quixote, + make in history? How shines this glorious star in the Western + world? O renowned hero! O mirror of knighthood!</p> + + <div class="poem italic"> + <div class="line"> + Thy brandished whinyard all the world defies, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And kills as sure as del Tobosa's eyes. + </div> + </div> + + <p>I am forced to break off abruptly, being sent for in haste, + with my rule, to measure the degree of an affront, before the two + gentlemen (who are now in their breeches and pumps ready to + engage behind Montague House<a name='fntag320' id= + "fntag320"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote320'><sup>320</sup></a>) have made a pass.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, June 18.</h3> + + <p>It is an unreasonable objection I find against my labours, + that my stock is not all my own, and therefore the kind reception + I have met with is not so deserved as it ought to be. But I hope, + though it be never so true that I am obliged to my friends for + laying their cash in my hands, since I give it them again when + they please, and leave them at their liberty to call it home, it + will not hurt me with my gentle readers. Ask all the merchants + who act upon consignments, where is the necessity (if they answer + readily what their correspondents draw) of their being wealthy + themselves? Ask the greatest bankers, if all the men they deal + with were to draw at once, what would be the consequence? But + indeed a country friend has writ me a letter which gives me great + mortification; wherein I find I am so far from expecting a supply + from <a class="pagenum" name='page259' title='259' id= + "page259"></a>thence, that some have not heard of me, and the + rest do not understand me. His epistle is as follows:<a name= + 'fntag321' id="fntag321"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote321'><sup>321</sup></a></p> + + <p>"DEAR COUSIN,</p> + + <p>"I thought when I left the town to have raised your fame here, + and helped you to support it by intelligence from hence; but + alas! they had never heard of the <i>Tatler</i> until I brought + down a set. I lent them from house to house; but they asked me + what they meant. I began to enlighten them, by telling who and + who were supposed to be intended by the characters drawn. I said + for instance, Chloe<a name='fntag322' id="fntag322"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote322'><sup>322</sup></a> and Clarissa are two + eminent toasts. A gentleman (who keeps his greyhound and gun, and + one would think might know better) told me, he supposed they were + papishes, for their names were not English: 'Then,' said he, 'why + do you call live people "toasts"?' I answered, that was a new + name found out by the wits, to make a lady have the same effect + as burridge<a name='fntag323' id="fntag323"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote323'><sup>323</sup></a> in the glass when a man is + drinking. 'But,' says I, 'sir, I perceive this is to you all + bamboozling; why you look as if you were Don Diego'd<a name= + 'fntag324' id="fntag324"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote324'><sup>324</sup></a> to the tune of a thousand + pounds.' All this good language was lost upon him: he only + stared, though he is as good a scholar as any layman in the town, + except the barber. Thus, cousin, you must be content with London + for the centre of your wealth and fame; we have no relish for + you. Wit must describe its proper circumference, and not go + beyond it, lest (like little boys, when they straggle out of + their own parish), it may wander to places where it is not known, + and be lost. Since it is so, you must excuse me that I am forced + at a visit to sit <a class="pagenum" name='page260' title='260' + id="page260"></a>silent, and only lay up what excellent things + pass at such conversations.</p> + + <p>"This evening I was with a couple of young ladies; one of them + has the character of the prettiest company, yet really I thought + her but silly; the other, who talked a great deal less, I + observed to have understanding. The lady who is reckoned such a + companion among her acquaintance, has only, with a very brisk + air, a knack of saying the commonest things: the other, with a + sly serious one, says home things enough. The first (Mistress + Giddy) is very quick; but the second (Mrs. Slim) fell into + Giddy's own style, and was as good company as she. Giddy happens + to drop her glove; Slim reaches it to her: 'Madam,' says Giddy, + 'I hope you'll have a better office.' Upon which Slim immediately + repartees, and sits in her lap, and cries, 'Are you not sorry for + my heaviness?' This sly wench pleased me to see how she hit her + height of understanding so well. We sat down to supper. Says + Giddy, mighty prettily, 'Two hands in a dish and one in a purse': + says Slim, 'Ay, madam, the more the merrier; but the fewer the + better cheer.' I quickly took the hint, and was as witty and + talkative as they. Says I,</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "'He that will not when he may, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + When he will he shall have nay;' + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>and so helped myself. Giddy turns about, 'What, have you found + your tongue?' 'Yes,' says I, 'it is manners to speak when I am + spoken to; but your greatest talkers are little doers, and the + still sow eats up all the broth.' 'Ha! ha!' says Giddy, 'one + would think he had nothing in him, and do you hear how he talks + when he pleases.' I grew immediately roguish and pleasant to a + degree in the same strain. Slim, who knew how good company we had + been, cries, 'You'll certainly print this bright + conversation.'"</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page261' title='261' id= + "page261"></a>It is so; and hereby you may see how small an + appearance the prettiest things said in company, make when in + print.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, June 20.</h3> + + <p>A mail from Lisbon has brought advices of June the 12th, from + the King of Portugal's army encamped at Torre Allegada, which + inform us, that the general of the army called a court-martial on + the 4th at the camp of Gerumhena, where it was resolved to march + with a design to attempt the succour of Olivenza. Accordingly the + army moved on the 5th, and marched towards Badajos. Upon their + approach, the Marquis de Bay detached so great a party from the + blockade of Olivenza, that the Marquis des Minas, at the head of + a large detachment, covered a great convoy of provisions towards + Olivenza, which threw in their stores, and marched back to the + main army, without molestation from the Spaniards. They add, that + each army must necessarily march into quarters within twenty + days.</p> + + <p>Whosoever can discover a surgeon's apprentice, who fell upon + Mr. Bickerstaff's messenger, or (as the printers call him) devil, + going to the press, and tore out of his hand part of his essay + against duels, in the fragments of which were the words, "You + lie," and "Man of honour," taken up at the Temple Gate; and the + words, "Perhaps,"—"May be not,"—"By your leave, + sir,"—and other terms of provocation, taken up at the door + of Young Man's Coffee-house,<a name='fntag325' id= + "fntag325"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote325'><sup>325</sup></a> shall receive satisfaction from + Mr. Morphew, besides a set of arguments to be spoken to any man + in a passion, which, if the said enraged man listens to, will + prevent quarrelling.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page262' title='262' id= + "page262"></a>Mr. Bickerstaff does hereby give notice, that he + has taken the two famous universities of this land under his + immediate care, and does hereby promise all tutors and pupils, + that he will hear what can be said of each side between them, and + to correct them impartially, by placing them in orders and + classes in the learned world, according to their merit.<a name= + 'fntag326' id="fntag326"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote326'><sup>326</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag311'>[311]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote311' id="footnote311"></a>See Nos. + <a href="#number25">25</a>, <a href="#number26">26</a>, + <a href="#number28">28</a>, <a href="#number29">29</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag312'>[312]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote312' id="footnote312"></a>Probably meant + for Llanbadern Vawr, if not a name coined for the + occasion.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag313'>[313]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote313' id="footnote313"></a>Sir Anthony + Fitzherbert's book was published in 1514.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag314'>[314]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote314' id="footnote314"></a>See Nos. + <a href="#number28">28</a>, 134.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag315'>[315]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote315' id="footnote315"></a>See Selden, "De + Duello" (1610), p. 19.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag316'>[316]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote316' id="footnote316"></a>A prize-fighter + mentioned in Lansdowne's epilogue to "The Jew of Venice."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag317'>[317]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote317' id="footnote317"></a>"Æneid," v. 437 + <i>seq.</i></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag318'>[318]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote318' id="footnote318"></a>Suetonius, + "Life of Nero," chap. 12.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag319'>[319]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote319' id="footnote319"></a>An allusion to + the rubrics in Roman missals.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag320'>[320]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote320' id="footnote320"></a>The fields at + the back of Montague House, Bloomsbury, were a favourite + place for duels in the first half of the eighteenth century. + Cf. <i>Spectator</i>, No. 91: "I shall be glad to meet you + immediately in Hyde Park or behind Montague House, or attend + you to Barn Elms, or any other fashionable place that's fit + for a gentleman to die in."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag321'>[321]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote321' id="footnote321"></a>It has been + suggested, with some probability, that this letter is by + Swift.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag322'>[322]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote322' id="footnote322"></a>See <a href= + '#number4'>No. 4</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag323'>[323]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote323' id="footnote323"></a>Borago was a + plant formerly used as a cordial.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag324'>[324]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote324' id="footnote324"></a>See <a href= + '#number21'>No. 21</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag325'>[325]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote325' id="footnote325"></a>Young Man's + Coffee-house at Charing Cross, had a back door into Spring + Garden. It seems to have been specially frequented by + officers.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag326'>[326]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote326' id="footnote326"></a>"Mr. + Bickerstaff has received the advices from Clay Hill, which, + with all intelligence from honest Mr. Sturdy and others, + shall have their place in our future story" (folio).</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number32' id="number32"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 32.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[SWIFT AND STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, June 21</i>, to <i>Thursday, June 23, + 1709.</i></h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, June 22.</h3> + + <p>An answer to the following letter being absolutely necessary + to be despatched with all expedition, I must trespass upon all + that come with horary questions into my ante-chamber, to give the + gentlemen my opinion.</p> + + <h4>"<i>To Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq.</i></h4> + + <p>"<i>June 18</i>, 1709.</p> + + <p>"SIR,</p> + + <p>"I know not whether you ought to pity or laugh at me; for I am + fallen desperately in love with a professed Platonne, the most + unaccountable creature of her sex. To hear her talk seraphics, + and run over Norris,<a name='fntag327' id= + "fntag327"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote327'><sup>327</sup></a> and More,<a name='fntag328' id= + "fntag328"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote328'><sup>328</sup></a> <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page263' title='263' id="page263"></a>and Milton,<a name= + 'fntag329' id="fntag329"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote329'><sup>329</sup></a> 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 mant 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 her + sex; but perseverance makes it as bad as 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 <a class= + "pagenum" name='page264' title='264' id="page264"></a>should + recant, she may then hate me perhaps in the other extreme for my + tenuity. I am (with impatience) "Your most humble Servant,</p> + + <p class="right">"CHARLES STURDY."</p> + + <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 Platonne 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. 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 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 <a class="pagenum" name='page265' title='265' id= + "page265"></a>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." "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 peep-holes, pale, trembling, and fretting. + Rake perceived they were observed, and therefore took care to + keep Suky in chat with questions concerning their way of life; + when appeared at last Madonella,<a name='fntag330' id= + "fntag330"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote330'><sup>330</sup></a> a lady who had writ a fine book + concerning <a class="pagenum" name='page266' title='266' id= + "page266"></a>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 + advance<a class="pagenum" name='page267' title='267' id= + "page267"></a>ment 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 follow 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." + 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 arbors, and the growing vegetables; and Rake had the solemn + impudence, when the whole company stood round him, to say, "That + he sincerely wished that men might rise out of the earth like + plants; and that our minds were not of necessity to be sullied + with carnivorous appetites for the generation, as well as support + of our species."<a name='fntag331' id="fntag331"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote331'><sup>331</sup></a> 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 reverent 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 third<a name='fntag332' id= + "fntag332"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote332'><sup>332</sup></a> interview; and, without + <a class="pagenum" name='page268' title='268' id= + "page268"></a>entering into further particulars, there was hardly + one of them but was a mother or father that day twelve-month.</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> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, June 22.</h3> + + <p>The evils of this town increase upon me to so great a degree, + that I am half afraid I shall not leave the world much better + than I found it. Several worthy gentlemen and critics have + applied to me, to give my censure of an enormity which has been + revived (after being long oppressed) and is called + Punning.<a name='fntag333' id="fntag333"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote333'><sup>333</sup></a> I have several arguments ready + to prove, that he cannot be a man of honour who is guilty of this + abuse of human society. But the way to expose it, is like the + expedient of curing drunkenness, showing a man in that condition: + therefore I must give my reader warning, to expect a collection + of these offences; without which preparation, I thought it too + adventurous to introduce the very mention of it in good company; + and hope I shall be understood to do it, as a divine mentions + oaths and curses, only for their condemnation. I shall dedicate + this discourse to a gentleman my very good friend, who is the + Janus<a name='fntag334' id="fntag334"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote334'><sup>334</sup></a> 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.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page269' title='269' id= + "page269"></a></p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, June 22.</h3> + + <p>Last night arrived two mails from Holland, which brings + letters from the Hague of the 28th instant, N.S., with advice, + that the enemy lay encamped behind a strong retrenchment, with + the marsh of Remières on their right and left, extending itself + as far as Bethune: La Bassée is in their front, Lens in their + rear, and their camp is strengthened by another line from Lens to + Douay. The Duke of Marlborough caused an exact observation to be + made of their ground, and the works by which they were covered, + which appeared so strong, that it was not thought proper to + attack them in their present posture. However, the Duke thought + fit to make a feint as if he designed it; and accordingly + marching from the abbey at Looze, as did Prince Eugene from + Lampret, advanced with all possible diligence towards the enemy. + To favour the appearance of an intended assault, the ways were + made, and orders distributed in such a manner, that none in + either camp could have thoughts of anything but charging the + enemy by break of day the next morning: but soon after the fall + of the night of the 26th, the whole army faced towards Tournay, + which place they invested early in the morning of the 27th. The + Marshal Villars was so confident that we designed to attack him, + that he had drawn great part of the garrison of the place, which + is now invested, into the field: for which reason, it is presumed + it must submit within a small time; which the enemy cannot + prevent, but by coming out of their present camp, and hazarding a + general engagement. These advices add, that the garrison of Mons + had marched out under the command of Marshal d'Arco; which, with + the Bavarians, Walloons, and the troops of Cologne, have joined + the grand army of the enemy.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag327'>[327]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote327' id="footnote327"></a>John Norris + (1657-1711), the divine, published, in 1688, "The Theory and + Regulation of Love, a Moral Essay; to which are added Letters + Philosophical and Moral between the author and Doctor Henry + More."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag328'>[328]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote328' id="footnote328"></a>Henry More, the + platonist (1614-87), published "Divine Dialogues," + "Conjectura Cabalistica," and many other works.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag329'>[329]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote329' id="footnote329"></a>It is not clear + why Milton is bracketed with Norris and More; perhaps Swift + had in mind such passages about heavenly love as that in + "Paradise Lost," viii. 588-614.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag330'>[330]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote330' id="footnote330"></a>Swift seems to + have been the author of this first portion of <a href= + '#number32'>No. 32</a>, which contains a scandalous attack on + Mary Astell. Nichols thought that Addison also had a share in + it. See Nos. 59, 63. Mrs. Astell, a friend of Lady Elizabeth + Hastings and John Norris, published, in 1694, her "Serious + Proposal to the Ladies," advocating a Church of England + monastery, without any irrevocable vows. Provision was made + for mental as well as moral training; in fact, the + institution was to have been "rather academical than + monastic." But Bishop Burnet advised Lady Elizabeth Hastings + not to subscribe to the proposed building, and the scheme + fell through. In 1709, Miss Astell published a book called + "Bart'lemy Fair; or, An Enquiry after Wit.... By Mr. Wotton, + in answer to Lord Shaftesbury's Letter concerning Enthusiasm, + and other profane writers." In the advertisement to the + Second Edition ("An Enquiry after Wit," &c., 1722), Mary + Astell says that, although her book was at first published + under a borrowed name, it was ascribed to her, and drew upon + her the resentment of that sort of men of wit who were + exposed, and was the true cause of the fable published in the + <i>Tatler</i> a little after the "Enquiry" appeared. But she + notes that, although the <i>Tatler</i> showed its teeth + against the "Proposal to the Ladies," the compilator made + amends to the author (if not to the bookseller), by + transcribing above a hundred pages into his <i>Ladies' + Library</i> verbatim, except in a few places, which would not + be found to be improved. The "Enquiry after Wit" is dedicated + "To the most Illustrious Society of the Kit-Cats," with many + sarcastic allusions to their luxury, oaths, &c. True, + their names had not been heard of from Hochsted or Ramillies, + but then their heroism found in every place an ample theatre + for their merits. "The Bath, the Wells, and every Fair, each + Chocolate, Gaming House and Tavern resounds with your noble + exploits."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag331'>[331]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote331' id="footnote331"></a>This is + borrowed from Sir Thomas Browne's "Religio Medici," part ii. + sect. 9.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag332'>[332]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote332' id="footnote332"></a>"Second," in + original editions.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag333'>[333]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote333' id="footnote333"></a>There is an + apology for punning in No. 36 of the <i>Guardian</i>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag334'>[334]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote334' id="footnote334"></a>Swift.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number33' id="number33"></a><a class="pagenum" name= + 'page270' title='270' id="page270"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 33.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>By Mrs. JENNY DISTAFF, half-sister to Mr. BICKERSTAFF.</h3> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, June 23</i>, to <i>Saturday, June 25</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, June 23.</h3> + + <p>My brother has made an excursion into the country, and the + work against Saturday lies upon me. I am very glad I have got pen + and ink in my hand; for I have for some time longed for his + absence, to give a right idea of things, which I thought he put + in a very odd light, and some of them to the disadvantage of my + own sex. It is much to be lamented, that it is necessary to make + discourses, and publish treatises, to keep the horrid creatures, + the men, within the rules of common decency. Turning over the + papers of memorials or hints for the ensuing discourses, I find a + letter subscribed by Mr. Truman.</p> + + <p>"SIR,</p> + + <p>"I am lately come to town, and have read your works with much + pleasure. You make wit subservient to good principles and good + manners. Yet, because I design to buy the <i>Tatlers</i> for my + daughters to read, I take the freedom to desire you, for the + future, to say nothing about any combat between Alexander and + Thalestris."<a name='fntag335' id="fntag335"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote335'><sup>335</sup></a></p> + + <p>This offence gives me occasion to express myself with the + resentment I ought, on people who take liberties of speech before + that sex of whom the honoured names of mother, daughter, and + sister, are a part: I had liked to have named wife in the number; + but the senseless world <a class="pagenum" name='page271' title= + '271' id="page271"></a>are so mistaken in their sentiments of + pleasure, that the most amiable term in human life is become the + derision of fools and scorners. My brother and I have at least + fifty times quarrelled upon this topic. I ever argue, that the + frailties of women are to be imputed to the false ornaments which + men of wit put upon our folly and coquetry. He lays all the vices + of men upon women's secret approbation of libertine characters in + them. I did not care to give up a point; but now he is out of the + way, I cannot but own I believe there is very much in what he + asserted: for if you will believe your eyes, and own, that the + wickedest and the wittiest of them all marry one day or other, is + it possible to believe, that if a man thought he should be for + ever incapable of being received by a woman of merit and honour, + he would persist in an abandoned way, and deny himself the + possibility of enjoying the happiness of well-governed desires, + orderly satisfactions, and honourable methods of life? If our sex + were wise, a lover should have a certificate from the last woman + he served, how he was turned away, before he was received into + the service of another: but at present any vagabond is welcome, + provided he promises to enter into our livery. It is wonderful, + that we will not take a footman without credentials from his last + master; and in the greatest concern of life, we make no scruple + of falling into a treaty with the most notorious offender in his + behaviour against others. But this breach of commerce between the + sexes, proceeds from an unaccountable prevalence of custom, by + which a woman is to the last degree reproachable for being + deceived, and a man suffers no loss of credit for being a + deceiver. Since this tyrant humour has gained place, why are we + represented in the writings of men in ill figures for artifice in + our carriage, when we have to do with a professed impostor? When + oaths, imprecations, vows, and adorations, <a class="pagenum" + name='page272' title='272' id="page272"></a>are made use of as + words of course, what arts are not necessary to defend us from + such as glory in the breach of them? As for my part, I am + resolved to hear all, and believe none of them; and therefore + solemnly declare, no vow shall deceive me, but that of marriage: + for I am turned of twenty, and being of a small fortune, some + wit, and (if I can believe my lovers and my glass) handsome, I + have heard all that can be said towards my undoing, and shall + therefore, for warning sake, give an account of the offers that + have been made me, my manner of rejecting them, and my + assistances to keep my resolution. In the sixteenth year of my + life, I fell into the acquaintance of a lady, extremely well + known in this town for the quick advancement of her husband, and + the honours and distinctions which her industry has procured him, + and all who belong to her. This excellent body sat next to me for + some months at church, and took the liberty (which she said her + years and the zeal she had for my welfare gave her claim to) to + assure me, that she observed some parts of my behaviour which + would lead me into errors, and give encouragement to some to + entertain hopes I did not think of. "What made you," said she, + "look through your fan at that lord, when your eyes should have + been turned upward, or closed in attention upon better objects?" + I blushed, and pretended fifty odd excuses;—but confounded + myself the more. She wanted nothing but to see that confusion, + and goes on: "Nay, child, do not be troubled that I take notice + of it, my value for you made me speak it; for though he is my + kinsman, I have a nearer regard to virtue than any other + consideration." She had hardly done speaking, when this noble + lord came up to us, and took her hand to lead her to her coach. + My head ran all that day and night on the exemplary carriage of + this woman who could be so virtuously impertinent, as to admonish + one she <a class="pagenum" name='page273' title='273' id= + "page273"></a>was hardly acquainted with. However, it struck upon + the vanity of a girl that it may possibly be, his thoughts might + have been as favourable of me, as mine were amorous of him, and + as unlikely things as that have happened, if he should make me + his wife. She never mentioned this more to me; but I still in all + public places stole looks at this man, who easily observed my + passion for him. It is so hard a thing to check the return of + agreeable thoughts, that he became my dream, my vision, my food, + my wish, my torment. That minister of darkness, the Lady + Sempronia,<a name='fntag336' id="fntag336"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote336'><sup>336</sup></a> perceived too well the + temper I was in, and would one day after evening service needs + take me to the Park. When we were there, my lord passes by; I + flushed into a flame. "Mrs. Distaff," said she, "you may very + well remember the concern I was in upon the first notice I took + of your regard to that lord, and forgive me, who had a tender + friendship for your mother (now in her grave) that I am vigilant + of your conduct." She went on with much severity, and after great + solicitation, prevailed on me to go with her into the country, + and there spend the ensuing summer out of the way of a man she + saw I loved, and one whom she perceived meditated my ruin, by + frequently desiring her to introduce him to me; which she + absolutely refused, except he would give his honour that he had + no other design but to marry me. To her country house a week or + two after we went: there was at the farther end of her garden a + kind of wilderness, in the middle of which ran a soft rivulet by + an arbour of jessamine. In this place I usually passed my retired + hours, and read some romantic or poetical tale till the close of + the evening. It was near that time in the heat of summer, when + gentle winds, soft <a class="pagenum" name='page274' title='274' + id="page274"></a>murmurs of water, and notes of nightingales had + given my mind an indolence, which added to that repose of soul, + which twilight and the end of a warm day naturally throws upon + the spirits. It was at such an hour, and in such a state of + tranquillity I sat, when, to my unexpressible amazement, I saw my + lord walking towards me, whom I knew not till that moment to have + been in the country. I could observe in his approach the + perplexity which attends a man big with design; and I had, while + he was coming forward, time to reflect that I was betrayed; the + sense of which gave me a resentment suitable to such a baseness: + but when he entered into the bower where I was, my heart flew + towards him, and, I confess, a certain joy came into my mind, + with a hope that he might then make a declaration of honour and + passion. This threw my eye upon him with such tenderness, as gave + him power, with a broken accent, to begin. "Madam,—You will + wonder—For it is certain, you must have + observed—though I fear you will misinterpret the + motives—But by Heaven, and all that's sacred! If you + could—" Here he made a full stand. And I recovered power to + say, "The consternation I am in you will not, I hope, + believe—A helpless innocent maid—Besides that, the + place—" He saw me in as great confusion as himself; which + attributing to the same causes, he had the audaciousness to throw + himself at my feet, and talk of the stillness of the evening; + then ran into deifications of my person, pure flames, constant + love, eternal raptures, and a thousand other phrases drawn from + the images we have of heaven, which ill men use for the service + of hell, were run over with uncommon vehemence. After which, he + seized me in his arms: his design was too evident. In my utmost + distress, I fell upon my knees—"My lord, pity me, on my + knees—On my knees in the cause of virtue, <a class= + "pagenum" name='page275' title='275' id="page275"></a>as you were + lately in that of wickedness. Can you think of destroying the + labour of a whole life, the purpose of a long education, for the + base service of a sudden appetite, to throw one that loves you, + that dotes on you, out of the company and road of all that is + virtuous and praiseworthy? Have I taken in all the instructions + of piety, religion, and reason, for no other end, but to be the + sacrifice of lust, and abandoned to scorn? Assume yourself, my + lord, and do not attempt to vitiate a temple sacred to innocence, + honour, and religion. If I have injured you, stab this bosom, and + let me die, but not be ruined by the hand I love." The ardency of + my passion made me incapable of uttering more; and I saw my lover + astonished and reformed by my behaviour: when rushed in + Sempronia. "Ha! Faithless, base man, could you then steal out of + town, and lurk like a robber about my house for such brutish + purposes?" My lord was by this time recovered, and fell into a + violent laughter at the turn which Sempronia designed to give her + villany. He bowed to me with the utmost respect: "Mrs. Distaff," + said he, "be careful hereafter of your company"; and so retired. + The fiend Sempronia congratulated my deliverance with a flood of + tears. This nobleman has since very frequently made his addresses + to me with honour, but I have as often refused them; as well + knowing, that familiarity and marriage will make him, on some + ill-natured occasion, call all I said in the arbour a theatrical + action. Besides that, I glory in contemning a man who had + thoughts to my dishonour. And if this method were the imitation + of the whole sex, innocence would be the only dress of beauty; + and all affectation by any other arts to please the eyes of men, + would be banished to the stews for ever. The conquest of passion + gives ten times more happiness than we can reap from the + gratification of it; and she that has got over <a class="pagenum" + name='page276' title='276' id="page276"></a>such a one as mine, + will stand among beaux and pretty fellows, with as much safety as + in a summer's day among grasshoppers and butterflies.</p> + + <p>P.S.—I have ten millions of things more against men, if + I ever get the pen again.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, June 24.</h3> + + <p>Our last advices from the Hague, dated the 28th instant, say, + that on the 25th a squadron of Dutch men-of-war sailed out of the + Texel to join Admiral Baker at Spithead. The 26th was observed as + a day of fasting and humiliation, to implore a blessing on the + arms of the Allies this ensuing campaign. Letters from Dresden + are very particular in the account of the gallantry and + magnificence in which that Court has appeared since the arrival + of the King of Denmark. No day has passed in which public shows + have not been exhibited for his entertainment and diversion: the + last of that kind which is mentioned is a carousal, wherein many + of the youth of the first quality, dressed in the most splendid + manner, ran for the prize. His Danish Majesty condescended to the + same; but having observed that there was a design laid to throw + it in his way, passed by without attempting to gain it. The Court + of Dresden was preparing to accompany his Danish Majesty to + Potsdam, where the expectation of an interview of three kings had + drawn together such multitudes of people, that many persons of + distinction will be obliged to lie in tents as long as those + Courts continue in that place.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag335'>[335]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote335' id="footnote335"></a>See No. 31.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag336'>[336]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote336' id="footnote336"></a>See Sallust, + "Bell. Catal." chap. 21. The person here referred to as + Sempronia is said to be the same as the Madam d'Epingle + elsewhere alluded to.</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page277' title='277' id= + "page277"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number34' id="number34"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 34.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>By ISAAC BICKERSTAFF, Esq.</h3> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, June 25</i>, to <i>Tuesday, June 28, + 1709.</i></h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, June 25.</h3> + + <p>Having taken upon me to cure all the distempers which proceed + from affections of the mind, I have laboured since I first kept + this public stage, to do all the good I could possibly, and have + perfected many cures at my own lodging; carefully avoiding the + common method of mountebanks, to do their most eminent operations + in sight of the people; but must be so just to my patients as to + declare, they have testified under their hands their sense of my + poor abilities, and the good I have done them, which I publish + for the benefit of the world, and not out of any thoughts of + private advantage. I have cured fine Mrs. Spy of a great + imperfection in her eyes, which made her eternally rolling them + from one coxcomb to another in public places, in so languishing a + manner, that it at once lessened her own power, and her + beholder's vanity. Twenty drops of my ink, placed in certain + letters on which she attentively looked for half an hour, have + restored her to the true use of her sight; which is, to guide, + and not mislead us. Ever since she took this liquor, which I call + Bickerstaff's Circumspection Water, she looks right forward, and + can bear being looked at for half a day without returning one + glance. This water has a peculiar virtue in it, which makes it + the only true cosmetic or beauty wash in the world: the nature of + it is such, that if you go to a glass, with design to admire your + face, it immediately changes it into downright deformity. If you + <a class="pagenum" name='page278' title='278' id= + "page278"></a>consult it only to look with a better countenance + upon your friends, it immediately gives an alacrity to the + visage, and new grace to the whole person. There is indeed a + great deal owing to the constitution of the person to whom it is + applied: it is in vain to give it when the patient is in the rage + of the distemper; a bride in her first month, a lady soon after + her husband's being knighted, or any person of either sex who has + lately obtained any new good fortune or preferment, must be + prepared some time before they use it. It has an effect upon + others, as well as the patient, when it is taken in due form. + Lady Petulant has by the use of it cured her husband of jealousy, + and Lady Gad her whole neighbourhood of detraction. The fame of + these things, added to my being an old fellow, makes me extremely + acceptable to the fair sex. You would hardly believe me, when I + tell you there is not a man in town so much their delight as + myself. They make no more of visiting me, than going to Madam + d'Epingle's.<a name='fntag337' id="fntag337"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote337'><sup>337</sup></a> There were two of them, + namely, Damia and Clidamira (I assure you women of distinction) + who came to see me this morning in their way to prayers, and + being in a very diverting humour as (innocence always makes + people cheerful) they would needs have me, according to the + distinction of "pretty" and "very pretty" fellows, inform them if + I thought either of them had a title to the "very pretty" among + those of their own sex; and if I did, which was the more + deserving of the two. To put them to the trial, "Look ye," said + I, "I must not rashly give my judgment in matters of this + importance; pray let me see you dance: I play upon the + kit."<a name='fntag338' id="fntag338"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote338'><sup>338</sup></a> They immediately fell back to + the lower end of the room (you may be sure they curtsied low + enough to me): and began. Never <a class="pagenum" name='page279' + title='279' id="page279"></a>were two in the world so equally + matched, and both scholars to my namesake Isaac.<a name= + 'fntag339' id="fntag339"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote339'><sup>339</sup></a> Never was man in so dangerous a + condition as myself, when they began to expand their charms. "O! + ladies, ladies," cried I, "not half that air, you'll fire the + house." Both smiled; for by-the bye, there's no carrying a + metaphor too far, when a lady's charms are spoken of. Somebody, I + think, has called a fine woman dancing, a brandished torch of + beauty.<a name='fntag340' id="fntag340"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote340'><sup>340</sup></a> These rivals moved with such an + agreeable freedom, that you would believe their gesture was the + necessary effect of the music, and not the product of skill and + practice. Now Clidamira came on with a crowd of graces, and + demanded my judgment with so sweet an air—and she had no + sooner carried it, but Damia made her utterly forgot by a gentle + sinking, and a rigadoon step.<a name='fntag341' id= + "fntag341"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote341'><sup>341</sup></a> The contest held a full + half-hour; and I protest, I saw no manner of difference in their + perfections, till they came up together, and expected my + sentence. "Look ye, ladies," said I, "I see no difference in the + least in your performance; but you Clidamira seem to be so well + satisfied that I shall determine for you, that I must give it to + Damia, who stands with so much diffidence and fear, after showing + an equal merit to what she pretends to. Therefore, Clidamira, you + are a 'pretty'; but, Damia, you are a 'very pretty' lady. For," + said I, "beauty loses its force, if not accompanied with modesty. + She that has a humble opinion of herself, will have everybody's + applause, because she does not expect it; while the vain creature + <a class="pagenum" name='page280' title='280' id= + "page280"></a>loses approbation through too great a sense of + deserving it."</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, June 27.</h3> + + <p>Being of a very spare and hective constitution, I am forced to + make frequent journeys of a mile or two for fresh air; and indeed + by this last, which was no further than the village of Chelsea, I + am farther convinced of the necessity of travelling to know the + world. For as it is usual with young voyagers, as soon as they + land upon a shore, to begin their accounts of the nature of the + people, their soil, their government, their inclinations, and + their passions, so really I fancied I could give you an immediate + description of this village, from the Five Fields,<a name= + 'fntag342' id="fntag342"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote342'><sup>342</sup></a> where the robbers lie in wait, + to the coffee-house where the <i>literati</i> sit in council. A + great ancestor of ours by the mother's side, Mr. Justice Overdo + (whose history is written by Ben Jonson),<a name='fntag343' id= + "fntag343"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote343'><sup>343</sup></a> met with more enormities by + walking <i>incog.</i> than he was capable of correcting; and + found great mortifications in observing also persons of eminence, + whom he before knew nothing of. Thus it fared with me, even in a + place so near the town as this. When I came into the + coffee-house,<a name='fntag344' id="fntag344"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote344'><sup>344</sup></a> I had not time to salute + the company, before <a class="pagenum" name='page281' title='281' + id="page281"></a>my eye was diverted by ten thousand gimcracks + round the room and on the ceiling. When my first astonishment was + over, comes to me a sage of a thin and meagre countenance; which + aspect made me doubt, whether reading or fretting had made it so + philosophic: but I very soon perceived him to be of that sect + which the ancients call Gingivistæ,<a name='fntag345' id= + "fntag345"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote345'><sup>345</sup></a> in our language, tooth-drawers. + I immediately had a respect for the man; for these practical + philosophers go upon a very rational hypothesis, not to cure, but + take away the part affected. My love of mankind made me very + benevolent to Mr. Salter, for such is the name of this eminent + barber and antiquary. Men are usually, but unjustly, + distinguished rather by their fortunes, than their talents, + otherwise this personage would make a great figure in that class + of men which I distinguish under the title of Odd Fellows. But it + is the misfortune of persons of great genius, to have their + faculties dissipated by attention to too many things at once. Mr. + Salter is an instance of this: if he would wholly give himself up + to the string,<a name='fntag346' id="fntag346"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote346'><sup>346</sup></a> instead of playing twenty + beginnings to tunes, he might before he dies play "Roger de + Caubly"<a name='fntag347' id="fntag347"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote347'><sup>347</sup></a> quite out. I heard him go + through his whole round, and indeed I think he does play the + "Merry Christ-Church Bells"<a name='fntag348' id= + "fntag348"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote348'><sup>348</sup></a> pretty justly; but he confessed + to me, he did that rather to show he was orthodox, than that he + valued himself upon the music itself. Or if he did proceed in his + anatomy, why might not he hope in time to cut off legs, as well + as draw teeth? The particularity of this man put me into a deep + thought, whence it should proceed, that of all the lower order + barbers should <a class="pagenum" name='page282' title='282' id= + "page282"></a>go farther in hitting the ridiculous, than any + other set of men. Watermen brawl, cobblers sing; but why must a + barber be for ever a politician, a musician, an anatomist, a + poet, and a physician? The learned Vossus says,<a name='fntag349' + id="fntag349"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote349'><sup>349</sup></a> his barber used to comb his + head in iambics. And indeed in all ages, one of this useful + profession, this order of cosmetic philosophers, has been + celebrated by the most eminent hands. You see the barber in "Don + Quixote,"<a name='fntag350' id="fntag350"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote350'><sup>350</sup></a> is one of the principal + characters in the history, which gave me satisfaction in the + doubt, why Don Saltero writ his name with a Spanish termination: + for he is descended in a right line, not from John + Tradescant,<a name='fntag351' id="fntag351"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote351'><sup>351</sup></a> as he himself asserts, but + from that memorable companion of the Knight of Mancha. And I + hereby certify all the worthy citizens who travel to see his + rarities, that his double-barrelled pistols, targets, coats of + mail, his sclopeta,<a name='fntag352' id="fntag352"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote352'><sup>352</sup></a> and sword of + Toledo,<a name='fntag353' id="fntag353"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote353'><sup>353</sup></a> were left to his ancestor by + the said Don Quixote, and by the said ancestor to all his progeny + down to Don Saltero. Though I go thus far in favour of Don + Saltero's great merit, I cannot allow a liberty he takes of + imposing several names (without my licence) on the collections he + has made, to the abuse of the good people of England; one of + which is particularly calculated to deceive religious persons, to + the great scandal of the well disposed, and may introduce + <a class="pagenum" name='page283' title='283' id= + "page283"></a>heterodox opinions. He shows you a straw hat, which + I know to be made by Madge Peskad, within three miles of Bedford; + and tells you, it is Pontius Pilate's wife's chamber-maid's + sister's hat. To my knowledge of this very hat, it may be added, + that the covering of straw was never used among the Jews, since + it was demanded of them to make bricks without it. Therefore this + is really nothing, but under the specious pretence of learning + and antiquity, to impose upon the world. There are other things + which I cannot tolerate among his rarities; as, the china figure + of a lady in the glass case; the Italian engine for the + imprisonment of those who go abroad with it: both which I hereby + order to be taken down, or else he may expect to have his letters + patents for making punch superseded, be debarred wearing his muff + next winter, or ever coming to London without his wife.<a name= + 'fntag354' id="fntag354"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote354'><sup>354</sup></a> It may perhaps be thought I + have dwelt too long upon the affairs of this operator; but I + desire the reader to remember, that it is my way to consider men + as they stand in merit, and not according to their fortune or + figure; and if he is in a coffee-house at the reading hereof, let + him look round, and he will find there may be more characters + drawn in this account than that of Don Saltero; for half the + politicians about him, he may observe, are, by their place in + nature, of the class of tooth-drawers.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag337'>[337]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote337' id="footnote337"></a>See p. 273, + note.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag338'>[338]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote338' id="footnote338"></a>A small violin + or fiddle. See No. 160.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag339'>[339]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote339' id="footnote339"></a>A + dancing-master, who either was French, or pretended to be so. + See No. 109.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag340'>[340]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote340' id="footnote340"></a>A song of + Waller's begins:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Behold the brand of beauty tost! + </div> + + <div class="line"> + See, how the motion doth dilate the flame!" + </div> + + <div class="line right"> + (Dobson). + </div> + </div> + </div> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag341'>[341]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote341' id="footnote341"></a>The rigadoon + was a dance for two persons. Cf. <i>Guardian</i>, No. 154: "We danced a rigadoon + together."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag342'>[342]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote342' id="footnote342"></a>On the site of + Eaton and Belgrave Squares. See <i>Spectator</i>, No. 137: + "The Five Fields towards Chelsea."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag343'>[343]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote343' id="footnote343"></a>In "Bartholomew + Fair," act ii. sc. i. Overdo went to the Fair in disguise, + and being mistaken for a cutpurse, was well beaten.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag344'>[344]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote344' id="footnote344"></a>Salter, a + barber, opened a coffee-house in Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, in + 1695. Sir Harry Sloane, whose servant he had been, gave him + some curiosities to start a museum. Others, including Admiral + Munden and his fellow-officers, added to the collection, and + the first catalogue appeared in 1729. The more startling + curiosities were, of course, not genuine. The remains of the + collection were sold in 1799 for about £50. A view of + Salter's house will be found in Timbs' "Clubs and Club Life + in London." Verses of a more or less coarse nature by Don + Saltero appeared not unfrequently in the "British Apollo," in + 1709.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag345'>[345]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote345' id="footnote345"></a>From "gingiva," + the gum.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag346'>[346]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote346' id="footnote346"></a>Salter played + very badly on the fiddle.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag347'>[347]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote347' id="footnote347"></a>"Sir Roger de + Coverley," the famous country-dance tune.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag348'>[348]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote348' id="footnote348"></a>By Dr. Henry + Aldrich, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, where Steele + matriculated.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag349'>[349]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote349' id="footnote349"></a>"De Poematum + cantu, et viribus Rythmi," 1673.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag350'>[350]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote350' id="footnote350"></a>Master + Nicholas. See "Don Quixote," chap. v.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag351'>[351]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote351' id="footnote351"></a>There were two + John Tradescants (father and son) who collected objects of + natural history. Their collection formed the foundation of + the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford. The "Museum Tradescantianum: + or, A Collection of Rarities preserved at South Lambeth, near + London, by John Tradescant," contains interesting portraits + of both John Tradescant, senior, and John Tradescant, junior, + as well as a plate of the Tradescant arms.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag352'>[352]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote352' id="footnote352"></a>A sclopeta or + sclopetta was a hand-gun used by Spaniards.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag353'>[353]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote353' id="footnote353"></a>Toledo was + famous for its sword-blades.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag354'>[354]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote354' id="footnote354"></a>Salter had an + old grey muff, which he clapped constantly to his nose, and + by which he was distinguishable at the distance of a quarter + of a mile. His wife was none of the best, being much addicted + to scolding.-(Nichols.)</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page284' title='284' id= + "page284"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number35' id="number35"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 35.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, June 28</i>, to <i>Thursday, June 30</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>Grecian Coffee-house, June 28.</h3> + + <p>There is a habit or custom which I have put my patience to the + utmost stretch to have suffered so long, because several of my + intimate friends are in the guilt; and that is, the humour of + taking snuff, and looking dirty about the mouth by way of + ornament. My method is to dive to the bottom of a sore before I + pretend to apply a remedy. For this reason, I sat by an eminent + story-teller and politician who takes half an ounce in five + seconds, and has mortgaged a pretty tenement near the town, + merely to improve and dung his brains with this prolific powder. + I observed this gentleman the other day in the midst of a story + diverted from it by looking at something at a distance, and I + softly hid his box. But he returns to his tale, and looking for + his box, he cries, "And so, sir—" Then when he should have + taken a pinch, "As I was saying," says he—"Has nobody seen + my box?" His friend beseeches him to finish his narration. Then + he proceeds, "And so, sir—Where can my box be?" Then, + turning to me, "Pray, sir, did you see my box?" "Yes, sir," said + I, "I took it to see how long you could live without it." He + resumes his tale; and I took notice, that his dulness was much + more regular and fluent than before. A pinch supplied the place + of, "As I was saying," "And so, sir"; and he went on currently + enough in that style which the learned call the insipid. This + observation easily led me into a philosophic reason for taking + snuff, which is done only to supply with sensations the want of + reflection. This I take <a class="pagenum" name='page285' title= + '285' id="page285"></a>to be an <span lang="el" title="Heurêka" + xml:lang= + "el">Ἕυρηκα</span>, + a nostrum; upon which I hope to receive the thanks of this board. + For as it is natural to lift a man's hand to a sore, when you + fear anything coming at you; so when a person feels his thoughts + are run out, and has no more to say, it is as natural to supply + his weak brain with powder at the nearest place of access, viz., + the nostrils. This is so evident, that nature suggests the use + according to the indigence of the persons who use this medicine, + without being prepossessed with the force of fashion or custom. + For example; the native Hibernians, who are reckoned not much + unlike the ancient Bœotians, take this specific for + emptiness in the head, in greater abundance than any other nation + under the sun. The learned Sotus, as sparing as he is in his + words, would be still more silent if it were not for this powder. + But however low and poor the taking snuff argues a man to be in + his own stock of thought, or means to employ his brains and his + fingers, yet there is a poorer creature in the world than he, and + this is a borrower of snuff; a fellow that keeps no box of his + own, but is always asking others for a pinch. Such poor rogues + put me always in mind of a common phrase among schoolboys when + they are composing their exercise, who run to an upper scholar, + and cry, "Pray give me a little sense." But of all things, + commend me to the ladies who are got into this pretty help to + discourse.<a name='fntag355' id="fntag355"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote355'><sup>355</sup></a> I have been this three + years persuading Sagissa<a name='fntag356' id= + "fntag356"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote356'><sup>356</sup></a> to leave it off; but she talks + so much, and is so learned, that she is above contradiction. + However, an <a class="pagenum" name='page286' title='286' id= + "page286"></a>accident the other day brought that about, which my + eloquence never could accomplish: she had a very pretty fellow in + her closet, who ran thither to avoid some company that came to + visit her. She made an excuse to go in to him for some implement + they were talking of. Her eager gallant snatched a kiss; but + being unused to snuff, some grains from off her upper lip made + him sneeze aloud, which alarmed the visitants, and has made a + discovery, that profound reading, very much intelligence, and a + general knowledge of who and who's together, cannot fill up her + vacant hours so much, but that she is sometimes obliged to + descend to entertainments less intellectual.</p> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, June 29.</h3> + + <p>I know no manner of news for this place, but that Cynthio, + having been long in despair for the inexorable Clarissa, lately + resolved to fall in love the good old way of bargain and sale, + and has pitched upon a very agreeable young woman.<a name= + 'fntag357' id="fntag357"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote357'><sup>357</sup></a> He will undoubtedly succeed; + for he accosts her in a strain of familiarity, without breaking + through the deference that is due to woman whom a man would + choose for his life. I have hardly ever heard rough truth spoken + with a better grace than in this his letter.<a name='fntag358' + id="fntag358"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote358'><sup>358</sup></a></p> + + <p>"MADAM,</p> + + <p>"I writ to you on Saturday by Mrs. Lucy, and give you this + trouble to urge the same request I made then, which was, that I + may be admitted to wait upon you. I <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page287' title='287' id="page287"></a>should be very far from + desiring this, if it were a transgression of the most severe + rules to allow it: I know you are very much above the little arts + which are frequent in your sex, of giving unnecessary torments to + their admirers; therefore hope, you'll do so much justice to the + generous passion I have for you, as to let me have an opportunity + of acquainting you upon what motives I pretend to your good + opinion. I shall not trouble you with my sentiments, till I know + how they will be received; and as I know no reason why difference + of sex should make our language to each other differ from the + ordinary rules of right reason, I shall affect plainness and + sincerity in my discourse to you, as much as other lovers do + perplexity and rapture. Instead of saying, 'I shall die for you,' + I profess I should be glad to lead my life with you: you are as + beautiful, as witty, as prudent, and as good-humoured, as any + woman breathing; but I must confess to you, I regard all these + excellences as you will please to direct them, for my happiness + or misery. With me, madam, the only lasting motive to love is the + hope of its becoming mutual. I beg of you to let Mrs. Lucy send + me word when I may attend you. I promise you, I'll talk of + nothing but indifferent things; though at the same time I know + not how I shall approach you in the tender moment of first seeing + you, after this declaration, of,</p> + + <p>"Madam,</p> + + <p>"Your most obedient,</p> + + <p>"And most faithful</p> + + <p>"Humble Servant, &c."</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page288' title='288' id= + "page288"></a></p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, June 29.</h3> + + <p>Having taken a resolution when plays are acted next winter by + an entire good company, to publish observations from time to time + on the performance of the actors, I think it but just to give an + abstract of the law of action, for the help of the less learned + part of the audience, that they may rationally enjoy so refined + and instructive a pleasure as a just representation of human + life. The great errors in playing are admirably well exposed in + Hamlet's direction to the actors<a name='fntag359' id= + "fntag359"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote359'><sup>359</sup></a> who are to play in his supposed + tragedy; by which we shall form our future judgments on their + behaviour, and for that reason you have the discourse as + follows:</p> + + <p>"Speak the speech as I pronounce it to you, trippingly on the + tongue; but if you mouth it, as many of our players do, I had as + lieve the town-crier had spoke my lines: nor do not saw the air + too much with your hand thus; but use all gently: for in the very + torrent, tempest, and, as I may say, the whirlwind of passion, + you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it + smoothness. Oh! it offends me to the soul, to see a robustious + periwig-pated fellow tear a passion to tatters, to very rags, to + split the ears of the groundlings, who (for the most part) are + capable of nothing but inexplicable dumb shows and noise. I could + have such a fellow whipped for overdoing termagant: it out-Herods + Herod. Be not too tame neither; but let your own discretion be + your tutor: suit the action to the word, the word to the action; + with this special observance, that you overstep not the modesty + of nature; for anything so overdone, is from the purpose of + playing, whose end, both at the first and now, was, and is, to + hold as it were the mirror up to Nature; to show Virtue her own + feature; <a class="pagenum" name='page289' title='289' id= + "page289"></a>scorn her own image; and the very age and body of + the time its form and pressure. Now this overdone, or come tardy + off, though it make the unskilful laugh, cannot but make the + judicious grieve. The censures of which one, must, in your + allowance, oversway a whole theatre of others. Oh! there be + players, that I have seen play, and heard others praise, and that + highly (not to speak it profanely), that neither having the + accent of Christian, Pagan, or Norman, have so strutted and + bellowed, that I have thought some of Nature's journeymen had + made men, and not made them well, they imitated humanity so + abominably. This should be reformed altogether; and let those + that play your clowns, speak no more than is set down for them: + for there be of them that will of themselves laugh, to set on + some quantity of barren spectators to laugh too; though in the + meantime, some necessary question of the play be then to be + considered; that is villanous, and shows a most pitiful ambition + in the fool that uses it."</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, June 29.</h3> + + <p>It would be a very great obligation, and an assistance to my + treatise upon Punning,<a name='fntag360' id= + "fntag360"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote360'><sup>360</sup></a> if any one would please to + inform in what class, among the learned who play with words, to + place the author of the following letter.<a name='fntag361' id= + "fntag361"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote361'><sup>361</sup></a></p> + + <p>"Sir,</p> + + <p>"Not long since you were pleased to give us a chimerical + account of the famous family of Staffs,<a name='fntag362' id= + "fntag362"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote362'><sup>362</sup></a> 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 pro<a class="pagenum" name='page290' title= + '290' id="page290"></a>ceedings in this matter, since it is well + known, that our most illustrious, most renowned, and most + celebrated Roman family of Ix, 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 + Distaff and Broomstaff 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 Meretrix, + parent of the fertile family of Bellatrix, Lotrix, Netrix, + Nutrix, Obstetrix, Famulatrix, Coctrix, Ornatrix, Sarcinatrix, + Fextrix, Balneatrix, Portatrix, Saltatrix, Divinatrix, + Conjectrix, Comtrix, Debitrix, Creditrix, Donatrix, Ambulatrix, + Mercatrix, Adsectrix, Assectatrix, Palpatrix, Præceptrix, + Pistrix.</p> + + <p>"I am yours,</p> + + <p class="right">"ELIZ. POTATRIX."</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, June 29.</h3> + + <p>Letters from Brussels of the 2nd of July, N.S., say, that the + Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene having received advice, + that the Marshal Villars had drawn a considerable body out of the + garrison of Tournay to reinforce his army, marched towards that + place, and came before it early in the morning of the 27th. As + soon as they came into that ground, the Prince of Nassau was sent + with a strong detachment to take post at St. Amand; and at the + same time my Lord Orkney received orders to possess himself of + Mortagne; both which were successfully exe<a class="pagenum" + name='page291' title='291' id="page291"></a>cuted; whereby we are + masters of the Scheldt and the Scarp. Eight men were drawn out of + each troop of dragoons and company of foot in the garrison of + Tournay, to make up the reinforcement which was ordered to join + Marshal Villars; but upon advice that the Allies were marching + towards Tournay, they endeavoured to return into the town; but + were intercepted by the Earl of Orkney, by whom that whole body + was killed or taken. These letters add, that 1200 dragoons (each + horseman carrying a foot-soldier behind him) were detached from + Mons to throw themselves into Tournay; but upon appearance of a + great body of horse of the Allies, retired towards Condé. We + hear, that the garrison does not consist of more than 3500 men. + Of the sixty battalions designed to be employed in this siege, + seven [<i>sic</i>] are English, viz., two of Guards, and the + regiments of Argyle, Temple, Evans and Meredith.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag355'>[355]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote355' id="footnote355"></a>See Nos. + 79, 140; and + Swift's "Journal to Stella," Nov. 3, 1711. A correspondent + begged the <i>Spectator</i> (No. 344) to "take notice of an + impertinent custom the women, the fine women, have lately + fallen into, of taking snuff."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag356'>[356]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote356' id="footnote356"></a>It has been + suggested that Steele here alludes to Mrs. De la Rivière + Manley.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag357'>[357]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote357' id="footnote357"></a>Lord + Hinchinbroke married Elizabeth, only daughter of Alexander + Popham, Esq. See Nos. <a href="#number1">1</a>, <a href= + "#number5">5</a>, <a href="#number22">22</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag358'>[358]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote358' id="footnote358"></a>This was one of + Steele's own letters to Miss Scurlock. (See "Correspondence," + 1809, vol. i. p. 93.) "Mrs. Lucy" is "Mrs. Warren" in the + original.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag359'>[359]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote359' id="footnote359"></a>"Hamlet," act + iii. sc. 2.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag360'>[360]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote360' id="footnote360"></a>See <a href= + '#number32'>No. 32</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag361'>[361]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote361' id="footnote361"></a>This letter is + printed in Scott's edition of Swift's works.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag362'>[362]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote362' id="footnote362"></a>See No. II.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number36' id="number36"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 36.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[?STEELE.<a name='fntag363' id= + "fntag363"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote363'><sup>363</sup></a></h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>By Mrs. JENNY DISTAFF, half-sister to Mr. BICKERSTAFF.</h3> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, June 30</i>, to <i>Saturday, July 2</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>From our own Apartment, June 30.</h3> + + <p>Many affairs calling my brother into the country, the care of + our intelligence with the town is left to me for some time; + therefore you must expect the advices you <a class="pagenum" + name='page292' title='292' id="page292"></a>meet with in this + paper to be such as more immediately and naturally fall under the + consideration of our sex: history therefore written by a woman, + you will easily imagine to consist of love in all its forms, both + in the abuse of, and obedience to that passion. As to the faculty + of writing itself, it will not, it is hoped, be demanded, that + style and ornament shall be so much consulted, as truth and + simplicity; which latter qualities we may more justly pretend to + beyond the other sex. While therefore the administration of our + affairs is in my hands, you shall from time to time have an exact + account of all false lovers, and their shallow pretences for + breaking off; of all termagant wives who make wedlock a yoke; of + men who affect the entertainments and manners suitable only to + our sex, and women who pretend to the conduct of such affairs as + are only within the province of men. It is necessary further to + advertise the reader, that the usual places of resort being + utterly out of my province or observation, I shall be obliged + frequently to change the dates of places, as occurrences + <a class="pagenum" name='page293' title='293' id= + "page293"></a>come into my way. The following letter I lately + received from Epsom.<a name='fntag364' id= + "fntag364"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote364'><sup>364</sup></a></p> + + <h3>Epsom, June 28.</h3> + + <p>"It is now almost three weeks since what you writ about + happened in this place: the quarrel between my friends did not + run so high as I find your accounts have made it. The truth of + the fact you shall have very faithfully. You are to understand, + that the persons concerned in this scene were, Lady Autumn, and + Lady Springly:<a name='fntag365' id="fntag365"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote365'><sup>365</sup></a> Autumn is a person of good + breeding, formality, and a singular way practised in the last + age; and Lady Springly, a modern impertinent of our sex, who + affects as improper familiarity, as the other does distance. Lady + Autumn knows to a hair's-breadth where her place is in all + assemblies and conversations; but Springly neither gives nor + takes place of anybody, but understands the place to signify no + more, than to have room enough to be at ease wherever <a class= + "pagenum" name='page294' title='294' id="page294"></a>she comes. + Thus while Autumn takes the whole of this life to consist in + understanding punctilio and decorum, Springly takes everything to + be becoming which contributes to her ease and satisfaction. These + heroines have married two brothers, both knights. Springly is the + spouse of the elder, who is a baronet; and Autumn, being a rich + widow, has taken the younger, and her purse endowed him with an + equal fortune and knighthood of the same order. This jumble of + titles, you need not doubt, has been an aching torment to Autumn, + who took place of the other on no pretence, but her carelessness + and disregard of distinction. This secret occasion of envy + broiled long in the breast of Autumn; but no opportunity of + contention on that subject happening, kept all things quiet till + the accident, of which you demand an account.</p> + + <p>"It was given out among all the gay people of this place, that + on the 9th instant several damsels, swift of foot, were to run + for a suit of head-clothes at the Old Wells. Lady Autumn on this + occasion invited Springly to go with her in her coach to see the + race. When they came to the place where the governor of Epsom and + all his court of citizens were assembled, as well as a crowd of + people of all orders, a brisk young fellow addresses himself to + the younger of the ladies, viz., Springly, and offers her his + service to conduct her into the music-room. Springly accepts the + compliment, and is led triumphantly through the bowing crowd, + while Autumn is left among the rabble, and has much ado to get + back into her coach; but she did it at last: and as it is usual + to see by the horses my lady's present disposition, she orders + John to whip furiously home to her husband; where, when she + enters, down she sits, began to unpin her hood, and lament her + foolish fond heart to marry into a family where she was so + <a class="pagenum" name='page295' title='295' id= + "page295"></a>little regarded, she that might—Here she + stops; then rises up and stamps, and sits down again. Her gentle + knight made his approaches with a supple beseeching gesture. 'My + dear,' said he—'Tell me no dears,' replied Autumn; in the + presence of the governor and all the merchants; 'What will the + world say of a woman that has thrown herself away at this rate?' + Sir Thomas withdrew, and knew it would not be long a secret to + him; as well as that experience told him, he that marries a + fortune, is of course guilty of all faults against his wife, let + them be committed by whom they will. But Springly, an hour or two + after, returns from the Wells, and finds the whole company + together. Down she sat, and a profound silence ensued. You know a + premeditated quarrel usually begins and works up with the words, + 'Some people.' The silence was broken by Lady Autumn, who began + to say, 'There are some people who fancy, that if some + people—' Springly immediately takes her up; 'There are some + people who fancy, if other people—' Autumn repartees, + 'People may give themselves airs; but other people, perhaps, who + make less ado, may be, perhaps, as agreeable as people who set + themselves out more.' All the other people at the table sat mute, + while these two people, who were quarrelling, went on with the + use of the word 'people,' instancing the very accidents between + them, as if they kept only in distant hints. 'Therefore,' says + Autumn, reddening, 'there are some people who will go abroad in + other people's coaches, and leave those, with whom they went, to + shift for themselves; and if, perhaps, those people have married + the younger brother, yet, perhaps, he may be beholden to those + people for what he is.' Springly smartly answers, 'People may + bring so much ill humour into a family, as people may repent + their receiving their money'; and goes <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page296' title='296' id="page296"></a>on—'Everybody is not + considerable enough to give her uneasiness.' Upon this, Autumn + comes up to her, and desired her to kiss her, and never to see + her again; which her sister refusing, my lady gave her a box on + the ear. Springly returns; 'Ay, ay,' said she, 'I knew well + enough you meant me by your "some people,"' and gives her another + on the other side. To it they went with most masculine fury: each + husband ran in. The wives immediately fell upon their husbands, + and tore periwigs and cravats. The company interposed; when + (according to the slip-knot of matrimony, which makes them return + to one another when any put in between) the ladies and their + husbands fell upon all the rest of the company; and having beat + all their friends and relations out of the house, came to + themselves time enough to know, there was no bearing the jest of + the place after these adventures, and therefore marched off the + next day. It is said, the governor has sent several joints of + mutton, and has proposed divers dishes very exquisitely dressed, + to bring them down again. From his address and knowledge in roast + and boiled, all our hopes of the return of this good company + depend. I am,</p> + + <p>"Dear Jenny,</p> + + <p>"Your ready Friend</p> + + <p>"And Servant,</p> + + <p class="right">"MARTHA TATLER."</p> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, June 30.</h3> + + <p>This day appeared here a figure of a person, whose services to + the fair sex have reduced him to a kind of existence, for which + there is no name. If there be a condition between life and death, + without being absolutely <a class="pagenum" name='page297' title= + '297' id="page297"></a>dead or living, his state is that. His + aspect and complexion in his robust days gave him the illustrious + title of Africanus:<a name='fntag366' id="fntag366"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote366'><sup>366</sup></a> but it is not only + from the warm climates in which he has served, nor from the + disasters which he has suffered, that he deserves the same + appellation with that renowned Roman; but the magnanimity with + which he appears in his last moments, is what gives him the + undoubted character of Hero. Cato stabbed himself, and Hannibal + drank poison; but our Africanus lives in the continual puncture + of aching bones and poisoned juices. The old heroes fled from + torments by death, and this modern lives in death and torments, + with a heart wholly bent upon a supply for remaining in them. An + ordinary spirit would sink under his oppressions; but he makes an + advantage of his very sorrow, and raises an income from his + diseases. Long has this worthy been conversant in bartering, and + knows, that when stocks are lowest, it is the time to buy. + Therefore, with much prudence and tranquillity, he thinks, that + now he has not a bone sound, but a thousand nodous parts for + which the anatomists have not words, and more diseases than the + College ever heard of, it is the only time to purchase an annuity + for life. Sir <a class="pagenum" name='page298' title='298' id= + "page298"></a>Thomas<a name='fntag367' id= + "fntag367"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote367'><sup>367</sup></a> told me, it was an + entertainment more surprising and pleasant than can be imagined, + to see an inhabitant of neither world without hand to lift, or + leg to move, scarce tongue to utter his meaning, so keen upon + biting the whole world, and making bubbles at his exit. Sir + Thomas added, that he would have bought twelve shillings a year + of him, but that he feared there was some trick in it, and + believed him already dead: "What!" says that knight, "is Mr. + Partridge, whom I met just now going on both his legs firmer than + I can, allowed to be quite dead; and shall Africanus, without one + limb that can do its office, be pronounced alive?" What + heightened the tragi-comedy of this market for annuities was, + that the observation of it provoked Monoculus<a name='fntag368' + id="fntag368"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote368'><sup>368</sup></a> (who is the most eloquent of + all men) to many excellent reflections, which he spoke with the + vehemence and language both of a gamester and an orator. "When I + cast," said that delightful speaker, "my eye upon thee, thou + unaccountable Africanus, I cannot but call myself as + unaccountable as thou art; for certainly we were born to show + what contradictions nature is pleased to form in the same + species. Here am I, able to eat, to drink, to sleep, and do all + acts of nature, except begetting my like; and yet by an + unintelligible force of spleen and fancy, I every moment imagine + I am dying. It is utter madness in thee to provide for supper; + for I'll bet you ten to one, you don't live till half an hour + after four; and yet I am so distracted as to be in fear every + moment, though I'll lay ten to three, I drink three pints of + burnt claret at your funeral three nights hence. After all, I + envy thee; thou who dying hast no sense of death, <a class= + "pagenum" name='page299' title='299' id="page299"></a>art happier + than one in health that<a name='fntag369' id= + "fntag369"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote369'><sup>369</sup></a> always fears it." The knight + had gone on, but that a third man ended the scene by applauding + the knight's eloquence and philosophy, in a laughter too violent + for his own constitution, as much as he mocked that of Africanus + and Monoculus.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, July 1.</h3> + + <p>This day arrived three mails from Holland, with advices + relating to the posture of affairs in the Low Countries, which + say, that the Confederate army extends from Luchin, on the + causeway between Tournay and Lisle, to Epain near Mortagne on the + Scheldt. The Marshal Villars remains in his camp at Lens; but it + is said, he detached ten thousand men under the command of the + Chevalier de Luxembourg, with orders to form a camp at Crepin on + the Haine, between Condé and St. Guillain, where he is to be + joined by the Elector of Bavaria with a body of troops, and after + their conjunction, to attempt to march into Brabant. But they + write from Brussels, that the Duke of Marlborough having it + equally in his power to make detachments to the same parts, they + are under no apprehensions from these reports for the safety of + their country. They further add from Brussels, that they have + good authority for believing that the French troops under the + conduct of Marshal de Bezons are retiring out of Spain.<a name= + 'fntag370' id="fntag370"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote370'><sup>370</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag363'>[363]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote363' id="footnote363"></a>Nichols argued + that this and the two following numbers were by Addison. (1) + At the end of <a href='#number37'>No. 37</a> there is a list + of errata for the preceding number. It was Addison's frequent + practice to make verbal alterations in a preceding paper, and + this Steele never did, except in rare cases, or where there + was a positive mistake. (2) All the three papers are + <i>superscribed</i>, as Addison's often were, and appear upon + the face of them, to be of the nature, and in the number of + those, for which Steele stood sponsor, and was very patiently + traduced and calumniated, as he acknowledges to Congreve, in + the Dedication prefixed to "The Drummer." There is nothing in + the style or manner of any of the three that appears + incongruous with such a supposition; and the nature of their + principal contents seems to support it. They consist chiefly + of pleasantries and oblique strokes, apparently on persons of + fashion, in that age, of both sexes. It appears from the + Dedication to "The Drummer," that Steele had Addison's direct + injunctions to hide papers which he never did declare to be + Addison's. The case, in short, seems to be, that as, as + Steele says, there are communications in the course of this + work, which Addison's modesty, so there are likewise others, + which Addison's prudence, "would never have admitted to come + into daylight, but under such a shelter." According to the + usual rule where there is uncertainty, Steele's name is + placed at the head of the papers in this edition. Probably he + was responsible in any case for part of the contents of each + of these numbers.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag364'>[364]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote364' id="footnote364"></a>Epsom was + frequented for its mineral waters, and was also a favourite + holiday resort. "At the Crown Coffee-house, behind the Royal + Exchange, fresh Epsom water, with the rest of the purging + waters, at 2d. per quart, and sold both winter and summer, + and Epsom salt." (See "British Apollo," vol. iii. <a href= + '#number15'>No. 15</a>, 1710, and "Post Man," June 11, 1700.) + "The New Wells at Epsom, with variety of raffling-shops, a + billiard-table, and a bowling-green, and attended with a new + set of music, are now open," &c. (<i>Flying Post</i>, + Aug. 4-6, 1709.) The new Wells were opened on Easter Monday, + 1709 (<i>Daily Courant</i>, April 23, 1709). We can form some + idea of Epsom some years before, with its wells and + bowling-green, from Shadwell's play, "Epsom Wells," 1673. See + also <a href='#number7'>No. 7</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag365'>[365]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote365' id="footnote365"></a>On July 8, + 1709, Peter Wentworth wrote to Lord Raby: "I have not sent + you the <i>Tatler</i> of last Saturday, because I was told + 'twas dull, but that persons judgement I shall take no more; + for having since read it I think it diverting enough, the + news from Epsom is almost matter of fact, wch makes the jest + the better; the Ladys are city ladys, named Turners" + ("Wentworth Papers," p. 93). This is confirmed by the MS. + annotator mentioned in <a href='#number4'>No. 4</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag366'>[366]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote366' id="footnote366"></a>"I like the + description of Africanus, wch is Sir Scipio Hill ... Sir + Scipio Hill with his new project of getting money occasions + some diversion and talk at White's. You may have heard for + this long while he was dieing of the ——; he now + come abroad and look a divel, or at least a sad <i>memento + mori</i>. He gives forescore guineas to receive ten guineas a + quarter for his life, Sir James of the Peak is his agent, and + runs about offering it all that will take. Boscowen has took + it, and two or three more, who are of opinion he will not + live a month. Those he had made his heirs does not approve of + this whim, for he's resolved to dispose of all his ready + money this way if he can find substantial fools enough to + take it; but the crack begins to run as if he may live a + great while for all he looks so ill, for he has recovered his + voice to a miracle" (Peter Wentworth to Lord Raby, July 1 and + 8, 1709; "Wentworth Papers," pp. 92-3).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag367'>[367]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote367' id="footnote367"></a>The waiter. See + <a href='#number16'>No. 16</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag368'>[368]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote368' id="footnote368"></a>Said to be Sir + Humphrey Monoux, Bart., who was elected M.P. for Tavistock in + 1728, and for Stockbridge in 1734. He succeeded to the + baronetage in 1707, and died without issue in 1757.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag369'>[369]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote369' id="footnote369"></a>"Thou that hast + no sense of death, art happier than one that" (folio; altered + in Errata in <a href='#number37'>No. 37</a>).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag370'>[370]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote370' id="footnote370"></a>"This paper, + with a blank leaf to write business on, may be had of J. + Morphew, near Stationers'-hall" (folio).</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page300' title='300' id= + "page300"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number37' id="number37"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 37.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[?STEELE.<a name='fntag371' id= + "fntag371"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote371'><sup>371</sup></a></h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, July 2</i>, to <i>Tuesday, July 5</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, July 2.</h3> + + <p>It may be thought very unaccountable, that I,<a name= + 'fntag372' id="fntag372"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote372'><sup>372</sup></a> who can never be supposed to go + to White's, should pretend to talk to you of matters proper for, + or in the style of, that place. But though I do not go to these + public haunts, I receive visits from those who do; and for all + they pretend so much to the contrary, they are as talkative as + our sex, and as much at a loss to entertain the present company, + without sacrificing the last, as we ourselves. This reflection + has led me into the consideration of the use of speech; and made + me look over in my memory all my acquaintance of both sexes, to + know to which I may more justly impute the sin of superfluous + discourse, with regard to conversation, and not entering into it + as it respects religion. I foresee my acquaintance will + immediately, upon starting this subject, ask me, how I shall + celebrate Mrs. Alse Copswood,<a name='fntag373' id= + "fntag373"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote373'><sup>373</sup></a> the Yorkshire huntress, who is + come to town lately, and moves as if she were on her nag, and + going to take a five-bar gate; and is as loud as if she were + following her dogs. I can easily answer that; for she is as soft + as Damon, in comparison of her brother-in-law Tom + Bellfrey,<a name='fntag374' id="fntag374"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote374'><sup>374</sup></a> who is the most accomplished + man in this kingdom for all gentlemanlike activities and + accomplishments. It <a class="pagenum" name='page301' title='301' + id="page301"></a>is allowed, that he is a professed enemy to the + Italian performers in music. But then for our own native manner, + according to the customs and known usages of our island, he is to + be preferred, for the generality of the pleasure he bestows, much + above those fellows,<a name='fntag375' id= + "fntag375"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote375'><sup>375</sup></a> though they sing to full + theatres. For what is a theatrical voice to that of a fox-hunter? + I have been at a musical entertainment in an open field, where it + amazed me to hear to what pitches the chief masters would reach. + There was a meeting near our seat in Staffordshire, and the most + eminent of all the counties of England were at it. How wonderful + was the harmony between men and dogs! Robin Cartail of Bucks was + to answer to Jowler; Mr. Tinbreast of Cornwall was appointed to + open with Sweetlips, and Beau Slimber, a Londoner, undertook to + keep up with Trips, a whelp just set in: Tom Bellfrey and + Ringwood were coupled together, to fill the cry on all occasions, + and be in at the death of the fox, hare, or stag; for which both + the dog and the man were excellently suited, and loved one + another, and were as much together as Banister and King. When + Jowler first alarmed the field, Cartail repeated every note; + Sweetlips' treble succeeded, and shook the wood; Tinbreast echoed + a quarter of a mile beyond it. We were soon after all at a loss, + till we rid up, and found Trips and Slimber at a default in + half-notes: but the day and the tune was recovered by Tom + Bellfrey and Ringwood, to the great joy of us all, though they + drowned every other voice: for Bellfrey carries a note four + furlongs, three rood, and six paces, farther than any other in + England. But I fear the mention of this will be thought a + digression from my purpose about speech: but I answer, No. Since + this is used where speech rather should be employed, it may come + into con<a class="pagenum" name='page302' title='302' id= + "page302"></a>sideration in the same chapter: for Mr. Bellfrey + being at a visit where I was, viz., his cousin's (Lady Dainty's) + in Soho, was asked, what entertainments they had in the country? + Now Bellfrey is very ignorant, and much a clown; but confident + withal. In a word, he struck up a fox-chase: Lady Dainty's dog, + Mr. Sippet, as she calls him, started and jumped out of his + lady's lap, and fell a barking. Bellfrey went on, and called all + the neighbouring parishes into the square. Never was woman in + such confusion as that delicate lady. But there was no stopping + her kinsman. A room full of ladies fell into the most violent + laughter: my lady looked as if she was shrieking; Mr. Sippet in + the middle of the room, breaking his heart with barking, but all + of us unheard. As soon as Bellfrey became silent, up gets my + lady, and takes him by the arm to lead him off: Bellfrey was in + his boots. As she was hurrying him away, his spurs takes hold of + her petticoat; his whip throws down a cabinet of china: he cries, + "What! are your crocks rotten? Are your petticoats ragged? A man + can't walk in your house for trincums." Every county of Great + Britain has one hundred or more of this sort of fellows, who roar + instead of speaking. Therefore if it be true, that we women are + also given to greater fluency of words than is necessary, sure + one that disturbs but a room or a family is more to be tolerated, + than one who draws together parishes and counties, and sometimes + (with an estate that might make him the blessing and ornament of + the world around him) has no other view and ambition, but to be + an animal above dogs and horses, without the relish of any one + enjoyment, which is peculiar to the faculties of human nature. + But I know it will here be said, that talking of mere country + squires at this rate, is, as it were, to write against Valentine + or Orson. To prove anything against the race of men, you must + take them as <a class="pagenum" name='page303' title='303' id= + "page303"></a>they are adorned with education, as they live in + Courts, or have received instructions in colleges.</p> + + <p>But I was so full of my late entertainment by Mr. Bellfrey, + that I must defer pursuing this subject to another day; and waive + the proper observations upon the different offenders in this + kind, some by profound eloquence, on small occasions, others by + degrading speech upon great circumstances. Expect therefore to + hear of the whisperer without business, the laugher without wit, + the complainer without receiving injuries, and a very large + crowd, which I shall not forestall, who are common (though not + commonly observed) impertinents, whose tongues are too voluble + for their brains, and are the general despisers of us women, + though we have their superiors, the men of sense, for our + servants.<a name='fntag376' id="fntag376"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote376'><sup>376</sup></a></p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page304' title='304' id= + "page304"></a></p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, July 4.</h3> + + <p>There has arrived no mail since our last; so that we have no + manner of foreign news, except we were to give you, for such, the + many speculations which are on foot concerning what was imported + by the last advices. There are, it seems, sixty battalions and + seventeen squadrons appointed to serve in the siege of Tournay; + the garrison of which place consists but of eleven battalions and + four squadrons. Letters of the 29th of the last month from Berlin + have brought advice, that the Kings of Denmark, Prussia, and his + Majesty Augustus, were within few days <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page305' title='305' id="page305"></a>to come to an interview at + Potsdam. These letters mention, that two Polish princes of the + family of the Sapicha and Lubermirsky, lately arrived from Paris, + confirm the reports of the misery in France for want of + provisions, and give a particular instance of it, which is, that + on the day Monsieur Rouillé returned to Court, the common people + gathered in crowds about the Dauphin's coach, crying, "Peace and + bread, bread and peace."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Distaff has taken upon her, while she writes this paper, + to turn her thoughts wholly to the service of her own sex, and to + propose remedies against the greatest vexations <a class= + "pagenum" name='page306' title='306' id="page306"></a>attending + female life. She has for this end written a small treatise + concerning the second word, with an appendix on the use of a + reply, very useful to all such as are married to persons either + ill-bred or ill-natured. There is in this tract a digression for + the use of virgins concerning the words, "I will."</p> + + <p>A gentlewoman who has a very delicate ear, wants a maid who + can whisper, and help her in the government of her family. If the + said servant can clear-starch, lisp, and tread softly, she shall + have suitable encouragement in her wages.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag371'>[371]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote371' id="footnote371"></a>See note to + <a href='#number36'>No. 36</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag372'>[372]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote372' id="footnote372"></a>Jenny + Distaff.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag373'>[373]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote373' id="footnote373"></a>The Jacobite + Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sharpe, who died in 1713. See + <i>Examiner</i>, vol. iv. No. 22.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag374'>[374]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote374' id="footnote374"></a>Dr. Blackall + (1654-1716), who was made Bishop of Exeter in 1708.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag375'>[375]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote375' id="footnote375"></a>The French + Prophets, from the Cevennes. Dr. Blackall's sermon against + them was printed by order of the Queen.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag376'>[376]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote376' id="footnote376"></a>The following + article appeared only in the folio issue:—</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, July 3.</h3> + + <p>A very ingenious gentleman was complaining this evening, + that the players are grown so severe critics, that they would + not take in his play, though it has as many fine things in it + as any play that has been writ since the days of Dryden. He + began his discourse about his play with a preface.</p> + + <p>"There is," said he, "somewhat (however we palliate it) in + the very frame and make of us, that subjects our minds to + chagrin and irresolution on any emergency of time or place. + The difficulty grows on our sickened imagination, under all + the killing circumstances of danger and disappointment. This + we see, not only in the men of retirement and fancy, but in + the characters of the men of action; with this only + difference, the coward sees the danger, and sickens under it; + the hero, warmed by the difficulty, dilates, and rises in + proportion to that, and in some sort makes use of his very + fears to disarm it. A remarkable instance of this we have in + the great Cæsar, when he came to the Rubicon, and was + entering upon a part, perhaps, the most hazardous he ever + bore (certainly the most ungrateful), a war with his + countrymen. When his mind brooded over personal affronts, + perhaps his anger burned with a desire of revenge. But when + more serious reflections laid before him the hazard of the + enterprise, with the dismal consequences which were likely to + attend it, aggravated by a special circumstance, What figure + it would bear in the world, or how be excused to posterity. + What shall he do?—His honour, which was his religion, + bids him arm; and he sounds the inclinations of his party, by + this set speech:</p> + + <h4><i>CÆSAR</i> to his Party at the Rubicon.</h4> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Great Jove, attend, and thou my native soil, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Safe in my triumphs, glutted in my spoil; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Witness with what reluctance I oppose + </div> + + <div class="line"> + My arms to thine, secure of other foes. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + What passive breast can bear disgrace like mine? + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Traitor!—For this I conquered on the Rhine, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Endured their ten years' drudgery in Gaul, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Adjourned their fate, and saved the Capitol. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + I grew by every guilty triumph less; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The crowd, when drunk with joy, their souls express, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Impatient of the war, yet fear success. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Brave actions dazzle with too bright a ray, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Like birds obscene they chatter at the day; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Giddy with rule, and valiant in debate, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + They throw the die of war, to save the state; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And gods! to gild ingratitude with fame, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Assume the patriot's, we the rebel's name. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Farewell, my friends, your general forlorn, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + To your bare pity, and the public scorn, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Must lay that honour and his laurel down, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + To serve the vain caprices of the gown; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Exposed to all indignities, the brave + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Deserve of those they gloried but to save, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + To rods and axes!—No, the slaves can't dare + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Play with my grief, and tempt my last despair. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + This shall the honours which it won maintain, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Or do me justice, ere I hug my chain." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The reason for cancelling this article when these papers + were republished in octavo, is obvious; for, being printed by + Steele, it would naturally be applied to the circumstances in + which the Duke of Marlborough was at that time: "The Duke + having his commission under the Great Seal, the order of the + Queen was not sufficient to dissolve his power. His friends + advised him to assemble, by his authority as general, all the + troops in London, in the different squares, and to take + possession of St. James's, and the person of the Queen. + Oxford, apprised of this design, suddenly called together the + Cabinet Council. Though he probably concealed his + intelligence to prevent their fears, he told them of the + necessity of superseding Marlborough under the Great Seal. + This business was soon despatched. His dismission in form was + sent to the Duke. The Earl of Oxford, no stranger to the + character of Marlborough, knew that he would not act against + law, by assembling the troops. The natural diffidence of his + disposition had made him unfit for enterprises of danger, in + a degree that furnished his enemies with insinuations against + his personal courage."—(Macpherson's "State Papers," + quoted by Nichols.)</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number38' id="number38"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 38.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[?STEELE.<a name='fntag377' id= + "fntag377"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote377'><sup>377</sup></a></h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, July 5</i>, to <i>Thursday, July 7, + 1709.</i></h3> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, July 6.</h3> + + <p>I find among my brother's papers the following letter + verbatim, which I wonder how he could suppress so long as he has, + since it was sent him for no other end, but to show the good + effect his writings have already had upon the ill customs of the + age.</p> + + <p class="right">"London, <i>June 23</i>.</p> + + <p>"SIR,</p> + + <p>"The end of all public papers ought to be the benefit and + instruction, as well as the diversion of the readers: to which I + see none so truly conducive as your late performances; especially + those tending to the rooting out from amongst us that + unchristianlike and bloody custom of duelling; which, that you + have already in some measure performed, will appear to the public + in the following no less true than heroic story.</p> + + <p>"<a class="pagenum" name='page307' title='307' id= + "page307"></a>A noble gentleman of this city, who has the honour + of serving his country as major in the train-bands, being at that + general mart of stockjobbers called Jonathan's,<a name='fntag378' + id="fntag378"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote378'><sup>378</sup></a> endeavouring to raise himself + (as all men of honour ought) to the degree of colonel at least; + it happened that he bought the 'bear'<a name='fntag379' id= + "fntag379"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote379'><sup>379</sup></a> of another officer, who, though + not commissioned in the army, yet no less eminently serves the + public than the other, in raising the credit of the kingdom, by + raising that of the stocks. However, having sold the 'bear,' and + words arising about the delivery, the most noble major, no less + scorning to be outwitted in the coffee-house, than to run into + the field, according to method, abused the other with the titles + of, 'rogue,' 'villain,' 'bearskin-man,' and the like. Whereupon + satisfaction was demanded, and accepted: so, forth the major + marched, commanding his adversary to follow. To a most spacious + room in the sheriff's house, near the place of quarrel, they + come; where, having due regard to what you have lately published, + they resolved not to shed one another's blood in that barbarous + manner you prohibited; yet, not willing to put up affronts + without satisfaction, they stripped, and in decent manner fought + full fairly with their wrathful hands. The combat lasted a + quarter of an hour; in which time victory was often doubtful, and + many a dry blow was strenuously laid on by each side, till the + major finding his adversary obstinate, unwilling to give him + further chastisement, with most shrill voice cried out, 'I am + satisfied, enough.' Whereupon the combat ceased, and both were + friends immediately.</p> + + <p>"Thus the world may see, how necessary it is to encourage + those men who make it their business to instruct <a class= + "pagenum" name='page308' title='308' id="page308"></a>the people + in everything necessary for their preservation. I am informed, a + body of worthy citizens have agreed on an address of thanks to + you for what you have writ on the foregoing subject, whereby they + acknowledge one of their highly esteemed officers preserved from + death.</p> + + <p>"Your humble Servant,</p> + + <p class="right">"A. B."</p> + + <p>I fear the word "bear" is hardly to be understood among the + polite people; but I take the meaning to be, that one who ensures + a real value upon an imaginary thing, is said to sell a "bear," + and is the same thing as a promise among courtiers, or a vow + between lovers. I have writ to my brother to hasten to town; and + hope, that printing the letters directed to him, which I knew not + how to answer, will bring him speedily; and therefore I add also + the following:</p> + + <p class="right">"<i>July 5</i>, 1709.</p> + + <p>"MR. BICKERSTAFF,</p> + + <p>You having hinted a generous intention of taking under your + consideration the whisperers without business, and laughers + without occasion; as you tender the welfare of your country, I + entreat you not to forget or delay so public-spirited a work. Now + or never is the time. Many other calamities may cease with the + war; but I dismally dread the multiplication of these mortals + under the ease and luxuriousness of a settled peace, half the + blessing of which may be destroyed by them. Their mistake lies + certainly here, in a wretched belief, that their mimicry passes + for real business, or true wit. Dear sir, convince them, that it + never was, is, or ever will be, either of them; nor ever did, + does, or to all futurity ever can, look like either of them; but + that it is the most cursed <a class="pagenum" name='page309' + title='309' id="page309"></a>disturbance in nature, which is + possible to be inflicted on mankind, under the noble definition + of a sociable creature. In doing this, sir, you will oblige more + humble servants than can find room to subscribe their names."</p> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, July 6.</h3> + + <p>In pursuance of my last date from hence, I am to proceed on + the accounts I promised of several personages among the men, + whose conspicuous fortunes, or ambition in showing their follies, + have exalted them above their fellows: the levity of their minds + is visible in their every word and gesture, and there is not a + day passes but puts me in mind of Mr. Wycherley's character of a + coxcomb: "He is ugly all over with the affectation of the fine + gentleman." Now though the women may put on softness in their + looks, or affected severity, or impertinent gaiety, or pert + smartness, their self-love and admiration cannot, under any of + these disguises, appear so invincible as that of the men. You may + easily take notice, that in all their actions there is a secret + approbation, either in the tone of their voice, the turn of their + body, or cast of their eye, which shows that they are extremely + in their own favour. Take one of your men of business, he shall + keep you half an hour with your hat off, entertaining you with + his consideration of that affair you spoke of to him last, till + he has drawn a crowd that observes you in this grimace. Then when + he is public enough, he immediately runs into secrets, and falls + a whispering. You and he make breaks with adverbs; as, "But + however, thus far"; and then you whisper again, and so on, till + they who are about you are dispersed, and your busy man's vanity + is no longer gratified by the notice taken of what importance he + is, and how inconsiderable you are; for your pretender to + business is never in secret, but in public. There is my dear Lord + <a class="pagenum" name='page310' title='310' id= + "page310"></a>Nowhere, of all men the most gracious and most + obliging, the terror of all <i>valets-de-chambre</i>, whom he + oppresses with good breeding, in inquiring for my good lord, and + for my good lady's health. This inimitable courtier will whisper + a privy councillor's lackey with the utmost goodness and + condescension, to know when they next sit; and is thoroughly + taken up, and thinks he has a part in a secret, if he knows that + there is a secret. "What it is," he will whisper you, "that time + will discover"; then he shrugs, and calls you back + again—"Sir, I need not say to you, that these things are + not to be spoken of—and hark you, no names, I would not be + quoted." What adds to the jest is, that his emptiness has its + moods and seasons, and he will not condescend to let you into + these his discoveries, except he is in very good humour, or has + seen somebody in fashion talk to you. He will keep his nothing to + himself, and pass by and overlook as well as the best of them; + not observing that he is insolent when he is gracious, and + obliging when he is haughty. Show me a woman so inconsiderable as + this frequent character. But my mind (now I am in) turns to many + no less observable: thou dear Will Shoestring!<a name='fntag380' + id="fntag380"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote380'><sup>380</sup></a> I profess myself in love with + thee: how shall I speak thee? How shall I address thee? How shall + I draw thee? Thou dear outside! Will you be combing your + wig,<a name='fntag381' id="fntag381"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote381'><sup>381</sup></a> playing with your <a class= + "pagenum" name='page311' title='311' id="page311"></a>box, or + picking your teeth? Or choosest thou rather to be speaking; to be + speaking for thy only purpose in speaking, to show your teeth? + Rub them no longer, dear Shoestring: do not premeditate murder: + do not for ever whiten: Oh! that for my quiet and his own they + were rotten. But I will forget him, and give my hand to the + courteous Umbra; he is a fine man indeed, but the soft creature + bows below my apron-string before he takes it; but after the + first ceremonies, he is as familiar as my physician, and his + insignificancy makes me half ready to complain to him of all I + would to my doctor. But he is so courteous, that he carries half + the messages of ladies' ails in town to their midwives and + nurses. He understands too the art of medicine as far as to the + cure of a pimple or a rash. On occasions of the like + import<a class="pagenum" name='page312' title='312' id= + "page312"></a>ance, he is the most assiduous of all men living, + in consulting and searching precedents from family to family; and + then he speaks of his obsequiousness and diligence in the style + of real services. If you sneer at him, and thank him for his + great friendship, he bows, and says, "Madam, all the good offices + in my power, while I have any knowledge or credit, shall be at + your service." The consideration of so shallow a being, and the + intent application with which he pursues trifles, has made me + carefully reflect upon that sort of men we usually call an + Impertinent: and I am, upon mature deliberation, so far from + being offended with him, that I am really obliged to him; for + though he will take you aside, and talk half an hour to you upon + matters wholly insignificant with the most solemn air, yet I + consider, that these things are of weight in his imagination, and + he thinks he is communicating what is for my service. If + therefore it be a just rule to judge of a man by his intention, + according to the equity of good breeding, he that is + impertinently kind or wise, to do you service, ought in return to + have a proportionable place both in your affection and esteem; so + that the courteous Umbra deserves the favour of all his + acquaintance; for though he never served them, he is ever willing + to do it, and believes he does it. But as impotent kindness is to + be returned with all our abilities to oblige, so impotent malice + is to be treated with all our force to depress it. For this + reason Flyblow (who is received in all the families in town + through the degeneracy and iniquity of their manners) is to be + treated like a knave, though he is one of the weakest of fools: + he has by rote, and at second-hand, all that can be said of any + man of figure, wit, and virtue in town. Name a man of worth, and + this creature tells you the worst passage of his life. Speak of a + beautiful woman, and this puppy will whisper the next man to him, + though <a class="pagenum" name='page313' title='313' id= + "page313"></a>he has nothing to say of her. He is a Fly that + feeds on the sore part, and would have nothing to live on, if the + whole body were in health. You may know him by the frequency of + pronouncing the particle "but"; for which reason I never hear him + spoke of with common charity, without using my "but" against him: + for a friend of mine saying the other day, Mrs. Distaff has wit, + good humour, virtue, and friendship, this oaf added, "'But' she + is not handsome." Coxcomb! The gentleman was saying what I was, + not what I was not.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, July 6.</h3> + + <p>The approaches before Tournay have been carried on with great + success; and our advices from the camp before that place of the + 11th instant say, that they had already made a lodgment on the + glacis. Two hundred boats were come up the Scheldt with a heavy + artillery and ammunition, which would be employed in dismounting + the enemy's defences, and raised on the batteries the 15th. A + great body of miners are summoned to the camp to countermine the + works of the enemy. We are convinced of the weakness of the + garrison, by a certain account, that they called a council of + war, to consult whether it was not advisable to march into the + citadel, and leave the town defenceless. We are assured, that + when the Confederate army was advancing towards the camp of + Marshal Villars, that general despatched a courier to his master + with a letter, giving an account of their approach, which + concluded with the following words: "The day begins to break, and + your Majesty's army is already in order of battle. Before noon, I + hope to have the honour of congratulating your Majesty on the + success of a great action; and you shall be very well satisfied + with the Marshal Villars."</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page314' title='314' id= + "page314"></a>It is to be noted, that when any part of this paper + appears dull, there is a design in it.<a name='fntag382' id= + "fntag382"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote382'><sup>382</sup></a></p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag377'>[377]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote377' id="footnote377"></a>See note to + <a href='#number36'>No. 36</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag378'>[378]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote378' id="footnote378"></a>A coffee-house + in Change Alley. See <i>Spectator</i>, No. 1, and Mrs. + Centlivre's "Bold Stroke for a Wife."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag379'>[379]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote379' id="footnote379"></a>See <a href= + '#number7'>No. 7</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag380'>[380]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote380' id="footnote380"></a>Sir William + Whitlocke, Knt., Member for Oxon, Bencher of the Middle + Temple. He is the learned knight mentioned in <a href= + '#number43'>No. 43</a> (Percy). This is confirmed by the MS. + annotator mentioned in a note to <a href='#number4'>No. + 4</a>. Nichols explains that Whitlocke is called Will + Shoestring, for his singularity in using shoe-strings, so + long after the era of shoe-buckles, which commenced in the + reign of Charles II., although ordinary people, and such as + affected plainness in their garb, wore strings in their shoes + after that time.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag381'>[381]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote381' id="footnote381"></a>"Combing the + peruke, at the time when men of fashion wore large wigs, was + even at public places an act of gallantry. The combs, for + this purpose, were of a very large size, of ivory or + tortoise-shell, curiously chased and ornamented, and were + carried in the pocket as constantly as the snuff-box. At + Court, on the Mall, and in the boxes, gentlemen conversed and + combed their perukes "(Sir John Hawkins' "Hist, of Music," + vol. iv. p. 447, note). Cf. Dryden's prologue to "Almanzor + and Almahide":—</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "But as when vizard mask appears in pit, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Straight every man who thinks himself a wit, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Perks up; and managing his comb with grace, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + With his white wig sets off his nut-brown face." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>And "The Fortune Hunters," act i. sc. 2 (1689): "He + looked, indeed, and sighed, and set his cravat-string, and + sighed again, and combed his periwig: sighed a third time, + and then took snuff, I guess to show the whiteness of his + hand." See, too, Wycherley's "Love in a Wood," act iii. sc. + 1:—</p> + + <p>"DAPPERWIT. Let me prune and flounce my perruque a little + for her; there's ne'er a young fellow in the town but will do + as much for a mere stranger in the play-house.</p> + + <p>"RANGER. A wit's wig has the privilege of being uncombed + in the very play-house, or in the presence—</p> + + <p>"DAPPERWIT. But not in the presence of his mistress; 'tis + a greater neglect of her than himself; pray lend me your + comb.... She comes, she comes; pray, your comb. + (<i>Snatches</i> RANGER'S <i>comb</i>.)"</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag382'>[382]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote382' id="footnote382"></a>"Mrs. Distaff + hath received the Dialogue dated Monday evening, which she + has sent forward to Mr. Bickerstaff at Maidenhead: and in the + meantime gives her service to the parties" (folio).</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number39' id="number39"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 39.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>By ISAAC BICKERSTAFF, Esq.</h3> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, July 7</i>, to <i>Saturday, July 9</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>Grecian Coffee-house, July 7.</h3> + + <p>As I am called forth by the immense love I bear to my fellow + creatures, and the warm inclination I feel within me, to stem, as + far as I can, the prevailing torrent of vice and ignorance; so I + cannot more properly pursue that noble impulse, than by setting + forth the excellence of virtue and knowledge in their native and + beautiful colours. For this reason I made my late excursion to + Oxford, where those qualities appear in their highest lustre, and + are the only pretences to honour and distinction: superiority is + there given in proportion to men's advancement in wisdom and + learning; and that just rule of life is so universally received + among those happy people, that you shall see an earl walk + bareheaded to the son of the meanest artificer, in respect to + seven years more worth and knowledge than the nobleman is + possessed of. In other places they bow to men's fortunes, but + here to their understandings. It is not to be expressed, how + pleasing the order, the discipline, the regularity of their + lives, is to a philosopher, who has, by many years' experience in + the world, learned to contemn everything but what is revered + <a class="pagenum" name='page315' title='315' id="page315"></a>in + this mansion of select and well-taught spirits. The magnificence + of their palaces, the greatness of their revenues, the sweetness + of their groves and retirements, seem equally adapted for the + residence of princes and philosophers; and a familiarity with + objects of splendour, as well as places of recess, prepares the + inhabitants with an equanimity for their future fortunes, whether + humble or illustrious. How was I pleased when I looked round at + St. Mary's, and could, in the faces of the ingenious youth, see + ministers of state, chancellors, bishops, and judges. Here only + is human life! Here only the life of man is a rational being! + Here men understand and are employed in works worthy their noble + nature. This transitory being passes away in an employment not + unworthy a future state, the contemplation of the great decrees + of Providence. Each man lives as if he were to answer the + questions made to Job, "Where wast thou when I laid the + foundations of the earth?... Who shut up the sea with doors, ... + and said, Hitherto shalt thou come, and no further?"<a name= + 'fntag383' id="fntag383"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote383'><sup>383</sup></a> Such speculations make life + agreeable, make death welcome, But alas! I was torn from this + noble society by the business of this dirty mean world, and the + cares of fortune: for I was obliged to be in town against the 7th + day of the term, and accordingly governed myself by my Oxford + Almanack, and came last night; but find, to my great + astonishment, that this ignorant town began the term on the 24th + of the last month, in opposition to all the learning and + astronomy of the famous university of which I have been speaking; + according to which, the term certainly was to commence on the 1st + instant.<a name='fntag384' id="fntag384"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote384'><sup>384</sup></a> You may be sure, a man who has + turned his studies as I have, could not be <a class="pagenum" + name='page316' title='316' id="page316"></a>mistaken in point of + time; for knowing I was to come to town in term, I examined the + passing moments very narrowly, and called an eminent astronomer + to my assistance. Upon very strict observation we found, that the + cold has been so severe this last winter (which is allowed to + have a benumbing quality), that it retarded the earth in moving + round from Christmas to this season full seven days and two + seconds. My learned friend assured me further, that the earth had + lately received a shog from a comet that crossed its vortex, + which, if it had come ten degrees nearer us, had made us lose + this whole term. I was indeed once of opinion, that the Gregorian + computation was the most regular, as being eleven days before the + Julian; but am now fully convinced, that we ought to be seven + days after the chancellor and judges, and eighteen before the + Pope of Rome; and that the Oxonian computation is the best of the + three. These are the reasons which I have gathered from + philosophy and nature; to which I can add other circumstances in + vindication of the account of this learned body who published + this almanack. It is notorious to philosophers, that joy and + grief can hasten and delay time. Mr. Locke is of opinion, that a + man in great misery may so far lose his measure, as to think a + minute an hour; or in joy, make an hour a minute. Let us examine + the present case by this rule, and we shall find, that the cause + of this general mistake in the British nation, has been the great + success of the last campaign, and the following hopes of peace. + Stocks ran so high at the 'Change, that the citizens had gained + three days of the courtiers; and we have indeed been so happy + this reign, that if the University did not rectify our mistakes, + we should think ourselves but in the second year of her present + Majesty. It would be endless to enumerate the many damages that + have happened by this <a class="pagenum" name='page317' title= + '317' id="page317"></a>ignorance of the vulgar. All the + recognisances within the Diocese of Oxford have been forfeited, + for not appearing on the first day of this fictitious term. The + University has been nonsuited in their action against the + booksellers for printing Clarendon in quarto. But indeed what + gives me the most quick concern, is the case of a poor gentleman + my friend, who was the other day taken in execution by a set of + ignorant bailiffs. He should, it seems, have pleaded in the first + week of term; but being a Master of Arts of Oxford, he would not + recede from the Oxonian computation. He showed Mr. Broad the + almanack, and the very day when the term began; but the merciless + ignorant fellow, against all sense and learning, would hurry him + away. He went indeed quietly enough; but he has taken exact notes + of the time of arrest, and sufficient witnesses of his being + carried into gaol; and has, by advice of the Recorder of Oxford, + brought his action; and we doubt not but we shall pay them off + with damages, and blemish the reputation of Mr. Broad. We have + one convincing proof, which all that frequent the Courts of + Justice are witnesses of: the dog that comes constantly to + Westminster on the first day of the term, did not appear till the + first day according to the Oxford Almanack; whose instinct I take + to be a better guide than men's erroneous opinions, which are + usually biased by interest. I judge in this case, as King Charles + II. victualled his navy, with the bread which one of his dogs + chose of several pieces thrown before him, rather than trust to + the asseverations of the victuallers. Mr. Cowper,<a name= + 'fntag385' id="fntag385"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote385'><sup>385</sup></a> and other learned counsel, have + already urged the authority of this almanack, in behalf of their + <a class="pagenum" name='page318' title='318' id= + "page318"></a>clients. We shall therefore go on with all speed in + our cause; and doubt not, but Chancery will give at the end what + we lost in the beginning, by protracting the term for us till + Wednesday come se'nnight: and the University orator shall for + ever pray, &c.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, July 7.</h3> + + <p>The subject of duels<a name='fntag386' id= + "fntag386"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote386'><sup>386</sup></a> has, I find, been started with + so good success, that it has been the frequent subject of + conversation among polite men; and a dialogue of that kind has + been transmitted to me verbatim, as follows. The persons + concerned in it are men of honour, and experience in the manners + of men, and have fallen upon the truest foundation, as well as + searched the bottom, of this evil.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. If it were in my power, every man that drew his + sword, unless in the Service, or purely to defend his life, + person, or goods, from violence (I mean abstracted from all + punctos or whims of honour) should ride the wooden horse in the + Tilt Yard<a name='fntag387' id="fntag387"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote387'><sup>387</sup></a> for such first offence, for the + second stand in the pillory, and for the third be prisoner in + Bedlam for life.</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. I remember, that a rencounter or duel was so far + from being in fashion among the officers that served in the + Parliament army, that on the contrary, it was as disreputable, + and as great an impediment to advancement in the Service, as + being bashful in time of action.</p> + + <p>Sir MARK. Yet I have been informed by some old Cavaliers, of + famous reputation for brave and gallant men, that they were much + more in mode among their party, than they have been during this + last war.</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. That is true too, sir. <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page319' title='319' id="page319"></a>Mr. SAGE. By what you say, + gentlemen, one should think that our present military officers + are compounded of an equal proportion of both those tempers; + since duels are neither quite discountenanced, nor much in + vogue.</p> + + <p>Sir MARK. That difference of temper, in regard to duels, which + appears to have been between the Court and Parliament-men of the + sword, was not (I conceive) for want of courage in the latter, + nor of a liberal education; because there were some of the best + families in England engaged in that party; but gallantry and + mode, which glitter agreeably to the imagination, were encouraged + by the Court, as promoting its splendour; and it was as natural + that the contrary party (who were to recommend themselves to the + public for men of serious and solid parts) should deviate from + everything chimerical.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. I have never read of a duel among the Romans; and + yet their nobility used more liberty with their tongues than one + may do now without being challenged.</p> + + <p>Sir MARK. Perhaps the Romans were of opinion, that ill + language, and brutal manners, reflected only on those who were + guilty of them; and that a man's reputation was not at all + cleared by cutting the person's throat who had reflected upon it: + but the custom of those times had fixed the scandal in the + action; whereas now it lies in the reproach.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. And yet the only sort of duel that one can conceive + to have been fought upon motives truly honourable and allowable, + was that between the Horatii and Curiatii.</p> + + <p>Sir MARK. Colonel Plume, pray what was the method of single + combat in your time among the Cavaliers? I suppose, that as the + use of clothes continues, though the <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page320' title='320' id="page320"></a>fashion of them has been + mutable; so duels, though still in use, have had in all times + their particular modes of performance.</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. We had no constant rule, but generally conducted + our dispute and tilt according to the last that had happened + between persons of reputation among the very top fellows for + bravery and gallantry.</p> + + <p>Sir MARK. If the fashion of quarrelling and tilting was so + often changed in your time, Colonel Plume, a man might fight, yet + lose his credit for want of understanding the fashion.</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. Why, Sir Mark, in the beginning of July, a man + would have been censured for want of courage, or been thought + indigent of the true notions of honour, if he had put up [with] + words, which in the end of September following, one could not + resent without passing for a brutal and quarrelsome fellow.</p> + + <p>Sir MARK. But, Colonel, were duels or rencounters most in + fashion in those days?</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. Your men of nice honour, sir, were for avoiding + all censure of advantage which they supposed might be taken in a + rencounter; therefore they used seconds, who were to see that all + was upon the square, and make a faithful report of the whole + combat; but in a little time it became a fashion for the seconds + to fight, and I'll tell you how it happened.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. Pray do, Colonel Plume, and the method of a duel at + that time, and give us some notion of the punctos upon which your + nice men quarrelled in those days.</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. I was going to tell you, Mr. Sage, that one Cornet + Modish had desired his friend, Captain Smart's, opinion in some + affair, but did not follow it; upon which Captain Smart sent + Major Adroit (a very <a class="pagenum" name='page321' title= + '321' id="page321"></a>topping fellow of those times) to the + person that had slighted his advice. The Major never inquired + into the quarrel, because it was not the manner then among the + very topping fellows; but got two swords of an equal length, and + then waited upon Cornet Modish, desiring him to choose his sword, + and meet his friend Captain Smart. Cornet Modish came with his + friend to the place of combat; there the principals put on their + pumps, and stripped to their shirts, to show they had nothing but + what men of honour carry about them, and then engaged.</p> + + <p>Sir MARK. And did the seconds stand by, sir?</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. It was a received custom till that time; but the + swords of those days being pretty long, and the principals acting + on both sides upon the defensive, and the morning being frosty, + Major Adroit desired that the other second, who was also a very + topping fellow, would try a thrust or two only to keep them warm, + till the principals had decided the matter, which was agreed to + by Modish's second, who presently whipped Adroit through the + body, disarmed him, and then parted the principals, who had + received no harm at all.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. But was not Adroit laughed at?</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. On the contrary, the very topping fellows were + ever after of opinion, that no man who deserved that character, + could serve as a second, without fighting; and the Smarts and + Modishes finding their account in it, the humour took without + opposition.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. Pray, Colonel, how long did that fashion + continue?</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME, Not long neither, Mr. Sage; for as soon as it + became a fashion, the very topping fellows thought their honour + reflected upon, if they did not proffer themselves as seconds + when any of their friends had a quarrel; so that sometimes there + were a dozen of a side.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page322' title='322' id= + "page322"></a>Sir MARK. Bless me! If that custom had continued, + we should have been at a loss now for our very pretty fellows; + for they seem to be the proper men to officer, animate, and keep + up an army: but, pray, sir, how did that sociable manner of + tilting grow out of mode?</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. Why, sir, I'll tell you; it was a law among the + combatants, that the party which happened to have the first man + disarmed or killed, should yield as vanquished; which some people + thought might encourage the Modishes and Smarts in quarrelling, + to the destruction of only the very topping fellows; and as soon + as this reflection was started, the very topping fellows thought + it an incumbrance upon their honour to fight at all themselves. + Since that time, the Modishes and the Smarts, throughout all + Europe, have extolled the French king's edict.</p> + + <p>Sir MARK. Our very pretty fellows, whom I take to be the + successors of the very topping fellows, think a quarrel so little + fashionable, that they will not be exposed to it by another man's + vanity, or want of sense.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. But, Colonel, I have observed in your account of + duels, that there was a great exactness in avoiding all advantage + that might possibly be between the combatants.</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. That's true, sir; for the weapons were always + equal.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. Yes, sir; but suppose an active, adroit, strong man, + had insulted an awkward, or a feeble, or an unpractised + swordsman.</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. Then, sir, they fought with pistols.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. But, sir, there might be a certain advantage that + way; for a good marksman will be sure to hit his man at twenty + yards distance; and a man whose hand shakes (which is common to + men that debauch in pleasures, <a class="pagenum" name='page323' + title='323' id="page323"></a>or have not used pistols out of + their holsters) won't venture to fire, unless he touches the + person he shoots at. Now, sir, I am of opinion, that one can get + no honour in killing a man (if one has it all rug,<a name= + 'fntag388' id="fntag388"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote388'><sup>388</sup></a> as the gamesters say), when + they have a trick to make the game secure, though they seem to + play upon the square.</p> + + <p>Sir MARK. In truth, Mr. Sage, I think such a fact must be + murder in a man's own private conscience, whatever it may appear + to the world.</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. I have known some men so nice, that they would not + fight but upon a cloak without pistols.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. I believe a custom, well established, would outdo + the Grand Monarch's edict.<a name='fntag389' id= + "fntag389"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote389'><sup>389</sup></a></p> + + <p>Sir MARK. And bullies would then leave off their long swords; + but I don't find that a very pretty fellow can stay to change his + sword, when he is insulted by a bully with a long diego,<a name= + 'fntag390' id="fntag390"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote390'><sup>390</sup></a> though his own at the same time + be no longer than a penknife; which will certainly be the case, + if such little swords are in mode. Pray, Colonel, how was it + between the hectors of your time and the very topping + fellows?</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. Sir, long swords happened to be generally worn in + those times.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. In answer to what you were saying, Sir Mark, give me + leave to inform you, that your knights-errant (who were the very + pretty fellows of those ancient times) thought they could not + honourably yield, though they <a class="pagenum" name='page324' + title='324' id="page324"></a>had fought their own trusty weapons + to the stumps; but would venture as boldly with the page's leaden + sword, as if it had been of enchanted metal. Whence I conceive, + there must be a spice of romantic gallantry in the composition of + that very pretty fellow.</p> + + <p>Sir MARK. I am of opinion, Mr. Sage, that fashion governs a + very pretty fellow; nature, or common sense, your ordinary + persons, and sometimes men of fine parts.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. But what is the reason, that men of the most + excellent sense and morals (in other points) associate their + understandings with the very pretty fellows in that chimæra of a + duel?</p> + + <p>Sir MARK. There's no disputing against so great a + majority.</p> + + <p>Mr. SAGE. But there is one scruple (Colonel Plume) and I have + done: don't you believe there may be some advantage even upon a + cloak with pistols, which a man of nice honour would scruple to + take?</p> + + <p>Col. PLUME. Faith, I can't tell, sir; but since one may + reasonably suppose, that (in such a case) there can be but one so + far in the wrong as to occasion matters to come to that + extremity, I think the chance of being killed should fall but on + one; whereas by their close and desperate manner of fighting, it + may very probably happen to both.</p> + + <p>Sir MARK. Why, gentlemen, if they are men of such nice honour + (and must fight), there will be no fear of foul play, if they + threw up cross or pile<a name='fntag391' id= + "fntag391"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote391'><sup>391</sup></a> who should be shot.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag383'>[383]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote383' id="footnote383"></a>Job xxxviii. 4, + 8, 11.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag384'>[384]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote384' id="footnote384"></a>There was a + difference between the University terms and the Law + terms.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag385'>[385]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote385' id="footnote385"></a>Spencer Cowper + (1669-1727), brother of Earl Cowper, and afterwards a judge + of the Common Pleas. He was one of the managers of the + impeachment of Sacheverell in 1710.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag386'>[386]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote386' id="footnote386"></a>See Nos. + <a href="#number25">25</a>, <a href="#number26">26</a>, + <a href="#number29">29</a>, <a href="#number31">31</a>, + <a href="#number38">38</a>, 205.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag387'>[387]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote387' id="footnote387"></a>At + Whitehall.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag388'>[388]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote388' id="footnote388"></a><i>Cf.</i> + "Wentworth Papers," p. 394: "June 29, 1714. The changes at + Court does not go so rug as some people expected and gave + out, that 'twas to be all intire Tory with the least seeming + mixture of Whigs."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag389'>[389]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote389' id="footnote389"></a>See + <i>Spectator</i>, No. 97.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag390'>[390]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote390' id="footnote390"></a>A sword. Don + Diego was a familiar name for a Spaniard with both English + and French writers in the seventeenth century. San Diego is a + corruption of Santiago (St. James), the patron saint of + Spain.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag391'>[391]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote391' id="footnote391"></a>A pillar, the + design on one side of a coin, bearing on the other a cross. + Swift says, "This I humbly conceive to be perfect boys' play; + cross, I win, and pile, you lose."</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page325' title='325' id= + "page325"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number40' id="number40"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 40.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, July 9</i>, to <i>Tuesday, July 12</i>, + 1709.</h3> + </div> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, July 11.</h3> + + <p>Letters from the city of London give an account of a very + great consternation that place is in at present, by reason of a + late inquiry made at Guildhall, whether a noble person<a name= + 'fntag392' id="fntag392"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote392'><sup>392</sup></a> has parts enough to deserve the + enjoyment of the great estate of which he is possessed. The city + is apprehensive that this precedent may go further than was at + first imagined. The person against whom this inquisi<a class= + "pagenum" name='page326' title='326' id="page326"></a>tion is set + up by his relations, is a peer of a neighbouring kingdom, and has + in his youth made some few bulls, by which it is insinuated, that + he has forfeited his goods and chattels. This is the more + astonishing, in that there are many persons in the said city who + are still more guilty than his lordship, and who, though they are + idiots, do not only possess, but have also themselves acquired + great estates, contrary to the known laws of this realm, which + vests their possessions in the Crown. There is a gentleman of + this coffee-house at this time exhibiting a bill in Chancery + against his father's younger brother, who by some strange magic + has arrived at the value of half a plum, as the citizens call a + hundred thousand pounds; and in all the time of growing up to + that wealth, was never known in any of his ordinary words or + actions to discover any proof of reason. Upon this foundation my + friend has set forth, that he is illegally master of his coffers, + and has writ two epigrams to signify his own pretensions and + sufficiency for spending that estate. He has inserted in his plea + some things which I fear will give offence; for he pretends to + argue, that though a man has a little of the knave mixed with the + fool, he is nevertheless liable to the loss of goods; and makes + the abuse of reason as just an avoidance of an estate as the + total absence of it. This is what can never pass; but witty men + are so full of themselves, that there is no persuading them; and + my friend will not be convinced, but that upon quoting Solomon, + who always used the word "fool" as a term of the same + signification with "unjust," and makes all deviation from + goodness and virtue to come under the notion of folly—I + say, he doubts not, but by the force of this authority, let his + idiot uncle appear never so great a knave, he shall prove him a + fool at the same time. This affair led the company here into an + examination of these points; and none coming here <a class= + "pagenum" name='page327' title='327' id="page327"></a>but wits, + what was asserted by a young lawyer, that a lunatic is in the + care of the Chancery, but a fool in that of the Crown, was + received with general indignation. "Why that?" says old Renault. + "Why that? Why must a fool be a courtier more than a madman? This + is the iniquity of this dull age: I remember the time when it + went on the mad side; all your top wits were scowrers,<a name= + 'fntag393' id="fntag393"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote393'><sup>393</sup></a> rakes, roarers, and demolishers + of windows. I remember a mad lord who was drunk five years + together, and was the envy of that age, and is faintly imitated + by the dull pretenders to vice and madness in this. Had he lived + to this day, there had not been a fool in fashion in the whole + kingdom." When Renault had done speaking, a very worthy man + assumed the discourse: "This is," said he, "Mr. Bickerstaff, a + proper argument for you to treat in your article from this place; + and if you would send your Pacolet into all our brains, you would + find, that a little fibre or valve, scarce discernible, makes the + distinction between a politician and an idiot. We should + therefore throw a veil upon those unhappy instances of human + nature, who seem to breathe without the direction of reason and + understanding, as we should avert our eyes with abhorrence from + such as live in perpetual abuse and contradiction to these noble + faculties. Shall this unfortunate man be divested of his estate, + because he is tractable and indolent, runs in no man's debt, + invades no man's bed, nor spends the estate he owes his children + and his character; when one who shows no sense above him, but + <a class="pagenum" name='page328' title='328' id="page328"></a>in + such practices, shall be esteemed in his senses, and possibly may + pretend to the guardianship of him who is no ways his inferior, + but in being less wicked? We see old age brings us indifferently + into the same impotence of soul, wherein nature has placed this + lord. There is something very fantastical in the distribution of + civil power and capacity among men. The law certainly gives these + persons into the ward and care of the Crown, because that is best + able to protect them from injuries, and the impositions of craft + and knavery; that the life of an idiot may not ruin the entail of + a noble house, and his weakness may not frustrate the industry or + capacity of the founder of his family. But when one of bright + parts, as we say, with his eyes open, and all men's eyes upon + him, destroys those purposes, there is no remedy. Folly and + ignorance are punished! Folly and guilt are tolerated! Mr. Locke + has somewhere made a distinction between a madman and a + fool:<a name='fntag394' id="fntag394"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote394'><sup>394</sup></a> a fool is he that from right + principles makes a wrong conclusion; but a madman is one who + draws a just inference from false principles. Thus the fool who + cut off the fellow's head that lay asleep, and hid it, and then + waited to see what he would say when he awakened and missed his + headpiece, was in the right in the first thought, that a man + would be surprised to find such an alteration in things since he + fell asleep; but he was a little mistaken to imagine he could + awake at all after his head was off. A madman fancies himself a + prince; but upon his mistake, he acts suitably to that character; + and though he is out in supposing he has principalities, while he + drinks gruel, and lies in straw, yet you shall see him keep the + port of a distressed monarch in all his words and actions. These + two persons are equally taken into custody: but what must be done + to half this good com<a class="pagenum" name='page329' title= + '329' id="page329"></a>pany, who every hour of their life are + knowingly and wittingly both fools and madmen, and yet have + capacities both of forming principles, and drawing conclusions, + with the full use of reason?"</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, July 11.</h3> + + <p>This evening some ladies came to visit my sister Jenny; and + the discourse, after very many frivolous and public matters, + turned upon the main point among the women, the passion of + love.<a name='fntag395' id="fntag395"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote395'><sup>395</sup></a> Sappho, who always leads on + this occasion, began to show her reading, and told us, that Sir + John Suckling and Milton had, upon a parallel occasion, said the + tenderest things she had ever read. "The circumstance," said she, + "is such as gives us a notion of that protecting part which is + the duty of men in their honourable designs upon, or possession + of, women. In Suckling's tragedy of 'Brennoralt' he makes the + lover steal into his mistress's bedchamber, and draw the + curtains; then, when his heart is full of her charms, as she lies + sleeping, instead of being carried away by the violence of his + desires into thoughts of a warmer nature, sleep, which is the + image of death, gives this generous lover reflections of a + different kind, which regard rather her safety than his own + passion. For, beholding her as she lies sleeping, he utters these + words:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "So misers look upon their gold, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Which, while they joy to see, they fear to lose: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The pleasure of the sight scarce equalling + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The jealousy of being dispossessed by others. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Her face is like the Milky Way i' th' sky, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + A meeting of gentle lights without name! + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "<a class="pagenum" name='page330' title='330' id= + "page330"></a>Heavens I shall this fresh ornament of the + world, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + These precious love-lines, pass with other common things + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Amongst the wastes of time? what pity 'twere!<a name= + 'fntag396' id="fntag396"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote396'><sup>396</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"When Milton makes Adam leaning on his arm, beholding Eve, and + lying in the contemplation of her beauty, he describes the utmost + tenderness and guardian affection in one word:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Adam with looks of cordial love + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Hung over her enamoured.<a name='fntag397' id= + "fntag397"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote397'><sup>397</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"This is that sort of passion which truly deserves the name of + 'love,' and has something more generous than friendship itself; + for it has a constant care of the object beloved, abstracted from + its own interests in the possession of it." Sappho was proceeding + on the subject, when my sister produced a letter sent to her in + the time of my absence, in celebration of the marriage state, + which is the condition wherein only this sort of passion reigns + in full authority. The epistle is as follows:</p> + + <p>"DEAR MADAM,</p> + + <p>"Your brother being absent, I dare take the liberty of writing + to you my thoughts of that state, which our whole sex either is + or desires to be in: you'll easily guess I mean matrimony, which + I hear so much decried, that it was with no small labour I + maintained my ground against two opponents; but, as your brother + observed of Socrates, I drew them into my conclusion from their + own concessions; thus:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "In marriage are two happy things allowed, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + A wife in wedding-sheets, and in a shroud. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + How can a marriage state then be accursed, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Since the last day's as happy as the first? + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"<a class="pagenum" name='page331' title='331' id= + "page331"></a>If you think they were too easily confuted, you may + conclude them not of the first sense, by their talking against + marriage.</p> + + <p>"Yours,</p> + + <p class="right">"MARIANA."</p> + + <p>I observed Sappho began to redden at this epistle; and turning + to a lady, who was playing with a dog she was so fond of as to + carry him abroad with her; "Nay," says she, "I cannot blame the + men if they have mean ideas of our souls and affections, and + wonder so many are brought to take us for companions for life, + when they see our endearments so triflingly placed: for, to my + knowledge, Mr. Truman would give half his estate for half the + affection you have shown to that Shock: nor do I believe you + would be ashamed to confess, that I saw you cry, when he had the + colic last week with lapping sour milk. What more could you do + for your lover himself?" "What more!" replied the lady, "there is + not a man in England for whom I could lament half so much." Then + she stifled the animal with kisses, and called him, Beau, Life, + Dear, Monsieur, Pretty Fellow, and what not, in the hurry of her + impertinence. Sappho rose up; as she always does at anything she + observes done, which discovers in her own sex a levity of mind, + which renders them inconsiderable in the opinion of others.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, July 11.</h3> + + <p>Letters from the Hague of the 16th instant, N.S., say, that + the siege of Tournay went on with all imaginable success; and + that there has been no manner of stop given to the attempts of + the Confederates since they undertook it, except that by an + accident of firing a piece of ordnance, it burst, and killed + fifteen or sixteen men. The French army <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page332' title='332' id="page332"></a>is still in the camp of + Lens, and goes on in improving their entrenchments. When the last + advices came away, it was believed the town of Tournay would be + in the hands of the Confederates by the end of this month. + Advices from Brussels inform us, that they have an account of a + great action between the malcontents in the Vivarez, and the + French king's forces under the command of the Duke of Roquelaure, + in which engagement there were eighteen hundred men killed on the + spot. They add, that all sorts of people who are under any + oppression or discontent do daily join the Vivarois; and that + their present body of men in arms consisted of six thousand. This + sudden insurrection has put the Court of France under great + difficulties; and the king has given orders, that the main body + of his troops in Spain shall withdraw into his own dominions, + where they are to be quartered in such countries as have of late + discovered an inclination to take up arms: the calamities of that + kingdom being such, that the people are not by any means to be + kept in obedience, except by the terror of military execution. + What makes the distresses still greater, is, that the Court + begins to be doubtful of their troops, some regiments in the + action in the Cevennes having faced about against their officers; + and after the battle was over, joined the malcontents. Upon + receiving advice of this battle, the Duke of Berwick detached + twelve battalions into those parts, and began to add new works to + his entrenchments near Briançon, in order to defend his camp, + after being weakened by sending so great a reinforcement into the + Cevennes. Letters from Spain say, that the Duchess of Anjou was + lately delivered of a second son. They write from Madrid of the + 25th of June, that the blockade of Olivenza was continued; but + acknowledge, that the late provisions which were thrown into the + place, make them <a class="pagenum" name='page333' title='333' + id="page333"></a>doubt whether they shall be masters of it this + campaign; though it is at present so closely blocked up, that it + appears impracticable to send in any more stores or succours. + They are preparing with all expedition to repair the + fortifications of Alicante, for the security of the kingdom of + Valencia.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag392'>[392]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote392' id="footnote392"></a>It appears from + Luttrell's "Brief Relation," that in Feb. 1707, Commissioners + sat in the Exchequer Room at Westminster to try whether + Viscount Wenman, "aged 19, of £5000 per annum estate in + Oxfordshire," were an idiot or not. On the 14th February the + Commission was superseded. In June 1709, a new Commission + passed the Great Seal for inquiring into the Viscount's + idiocy, and on July 29 they found that he was no idiot. On + July 12, Peter Wentworth wrote thus to Lord Raby: "The + prosecution of Lord Wainman is now order'd again, upon wch + the <i>Tatler</i> is to day; the accation I am told is this, + that last year when there was a stopt put to't 'twas upon the + intercession lady Wainman the mother made to the Queen, and + that she designed to marry her son, the fool, to Sir John + Packington's daughter, 'twas then said that my Lady her self + had married her Butler, wch the Queen desired her to tell the + truth, and she did assure the Queen upon her word and + honour,'twas false, and she never intended any such thing, + but of late she has own her marriage to that same Butler, and + put off the match with Sir John P——daughter, and + married him to her husband's sister, wch they say the Queen + is angry at and therefore this fresh prosecution is order'd" + ("Wentworth Papers," p. 93). Lord Wenman, the fifth Viscount, + was born in 1687, married Susannah, daughter of Seymour + Wroughton, Esq., in 1709, and died in 1729. Lord Wenman's + brother-in-law, Francis Wroughton, was also his + father-in-law, for he had married, in 1699, as her third + husband, the Viscount's mother, the Countess of Abingdon.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag393'>[393]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote393' id="footnote393"></a>The Scowrers + and Roarers were the forerunners of the Mohocks of 1712. + Shadwell wrote a play called "The Scowrers," and often + alludes to the window-breakers of his time. See Gay's + "Trivia," iii. 325:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Who has not heard the Scowrer's midnight fame? + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Who has not trembled at the Mohock's name?" + </div> + </div> + </div> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag394'>[394]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote394' id="footnote394"></a>"Essay + concerning Human Understanding," chap. xii. sect. 14.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag395'>[395]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote395' id="footnote395"></a>See Nos. + <a href="#number6">6</a>, <a href="#number35">35</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag396'>[396]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote396' id="footnote396"></a>"Brennoralt," + act iii.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag397'>[397]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote397' id="footnote397"></a>"Paradise + Lost," iv. 12, 13.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number41' id="number41"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 41.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, July 12</i>, to <i>Thursday, July 14</i>, + 1709.</h3> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Celebrare domestica facta. + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, July 12.</h3> + + <p>There is no one thing more to be lamented in our nation, than + their general affectation of everything that is foreign; nay, we + carry it so far, that we are more anxious for our own countrymen + when they have crossed the seas, than when we see them in the + same dangerous condition before our eyes at home: else how is it + possible, that on the 29th of the last month, there should have + been a battle fought in our very streets of London, and nobody at + this end of the town have heard of it? I protest, I, who make it + my business to inquire after adventures, should never have known + this, had not the following account been sent me enclosed in a + letter. This, it seems, is the way of giving out of orders in the + Artillery Company;<a name='fntag398' id="fntag398"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote398'><sup>398</sup></a> and they prepare for + a day of action with so little concern, as only to call it, "An + Exercise of Arms."</p> + + <p>"An Exercise at Arms of the Artillery Company, to be performed + on Wednesday, June 29, 1709, under the command of Sir Joseph + Woolfe, Knight and Alderman, General; <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page334' title='334' id="page334"></a>Charles Hopson, Esquire, + present Sheriff, Lieutenant-General; Captain Richard Synge, + Major; Major John Shorey, Captain of Grenadiers; Captain William + Grayhurst, Captain John Buttler, Captain Robert Carellis, + Captains.</p> + + <p>"The body march from the Artillery Ground through Moorgate, + Coleman Street, Lothbury, Broad Street, Finch Lane, Cornhill, + Cheapside, St. Martin's, St. Anne's Lane, halt the pikes under + the wall in Noble Street, draw up the firelocks facing the + Goldsmiths' Hall, make ready and face to the left, and fire, and + so ditto three times. Beat to arms, and march round the hall, as + up Lad Lane, Gutter Lane, Honey Lane, and so wheel to the right, + and make your salute to my lord, and so down St. Anne's Lane, up + Aldersgate Street, Barbican, and draw up in Red Cross Street, the + right at St. Paul's Alley in the rear. March off + Lieutenant-General with half the body up Beech Lane: he sends a + subdivision up King's Head Court, and takes post in it, and + marches two divisions round into Red Lion Market, to defend that + pass, and succour the division in King's Head Court, but keeps in + White Cross Street, facing Beech Lane, the rest of the body ready + drawn up. Then the General marches up Beech Lane, is attacked, + but forces the division in the court into the market, and enters + with three divisions while he presses the Lieutenant-General's + main body; and at the same time, the three divisions force those + of the revolters out of the market, and so all the + Lieutenant-General's body retreats into Chiswell Street, and + lodges two divisions in Grub Street; and as the General marches + on, they fall on his flank, but soon made to give way; but having + a retreating place in Red Lion Court, but could not hold it, + being put to flight through Paul's Alley, and pursued by the + General's grenadiers, while he marches up and <a class="pagenum" + name='page335' title='335' id="page335"></a>attacks their main + body, but are opposed again by a party of men as lay in Black + Raven Court; but they are forced also to retire soon in the + utmost confusion; and at the same time those brave divisions in + Paul's Alley ply their rear with grenadiers, that with + precipitation they take to the rout along Bunhill Row: so the + General marches into the Artillery Ground, and being drawn up, + finds the revolting party to have found entrance, and makes a + show as if for a battle, and both armies soon engage in form, and + fire by platoons."</p> + + <p>Much might be said for the improvement of this system; which, + for its style and invention, may instruct generals and their + historians, both in fighting a battle, and describing it when it + is over. These elegant expressions, "Ditto," "And so," "But + soon," "But having," "But could not," "But are," "But they," + "Finds the party to have found," &c., do certainly give great + life and spirit to the relation. Indeed I am extremely concerned + for the Lieutenant-General, who, by his overthrow and defeat, is + made a deplorable instance of the fortune of war, and + vicissitudes of human affairs. He, alas! has lost in Beech Lane + and Chiswell Street, all the glory he lately gained in and about + Holborn and St. Giles's. The art of subdividing first, and + dividing afterwards, is new and surprising; and according to this + method, the troops are disposed in King's Head Court and Red Lion + Market: nor is the conduct of these leaders less conspicuous in + their choice of the ground or field of battle. Happy was it, that + the greatest part of the achievements of this day was to be + performed near Grub Street,<a name='fntag399' id= + "fntag399"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote399'><sup>399</sup></a> that there might not be + <a class="pagenum" name='page336' title='336' id= + "page336"></a>wanting a sufficient number of faithful historians, + who being eye-witnesses of these wonders, should impartially + transmit them to posterity: but then it can never be enough + regretted, that we are left in the dark as to the name and title + of that extraordinary hero who commanded the divisions in Paul's + Alley; especially because those divisions are justly styled + brave, and accordingly were to push the enemy along Bunhill Row, + and thereby occasion a general battle. But Pallas appeared in the + form of a shower of rain, and prevented the slaughter and + desolation which were threatened by these extraordinary + preparations.</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Hi motus animorum atque hæc certamina tanta + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Pulveris exigui jactu compressa quiescunt.<a name= + 'fntag400' id="fntag400"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote400'><sup>400</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, July 13.</h3> + + <p>Some part of the company keep up the old way of conversation + in this place, which usually turned upon the examination of + nature, and an inquiry into the manners of men. There is one in + the room so very judicious, that he manages impertinents with the + utmost dexterity. It was diverting this evening to hear a + discourse between him and one of these gentlemen. He told me + before that person joined us, that he was a questioner, who, + according to his description, is one who asks questions, not with + a design to receive information, but an affectation to show his + uneasiness for want of it. He went on in asserting, that there + are crowds of that modest ambition, as to aim no farther than to + demonstrate that they are in doubt. But by this time Will Why-not + was sat down by <a class="pagenum" name='page337' title='337' id= + "page337"></a>us. "So, gentlemen," says he, "in how many days, + think you, shall we be masters of Tournay? Is the account of the + action of the Vivarois to be depended upon? Could you have + imagined England had so much money in it, as you see it has + produced? Pray, sirs, what do you think? Will the Duke of Savoy + make an eruption into France? But," says he, "time will clear all + these mysteries." His answer to himself gave me the altitude of + his head, and to all his questions I thus answered very + satisfactorily: "Sir, have you heard that this + Slaughterford<a name='fntag401' id="fntag401"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote401'><sup>401</sup></a> never owned the fact for + which he died? Have the newspapers mentioned that matter? But, + pray, can you tell me what method will be taken to provide for + these Palatines?<a name='fntag402' id="fntag402"></a><a class= + 'fn' href='#footnote402'><sup>402</sup></a> But this, as you say, + time will clear." "Ay, ay," says he, and whispers me, "they will + never let us into these things beforehand." I whispered him + again, "We shall know it as soon as there is a proclamation." He + tells me in the other ear, "You are in the right of it." Then he + whispered my friend to know what my name was; then made an + obliging bow, and went to examine another table. This led my + friend and me to weigh this wandering manner in many other + incidents, and he took out of his pockets several little notes or + tickets to solicit for votes to employments: as, "Mr. John + Taplash having served all offices, and being reduced to great + poverty, desires your vote for singing clerk of this parish." + Another "has had ten children, all whom his wife has suckled + herself; therefore humbly desires to be a schoolmaster." There is + nothing so frequent as this way of application for offices. It is + not that you are fit for the place, but because the place would + be convenient for you, that you claim a merit to it. But commend + me to the great Kirleus,<a name='fntag403' id= + "fntag403"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote403'><sup>403</sup></a> who has <a class="pagenum" + name='page338' title='338' id="page338"></a>lately set up for + midwifery, and to help childbirth, for no other reason, but that + he is himself the Unborn Doctor. The way is to hit upon something + that puts the vulgar upon the stare, or that touches their + compassion, which is often the weakest part about us. I know a + good lady, who has taken her daughters from their old + dancing-master, to place them with another, for no other reason, + but because the new man has broke his leg, which is so ill set, + that he can never dance more.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, July 13.</h3> + + <p>As it is a frequent mortification to me to receive letters, + wherein people tell me, without a name, they know I meant them in + such and such a passage; so that very accusation is an argument, + that there are such beings in human life, as fall under our + description and our discourse, is not altogether fantastical and + groundless. But in this case I am treated as I saw a boy was the + other day, who gave out poxy bills: every plain fellow took it + that passed by, and went on his way without further notice: at + last came one with his nose a little abridged; who knocks the lad + down, with a, "Why, you son of a w——e, do you think I + am p——d?" But Shakespeare has made the best apology + for this way of talking against the public errors: he makes + Jaques, in the play called "As You Like It," express himself + thus:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Why, who cries out on pride, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + That can therein tax any private party? + </div> + + <div class="line"> + What woman in the city do I name, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + When that I say the city woman bears + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The cost of princes on unworthy shoulders? + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Who can come in and say that I mean her, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + When such a one as she, such is her neighbour? + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Or, what is he of basest function, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + That says his bravery is not on my cost? + </div> + + <div class="line"> + <a class="pagenum" name='page339' title='339' id= + "page339"></a>Thinking that I mean him, but therein suits + </div> + + <div class="line"> + His folly to the mettle of my speech. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + There then! How then? Then let me see wherein + </div> + + <div class="line"> + My tongue hath wronged him: if it do him right, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Then he hath wronged himself: if he be free, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Why then my taxing like a wild goose flies, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Unclaimed of any man.<a name='fntag404' id= + "fntag404"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote404'><sup>404</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, July 13.</h3> + + <p>We have received, by letters of the 18th instant from the camp + before Tournay, an account, that we were in a fair prospect of + being masters of the town within seven days after that date. Our + batteries had utterly overthrown those of the enemy. On the 16th + instant, N.S., General Schuylemburg had made a lodgment on the + counterscarp of the Tenaille; which post was so weakly defended, + that we lost but six men in gaining it. So that there seems + reason to hope, that the citadel will also be in the hands of the + Confederates about the 6th of August, O.S. These advices inform + us further, that Marshal Villars had ordered large detachments to + make motions towards Douay and Condé. The swift progress of this + siege has so much alarmed the other frontier towns of France, + that they were throwing down some houses in the suburbs of + Valenciennes, which they think may stand commodiously for the + enemy in case that place should be invested. The Elector of + Cologne is making all imaginable haste to remove from thence to + Rheims.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag398'>[398]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote398' id="footnote398"></a>See Nos. + <a href="#number28">28</a>, <a href="#number38">38</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag399'>[399]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote399' id="footnote399"></a>Grub Street, + Cripplegate (now Milton Street), became, towards the end of + the seventeenth century, the abode of what Johnson calls + "writers of small histories, dictionaries and temporary + poems; whence any mean production is called Grub Street."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag400'>[400]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote400' id="footnote400"></a>Virgil, + "Georgics," iv. 86.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag401'>[401]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote401' id="footnote401"></a>The <i>Flying + Post</i> records that one Slaughterford was sentenced to + death on July 2, 1709, for murdering his sweetheart.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag402'>[402]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote402' id="footnote402"></a>See Nos. + <a href="#number24">24</a>, 51.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag403'>[403]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote403' id="footnote403"></a>See <a href= + '#number14'>No. 14</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag404'>[404]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote404' id="footnote404"></a>"As You Like + It," act ii. sc. 7.</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page340' title='340' id= + "page340"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number42' id="number42"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 42.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE AND ADDISON.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, July 14, to Saturday, July 16</i>, + 1709.</h3> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Celebrare domestica facta. + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, July 15.</h3> + + <p>Looking over some old papers, I found a little treatise, + written by my great-grandfather, concerning bribery, and thought + his manner of treating that subject not unworthy my remark. He + there has a digression concerning a possibility, that in some + circumstances a man may receive an injury, and yet be conscious + to himself that he deserves it. There are abundance of fine + things said on the subject; but the whole wrapped up in so much + jingle and pun (which was the wit of those times) that it is + scarce intelligible; but I thought the design was well enough in + the following sketch of the old gentleman's poetry: for in this + case, where two are rivals for the same thing, and propose to + attain it by presents, he that attempts the judge's honesty, by + making him offers of reward, ought not to complain when he loses + his cause for a better bidder. But the good old doggerel runs + thus:<a name='fntag405' id="fntag405"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote405'><sup>405</sup></a></p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + A poor man once a judge besought, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + To judge aright his cause, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And with a pot of oil salutes + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + This judger of the laws. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "My friend" quoth he, "thy cause is good": + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + He glad away did trudge; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Anon his wealthy foe did come + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Before this partial judge. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + <a class="pagenum" name='page341' title='341' id= + "page341"></a>An hog well fed this churl presents, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + And craves a strain of law; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The hog received, the poor man's right + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Was judged not worth a straw. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Therewith he cried, "O! partial judge, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Thy doom has me undone; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + When oil I gave, my cause was good, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + But now to ruin run." + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Poor man" quoth he, "I thee forgot, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + And see thy cause of foil; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + An hog came since into my house, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + And broke thy pot of oil." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, July 15.</h3> + + <p>The discourse happened this evening to fall upon characters + drawn in plays, and a gentleman remarked, that there was no + method in the world of knowing the taste of an age, or period of + time so good, as by the observations of the persons represented + in their comedies. There were several instances produced, as Ben + Jonson's bringing in a fellow smoking as a piece of + foppery;<a name='fntag406' id="fntag406"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote406'><sup>406</sup></a> "But," said the gentleman who + entertained us on this subject, "this matter is nowhere so + observable as in the difference of the characters of women on the + stage in the last age, and in this. It is not to be supposed that + it was a poverty of genius in Shakespeare, that his women made so + small a figure in his dialogues; but it certainly is, that he + drew women as they then were in life; for that sex had not in + those days that freedom in conversation; and their characters + were only, that they were mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. + There were not then among the ladies, shining wits, politicians, + virtuosas, free-thinkers, and disputants; nay, there was then + hardly such <a class="pagenum" name='page342' title='342' id= + "page342"></a>a creature even as a coquette: but vanity had quite + another turn, and the most conspicuous woman at that time of day + was only the best housewife. Were it possible to bring into life + an assembly of matrons of that age, and introduce the learned + Lady Woodby into their company, they would not believe the same + nation could produce a creature so unlike anything they ever saw + in it. But these ancients would be as much astonished to see in + the same age so illustrious a pattern to all who love things + praiseworthy, as the divine Aspasia.<a name='fntag407' id= + "fntag407"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote407'><sup>407</sup></a> Methinks, I now see her walking + in her garden like our first parent, with unaffected charms, + before beauty had spectators, and bearing celestial conscious + virtue in her aspect. Her countenance is the lively picture of + her mind, which is the seat of honour, truth, compassion, + knowledge, and innocence.</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + There dwells the scorn of vice and pity too. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>In the midst of the most ample fortune, and veneration of all + that behold and know her, without the least affectation, + <a class="pagenum" name='page343' title='343' id= + "page343"></a>she consults retirement, the contemplation of her + own being, and that supreme power which bestowed it. Without the + learning of schools, or knowledge of a long course of arguments, + she goes on in a steady course of uninterrupted piety and virtue, + and adds to the severity and privacy of the last age all the + freedom and ease of this. The language and mien of a Court she is + possessed of in the highest degree; but the simplicity and humble + thoughts of a cottage, are her more welcome entertainments. + Aspasia is a female philosopher, who does not only live up to the + resignation of the most retired lives of the ancient sages, but + also to the schemes and plans which they thought beautiful, + though inimitable. This lady is the most exact economist, without + appearing busy; the most strictly virtuous, without tasting the + praise of it; and shuns applause with as much industry, as others + do <a class="pagenum" name='page344' title='344' id= + "page344"></a>reproach. This character is so particular, that it + will very easily be fixed on her only, by all that know her: but + I daresay, she will be the last that finds it out. But, alas! if + we have one or two such ladies, how many dozens are there like + the restless Poluglossa, who is acquainted with all the world but + herself; who has the appearance of all, and possession of no one + virtue: she has indeed in her practice the absence of vice; but + her discourse is the continual history of it; and it is apparent, + when she speaks of the criminal gratifications of others, that + her innocence is only a restraint, with a certain mixture of + envy. She is so perfectly opposite to the character of Aspasia, + that as vice is terrible to her only as it is the object of + reproach, so virtue is agreeable only as it is attended with + applause.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, July 15.</h3> + + <p>It is now twelve o'clock at noon, and no mail come in; + therefore I am not without hopes, that the town will allow me the + liberty which my brother news-writers take, in giving them what + may be for their information in another kind, and indulge me in + doing an act of friendship, by publishing the following account + of goods and movables.<a name='fntag408' id= + "fntag408"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote408'><sup>408</sup></a></p> + + <p>This is to give notice, that a magnificent palace, with great + variety of gardens, statues, and waterworks, may be bought cheap + in Drury Lane; where there are likewise several castles to be + disposed of, very delightfully situated; as also groves, woods, + forests, fountains, and country seats, with very pleasant + prospects on all sides of <a class="pagenum" name='page345' + title='345' id="page345"></a>them; being the movables of + Ch——r R——ch,<a name='fntag409' id= + "fntag409"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote409'><sup>409</sup></a> Esq.; who is breaking up + housekeeping, and has many curious pieces of furniture to dispose + of, which may be seen between the hours of six and ten in the + evening.</p> + + <h4>The INVENTORY.</h4> + + <ul> + <li>Spirits of right Nantes brandy, for lambent flames and + apparitions.</li> + + <li>Three bottles and a half of lightning.</li> + + <li>One shower of snow in the whitest French paper.</li> + + <li>Two showers of a browner sort.</li> + + <li>A sea, consisting of a dozen large waves; the tenth bigger + than ordinary, and a little damaged.</li> + + <li>A dozen and a half of clouds, trimmed with black, and well + conditioned.</li> + + <li>A rainbow a little faded.</li> + + <li>A set of clouds after the French mode, streaked with + lightning, and furbelowed.</li> + + <li>A new-moon, something decayed.</li> + + <li>A pint of the finest Spanish wash, being all that is left + of two hogsheads sent over last winter.</li> + + <li>A coach very finely gilt, and little used, with a pair of + dragons, to be sold cheap.</li> + + <li>A setting sun, a pennyworth.<a name='fntag410' id= + "fntag410"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote410'><sup>410</sup></a></li> + + <li>An imperial mantle, made for Cyrus the Great, and worn by + Julius Cæsar, Bajazet, King Harry the Eighth, and Signior + Valentin.<a name='fntag411' id="fntag411"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote411'><sup>411</sup></a></li> + + <li>A basket-hilt sword, very convenient to carry milk in.</li> + + <li>Roxana's night-gown.</li> + + <li>Othello's handkerchief.</li> + + <li><a class="pagenum" name='page346' title='346' id= + "page346"></a>The imperial robes of Xerxes, never worn but + once.</li> + + <li>A wild-boar, killed by Mrs. Tofts<a name='fntag412' id= + "fntag412"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote412'><sup>412</sup></a> and Dioclesian.</li> + + <li>A serpent to sting Cleopatra.</li> + + <li>A mustard-bowl to make thunder with.</li> + + <li>Another of a bigger sort, by Mr. D——is's + directions, little used.<a name='fntag413' id= + "fntag413"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote413'><sup>413</sup></a></li> + + <li>Six elbow-chairs, very expert in country-dances, with six + flower-pots for their partners.</li> + + <li>The whiskers of a Turkish bassa.</li> + + <li>The complexion of a murderer in a band-box; consisting of a + large piece of burnt cork, and a coal-black peruke.</li> + + <li>A suit of clothes for a ghost, viz., a bloody shirt, a + doublet curiously pinked, and a coat with three great + eyelet-holes upon the breast.</li> + + <li>A bale of red Spanish wool.</li> + + <li>Modern plots, commonly known by the name of trapdoors, + ladders of ropes, vizard-masks, and tables with broad carpets + over them.</li> + + <li>Three oak cudgels, with one of crab-tree; all bought for + the use of Mr. Pinkethman.</li> + + <li>Materials for dancing; as masks, castanets, and a ladder of + ten rounds.</li> + + <li>Aurengezebe's scimitar, made by Will Brown in + Piccadilly.</li> + + <li>A plume of feathers, never used but by Oedipus and the Earl + of Essex.</li> + </ul> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page347' title='347' id= + "page347"></a>There are also swords, halberts, sheep-hooks, + cardinals' hats, turbans, drums, gallipots, a gibbet, a cradle, a + rack, a cart-wheel, an altar, a helmet, a back-piece, a + breast-plate, a bell, a tub, and a jointed baby.<a name= + 'fntag414' id="fntag414"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote414'><sup>414</sup></a></p> + + <p>These are the hard shifts we intelligencers are forced to; + therefore our readers ought to excuse us, if a westerly wind + blowing for a fortnight together, generally fills every paper + with an order of battle; when we show our martial skill in each + line, and, according to the space we have to fill, we range our + men in squadrons and battalions, or draw out company by company, + and troop by troop; ever observing, that no muster is to be made, + but when the wind is in a cross point, which often happens at the + end of a campaign, when half the men are deserted or killed. The + <i>Courant</i> is sometimes ten deep, his ranks close: the + <i>Postboy</i><a name='fntag415' id="fntag415"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote415'><sup>415</sup></a> is generally in files, for + greater exactness; and the <i>Postman</i> comes down upon you + rather after the Turkish way, sword in hand, pell-mell, without + form or discipline; but sure to bring men enough into the field; + and wherever they are raised, never to lose a battle for want of + numbers.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag405'>[405]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote405' id="footnote405"></a>From George + Whetstone's "English Mirror," 1586.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag406'>[406]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote406' id="footnote406"></a>See "Every Man + out of his Humour," act ii. sc. 1.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag407'>[407]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote407' id="footnote407"></a>Lady Elizabeth + Hastings, unquestionably one of the most accomplished and + virtuous characters of the age in which she lived, was the + daughter of Theophilus Hastings, the 7th Earl of Huntingdon, + and of Elizabeth, eldest daughter and co-heiress to John + Lewes, of Ledstone, in Yorkshire, Knt. and Bart. Her father + succeeded to the honours and estate of the family, Feb. 13, + 1655, and was in 1687 Lord Chief Justice, and Justice in Eyre + of all the King's forests, &c., beyond Trent; Lord + Lieutenant of the counties of Leicester and Derby; Captain of + the Band of Gentlemen Pensioners, and of the Privy Council to + King James II. He died suddenly at his lodgings in Charles + Street, St. James's, May 13, 1701, and was succeeded in his + honours and estate by his son, and her brother, Charles, who + died unmarried, Feb. 22, 1704. Lady Elizabeth Hastings was + born April 19, 1682, and died Dec. 22, 1739. It is said, with + great probability, that since the commencement of the + Christian era, scarce any age has produced a lady of such + high birth and superior accomplishments, that was a greater + blessing to many, or a brighter pattern to all. There is an + admirable sketch of this illustrious lady's character, drawn + soon after her death, in the tenth volume of the + <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>, p. 36, probably by Samuel + Johnson. See also "An historical Character relating to the + holy and exemplary Life of the Right Honourable the Lady + Elisabeth Hastings, &c. By Thomas Barnard, A.M. Printed + at Leeds, in 1742, 12mo" (Nichols).—Lady Elizabeth + Hastings, who came into a fortune upon the death of her + brother George, Earl of Huntingdon, settled at Ledstone + House, where she was the Lady Bountiful of the neighbourhood. + Her whole estate, however, is said to have been less than + £3000 a year. The best of the clergy of the day were among + her friends. She helped Berkeley in his Bermuda Mission + scheme, and she befriended Miss Mary Astell. Ralph Thoresby, + who visited her, was "extremely pleased with the most + agreeable conversation of the pious and excellent Lady + Elizabeth Hastings." ("Diary," ii. 82). She was one of the + numerous eligible ladies that the friends of Lord Raby, + afterwards Earl of Strafford, suggested to him as a suitable + wife ("Wentworth Papers," pp. 29, 56). The character of + Aspasia in this paper has been attributed to Congreve, on the + ground, apparently, that he knew Lady Elizabeth Hastings' + half-brother, Theophilus, afterwards Earl of Huntingdon. See + <a href='#number49'>No. 49</a>, note.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag408'>[408]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote408' id="footnote408"></a>The remainder + of this paper is by Addison; see Steele's Preface. Drury Lane + Theatre was closed by an order of the Lord Chamberlain, as + mentioned in <a href='#number30'>No. 30</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag409'>[409]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote409' id="footnote409"></a>Christopher + Rich.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag410'>[410]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote410' id="footnote410"></a>A bargain.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag411'>[411]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote411' id="footnote411"></a>Valentini + Urbani sang in Italian in the opera of "Camilla," in 1707. + His acting seems to have been better than his voice (Burney's + "History of Music," iv. 208).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag412'>[412]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote412' id="footnote412"></a>See <a href= + '#number20'>No. 20</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag413'>[413]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote413' id="footnote413"></a>John Dennis's + unsuccessful tragedy of "Appius and Virginia" was produced in + 1709. On that occasion he introduced a new method of making + thunder (see "Dunciad," ii. 226), which was found useful by + managers. Afterwards, when Dennis found his invention being + used in "Macbeth," he exclaimed, "'Sdeath! that's my thunder. + See how the fellows use me, they have silenced my tragedy, + and they roar out my thunder" (Oldys, MS. notes on + Langbaine).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag414'>[414]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote414' id="footnote414"></a>"Baby" was + often used for "doll."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag415'>[415]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote415' id="footnote415"></a>See <a href= + '#number18'>No. 18</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number43' id="number43"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 43.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, July 16</i>, to <i>Tuesday, July 19</i>, + 1709.</h3> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Bene nummatum decorat suadela Venusque, + </div> + + <div class="line right"> + Hor. 1 Ep. vi. 38. + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, July 18.</h3> + + <p>I write from hence at present to complain, that wit and merit + are so little encouraged by people of rank and quality, that the + wits of the age are obliged to run within <a class="pagenum" + name='page348' title='348' id="page348"></a>Temple Bar for + patronage. There is a deplorable instance of this in the case of + Mr. D——y,<a name='fntag416' id= + "fntag416"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote416'><sup>416</sup></a> who has dedicated his + inimitable comedy, called, "The Modern Prophets," to a worthy + knight,<a name='fntag417' id="fntag417"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote417'><sup>417</sup></a> to whom, it seems, he had + before communicated his plan, which was, to ridicule the + ridiculous of our established doctrine. I have elsewhere + celebrated the contrivance of this excellent drama; but was not, + till I read the dedication, wholly let into the religious design + of it. I am afraid it has suffered discontinuance at this gay end + of the town, for no other reason but the piety of the purpose. + There is however in this epistle the true life of panegyrical + performance; and I do not doubt but, if the patron would part + with it, I can help him to others with good pretensions to it; + viz., of uncommon understanding, who would give him as much as he + gave for it. I know perfectly well a noble person to whom these + words (which are the body of the panegyric) would fit to a + hair.</p> + + <p>"Your easiness of humour, or rather your harmonious + disposition, is so admirably mixed with your composure, that the + rugged cares and disturbance that public affairs brings with it, + which does so vexatiously affect the heads of other great men of + business, &c. does scarce ever ruffle your unclouded brow so + much as with a frown. And what above all is praiseworthy, you are + so far from thinking yourself better than others, that a + flourishing and opulent fortune, which by a certain natural + corruption in its <a class="pagenum" name='page349' title='349' + id="page349"></a>quality, seldom fails to infect other possessors + with pride, seems in this case as if only providentially disposed + to enlarge your humility.</p> + + <p>"But I find, sir, I am now got into a very large field, where + though I could with great ease raise a number of plants in + relation to your merit of this plauditory nature; yet for fear of + an author's general vice, and that the plain justice I have done + you should, by my proceeding and others' mistaken judgment, be + imagined flattery, a thing the bluntness of my nature does not + care to be concerned with, and which I also know you + abominate."</p> + + <p>It is wonderful to see how many judges of these fine things + spring up every day by the rise of stocks, and other elegant + methods of abridging the way to learning and criticism. But I do + hereby forbid all dedications to any persons within the city of + London, except Sir Francis, Sir Stephen,<a name='fntag418' id= + "fntag418"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote418'><sup>418</sup></a> and the Bank, will take + epigrams and epistles as value received for their notes; and the + East India Companies accept of heroic poems for their sealed + bonds. Upon which bottom, our publishers have full power to treat + with the city in behalf of us authors, to enable traders to + become patrons and Fellows of the Royal Society, as well as + receive certain degrees of skill in the Latin and Greek tongues, + according to the quantity of the commodities which they take off + our hands.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page350' title='350' id= + "page350"></a></p> + + <h3>Grecian Coffee-house, July 18.</h3> + + <p>The learned have so long laboured under the imputation of + dryness and dulness in their accounts of their phenomena, that an + ingenious gentleman of our society has resolved to write a system + of philosophy in a more lively method, both as to the matter and + language, than has been hitherto attempted. He read to us the + plan upon which he intends to proceed. I thought his account, by + way of fable of the worlds about us, had so much vivacity in it, + that I could not forbear transcribing his hypothesis, to give the + reader a taste of my friend's treatise, which is now in the + press.<a name='fntag419' id="fntag419"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote419'><sup>419</sup></a></p> + + <p>"The inferior deities having designed on a day to play a game + at football, knead together a numberless collection of dancing + atoms into the form of seven rolling globes: and that nature + might be kept from a dull inactivity, each separate particle is + endued with a principle of motion, or a power of attraction, + whereby all the several parcels of matter draw each other + proportionately to their magnitudes and distances, into such a + remarkable variety of different forms, as to produce all the + wonderful appearances we now observe in empire, philosophy, and + religion. To proceed; at the beginning of the game, each of the + globes being struck forward with a vast violence, ran out of + sight, and wandered in a straight line through the infinite + <a class="pagenum" name='page351' title='351' id= + "page351"></a>spaces. The nimble deities pursue, breathless + almost, and spent in the eager chase; each of them caught hold of + one, and stamped it with his name; as, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and + so of the rest. To prevent this inconvenience for the future, the + seven are condemned to a precipitation, which in our inferior + style we call 'gravity.' Thus the tangential and centripetal + forces, by their counter-struggle, make the celestial bodies + describe an exact ellipsis."</p> + + <p>There will be added to this an appendix, in defence of the + first day of the term according to the Oxford Almanac,<a name= + 'fntag420' id="fntag420"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote420'><sup>420</sup></a> by a learned knight of this + realm, with an apology for the said knight's manner of dress; + proving, that his habit, according to this hypothesis, is the + true modern and fashionable; and that buckles are not to be worn, + by this system, till the 10th of March, in the year 1714, which, + according to the computation of some of our greatest divines, is + to be the first year of the Millennium<a name='fntag421' id= + "fntag421"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote421'><sup>421</sup></a>; in which blessed age, all + habits will be reduced to a primitive simplicity; and whoever + shall be found to have persevered in a constancy of dress, in + spite of all the allurements of profane and heathen habits, shall + be rewarded with a never-fading doublet of a thousand years. All + points in the system which are doubted, shall be attested by the + knight's extemporary oath, for the satisfaction of his + readers.</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, July 18.</h3> + + <p>We were upon the heroic strain this evening, and the question + was, What is the True Sublime? Many very good discourses happened + thereupon; after which a gentleman at the table, who is, it + seems, writing on that <a class="pagenum" name='page352' title= + '352' id="page352"></a>subject, assumed the argument; and though + he ran through many instances of sublimity from the ancient + writers, said, he had hardly known an occasion wherein the true + greatness of soul, which animates a general in action, is so well + represented, with regard to the person of whom it was spoken, and + the time in which it was writ, as in a few lines in a modern + poem: "there is," continued he, "nothing so forced and + constrained, as what we frequently meet with in tragedies; to + make a man under the weight of a great sorrow, or full of + meditation upon what he is soon to execute, cast about for a + simile to what he himself is, or the thing which he is going to + act: but there is nothing more proper and natural than for a + poet, whose business is to describe, and who is spectator of one + in that circumstance when his mind is working upon a great image, + and that the ideas hurry upon his imagination—I say, there + is nothing so natural, as for a poet to relieve and clear himself + from the burthen of thought at that time, by uttering his + conception in simile and metaphor. The highest act of the mind of + man, is to possess itself with tranquillity in imminent danger, + and to have its thoughts so free, as to act at that time without + perplexity. The ancient poets have compared this sedate courage + to a rock that remains immovable amidst the rage of winds and + waves; but that is too stupid and inanimate a similitude, and + could do no credit to the hero. At other times they are all of + them wonderfully obliged to a Lybian lion, which may give indeed + very agreeable terrors to a description; but is no compliment to + the person to whom it is applied: eagles, tigers, and wolves, are + made use of on the same occasion, and very often with much + beauty; but this is still an honour done to the brute, rather + than the hero. Mars, Pallas, Bacchus, and Hercules, have each of + them furnished very good similes in their time, and made, + <a class="pagenum" name='page353' title='353' id= + "page353"></a>doubtless, a greater impression on the mind of a + heathen, than they have on that of a modern reader. But the + sublime image that I am talking of, and which I really think as + great as ever entered into the thought of man, is in the poem + called, 'The Campaign';<a name='fntag422' id= + "fntag422"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote422'><sup>422</sup></a> where the simile of a + ministering angel sets forth the most sedate and the most active + courage, engaged in an uproar of nature, a confusion of elements, + and a scene of divine vengeance. Add to all, that these lines + compliment the General and his Queen at the same time, and have + all the natural horrors, heightened by the image that was still + fresh in the mind of every reader.<a name='fntag423' id= + "fntag423"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote423'><sup>423</sup></a></p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "'Twas then great Marlborough's mighty soul was proved, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + That, in the shock of charging hosts unmoved, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Amidst confusion, horror, and despair, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Examined all the dreadful scenes of war; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + In peaceful thought the field of death surveyed, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + To fainting squadrons sent the timely aid, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Inspired repulsed battalions to engage, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And taught the doubtful battle where to rage. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + So when an angel by divine command, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + With rising tempests shakes a guilty land, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Such as of late o'er pale Britannia past, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Calm and serene he drives the furious blast; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And, pleased the Almighty's orders to perform, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Rides in the whirlwind, and directs the storm. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"The whole poem is so exquisitely noble and poetic, that I + think it an honour to our nation and language." The gentleman + concluded his critique on this work, by saying, that he esteemed + it wholly new, and a wonderful attempt to keep up the ordinary + ideas of a march of an army, just <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page354' title='354' id="page354"></a>as they happened in so + warm and great a style, and yet be at once familiar and heroic. + Such a performance is a chronicle as well as a poem, and will + preserve the memory of our hero, when all the edifices and + statues erected to his honour are blended with common dust.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, July 18.</h3> + + <p>Letters from the Hague of the 23rd instant, N.S., say, that + the Allies were so forward in the siege of Tournay, that they + were preparing for a general assault, which, it was supposed, + would be made within a few days. Deserters from the town gave an + account, that the garrison was carrying their ammunition and + provisions into the citadel, which occasioned a tumult among the + inhabitants of the town. The French army had laid bridges over + the Scarp, and made a motion as if they intended to pass that + river; but though they are joined by the reinforcement expected + from Germany, it was not believed they should make any attempt + towards relieving Tournay. Letters from Brabant say, there has + been a discovery made of a design to deliver up Antwerp to the + enemy. The States of Holland have agreed to a general + naturalisation of all Protestants who shall fly into their + dominions; to which purpose, a proclamation was to be issued + within few days.</p> + + <p>They write from France, that the great misery and want under + which that nation has so long laboured, has ended in a + pestilence, which began to appear in Burgundy and Dauphiné. They + add, that in the town of Mazon, three hundred persons had died in + the space of ten days. Letters from Lille of the 24th instant + advise, that great numbers of deserters came daily into that + city, the most part of whom are dragoons. We are advised from + France, that the Loire having overflowed its banks, hath laid the + country under water for three hundred miles together.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag416'>[416]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote416' id="footnote416"></a>See Nos. + <a href="#number1">1</a> and <a href="#number11">11</a>. In + No. 29 of the <i>Guardian</i> Steele accused the world of + ingratitude in not properly "rewarding the jocose labours of + my friend, Mr. Durfey"; and in No. 67 + Addison urged the town to go to a performance at the theatre + given for Durfey's benefit. "He has made the town merry, and + I hope they will make him easy, so long as he stays among + us."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag417'>[417]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote417' id="footnote417"></a>Sir William + Scawen, a merchant who was knighted in 1692.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag418'>[418]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote418' id="footnote418"></a>Probably Sir + Francis Child and Sir Stephen Evance, the bankers. The latter + was ruined at the time of the South Sea mania. The following + advertisement appeared in the <i>Postman</i> for Jan. 1, + 1709: "Lost or mislaid, some time the last summer, at + Winchester House, in Chelsea, a gold snuff-box, a cypher + graved on the cover, with trophies round it, and over the + cypher these words, 'DD. Illust. Princ. Jac. Duci Ormond.' + Whoever brings it to Sir Stephen Evance, at the Black Boy in + Lombard Street, shall have ten guineas reward, and be asked + no questions."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag419'>[419]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote419' id="footnote419"></a>This seems to + be a banter upon Mr. Whiston's book intituled, "Prælectiones + Physicæ Mathematicæ; sive Philosophia clarissimi Newtoni + Mathematica illustrata, 1710"; wherein he explained the + Newtonian philosophy, which now began to grow into vogue. + Both Addison and Steele, however, very much befriended + Whiston; and after his banishment from Cambridge, promoted a + subscription for his astronomical lectures at Button's + Coffee-house (Nichols).—See No. + 251.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag420'>[420]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote420' id="footnote420"></a>See <a href= + '#number39'>No. 39</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag421'>[421]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote421' id="footnote421"></a>Whiston had + fixed that day for the destruction of Anti-Christ and the + beginning of the Millennium.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag422'>[422]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote422' id="footnote422"></a>Written by + Addison in 1705, in celebration of the victory at + Blenheim.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag423'>[423]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote423' id="footnote423"></a>The great storm + of November 1703 formed the subject of a volume published by + Defoe in 1704.</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page355' title='355' id= + "page355"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number44' id="number44"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 44.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, July 19</i>, to <i>Thursday, July 21</i>, + 1709.</h3> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + —Nullis amor est medicabilis herbis. + </div> + + <div class="line right"> + Ovid, Met. i. 523. + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, July 19.</h3> + + <p>This day, passing through Covent Garden, I was stopped in the + Piazza by Pacolet, to observe what he called the "triumph of love + and youth." I turned to the object he pointed at; and there I saw + a gay gilt chariot drawn by fresh prancing horses; the coachman + with a new cockade, and the lackeys with insolence and plenty in + their countenances. I asked immediately, what young heir or lover + owned that glittering equipage? But my companion interrupted: "Do + not you see there the mourning Æsculapius?"<a name='fntag424' id= + "fntag424"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote424'><sup>424</sup></a> "The mourning!" said I. + "<a class="pagenum" name='page356' title='356' id= + "page356"></a>Yes, Isaac," said Pacolet, "he is in deep mourning, + and is the languishing hopeless lover of the divine Hebe, the + emblem of youth and beauty. The excellent and learned sage you + behold in that furniture, is the strongest instance imaginable, + that love is the most powerful of all things. You are not so + ignorant as to be a stranger to the character of Æsculapius, as + the patron and most successful of all who profess the art of + medicine. But as most of his operations are owing to a natural + sagacity or impulse, he has very little troubled himself with the + doctrine of drugs; but has always given Nature more room to help + herself, than any of her learned assistants; and consequently has + done greater wonders than is in the power of art to + perform;<a name='fntag425' id="fntag425"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote425'><sup>425</sup></a> for which reason, he is half + deified by the people; and has ever been justly courted by all + the world, as if he were a seventh son. It happened, that the + charming Hebe was reduced, by a long and violent fever, to the + most extreme danger of death; and when all skill failed, they + sent for Æsculapius. The renowned artist was touched <a class= + "pagenum" name='page357' title='357' id="page357"></a>with the + deepest compassion to see the faded charms and faint bloom of + Hebe; and had a generous concern in beholding a struggle, not + between life, but rather between youth, and death. All his skill + and his passion tended to the recovery of Hebe, beautiful even in + sickness: but, alas! the unhappy physician knew not, that in all + his care he was only sharpening darts for his own destruction. In + a word, his fortune was the same with that of the statuary, who + fell in love with the image of his own making; and the + unfortunate Æsculapius is become the patient of her whom he + lately recovered. Long before this disaster, Æsculapius was far + gone in the unnecessary and superfluous amusements of old age, in + increasing unwieldy stores, and providing, in the midst of an + incapacity of enjoyment of what he had, for a supply of more + wants than he had calls for in youth itself. But these low + considerations are now no more, and love has taken place of + avarice, or rather has become an avarice of another kind, which + still urges him to pursue what he does not want. But behold the + metamorphosis; the anxious mean cares of an usurer are turned + into the languishments and complaints of a lover. 'Behold,' says + the aged Æsculapius, 'I submit, I own, great Love, thy empire: + pity, Hebe, the fop you have made: what have I to do with gilding + but on pills? Yet, 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. I ask not to + live, O Hebe! Give me but gentle death: euthanasia, euthanasia, + that is all I implore.'" When Æsculapius had finished his + complaint, Pacolet went on in deep morals on the uncertainty of + riches, with this remarkable exclamation; "O wealth! How impotent + art thou! And how little dost thou supply us with real happiness, + <a class="pagenum" name='page358' title='358' id= + "page358"></a>when the usurer himself can forget thee for the + love of what is as foreign to his felicity as thou art?"</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, July 19.</h3> + + <p>The company here, who have all a delicate taste of theatrical + representations, had made a gathering to purchase the movables of + the neighbouring playhouse,<a name='fntag426' id= + "fntag426"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote426'><sup>426</sup></a> for the encouragement of one + which is setting up in the Haymarket. But the proceedings at the + auction (by which method the goods have been sold this evening) + have been so unfair, that this generous design has been + frustrated; for the Imperial Mantle made for Cyrus was missing, + as also the Chariot and Two Dragons: but upon examination it was + found, that a gentleman of Hampshire<a name='fntag427' id= + "fntag427"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote427'><sup>427</sup></a> had clandestinely bought them + both, and is gone down to his country seat; and that on Saturday + last he passed through Staines attired in that robe, and drawn by + the said Dragons, assisted by two only of his own horses. This + theatrical traveller has also left orders with Mr. Hall<a name= + 'fntag428' id="fntag428"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote428'><sup>428</sup></a> to send the faded rainbow to + the scourers, and when it comes home, to despatch it after him. + At the same time C—— R——<a name= + 'fntag429' id="fntag429"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote429'><sup>429</sup></a> Esq. is invited to bring down + himself his Setting Sun, and be box-keeper to a theatre erected + by this gentleman near Southampton. Thus there has been nothing + but artifice in the management of this affair; for which reason I + beg <a class="pagenum" name='page359' title='359' id= + "page359"></a>pardon of the town, that I inserted the inventory + in my paper and solemnly protest, I knew nothing of this artful + design of vending these rarities: but I meant only the good of + the world in that and all other things which I divulge. And now I + am upon this subject, I must do myself justice in relation to an + article in a former paper, wherein I made mention of a person who + keeps a puppet-show in the town of Bath;<a name='fntag430' id= + "fntag430"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote430'><sup>430</sup></a> I was tender of naming names, + and only just hinted, that he makes larger promises, when he + invites people to his dramatic representations, than he is able + to perform: but I am credibly informed, that he makes a profane + lewd jester, which he calls Punch, speak to the dishonour of + Isaac Bickerstaff with great familiarity; and before all my + learned friends in that place, takes upon him to dispute my title + to the appellation of Esquire. I think I need not say much to + convince all the world, that this Mr. Powell (for that is his + name) is a pragmatical and vain person to pretend to argue with + me on any subject. <i>Mecum certasse feretur</i><a name= + 'fntag431' id="fntag431"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote431'><sup>431</sup></a>; that is to say, it will be an + honour to him to have it said he contended with me; but I would + have him to know, that I can look beyond his wires, and <a class= + "pagenum" name='page360' title='360' id="page360"></a>know very + well the whole trick of his art, and that it is only by these + wires that the eye of the spectator is cheated, and hindered from + seeing that there is a thread on one of Punch's chops, which + draws it up, and lets it fall at the discretion of the said + Powell, who stands behind and plays him, and makes him speak + saucily of his betters. He! to pretend to make prologues against + me! But a man never behaves himself with decency in his own case; + therefore I shall command myself, and never trouble me further + with this little fellow, who is himself but a tall puppet, and + has not brains enough to make even wood speak as it ought to do: + and I, that have heard the groaning board,<a name='fntag432' id= + "fntag432"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote432'><sup>432</sup></a> can despise all that his + puppets shall be able to speak as long as they live. But, <i>Ex + quovis ligno non fit Mercurius</i><a name='fntag433' id= + "fntag433"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote433'><sup>433</sup></a>. He has pretended to write to + me also from the Bath, and says, he thought to have deferred + giving me an answer till he came to his books<a name='fntag434' + id="fntag434"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote434'><sup>434</sup></a>; but that my writings might do + well with the <a class="pagenum" name='page361' title='361' id= + "page361"></a>waters: which are pert expressions that become a + schoolboy, better than one that is to teach others: and when I + have said a civil thing to him, he cries, "Oh! I thank you for + that—I am your humble servant for that."<a name='fntag435' + id="fntag435"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote435'><sup>435</sup></a> Ah! Mr. Powell, these smart + civilities will never run down men of learning: I know well + enough your design is to have all men automata, like your + puppets; but the world is grown too wise, and can look through + these thin devices. I know you design to make a reply to this; + but be sure you stick close to my words; for if you bring me into + discourses concerning the government of your puppets, I must tell + you, I neither am, nor have been, nor will be, at leisure to + answer you. It is really a burning shame this man should be + tolerated in abusing the world with such representations of + things: but his parts decay, and he is not much more alive than + Partridge.</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, July 14.</h3> + + <p>I must beg pardon of my readers that for this time I have, I + fear, huddled up my discourse, having been very busy in helping + an old friend of mine out of town. He has a very good estate, is + a man of wit; but he had been three years absent from town, and + cannot bear a jest; for <a class="pagenum" name='page362' title= + '362' id="page362"></a>which reason I have, with some pains, + convinced him, that he can no more live here than if he were a + downright bankrupt. He was so fond of dear London, that he began + to fret only inwardly; but being unable to laugh and be laughed + at, I took a place in the northern coach for him and his family; + and hope he is got to-night safe from all sneerers in his own + parlour.</p> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, July 20.</h3> + + <p>This morning we received by express, the agreeable news of the + surrender of the town of Tournay on the 28th instant, N.S. The + place was assaulted at the attacks of General Schuylemburg, and + that of General Lottum, at the same time. The action at both + those parts of the town was very obstinate, and the Allies lost a + considerable number at the beginning of the dispute; but the + fight was continued with so great bravery, that the enemy + observing that we were masters of all the posts which were + necessary for a general attack, beat the chamade,<a name= + 'fntag436' id="fntag436"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote436'><sup>436</sup></a> and hostages were received from + the town, and others sent from the besiegers, in order to come to + a formal capitulation for the surrender of the place. We have + also this day received advice, that Sir John Leake, who lies off + of Dunkirk, had intercepted several ships laden with corn from + the Baltic; and that the Dutch privateers had fallen in with + others, and carried them into Holland. The French letters advise, + that the young son to the Duke of Anjou lived but eight days.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag424'>[424]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote424' id="footnote424"></a>Dr. John + Radcliffe, the physician (1650-1714), was disappointed in + love when about sixty. The matter is referred to again in + Nos. <a href="#number46">46</a>, <a href="#number47">47</a>, + 50 and 67. + Radcliffe became rich, but was considered to be a quack by + many other doctors. "The last <i>Tatler</i> is upon Dr. + Ratclif who they say is desparately in love with Dutchess of + Bolton, his passion runs so high as to declare he'll make her + eldest son his heir, upon wch account they say the Duke of + B—— is not at all alarm'd, but gives the Old + amorist opportunity to make his Court, the Dr. lately gave + the Dutchess and some other Ladys an entertainm' of musick + upon the water, and a fine supper in the Barge" ("Wentworth + Papers," p. 97). This identification of Hebe with the Duchess + of Bolton is corroborated by the MS. annotator mentioned in a + note to <a href='#number4'>No. 4</a>. According to another + account she was a Miss Tempest, a maid of honour to the + Queen. The writer of the article on Radcliffe in the "Biog. + Britannica" says: "The lady, who made the doctor, at this + advanced age, stand in need of a physician himself, was of + great beauty, wealth, and quality; and too attractive not to + inspire the coldest heart with the warmest sentiments. After + he had made a cure of her, he could not but imagine, as + naturally he might, that her ladyship would entertain a + favourable opinion of him. But the lady, however grateful she + might be for the care he had taken of her health, divulged + the secret, and one of her confidants revealed it to Steele, + who, on account of party, was so ill-natured as to write the + ridicule of it in the <i>Tatler</i>" Radcliffe never + married.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag425'>[425]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote425' id="footnote425"></a>I have a + pamphlet called "The <i>Tatler's</i> Character (July 21) of + Æsculapius guessing diseases, without the knowledge of drugs; + applied to the British Physicians and Surgeons: or, The + difficult diseases of the Royal Family, Nobility and Gentry + will never be understood and recover'd, when the populace are + oppress'd and destroy'd by the Practising-Apothecaries and + Empiricks confess'd by the College and Mr. Bernard the + Surgeon. By a Consultation of Gentlemen of Quality." London, + 8vo, 1709. The pamphlet contains some interesting remarks on + the physicians, apothecaries and hospitals of the time. Mr. + Bickerstaff is called "the most ingenious physician of our + vices and follies."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag426'>[426]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote426' id="footnote426"></a>See <a href= + '#number42'>No. 42</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag427'>[427]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote427' id="footnote427"></a>A friend of + Nichols said, "I have seen somewhere, but cannot immediately + refer to the book, an account of a theatre built at + Southwick, in the county of Hants, by a Mr. Richard Norton, + whose will is in the <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>, 1733, p. + 57. He is the person, I believe, who wrote a play called + 'Pausanias' (1696). Cibber dedicated his first play to him." + The MS. annotator mentioned in <a href='#number4'>No. 4</a> + also identifies the gentleman of Hampshire with "Mr. + N——n."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag428'>[428]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote428' id="footnote428"></a>An + auctioneer.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag429'>[429]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote429' id="footnote429"></a>Christopher + Rich, the manager.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag430'>[430]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote430' id="footnote430"></a>Under the name + of Powell, the puppet-show man, Steele attacked Dr. Blackall, + Bishop of Exeter (see <a href='#number37'>No. 37</a>), who + was engaged in a controversy with Benjamin Hoadly. In March + 1709, Blackall preached before the Queen a sermon laying down + the doctrine of passive obedience in its most extreme form, + but in 1704 he had preached obedience limited by the laws of + the State. Hoadly wrote against the sermon of 1709, and + brought against the Bishop the sermon of 1704. The Bishop, + angry at this mode of refutation, answered haughtily, and + dwelt on the superiority of his rank as compared with that of + Hoadly, then simply rector of a London parish. Bickerstaff + here reproaches Blackall for the pride and rudeness of his + answer, and then, under the guise of Powell, proprietor of + the puppet-show, satirises the extreme doctrine of divine + right taught by the Bishop, a doctrine which would make the + subjects mere automata, to be moved only at the will of the + prince.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag431'>[431]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote431' id="footnote431"></a>Ovid, "Met." + xiii. 20.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag432'>[432]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote432' id="footnote432"></a>The following + printed advertisement appeared in 1682: "At the sign of the + wool-sack, in Newgate-market, is to be seen, a strange and + wonderful thing, which is an elm-board, being touched with a + hot iron, doth express itself, as if it were a man dying with + groans, and trembling, to the great admiration of all the + hearers. It hath been presented before the King and his + nobles, and hath given great satisfaction. <i>Vivat + Rex</i>."—(MSS. Sloan. 958.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag433'>[433]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote433' id="footnote433"></a>"Ne e quovis + ligno Mercurius fiat" is one of the proverbs in the "Adagia" + of Erasmus. But its history, as originally from the Greek, is + thus given in a note of Andr. Schottus, quoted by Gaisford in + his "Parcemiographia Græci," p. 39, Ox. 1836:—"Illiud + adagium <span lang="el" title= + "ouk ek pantòs zýlon Hermês àn génoito" xml:lang= + "el">ὀυκ ἐκ + παντὸς + ξύλου + Ἕρμης + ἂν + γένοιτο</span>, + quod a Pythagora primum profectum auctor est Apuleius + 'Apol.'" [t. ii. p. 499] (Ed. Marshall, "Notes and Queries," + March 26, 1887). See Apuleius, "Apologia," 476: "Non enim ex + omni ligno, ut Pythagoras dicebat, debet Mercurius + exsculpi."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag434'>[434]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote434' id="footnote434"></a>In the Bishop's + answer to Hoadly's letter, 1709, there is this passage: "I + have no books here; and being under these circumstances, I + hope I may be excused, if, in citing Scripture, I should not + always name chapter and verse, nor hit exactly upon the very + words of the translation" (Lord Bishop of Exeter's Answer, + &c., pp. 2 and 3).—"As to the <i>Tatlers</i> + relating to Powell's puppets, and the doctrines of passive + obedience and absolute non-resistance, and to Bishop + Blackall, I know it gave my father some uneasiness, that + there is a reference to a fact, which, as he resolved himself + never to take notice of, thinking it ungenerous, so he was + sorry to see any friend of the cause had; which is, that the + Bishop had said inadvertently, he was at Bath, and had not a + Bible in his family. It is worth remarking, that all the + arguments used by Powell about his power over Punch, + 'lighting his pipe with one of his legs,' &c., are a good + burlesque of those used by the advocates of + non-resistance."—(Dr. John Hoadly.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag435'>[435]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote435' id="footnote435"></a>The Bishop, + after quoting a respectful expression of Hoadly's, says, + "Your servant, sir, for that."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag436'>[436]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote436' id="footnote436"></a>A beat of the + drum or sound of a trumpet, which summons the enemy to a + parley. In <i>Spectator</i>, No. 165, Addison ridiculed the + use of this and other French war terms by English + writers.</p> + </blockquote><a class="pagenum" name='page363' title='363' id= + "page363"></a> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number45' id="number45"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 45.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, July 21, to Saturday, July 23</i>, + 1709.</h3> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Credo pudicitiam Saturno rege moratam + </div> + + <div class="line"> + In terris. + </div> + + <div class="line right"> + Juv., Sat. vi. I. + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, July 22.</h3> + + <p>The other day I took a walk a mile or two out of town and + strolling wherever chance led me, I was insensibly carried into a + by-road, along which was a very agreeable quickset, of an + extraordinary height, which surrounded a very delicious seat and + garden. From one angle of the hedge, I heard a voice cry, "Sir, + sir—" This raised my curiosity, and I heard the same voice + say, but in a gentle tone, "Come forward, come forward." I did + so, and one through the hedge called me by my name, and bade me + go on to the left, and I should be admitted to visit an old + acquaintance in distress. The laws of knight-errantry made me + obey the summons without hesitation; and I was let in at the back + gate of a lovely house by a maid-servant, who carried me from + room to room, until I came into a gallery; at the end of which, I + saw a fine lady dressed in the most sumptuous habit, as if she + were going to a ball, but with the most abject and disconsolate + sorrow in her face that I ever beheld. As I came near, she burst + into tears, and cried, "Sir, do not you know the unhappy + Teraminta?" I soon recollected her whole person: "But," said I, + "madam, the simplicity of dress, in which I have ever seen you at + your good father's house, and the cheerfulness of countenance + with which you always appeared, are so unlike the fashion and + temper you are now in, that I did not easily recover the + <a class="pagenum" name='page364' title='364' id= + "page364"></a>memory of you. Your habit was then decent and + modest, your looks serene and beautiful: whence then this + unaccountable change? Nothing can speak so deep a sorrow as your + present aspect; yet your dress is made for jollity and + revelling." "It is," said she, "an unspeakable pleasure to meet + with one I know, and to bewail myself to any that is not an utter + stranger to humanity. When your friend my father died, he left me + to a wide world, with no defence against the insults of fortune, + but rather, a thousand snares to entrap me in the dangers to + which youth and innocence are exposed, in an age wherein honour + and virtue are become mere words, and used only as they serve to + betray those who understand them in their native sense, and obey + them as the guides and motives of their being. The wickedest of + all men living, the abandoned Decius, who has no knowledge of any + good art or purpose of human life, but as it tends to the + satisfaction of his appetites, had opportunities of frequently + seeing and entertaining me at a house where mixed company + boarded, and where he placed himself for the base intention which + he has since brought to pass. Decius saw enough in me to raise + his brutal desires, and my circumstances gave him hopes of + accomplishing them. But all the glittering expectations he could + lay before me, joined by my private terrors of poverty itself, + could not for some months prevail upon me; yet, however I hated + his intention, I still had a secret satisfaction in his + courtship, and always exposed myself to his solicitations. See + here the bane of our sex! Let the flattery be never so apparent, + the flatterer never so ill thought of, his praises are still + agreeable and we contribute to our own deceit. I was therefore + ever fond of all opportunities and pretences of being in his + company. In a word, I was at last ruined by him, and brought to + this place, where I have been ever since <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page365' title='365' id="page365"></a>immured; and from the + fatal day after my fall from innocence, my worshipper became my + master and my tyrant. Thus you see me habited in the most + gorgeous manner, not in honour of me as a woman he loves, but as + this attire charms his own eye, and urges him to repeat the + gratification he takes in me, as the servant of his brutish lusts + and appetites. I know not where to fly for redress; but am here + pining away life in the solitude and severity of a nun, but the + conscience and guilt of a harlot. I live in this lewd practice + with a religious awe of my minister of darkness, upbraided with + the support I receive from him, for the inestimable possession of + youth, of innocence, of honour, and of conscience. I see, sir, my + discourse grows painful to you; all I beg of you is, to paint in + so strong colours, as to let Decius see I am discovered to be in + his possession, that I may be turned out of this detestable scene + of regular iniquity, and either think no more, or sin no more. If + your writings have the good effect of gaining my enlargement, I + promise you I will atone for this unhappy step, by preferring an + innocent laborious poverty, to all the guilty affluence the world + can offer me."</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, July 21.</h3> + + <p>To show that I do not bear an irreconcilable hatred to my + mortal enemy, Mr. Powell at Bath, I do his function the honour to + publish to the world, that plays represented by puppets are + permitted in our universities,<a name='fntag437' id= + "fntag437"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote437'><sup>437</sup></a> and that sort of drama is not + wholly thought unworthy the critic of learned heads: but as I + have been conversant rather with the greater Ode, as I think the + critics call it, I must be so humble as to make a request to Mr. + Powell, <a class="pagenum" name='page366' title='366' id= + "page366"></a>and desire him to apply his thoughts to answering + the difficulties with which my kinsman, the author of the + following letter, seems to be embarrassed.</p> + + <h4>"<i>To my Honoured Kinsman, Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq.</i></h4> + + <p>"DEAR COUSIN,</p> + + <p>"Had the family of the Beadlestaffs,<a name='fntag438' id= + "fntag438"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote438'><sup>438</sup></a> whereof I, though unworthy, am + one, known of your being lately at Oxon, we had in our own name, + and in the Universities' (as it is our office), made you a + compliment: but your short stay here robbed us of an opportunity + of paying our due respects, and you of receiving an ingenious + entertainment, with which we at present divert ourselves and + strangers. A puppet-show at this time supplies the want of an + Act.<a name='fntag439' id="fntag439"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote439'><sup>439</sup></a> And since the nymphs of this + city are disappointed of a luscious music-speech, and the country + ladies of hearing their sons or brothers speak verses; yet the + vocal machines, like them, by the help of a prompter, say things + as much to the benefit of the audience, and almost as properly + their own. The licence of a Terræ-Filius<a name='fntag440' id= + "fntag440"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote440'><sup>440</sup></a> is refined to the well-bred + satire of Punchinello. Now, Cousin Bickerstaff, though Punch has + neither a French nightcap, nor long pockets, yet you must own him + to be a pretty fellow, a 'very' pretty fellow: nay, since he + <a class="pagenum" name='page367' title='367' id= + "page367"></a>seldom leaves the company, without calling, 'Son of + a whore,' demanding satisfaction, and duelling, he must be owned + a smart fellow too. Yet, by some indecencies towards the ladies, + he seems to be of a third character, distinct from any you have + yet touched upon. A young gentleman who sat next me (for I had + the curiosity of seeing this entertainment), in a tufted gown, + red stockings, and long wig (which I pronounce to be tantamount + to red heels and a dangling cane<a name='fntag441' id= + "fntag441"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote441'><sup>441</sup></a>) was enraged when Punchinello + disturbed a soft love-scene with his ribaldry. You would oblige + us mightily by laying down some rules for adjusting the + extravagant behaviour of this Almanzor<a name='fntag442' id= + "fntag442"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote442'><sup>442</sup></a> of the play, and by writing a + treatise on this sort of dramatic poetry, so much favoured, and + so little understood, by the learned world. From its being + conveyed in a cart after the Thespian manner, all the parts being + recited by one person, as the custom was before Æschylus, and the + behaviour of Punch as if he had won the goal, you may possibly + deduce its antiquity, and settle the chronology, as well as some + of our modern critics. In its natural transitions, from mournful + to merry; as, from the hanging of a lover, to dancing upon the + rope; from the stalking of a ghost, to a lady's presenting you + with a jig; you may discover such a decorum, as is not to be + found elsewhere than in our tragi-comedies. But I forget myself; + it is not for me to dictate: I thought fit, dear cousin, to give + you these hints, to show you that the Beadlestaffs don't walk + before men of letters to no purpose; and that though we do but + hold up the train of arts and sciences, yet like other <a class= + "pagenum" name='page368' title='368' id="page368"></a>pages, we + are now and then let into our ladies' secrets. I am,</p> + + <p>"Your most</p> + + <p>"Affectionate Kinsman,</p> + + <p class="right">"BENJAMIN BEADLESTAFF.</p> + + <p>"From Mother Gourdon's, at Hedington,<a name='fntag443' id= + "fntag443"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote443'><sup>443</sup></a> near Oxon, <i>June 18</i>."</p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, July 22.</h3> + + <p>I am got hither safe, but never spent time with so little + satisfaction as this evening; for you must know, I was five hours + with three Merry, and two Honest Fellows. The former sang + catches; and the latter even died with laughing at the noise they + made. "Well," says Tom Belfrey, "you scholars, Mr. Bickerstaff, + are the worst company in the world." "Ay," says his opposite, + "you are dull to-night; prithee be merry." With that I huzzaed, + and took a jump across the table, then came clever upon my legs, + and fell a-laughing. "Let Mr. Bickerstaff alone," says one of the + Honest Fellows, "when he's in a good humour, he's as good company + as any man in England." He had no sooner spoke, but I snatched + his hat off his head, and clapped his upon my own, and burst out + a-laughing again; upon which we all fell a-laughing for half an + hour. One of the Honest Fellows got behind me in the interim, and + hit me a sound slap on the back; upon which he got the laugh out + of my hands, and it was such a twang on my shoulders, that I + confess he was much merrier than I. I was half angry; but + resolved <a class="pagenum" name='page369' title='369' id= + "page369"></a>to keep up the good humour of the company; and + after holloing as loud as I could possibly, I drank off a bumper + of claret, that made me stare again. "Nay," says one of the + Honest Fellows, "Mr. Isaac is in the right, there is no + conversation in this; what signifies jumping, or hitting one + another on the back? Let's drink about." We did so from seven + o'clock till eleven; and now I am come hither, and, after the + manner of the wise Pythagoras, begin to reflect upon the passages + of the day. I remember nothing, but that I am bruised to death; + and as it is my way to write down all the good things I have + heard in the last conversation to furnish my paper, I can from + this only tell you my sufferings and my bangs. I named Pythagoras + just now, and I protest to you, as he believed men after death + entered into other species, I am now and then tempted to think + other animals enter into men, and could name several on two legs, + that never discover any sentiment above what is common with the + species of a lower kind; as we see in these bodily wits whom I + was with to-night, whose parts consist in strength and activity; + but their boisterous mirth gives me great impatience for the + return of such happiness as I enjoyed in a conversation last + week. Among others in that company, we had Florio, who never + interrupted any man living when he was speaking, or ever ceased + to speak, but others lamented that he had done. His discourse + ever arises from a fulness of the matter before him, and not from + ostentation or triumph of his understanding; for though he seldom + delivers what he need fear being repeated, he speaks without + having that end in view; and his forbearance of calumny or + bitterness, is owing rather to his good nature than his + discretion; for which reason, he is esteemed a gentleman + perfectly qualified for conversation, in whom a general goodwill + to mankind takes off the necessity of caution and circum<a class= + "pagenum" name='page370' title='370' id="page370"></a>spection. + We had at the same time that evening the best sort of companion + that can be, a good-natured old man. This person meets in the + company of young men, veneration for his benevolence, and is not + only valued for the good qualities of which he is master, but + reaps an acceptance from the pardon he gives to other men's + faults: and the ingenuous sort of men with whom he converses, + have so just a regard for him, that he rather is an example, than + a check to their behaviour. For this reason, as Senecio never + pretends to be a man of pleasure before youth, so young men never + set up for wisdom before Senecio; so that you never meet, where + he is, those monsters of conversation, who are grave or gay above + their years. He never converses but with followers of nature and + good sense, where all that is uttered is only the effect of a + communicable temper, and not of emulation to excel their + companions; all desire of superiority being a contradiction to + that spirit which makes a just conversation, the very essence of + which is mutual goodwill. Hence it is, that I take it for a rule, + that the natural, and not the acquired man, is the companion. + Learning, wit, gallantry, and good breeding, are all but + subordinate qualities in society, and are of no value, but as + they are subservient to benevolence, and tend to a certain manner + of being or appearing equal to the rest of the company; for + conversation is composed of an assembly of men, as they are men, + and not as they are distinguished by fortune: therefore he that + brings his quality with him into conversation, should always pay + the reckoning; for he came to receive homage, and not to meet his + friends—But the din about my ears from the clamour of the + people I was with this evening, has carried me beyond my intended + purpose, which was to explain upon the Order of Merry Fellows; + but I think I may pronounce of them, as I heard good Senecio, + with a <a class="pagenum" name='page371' title='371' id= + "page371"></a>spice of wit of the last age, say, viz. that a + Merry Fellow is the Saddest Fellow in the world.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag437'>[437]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote437' id="footnote437"></a>See <a href= + '#number44'>No. 44</a>. Blackall was a bishop; and the + University of Oxford had declared publicly in his favour.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag438'>[438]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote438' id="footnote438"></a>See <a href= + '#number11'>No. 11</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag439'>[439]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote439' id="footnote439"></a>A meeting for + conferring degrees, when speeches, &c., are + delivered.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag440'>[440]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote440' id="footnote440"></a>An + undergraduate who made extempore speeches at the Act, often + of a very satirical kind. Sometimes there were two <i>terræ + filii</i>, who carried on a dialogue. In 1721, Amberst + published a periodical with the title "Terræ-Filius: or, The + Secret History of the University of Oxford," and these papers + were reprinted in two volumes in 1726, with a curious + engraving of the Theatre at Oxford, by Hogarth, as + frontispiece.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag441'>[441]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote441' id="footnote441"></a>See <a href= + '#number26'>No. 26</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag442'>[442]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote442' id="footnote442"></a>In an Essay "Of + Heroic Plays," prefixed to his play, "Almanzor and Almahide; + or, The Conquest of Granada," Dryden defended at length the + character of Almanzor.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag443'>[443]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote443' id="footnote443"></a>This village is + the scene of Dr. William King's play, "Joan of Hedington" + ("Works," 1776, vol. iii. p. 16).</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number46' id="number46"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 46.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, July 23</i>, to <i>Tuesday, July 26</i>, + 1709.</h3> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Non bene conveniunt, nec in una sede morantur, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Majestas et amor. + </div> + + <div class="line right"> + Ovid, Met. ii. 846. + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, July 25.</h3> + + <p>We see every day volumes written against that tyrant of human + life called Love, and yet there is no help found against his + cruelties, or barrier against the inroads he is pleased to make + into the mind of man. After this preface, you will expect I am + going to give particular instances of what I have asserted. That + expectation cannot be raised too high for the novelty of the + history, and manner of life, of the Emperor Aurengezebe,<a name= + 'fntag444' id="fntag444"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote444'><sup>444</sup></a> who has resided for some years + in the cities of London and Westminster, with the air and mien + indeed of his imperial quality, but the equipage and appointment + only of a private gentleman. This potentate, for a long series of + time, appeared from the hour of twelve till that of two at + <a class="pagenum" name='page372' title='372' id="page372"></a>a + coffee-house near the 'Change, and had a seat (though without a + canopy) sacred to himself, where he gave diurnal audiences + concerning commerce, politics, tare and tret, usury and + abatement, with all things necessary for helping the distressed, + who were willing to give one limb for the better maintenance of + the rest; or such joyous youths, whose philosophy is confined to + the present hour, and were desirous to call in the revenue of + next half-year to double the enjoyment of this. Long did this + growing monarch employ himself after this manner: and as + alliances are necessary to all great kingdoms, he took + particularly the interests of Lewis XIV. into his care and + protection. When all mankind were attacking that unhappy monarch, + and those who had neither valour nor wit to oppose against him + would be still showing their impotent malice by laying wagers in + opposition to his interests, Aurengezebe ever took the part of + his contemporary, and laid immense treasures on his side in + defence of his important magazine of Toulon. Aurengezebe also had + all this while a constant intelligence with India, and his + letters were answered in jewels, which he soon made brilliant, + and caused to be affixed to his imperial castor, which he always + wears cocked in front, to show his defiance; with a heap of + imperial snuff in the middle of his ample visage, to show his + sagacity. The zealots for this little spot called Great Britain + fell universally into this emperor's policies, and paid homage to + his superior genius, in forfeiting their coffers to his treasury: + but wealth and wisdom are possessions too solemn not to give + weariness to active minds, without the relief (in vacant hours) + of wit and love, which are the proper amusements of the powerful + and the wise: this emperor therefore, with great regularity, + every day at five in the afternoon, leaves his money-changers, + his publicans, and little hoarders of <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page373' title='373' id="page373"></a>wealth, to their low + pursuits, and ascends his chariot to drive to Will's; where the + taste is refined, and a relish given to men's possessions, by a + polite skill in gratifying their passions and appetites. There it + is that the emperor has learned to live and to love, and not, + like a miser, to gaze only on his ingots or his treasures; but + with a nobler satisfaction, to live the admiration of others, for + his splendour and happiness in being master of them. But a prince + is no more to be his own caterer in his love, than in his food; + therefore Aurengezebe has ever in waiting two purveyors for his + dishes, and his wenches for his retired hours, by whom the scene + of his diversion is prepared in the following manner:</p> + + <p>There is near Covent Garden a street known by the name of + Drury, which, before the days of Christianity, was purchased by + the Queen of Paphos, and is the only part of Great Britain where + the tenure of vassalage is still in being. All that long course + of building is under particular districts or ladyships, after the + manner of lordships in other parts, over which matrons of known + abilities preside, and have, for the support of their age and + infirmities, certain taxes paid out of the rewards for the + amorous labours of the young. This seraglio of Great Britain is + disposed into convenient alleys and apartments, and every house, + from the cellar to the garret, inhabited by nymphs of different + orders, that persons of every rank may be accommodated with an + immediate consort, to allay their flames, and partake of their + cares. Here it is, that when Aurengezebe thinks fit to give a + loose to dalliance, the purveyors prepare the entertainments; and + what makes it more august is, that every person concerned in the + interlude has his set part, and the prince sends beforehand word + what he designs to say, and directs also the very answer which + shall be made to him.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page374' title='374' id= + "page374"></a>It has been before hinted, that this emperor has a + continual commerce with India; and it is to be noted, that the + largest stone that rich earth has produced, is in our + Aurengezebe's possession.</p> + + <p>But all things are now disposed for his reception. At his + entrance into the seraglio, a servant delivers him his bever of + state and love, on which is fixed this inestimable jewel as his + diadem. When he is seated, the purveyors, Pandarus and Nuncio, + marching on each side of the matron of the house, introduce her + into his presence. In the midst of the room, they bow altogether + to the diadem.</p> + + <p>When the matron:</p> + + <p>"Whoever thou art (as thy awful aspect speaks thee a man of + power), be propitious to this mansion of love, and let not the + severity of thy wisdom disdain, that by the representation of + naked innocence, or pastoral figures, we revive in thee the + memory at least of that power of Venus, to which all the wise and + the brave are some part of their lives devoted." Aurengezebe + consents by a nod, and they go out backward.</p> + + <p>After this, an unhappy nymph, who is to be supposed just + escaped from the hands of a ravisher, with her tresses + dishevelled, runs into the room with a dagger in her hand, and + falls before the emperor.</p> + + <p>"Pity, oh! pity! whoever thou art, an unhappy virgin, whom one + of thy train has robbed of her innocence; her innocence, which + was all her portion—Or rather, let me die like the + memorable Lucretia—" Upon which she stabs herself. The body + is immediately examined after the manner of our coroners. + Lucretia recovers by a cup of right Nantes; and the matron, who + is her next relation, stops all process at law.</p> + + <p>This unhappy affair is no sooner over, but a naked mad woman + breaks into the room, calls for her duke, her lord, <a class= + "pagenum" name='page375' title='375' id="page375"></a>her + emperor. As soon as she spies Aurengezebe, the object of all her + fury and love, she calls for petticoats, is ready to sink with + shame, and is dressed in all haste in new attire at his charge. + This unexpected accident of the mad woman makes Aurengezebe + curious to know, whether others who are in their senses can guess + at his quality. For which reason the whole convent is examined + one by one. The matron marches in with a tawdry country girl: + "Pray, Winifred," says she, "who do you think that fine man with + those jewels and pearls is?" "I believe," says Winifred, "it is + our landlord. It must be the squire himself." The emperor laughs + at her simplicity. "Go, fool," says the matron: then turning to + the emperor, "Your greatness will pardon her ignorance!" After + her, several others of different characters are instructed to + mistake who he is in the same manner: then the whole sisterhood + are called together, and the emperor rises, and cocking his hat, + declares, he is the Great Mogul, and they his concubines. A + general murmur goes through the assembly, and Aurengezebe + certifying, that he keeps them for state rather than use, tells + them, they are permitted to receive all men into their + apartments; then proceeds through the crowd, among whom he throws + medals shaped like half-crowns, and returns to his chariot.</p> + + <p>This being all that passed the last day in which Aurengezebe + visited the women's apartments, I consulted Pacolet concerning + the foundation of such strange amusements in old age: to which he + answered; "You may remember, when I gave you an account of my + good fortune in being drowned on the thirtieth day of my human + life, I told you of the disasters I should otherwise have met + with before I arrived at the end of my stamen, which was sixty + years. I may now add an observation to you, that all who exceed + that period, except the latter part of it is spent in the + <a class="pagenum" name='page376' title='376' id= + "page376"></a>exercise of virtue and contemplation of futurity, + must necessarily fall into an indecent old age, because, with + regard to all the enjoyments of the years of vigour and manhood, + childhood returns upon them: and as infants ride on sticks, build + houses in dirt, and make ships in gutters, by a faint idea of + things they are to act hereafter; so old men play the lovers, + potentates, and emperors, from the decaying image of the more + perfect performances of their stronger years: therefore be sure + to insert Æsculapius and Aurengezebe in your next bill of + mortality of the metaphorically defunct."</p> + + <h3>Will's Coffee-house, July 24.</h3> + + <p>As soon as I came hither this evening, no less than ten people + produced the following poem, which they all reported was sent to + each of them by the penny post from an unknown hand. All the + battle-writers in the room were in debate, who could be the + author of a piece so martially written; and everybody applauded + the address and skill of the author, in calling it a Postscript: + it being the nature of a postscript to contain something very + material which was forgotten, or not clearly expressed in the + letter itself. Thus, the verses being occasioned by a march + without beat of drum, and that circumstance being no ways taken + notice of in any of the stanzas, the author calls it a + postscript; not that it is a postscript, but figuratively, + because it wants a postscript. Common writers, when what they + mean is not expressed in the book itself, supply it by a preface; + but a postscript seems to me the more just way of apology; + because otherwise a man makes an excuse before the offence is + committed. All the heroic poets were guessed at for its author; + but though we could not find out his name, yet one repeated a + couplet in "Hudibras" which spoke his qualifications:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <a class="pagenum" name='page377' title='377' id= + "page377"></a> + + <div class="line"> + "I' th' midst of all this warlike rabble, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Crowdero marched, expert and able"<a name='fntag445' id= + "fntag445"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote445'><sup>445</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The poem is admirably suited to the occasion: for to write + without discovering your meaning, bears a just resemblance to + marching without beat of drum.</p> + + <h4>On the March to Tournay without Beat of Drum.</h4> + + <h4>The Brussels POSTSCRIPT.<a name='fntag446' id= + "fntag446"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote446'><sup>446</sup></a></h4> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line i2"> + Could I with plainest words express + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + That great man's wonderful address, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + His penetration, and his towering thought; + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + It would the gazing world surprise, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + To see one man at all times wise, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + To view the wonders he with ease has wrought. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line i2"> + Refining schemes approach his mind, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Like breezes of a southern wind, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + To temperate a sultry glorious day; + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Whose fannings, with an useful pride, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Its mighty heat doth softly guide, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And having cleared the air, glide silently away. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line i2"> + Thus his immensity of thought + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Is deeply formed, and gently wrought, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + His temper always softening life's disease; + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + That Fortune, when she does intend + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + To rudely frown, she turns his friend, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Admires his judgment, and applauds his ease. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + <a class="pagenum" name='page378' title='378' id= + "page378"></a>His great address in this design, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Does now, and will for ever shine, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And wants a Waller but to do him right: + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + The whole amusement was so strong, + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Like fate he doomed them to be wrong, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And Tournay's took by a peculiar sleight. + </div> + </div> + + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line i2"> + Thus, madam, all mankind behold + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Your vast ascendant, not by gold, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + But by your wisdom, and your pious life; + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + Your aim no more than to destroy + </div> + + <div class="line i2"> + That which does Europe's ease annoy, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And supersede a reign of shame and strife. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house, July 24.</h3> + + <p>My brethren of the quill, the ingenious society of + news-writers, having with great spirit and elegance already + informed the world, that the town of Tournay capitulated on the + 28th instant, there is nothing left for me to say, but to + congratulate the good company here, that we have reason to hope + for an opportunity of thanking Mr. Withers<a name='fntag447' id= + "fntag447"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote447'><sup>447</sup></a> next winter in this place, for + the service he has done his country. No man deserves better of + his friends than that gentleman, whose distinguishing character + it is, that he gives his orders with the familiarity, and enjoys + his fortune with the generosity, of a fellow-soldier. His Grace + the Duke of Argyle had also an eminent part in the reduction of + this important place. That illustrious youth<a name='fntag448' + id="fntag448"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote448'><sup>448</sup></a> <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page379' title='379' id="page379"></a>discovers the peculiar + turn of spirit and greatness of soul which only make men of high + birth and quality useful to their country; and considers nobility + as an imaginary distinction, unless accompanied with the practice + of those generous virtues by which it ought to be obtained. + But<a name='fntag449' id="fntag449"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote449'><sup>449</sup></a> that our military glory is + arrived at its present height, and that men of all ranks so + passionately affect their share in it, is certainly owing to the + merit and conduct of our glorious general; for as the great + secret in chemistry, though not in nature, has occasioned many + useful discoveries; and the fantastic notion of being wholly + disinterested in friendship, has made men do a thousand generous + actions above themselves; so, though the present grandeur and + fame of the Duke of Marlborough is a station of glory to which no + one hopes to arrive, yet all carry their actions to a higher + pitch, by having that great example laid before them.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag444'>[444]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote444' id="footnote444"></a>"Aurenzeb is + Tom Colson, who never had any friendship with anybody but S'r + Edward Seymour, who brought him into Parliament" (Peter + Wentworth to Lord Raby, 29 July 1709; "Wentworth Papers," p. + 97). Thomas Coulson was elected M.P. for Totnes, with Sir + Edward Seymour, Bart., in 1698. He was re-elected in 1701, + 1702, and in 1705. At the election of 1708, Sir Edward + Seymour, previously member for Exeter, was elected for + Totnes; but in 1710, Sir Edward having transferred himself to + Great Bedwyn, Coulson again became member for Totnes. In + 1715, Coulson's arrest was sought in the neighbourhood of + Bristol for joining in the rising on behalf of the Pretender; + see a letter of Addison's in Hist. MSS. Comm., Second Report, + p. 250.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag445'>[445]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote445' id="footnote445"></a>"Hudibras," + part i. canto ii. 105-6. Butler wrote, "I' the head," + &c.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag446'>[446]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote446' id="footnote446"></a>"I should have + given you a key to the two <i>Tatlers</i> I sent you last, + the Brussels Postscript are verses of Crowders. He show'd + them me in manuscript" (Peter Wentworth to Lord Raby, 29 July + 1709; "Wentworth Papers," p. 97). See <a href='#number17'>No. + 17</a> note on Brigadier Crowther.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag447'>[447]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote447' id="footnote447"></a>General Henry + Withers commanded at the capitulation of Tournay. On his + death in 1729, he was buried in Westminster Abbey. Pope wrote + an epitaph beginning:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "Here, Withers, rest! thou bravest, gentlest mind, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Thy country's friend, but more of human-kind." + </div> + </div> + </div> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag448'>[448]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote448' id="footnote448"></a>John, second + Duke of Argyle (1678-1743), took an active part in the + battles of Ramilies, Oudenarde, and Malplaquet, and at the + siege of Tournay.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag449'>[449]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote449' id="footnote449"></a>There was a + long-standing hostility between the Duke of Marlborough and + the Duke of Argyle.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number47' id="number47"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 47.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Tuesday, July 26</i>, to <i>Thursday, July 28</i>, + 1709.</h3> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Quicquid agunt homines ... nostri farrago libelli. + </div> + + <div class="line right"> + Juv., Sat. i. 85, 86. + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, July 27.</h3> + + <p>My friend Sir Thomas<a name='fntag450' id= + "fntag450"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote450'><sup>450</sup></a> has communicated to me his + letters from Epsom of the 25th instant, which give, in general, a + very good account of the posture of affairs at present in that + place; but that the tranquillity and correspondence<a name= + 'fntag451' id="fntag451"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote451'><sup>451</sup></a> of the company begins to be + interrupted by the <a class="pagenum" name='page380' title='380' + id="page380"></a>arrival of Sir Taffety Trippet,<a name= + 'fntag452' id="fntag452"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote452'><sup>452</sup></a> a fortune-hunter, whose follies + are too gross to give diversion; and whose vanity is too stupid + to let him be sensible that he is a public offence. But if people + will indulge a splenetic humour, it is impossible to be at ease, + when such creatures as are the scandal of our species, set up for + gallantry and adventures. It will be much more easy therefore to + laugh him into reason, than convert him from his foppery by any + serious contempt. I knew a gentleman that made it a maxim to open + his doors, and ever run into the way of bullies, to avoid their + insolence. The rule will hold as well with coxcombs: they are + never mortified, but when they see you receive, and despise them; + otherwise they rest assured, that it is your ignorance makes them + out of your good graces; or, that it is only want of admittance + prevents their being amiable where they are shunned and avoided. + But Sir Taffety is a fop of so sanguine complexion, that I fear + it will be very hard for the fair one he at present pursues to + get rid of the chase, without being so tired, as for her own ease + to fall into the mouth of the mongrel she runs from. But the + history of Sir Taffety is as pleasant as his character. It + happened, that when he first set up for a fortune-hunter, he + chose Tunbridge for the scene of action; where were at that time + two sisters upon the same design. <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page381' title='381' id="page381"></a>The knight believed of + course the elder must be the better prize; and consequently makes + all his sail that way. People that want sense, do always in an + egregious manner want modesty, which made our hero triumph in + making his amour as public as was possible. The adored lady was + no less vain of his public addresses. An attorney with one cause + is not half so restless as a woman with one lover. Wherever they + met, they talked to each other aloud, chose each other partner at + balls, saluted at the most conspicuous parts of the service at + church, and practised in honour of each other all the remarkable + particularities which are usual for persons who admire one + another, and are contemptible to the rest of the world. These two + lovers seemed as much made for each other as Adam and Eve, and + all pronounced it a match of Nature's own making; but the night + before the nuptials (so universally approved), the younger + sister, envious of the good fortune even of her sister, who had + been present at most of their interviews, and had an equal taste + for the charms of a fop (as there are a set of women made for + that order of men); the younger, I say, unable to see so rich a + prize pass by her, discovered to Sir Taffety, that a coquette + air, much tongue, and three suits, was all the portion of his + mistress. His love vanished that moment, himself and equipage the + next morning. It is uncertain where the lover has been ever since + engaged; but certain it is, he has not appeared in his character + as a follower of love and fortune till he arrived at Epsom, where + there is at present a young lady of youth, beauty, and fortune, + who has alarmed<a name='fntag453' id="fntag453"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote453'><sup>453</sup></a> all the vain and the + impertinent to infest that quarter. At the head of this assembly, + Sir Taffety shines in the brightest manner, with all the + accomplishments which usually ensnare the heart of woman; with + this particular merit (which often is of <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page382' title='382' id="page382"></a>great service), that he is + laughed at for her sake. The friends of the fair one are in much + pain for the sufferings she goes through from the perseverance of + this hero; but they may be much more so from the danger of his + succeeding, toward which they give him a helping hand, if they + dissuade her with bitterness; for there is a fantastical + generosity in the sex, to approve creatures of the least merit + imaginable, when they see the imperfections of their admirers are + become the marks of derision for their sakes; and there is + nothing so frequent, as that he who was contemptible to a woman + in her own judgment, has won her by being too violently opposed + by others.</p> + + <h3>Grecian Coffee-house, July 27.</h3> + + <p>In the several capacities I bear, of astrologer, civilian, and + physician, I have with great application studied the public + emolument: to this end serve all my lucubrations, speculations, + and whatever other labours I undertake, whether nocturnal or + diurnal. On this motive am I induced to publish a never-failing + medicine for the spleen: my experience in this distemper came + from a very remarkable cure on my ever worthy friend Tom + Spindle,<a name='fntag454' id="fntag454"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote454'><sup>454</sup></a> who, through excessive gaiety, + had exhausted that natural stock of wit and spirits he had long + been blessed with: he was sunk and flattened to the lowest degree + imaginable, sitting whole hours over the "Book of Martyrs," and + "Pilgrim's Progress"; his other contemplations never rising + higher than the colour of his urine, or regularity of his pulse. + In this condition I found him, accompanied by the learned + <a class="pagenum" name='page383' title='383' id= + "page383"></a>Dr. Drachm, and a good old nurse. Drachm had + prescribed magazines of herbs, and mines of steel. I soon + discovered the malady, and descanted on the nature of it, till I + convinced both the patient and his nurse, that the spleen is not + to be cured by medicine, but by poetry. Apollo, the author of + physic, shone with diffusive rays the best of poets as well as of + physicians; and it is in this double capacity that I have made my + way, and have found, sweet, easy, flowering numbers, are oft + superior to our noblest medicines. When the spirits are low, and + nature sunk, the muse, with sprightly and harmonious notes, gives + an unexpected turn with a grain of poetry, which I prepare + without the use of mercury. I have done wonders in this kind; for + the spleen is like the tarantula,<a name='fntag455' id= + "fntag455"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote455'><sup>455</sup></a> the effects of whose malignant + poison are to be prevented by no other remedy but the charms of + music: for you are to understand, that as some noxious animals + carry antidotes for their own poisons; so there is something + equally unaccountable in poetry: for though it is sometimes a + disease, it is to be cured only by itself. Now I knowing Tom + Spindle's constitution, and that he is not only a pretty + gentleman, but also a pretty poet, found the true cause of his + distemper was a violent grief that moved his affections too + strongly: for during the late Treaty of Peace, he had written a + most excellent poem on that subject; and when he wanted but two + lines in the last stanza for finishing the whole piece, there + comes news that the French tyrant would not sign. Spindle in few + days took his bed, and had lain there still, had not I been sent + for. I immediately told him, there was great probability the + French would now sue to us for peace. I saw immediately a new + life in his eyes; and knew, that nothing could help him forward + <a class="pagenum" name='page384' title='384' id="page384"></a>so + well, as hearing verses which he would believe worse than his + own; I read him therefore the "Brussels Postscript";<a name= + 'fntag456' id="fntag456"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote456'><sup>456</sup></a> after which I recited some + heroic lines of my own, which operated so strongly on the + tympanum of his ear, that I doubt not but I have kept out all + other sounds for a fortnight; and have reason to hope, we shall + see him abroad the day before his poem. This you see, is a + particular secret I have found out, viz., that you are not to + choose your physician for his knowledge in your distemper, but + for having it himself. Therefore I am at hand for all maladies + arising from poetical vapours, beyond which I never pretend. For + being called the other day to one in love, I took indeed their + three guineas, and gave them my advice; which was, to send for + Æsculapius.<a name='fntag457' id="fntag457"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote457'><sup>457</sup></a> Æsculapius, as soon as he + saw the patient, cries out, "'Tis love! 'tis love! Oh! the + unequal pulse! these are the symptoms a lover feels; such sighs, + such pangs, attend the uneasy mind; nor can our art, or all our + boasted skill, avail—Yet O fair! for thee—" Thus the + sage ran on, and owned the passion which he pitied, as well as + that he felt a greater pain than ever he cured. After which he + concluded, "All I can advise, is marriage: charms and beauty will + give new life and vigour, and turn the course of nature to its + better prospect." This is the new way; and thus Æsculapius has + left his beloved powders, and writes a recipe for a wife at + sixty. In short, my friend followed the prescription, and married + youth and beauty in its perfect bloom.</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Supine in Silvia's snowy arms he lies, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And all the busy care of life defies: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Each happy hour is filled with fresh delight, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + While peace the day, and pleasure crowns the night. + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p><a class="pagenum" name='page385' title='385' id= + "page385"></a></p> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, July 27.</h3> + + <p>Tragical passion was the subject of the discourse where I last + visited this evening; and a gentleman who knows that I am at + present writing a very deep tragedy, directed his discourse in a + particular manner to me. "It is the common fault," said he, "of + you, gentlemen, who write in the buskin style, that you give us + rather the sentiments of such who behold tragical events, than of + such who bear a part in them themselves. I would advise all who + pretend this way, to read Shakespeare with care, and they will + soon be deterred from putting forth what is usually called + 'tragedy.' The way of common writers in this kind, is rather the + description, than the expression of sorrow. There is no medium in + these attempts; and you must go to the very bottom of the heart, + or it is all mere language; and the writer of such lines is no + more a poet, than a man is a physician for knowing the names of + distempers, without the causes of them. Men of sense are + professed enemies to all such empty labours: for he who pretends + to be sorrowful, and is not, is a wretch yet more contemptible + than he who pretends to be merry, and is not. Such a tragedian is + only maudlin drunk." The gentleman went on with much warmth; but + all he could say had little effect upon me: but when I came + hither, I so far observed his counsel, that I looked into + Shakespeare. The tragedy I dipped into was, "Harry the Fourth." + In the scene where Morton is preparing to tell Northumberland of + his son's death, the old man does not give him time to speak, but + says,</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "The whiteness of thy cheeks + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Is apter than thy tongue to tell thy errand; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Even such a man, so faint, so spiritless, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + So dull, so dead in look, so woebegone, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + <a class="pagenum" name='page386' title='386' id= + "page386"></a>Drew Priam's curtain at the dead of night, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And would have told him half his Troy was burnt: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + But Priam found the fire, ere he his tongue, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And I my Percy's death ere thou reportest it"<a name= + 'fntag458' id="fntag458"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote458'><sup>458</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The image in this place is wonderfully noble and great; yet + this man in all this is but rising towards his great affliction, + and is still enough himself, as you see, to make a simile: but + when he is certain of his son's death, he is lost to all + patience, and gives up all the regards of this life; and since + the last of evils is fallen upon him, he calls for it upon all + the world.</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line i2"> + "Now let not Nature's hand + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Keep the wild flood confined; let Order die, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And let the world no longer be a stage, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + To feed contention in a lingering act; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + But let one spirit of the firstborn Cain + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Reign in all bosoms, that each heart being set + </div> + + <div class="line"> + On bloody courses, the wide scene may end, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And darkness be the burier of the dead." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Reading but this one scene has convinced me, that he who + describes the concern of great men, must have a soul as noble, + and as susceptible of high thoughts, as they whom he represents: + I shall therefore lay by my drama for some time, and turn my + thoughts to cares and griefs, somewhat below that of heroes, but + no less moving. A misfortune proper for me to take notice of, has + too lately happened: the disconsolate Maria<a name='fntag459' id= + "fntag459"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote459'><sup>459</sup></a> has three days kept her chamber + for the loss of the beauteous Fidelia, her <a class="pagenum" + name='page387' title='387' id="page387"></a>lap-dog. Lesbia + herself<a name='fntag460' id="fntag460"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote460'><sup>460</sup></a> did not shed more tears for her + sparrow. What makes her the more concerned, is, that we know not + whether Fidelia was killed or stolen; but she was seen in the + parlour window when the train-bands went by, and never since. + Whoever gives notice of her, dead or alive, shall be rewarded + with a kiss of her lady.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag450'>[450]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote450' id="footnote450"></a>See <a href= + '#number16'>No. 16</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag451'>[451]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote451' id= + "footnote451"></a>Intercourse.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag452'>[452]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote452' id="footnote452"></a>Henry Cromwell + (died 1728) was a correspondent of Pope's, and a friend of + Wycherley's. "I cannot choose," wrote Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, + "but be pleased with the conquest of a person whose fame our + incomparable Tatler has rendered immortal, by the three + distinguishing titles of 'Squire Easy the amorous bard'; 'Sir + Timothy the critic'; and 'Sir Taffety Trippet the + fortune-hunter'" ("Pylades and Corinna," i. 96, 194). See + also Nos. <a href="#number49">49</a>, 165. Cromwell was a man about town, of + private means, with property in Lincolnshire, who had + contributed verses to Tonson's "Miscellany." Gay ("Mr. Pope's + Welcome from Greece," st. xvii.) speaks of "Honest, hatless + Cromwell, with red breeches."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag453'>[453]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote453' id="footnote453"></a>Called forth, + drawn as with an alarum.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag454'>[454]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote454' id="footnote454"></a>Henry Cromwell; + see note on p. 380. According to another suggestion, Spindle + is intended for Thomas Tickell, who published a poem, "The + Prospect of Peace," in 1713; but it is not probable that in + 1709 either Addison or Steele would have satirised him; and + Cromwell may very likely have written verses on the same + subject.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag455'>[455]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote455' id="footnote455"></a>A spider named + from Tarentum, in Apulia. Strange stories were told of the + effects of its bite, and of their cure by music and + dancing.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag456'>[456]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote456' id="footnote456"></a>See <a href= + '#number46'>No. 46</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag457'>[457]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote457' id="footnote457"></a>Dr. Radcliffe. + See <a href='#number44'>No. 44</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag458'>[458]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote458' id="footnote458"></a>2 Henry IV., + act i. sc. I.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag459'>[459]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote459' id="footnote459"></a>"This + <i>Tatler</i> I know nothing of, only they say the Dutchess + of Montague has lately lost a bitch she call'd fidel, and has + had it cry'd."—(Peter Wentworth to Lord Raby; + "Wentworth Papers," p. 97.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag460'>[460]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote460' id="footnote460"></a>See Catullus, + passim.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number48' id="number48"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 48.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Thursday, July 28</i>, to <i>Saturday, July 30</i>, + 1709.</h3> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + —Virtutem verba putant, et + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Lucum ligna. + </div> + + <div class="line right"> + Hor., 1 Ep. vi. 31. + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>From my own Apartment, July 29.</h3> + + <p>This day I obliged Pacolet to entertain me with matters which + regarded persons of his own character and occupation. We chose to + take our walk on Tower Hill; and as we were coming from thence in + order to stroll as far as Garraway's,<a name='fntag461' id= + "fntag461"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote461'><sup>461</sup></a> I observed two men, who had but + just landed, coming from the waterside. I thought there was + something uncommon in their mien and aspect; but though they + seemed by their visage to be related, yet was there a warmth in + their manner, as if they differed very much in their sentiments + of the subject on which they were talking. One of them seemed to + have a natural confidence, mixed with an ingenious freedom in his + gesture, his dress very plain, but very graceful and + becom<a class="pagenum" name='page388' title='388' id= + "page388"></a>ing: the other, in the midst of an overbearing + carriage, betrayed (by frequently looking round him) a suspicion + that he was not enough regarded by those he met, or that he + feared they would make some attack upon him. This person was much + taller than his companion, and added to that height the advantage + of a feather in his hat, and heels to his shoes so monstrously + high, that he had three or four times fallen down, had he not + been supported by his friend. They made a full stop as they came + within a few yards of the place where we stood. The plain + gentleman bowed to Pacolet; the other looked on him with some + displeasure: upon which I asked him, who they both were, when he + thus informed me of their persons and circumstances.</p> + + <p>"You may remember, Mr. Isaac, that I have often told you, + there are beings of a superior rank to mankind, who frequently + visit the habitations of men, in order to call them from some + wrong pursuits in which they are actually engaged, or divert them + from methods which will lead them into errors for the future. He + that will carefully reflect upon the occurrences of his life, + will find he has been sometimes extricated out of difficulties, + and received favours where he could never have expected such + benefits; as well as met with cross events from some unseen hand, + which have disappointed his best laid designs. Such accidents + arrive from the interventions of aërial beings, as they are + benevolent or hurtful to the nature of man, and attend his steps + in the tracts of ambition, of business, and of pleasure. Before I + ever appeared to you in the manner I do now, I have frequently + followed you in your evening walks, and have often, by throwing + some accident in your way, as the passing by of a funeral, or the + appearance of some other solemn object, given your imagination a + new turn, and changed a night you had destined to mirth and + jollity, into an exercise of study and contemplation. I <a class= + "pagenum" name='page389' title='389' id="page389"></a>was the old + soldier who met you last summer in Chelsea Fields, and pretended + that I had broken my wooden leg, and could not get home; but I + snapped it short off on purpose, that you might fall into the + reflections you did on that subject, and take me into your hack. + If you remember, you made yourself very merry on that fracture, + and asked me, whether I thought I should next winter feel cold in + the toes of that leg? As is usually observed, that those who lose + limbs, are sensible of pains in the extreme parts, even after + those limbs are cut off. However, my keeping you then in the + story of the battle of the Boyne, prevented an assignation, which + would have led you into more disasters than I then related.</p> + + <p>"To be short; those two persons you see yonder, are such as I + am; they are not real men, but are mere shades and figures: one + is named Alethes; the other, Verisimilis. Their office is to be + the guardians and representatives of Conscience and Honour. They + are now going to visit the several parts of the town, to see how + their interests in the world decay or flourish, and to purge + themselves from the many false imputations they daily meet with + in the commerce and conversation of men. You observed Verisimilis + frowned when he first saw me. What he is provoked at, is, that I + told him one day, though he strutted and dressed with so much + ostentation, if he kept himself within his own bounds, he was but + a lackey, and wore only that gentleman's livery whom he is now + with. This frets him to the heart; for you must know, he has + pretended a long time to set up for himself, and gets among a + crowd of the more unthinking part of mankind, who take him for a + person of the first quality; though his introduction into the + world was wholly owing to his present companion."</p> + + <p>This encounter was very agreeable to me, and I was <a class= + "pagenum" name='page390' title='390' id="page390"></a>resolved to + dog them, and desired Pacolet to accompany me. I soon perceived + what he told me in the gesture of the persons: for when they + looked at each other in discourse, the well-dressed man suddenly + cast down his eyes, and discovered that the other had a painful + superiority over him. After some further discourse, they took + leave. The plain gentleman went down towards Thames Street, in + order to be present, at least, at the oaths taken at the + Custom-house; and the other made directly for the heart of the + city. It is incredible how great a change there immediately + appeared in the man of honour when he got rid of his uneasy + companion: he adjusted the cock of his hat anew, settled his + sword-knot, and had an appearance that attracted a sudden + inclination for him and his interests in all who beheld him. "For + my part," said I to Pacolet, "I cannot but think you are mistaken + in calling this person, of the lower quality; for he looks much + more like a gentleman than the other. Don't you observe all eyes + are upon him as he advances: how each sex gazes at his stature, + aspect, address, and motion?" Pacolet only smiled, and shaked his + head; as leaving me to be convinced by my own further + observation. We kept on our way after him till we came to + Exchange Alley, where the plain gentleman again came up to the + other; and they stood together after the manner of eminent + merchants, as if ready to receive application; but I could + observe no man talk to either of them. The one was laughed at as + a fop; and I heard many whispers against the other, as a + whimsical sort of fellow, and a great enemy to trade. They + crossed Cornhill together, and came into the full 'Change, where + some bowed, and gave themselves airs in being known to so fine a + man as Verisimilis, who, they said, had great interests in all + princes' courts; and the other was taken notice of by several as + one they had seen <a class="pagenum" name='page391' title='391' + id="page391"></a>somewhere long before. One more particularly + said, he had formerly been a man of consideration in the world; + but was so unlucky, that they who dealt with him, by some strange + infatuation or other, had a way of cutting off their own bills, + and were prodigiously slow in improving their stock. But as much + as I was curious to observe the reception these gentlemen met + with upon 'Change, I could not help being interrupted by one that + came up towards us, to whom everybody made their compliments. He + was of the common height, and in his dress there seemed to be + great care to appear no way particular, except in a certain exact + and feat<a name='fntag462' id="fntag462"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote462'><sup>462</sup></a> manner of behaviour and + circumspection. He was wonderfully careful that his shoes and + clothes should be without the least speck upon them; and seemed + to think, that on such an accident depended his very life and + fortune. There was hardly a man on 'Change who had not a note + upon him; and each seemed very well satisfied that their money + lay in his hands, without demanding payment. I asked Pacolet, + what great merchant that was, who was so universally addressed + to, yet made too familiar an appearance to command that + extraordinary deference? Pacolet answered, "This person is the + demon or genius of credit: his name is Umbra. If you observe, he + follows Alethes and Verisimilis at a distance; and indeed has no + foundation for the figure he makes in the world, but that he is + thought to keep their cash; though at the same time, none who + trust him would trust the others for a groat." As the company + rolled about, the three spectres were jumbled into one place: + when they were so, and all thought there was an alliance between + them, they immediately drew upon them the business of the whole + 'Change. But their affairs soon increased to such an unwieldy + bulk, that Alethes took his <a class="pagenum" name='page392' + title='392' id="page392"></a>leave, and said, he would not engage + further than he had an immediate fund to answer. Verisimilis + pretended that though he had revenues large enough to go on his + own bottom, yet it was below one of his family to condescend to + trade in his own name; therefore he also retired. I was extremely + troubled to see the glorious mart of London left with no other + guardian, but him of credit. But Pacolet told me, that traders + had nothing to do with the honour or conscience of their + correspondents, provided they supported a general behaviour in + the world, which could not hurt their credit or their purses: + "for," said he, "you may in this one tract of building of London + and Westminster see the imaginary motives on which the greatest + affairs move, as well as in rambling over the face of the earth. + For though Alethes is the real governor, as well as legislator of + mankind, he has very little business but to make up quarrels, and + is only a general referee, to whom every man pretends to appeal; + but is satisfied with his determinations no further than they + promote his own interest. Hence it is, that the soldier and the + courtier model their actions according to Verisimilis' manner, + and the merchant according to that of Umbra. Among these men, + honour and credit are not valuable possessions in themselves, or + pursued out of a principle of justice; but merely as they are + serviceable to ambition and to commerce. But the world will never + be in any manner of order or tranquillity, till men are firmly + convinced, that conscience, honour, and credit, are all in one + interest; and that without the concurrence of the former, the + latter are but impositions upon ourselves and others. The force + these delusive words have, is not seen in the transactions of the + busy world only, but also have their tyranny over the fair sex. + Were you to ask the unhappy Lais, what pangs of reflection, + preferring the consideration of her honour to <a class="pagenum" + name='page393' title='393' id="page393"></a>her conscience, has + given her? She could tell you, that it has forced her to drink up + half a gallon this winter of Tom Dassapas' potions; that she + still pines away for fear of being a mother; and knows not, but + the moment she is such, she shall be a murderess: but if + conscience had as strong a force upon the mind, as honour, the + first step to her unhappy condition had never been made; she had + still been innocent, as she's beautiful. Were men so enlightened + and studious of their own good, as to act by the dictates of + their reason and reflection, and not the opinion of others, + Conscience would be the steady ruler of human life; and the + words, Truth, Law, Reason, Equity, and Religion, would be but + synonymous terms for that only guide which makes us pass our days + in our own favour and approbation."</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag461'>[461]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote461' id="footnote461"></a>A coffee-house + in Exchange Alley, Cornhill, with an auction-room on the + first floor, where wine and other things were sold (see No, + 147). Thomas Garway was originally a tobacconist and + coffee-man. Defoe ("Journey through England") says that this + coffee-house was frequented by "the people of quality who + have business in the City, and the most considerable and + wealthy citizens."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag462'>[462]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote462' id="footnote462"></a>Adroit.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <div class="numberheader"> + <a name='number49' id="number49"></a> + + <h2 class="leftheader">No. 49.</h2> + + <h2 class="rightheader">[STEELE.</h2> + + <h2> </h2> + + <h3>From <i>Saturday, July 30</i>, to <i>Tuesday, August 2, + 1709.</i></h3> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + Quicquid agunt homines ... nostri farrago libelli. + </div> + + <div class="line right"> + Juv., Sat. i. 85, 86. + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>White's Chocolate-house, August 1.</h3> + + <p>The imposition of honest names and words upon improper + subjects, has made so regular a confusion amongst us, that we are + apt to sit down with our errors, well enough satisfied with the + methods we are fallen into, without attempting to deliver + ourselves from the tyranny under which we are reduced by such + innovations. Of all the laudable motives of human life, none has + suffered so much in this kind as love; under which revered name, + a <a class="pagenum" name='page394' title='394' id= + "page394"></a>brutal desire called lust is frequently concealed + and admitted; though they differ as much as a matron from a + prostitute, or a companion from a buffoon. Philander<a name= + 'fntag463' id="fntag463"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote463'><sup>463</sup></a> the other day was bewailing + this misfortune with much indignation, and upbraided me for + having some time since quoted those excellent lines of the + satirist:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + To an exact perfection they have brought + </div> + + <div class="line"> + The action love, the passion is forgot.<a name='fntag464' + id="fntag464"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote464'><sup>464</sup></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"How could you," said he, "leave such a hint so coldly? How + could Aspasia<a name='fntag465' id="fntag465"></a><a class='fn' + href='#footnote465'><sup>465</sup></a> and Sempronia<a name= + 'fntag466' id="fntag466"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote466'><sup>466</sup></a> enter into your imagination at + the same time, and you never declare to us the different + reception you gave them? The figures which the ancient + mythologists and poets put upon love and lust in their writings, + are very instructive. Love is a beauteous blind child, adorned + with a quiver and a bow, which he plays with, and shoots around + him, without design or direction; to intimate to us, that the + person beloved has no intention to give us the anxieties we meet + with; but that the beauties of a worthy object are like the + charms of a lovely infant: they cannot but attract your concern + and fondness, though the child so regarded is as insensible of + the value you put upon it, as it is that it deserves your + benevolence. On the other side, the sages figured Lust in the + form of a satyr; of shape, part human, part bestial; to signify, + that the followers of it prostitute the reason of a man to pursue + the appetites of a beast. This satyr is made to haunt the paths + and coverts of the wood-nymphs and shepherdesses, to lurk on the + banks of rivulets, and watch the purling streams (as the resorts + of retired virgins), to show, that lawless desire tends chiefly + to <a class="pagenum" name='page395' title='395' id= + "page395"></a>prey upon innocence, and has something so unnatural + in it, that it hates its own make, and shuns the object it loved, + as soon as it has made it like itself. Love therefore is a child + that complains and bewails its inability to help itself, and + weeps for assistance, without an immediate reflection of + knowledge of the food it wants: Lust, a watchful thief which + seizes its prey, and lays snares for its own relief; and its + principal object being innocence, it never robs, but it murders + at the same time. From this idea of a Cupid and a Satyr, we may + settle our notion of these different desires, and accordingly + rank their followers. Aspasia must therefore be allowed to be the + first of the beauteous Order of Love, whose unaffected freedom, + and conscious innocence, give her the attendance of the graces in + all her actions. That awful distance which we bear towards her in + all our thoughts of her, and that cheerful familiarity with which + we approach her, are certain instances of her being the truest + object of love of any of her sex. In this accomplished lady, love + is the constant effect, because it is never the design. Yet, + though her mien carries much more invitation than command, to + behold her is an immediate check to loose behaviour; and to love + her is a liberal education:<a name='fntag467' id= + "fntag467"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote467'><sup>467</sup></a> for, it being the nature of all + love to create an imitation of the beloved person in the lover, a + regard for Aspasia naturally produces decency of manners, and + good conduct of life in her admirers. If therefore the giggling + Lucippe could but see her train of fops <a class="pagenum" name= + 'page396' title='396' id="page396"></a>assembled, and Aspasia + move by them, she would be mortified at the veneration with which + she is beheld, even by Lucippe's own unthinking equipage, whose + passions have long taken leave of their understandings. But as + charity is esteemed a conjunction of the good qualities necessary + to a virtuous man, so love is the happy composition of all the + accomplishments that make a fine gentleman. The motive of a man's + life is seen in all his actions; and such as have the beauteous + boy for their inspirer have a simplicity of behaviour, and a + certain evenness of desire, which burns like the lamp of life in + their bosoms; while they who are instigated by the satyr are ever + tortured by jealousies of the object of their wishes; often + desire what they scorn, and as often consciously and knowingly + embrace where they are mutually indifferent.</p> + + <p>Florio, the generous husband, and Limberham, the "kind + keeper,"<a name='fntag468' id="fntag468"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote468'><sup>468</sup></a> are noted examples of the + different effects which these desires produce in the mind. + Amanda, who is the wife of Florio, lives in the continual + enjoyment of new instances of her husband's friendship, and sees + it the end of all his ambition to make her life one series of + pleasure and satisfaction; and Amanda's relish of the goods of + life, is all that makes them pleasing to Florio: they behave + themselves to each other when present with a certain apparent + benevolence, which transports above rapture; and they think of + each other in absence with a confidence unknown to the highest + friendship: their satisfactions are doubled, their sorrows + lessened by participation. On the other hand, Corinna, who is the + mistress of Limberham,<a name='fntag469' id= + "fntag469"></a><a class='fn' href= + '#footnote469'><sup>469</sup></a> lives in constant torment: her + equipage is, an old woman, who was what Corinna is now; <a class= + "pagenum" name='page397' title='397' id="page397"></a>an + antiquated footman, who was pimp to Limberham's father; and a + chambermaid, who is Limberham's wench by fits, out of a principle + of politics to make her jealous and watchful of Corinna. Under + this guard, and in this conversation, Corinna lives in state: the + furniture of her habitation, and her own gorgeous dress, make her + the envy of all the strolling ladies in the town; but Corinna + knows she herself is but part of Limberham's household stuff, and + is as capable of being disposed of elsewhere, as any other + movable. But while her keeper is persuaded by his spies, that no + enemy has been within his doors since his last visit, no Persian + prince was ever so magnificently bountiful: a kind look or + falling tear is worth a piece of brocade, a sigh is a jewel, and + a smile is a cupboard of plate. All this is shared between + Corinna and her guard in his absence. With this great economy and + industry does the unhappy Limberham purchase the constant + tortures of jealousy, the favour of spending his estate, and the + opportunity of enriching one by whom he knows he is hated and + despised. These are the ordinary and common evils which attend + keepers, and Corinna is a wench but of common size of wickedness. + Were you to know what passes under the roof where the fair + Messalina reigns with her humble adorer! Messalina is the + professed mistress of mankind; she has left the bed of her + husband and her beauteous offspring, to give a loose to want of + shame and fulness of desire. Wretched Nocturnus, her feeble + keeper! How the poor creature fribbles in his gait, and scuttles + from place to place to despatch his necessary affairs in painful + daylight, that he may return to the constant twilight preserved + in that scene of wantonness, Messalina's bedchamber. How does he, + while he is absent from thence, consider in his imagination the + breadth of his porter's shoulders, the spruce nightcap of his + valet, <a class="pagenum" name='page398' title='398' id= + "page398"></a>the ready attendance of his butler! Any of all whom + he knows she admits, and professes to approve of. This, alas! is + the gallantry; this the freedom of our fine gentlemen: for this + they preserve their liberty, and keep clear of that bugbear, + marriage. But he does not understand either vice or virtue, who + will not allow, that life without the rules of morality is a + wayward uneasy being, with snatches only of pleasure; but under + the regulation of virtue, a reasonable and uniform habit of + enjoyment. I have seen in a play of old Heywood's, a speech at + the end of an act, which touched this point with much spirit. He + makes a married man in the play, upon some endearing occasion, + look at his spouse with an air of fondness, and fall into the + following reflection on his condition:</p> + + <div class='poem'> + <div class='stanza'> + <div class="line"> + "O Marriage! happiest, easiest, safest state; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Let debauchees and drunkards scorn thy rights, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Who, in their nauseous draughts and lusts, profane + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Both thee and Heaven by whom thou wert ordained. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + How can the savage call it loss of freedom, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Thus to converse with, thus to gaze at + </div> + + <div class="line"> + A faithful, beauteous friend? + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Blush not, my fair one, that thy love applauds thee, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Nor be it painful to my wedded wife, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + That my full heart overflows in praise of thee. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Thou art by law, by interest, passion, mine: + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Passion and reason join in love of thee. + </div> + + <div class="line"> + Thus, through a world of calumny and fraud, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + We pass both unreproached, both undeceived; + </div> + + <div class="line"> + While in each other's interest and happiness, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + We without art all faculties employ, + </div> + + <div class="line"> + And all our senses without guilt enjoy." + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <h3>St. James's Coffee-house August 1.</h3> + + <p>Letters from the Hague of the 6th instant, N.S., say, that + there daily arrive at our camp deserters in con<a class="pagenum" + name='page399' title='399' id="page399"></a>siderable numbers; + and that several of the enemy concealed themselves in the town of + Tournay when the garrison marched into the citadel; after which, + they presented themselves to the Duke of Marlborough; some of + whom were commissioned officers. The Earl of Albemarle is + appointed governor of the town. Soon after the surrender, there + arose a dispute about a considerable work, which was asserted by + the Allies to be part of the town, and by the French to belong to + the citadel. It is said, Monsieur de Surville was so ingenious as + to declare, he thought it to be comprehended within the limits of + the town; but Monsieur de Mesgrigny, governor of the citadel, was + of a contrary opinion. It is reported, that this affair + occasioned great difficulties, which ended in a capitulation for + the citadel itself; the principal article of which is, that it + shall be surrendered on the 5th of September next, in case they + are not in the meantime relieved. This circumstance gives + foundation to believe, that the enemy have acted in this manner, + rather from some hopes they conceive of a treaty of peace before + that time, than any expectation from their army, which has + retired towards their former works between Lens and La Bassée. + These advices add, that his Excellency the Czarish Ambassador has + communicated to the States-General, and the foreign Ministers + residing at the Hague, a copy of a letter from his master's camp, + which gives an account of the entire defeat of the Swedish army. + They further say, that Count Piper is taken prisoner, and that it + is doubted whether the King of Sweden himself was not killed in + the action. We hear from Savoy, that Count Thaun having amused + the enemy by a march as far as the Tarantaise, had suddenly + repassed Mount Cenis, and moved towards Briançon. This unexpected + disposition <a class="pagenum" name='page400' title='400' id= + "page400"></a>is apprehended by the enemy as a piece of the Duke + of Savoy's dexterity; and the French adding this circumstance to + that of the Confederate squadron's lying before Toulon, convince + themselves, that his royal highness has his thoughts upon the + execution of some great design in those parts.</p> + + <div class='footnotes'> + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag463'>[463]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote463' id="footnote463"></a>See <a href= + '#number13'>No. 13</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag464'>[464]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote464' id="footnote464"></a>See <a href= + '#number5'>No. 5</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag465'>[465]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote465' id="footnote465"></a>Lady Elizabeth + Hastings (see <a href='#number42'>No. 42</a>).</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag466'>[466]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote466' id="footnote466"></a>See <a href= + '#number33'>No. 33</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag467'>[467]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote467' id="footnote467"></a>In the + <i>Spectator</i> for March 29, 1884, Mr. Swinburne published + a letter saying that Steele was not the author of these + famous words,—"the most exquisite tribute ever paid to + the memory of a noble woman"; for the article in <a href= + '#number42'>No. 42</a> was by Congreve. But Mr. Justin + McCarthy afterwards pointed out that these words occur in + <a href='#number49'>No. 49</a>, not <a href='#number42'>No. + 42</a>; and whether or no Congreve wrote the paper in + <a href='#number42'>No. 42</a> which is at least + doubtful—the article in <a href='#number49'>No. 49</a> + is certainly Steele's.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag468'>[468]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote468' id="footnote468"></a>The title of + one of Dryden's plays.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class='footnote'> + <div class='label'> + <a href='#fntag469'>[469]</a> + </div> + + <p><a name='footnote469' id="footnote469"></a>Henry Cromwell + and Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas. See <a href='#number47'>No. + 47</a>.</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + + <h2>END OF VOL. I.</h2> + + <h3>Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & Co. London & + Edinburgh.</h3> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Tatler, Volume 1, 1899, by George A. Aitken + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TATLER, VOLUME 1, 1899 *** + +***** This file should be named 13645-h.htm or 13645-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/3/6/4/13645/ + +Produced by Jon Ingram and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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