New Letters to the Tatler and Spectator 9780292769793

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NEW LETTERS to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

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NEW LETTERS to the TATLER and SPECTATOR Edited by RICHMOND P. BOND

Austin

•

University of Texas Press

Copyright © 1959 by the University of Texas Press Copyright © renewed 1987 All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America Requests for permission to reproduce material from this work should be sent to:  Permissions   University of Texas Press   P.O. Box 7819   Austin, TX 78713-7819  www.utexas.edu/utpress/about/bpermission.html

Library of Congress Catalog Number 58-010854 isbn 978-0-292-73987-1, paperback

To My Wife and Collaborator

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I HAVE OFTEN THOUGHT, that if the

several Letters, which are Written to me under the Character of SPECTATOR, and

which I have not made use of, were published in a Volume, they would not be an unentertaining Collection. T h e Variety of the Subjects, Stiles, Sentiments, and Informations, which are transmitted to me, would lead a very curious, or very idle Reader, insensibly along, through a great many Pages. I know some Authors, who would pick up a Secret History out of such Materials, and make a Bookseller an Alderman by the Copy. I shall carefully preserve the Original Papers in a Room set apart for that Purpose, to the end that they may be of Service to Posterity; . . . SPECTATOR N O . 619

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CONTENTS Introduction

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Letters to the 1

Follies of the Town

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3

TATLER

33

2

An Experience with Sharpers .

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35

3

A Threat from a Sharper

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38

4

Dental Hygiene

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39

5

Support for Bickerstaff against Sharpers

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40

6

Virtue and Riches .

7

Extempore Prayers

8

Love for Mr. Bickerstaff

9

Dexterous Ways of News Writers

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. .

. .

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42

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45

. .

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. .

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47

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48

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10

Usher at the Table of Fame

50

11

Cure of the Spleen

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. .

51

12

Canes in a Public House

·

·

·

·

53

13

The Speaking Doctor of Kensington

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.

55

14

A Rich Quaker Lady

57

15

A Pious Widow

58

16

Platonic Love by Correspondence

17

Verses to Be Prefixed to the Tatler

18

Truthful Writing .

19

Exportation of Grain

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59

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62

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63

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65

20

Lively Dead Men

21

Women as Scandalmongers

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71

69

22

Seduction of Young Virgins

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71

23

Rum Fellows

72

x

Contents

24

An Accident with a Cane

73

25 26

Reprinting of the Tatler Rules about Laughter

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74 76

27

Request for the Tatler

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28

Lashing Attorneys

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29

Abuse of the Law

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30

Letting of Chambers to a Tradesman

79 81

31 32

Noise and Knockers

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82

Matrimonial Prerogatives

33

Ladies' Riding Habits

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34

Wide Quilted Petticoats

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35

Funeral of a Sharper

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36

Bickerstaff's Breaking of His Word

87 88

37

Petition of Lacemen

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.

38

Drama and Opera

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89 90

39 40

Opera

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96

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. . .

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77 •

78

83

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An Injured Author .

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85 86

99

41 42

A Glister Driver

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43 44

A Visit to a Country Relation .

45 46

A Lustful Sea Captain

47 48

Reason and Religion

Humble Thanks from the Chanticleers

112

49 50

Ladies' Paint and Cock-Knocking

114

51 52

Scholarships for Boys

Troubles of a Servant Maid . A Vision of Love

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1O1

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. .

. .

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102

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105

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107

Gratitude and Noble Resolutions .

109 .

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Gaming, Elections, and Women's Portions .

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Revenge of an Injured Mistress

100

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110

"5 117 118

Contents

XI

53

A Noisy Knight

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54

Intelligence from Edinburgh

55

False Report of Marriage

122

124 127 129 130 132 132 134 135 136

120

.

121

56

Abuse of Credit by Noblemen

57

Characters of Dr. Sacheverell

58

Servants as Guardians

59

"Good Mr. Bickerstaff"

60

A Smoking Wife

61

Petticoats

62

Ladies' Letters to Men

63

A Lover's Disappointment

64

Request to Answer Former Letters

65

Love and Coquetry

66

Request to Insert a Former Letter

67

A Quarrel between Fencing Masters

68

Promotion of Cook to Barkeeper

69

A Married Woman's Dilemma

70

Friendship

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137 138 139 140 140 142

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Letters to the SPECTATOR 71

An Overbearing Father .

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. 1 4 5

72

A Lady with Two Suitors

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.

. 1 4 9

73

"Follow Nature"

74

Multiplication Table and Beau at Bath

75

A Vicious Friend

76

The Death of a Beloved Wife

77

Text from Lucan and Verses to Mr. Spectator .

160

78

A Truthful Tradesman

161

79

Ladies as Landlords

150 .

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154 156

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.

. 1 5 8 .

. 1 6 2

xii

Contents

80

An Impatient Lover

81

A Lottery Hoax

82

Divine Verses

83 84

Inequality of Souls

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Advancement of Virtue .

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. 1 6 4 .

166 169

.

171

Understanding and Counsel

174 178

Religion and Charity

181

Marriage for Money

185

A Club of Corporal Wits

190

Chiromancy A Lover's Repentance

195 197

91 92

Love Casuistry

198

Choice of Employment .

200

93 94

The Ruin of a Young Lady .

204

The Joining of Two Souls

207

95 96

An Alchemist

212

An Intimation of Immortality

214

85 86 87 88 89 90

ILLUSTRATIONS FRONT END PAPER

Letters from the Marlborough Collection BACK END PAPER

Letters from the Tickell Collection

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NEW LETTERS to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

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INTRODUCTION T H E LETTER TO THE EDITOR has long stood as an honored institution of free expression, a sturdy component of the press felicitous alike to editor, writer, and public reader. The Tatler and Spectator strongly participated in the establishment of this now-common custom and further developed the letter as an integral form in the essay type of periodical. Nine hundred issues of these two folio half-sheets included upward of eight hundred letters one kind with another, authentic and imaginary, of authorship known and secret, of comprehensive matter and individual manner. Addison and Steele received numerous messages they did not accept for public appearance, a good number of which were soon rescued and published by a friendly hand. The present volume contains ninety-six additional letters written to the Tatler and Spectator and here printed for the first time from the original manuscripts. These letters—eighty-five in the Marlborough Collection at Blenheim Palace and eleven in the Tickell Collection—contribute to the variety as well as to the dimension of the assemblage of BickerstaffSpectatoriana, instruct us agreeably in the ways of the citizen of Anne's age, and suggest a closer understanding of the uses of high journalism. Although there was some small use of the letter form in several minor seventeenth-century newspapers and periodicals, it is to three prominent pre-Tatler journals that we go

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

for direct and large evidence on the letter-writing public. First, the Athenian Mercury, a question-answer periodical of 1691 to 1697, conducted by the dominating, indomitable John Dunton. To the Mercury went letters from readers with query after query on theology, science, philosophy, manners, and morals, and whatever else the curious man of King William's world wanted to learn about: in the first two issues—"Whether the Torments of the damn'd are visible to the Saints in Heaven," "Whether 'tis lawful for a Man to beat his Wife," "How came the Spots in the Moon," "Whether the Author is not in League with the General Penny-Post Office," "Whether it is better to cheat ones self or another," "Why the Sea is salt," and so on and on. Here is the table of interest, the temper of mind, of the Englishman in the late seventeenth century who took the trouble to put his curiosity on paper. A decade after this casuistical Mercury had ceased publication, another question-answer journal appeared, the British A polio, which antedated the Tatler by fourteen months and survived it by four. The thousand issues of the Mercury and Apollo together give us not merely a detailed view of the intellectual scene in the late seventeenth century and early eighteenth, but also a proof that many, many men and women were learning to send a letter to a periodical with the strong hope of seeing it in print. Finally we have the Review of the Affairs of France, the omnivorous commentary sheet by the ever-busy Daniel Defoe, a journal which lasted more than twice as long as the Tatler and Spectator combined. The Review was not a question-answer paper, but it contained during its first months a department called "Advice from the Scandalous Club," designed as "a little Diversion, as any thing occurs to make the World Merry," wherein to enter open reproof of error, vice, and folly and to wheedle the people into

Introduction

5

reading the historical part of the periodical. Early in its activity the Club admitted letters to its column and thus got "drawn into the difficult, nice, and unsatisfying Work of resolving Doubts, answering Questions, and deciding Controversies, Things absolutely remote and foreign to their first Design." Defoe soon found himself "Letter baited by Querists." For want of room to accommodate the queries and fitting replies he created a long Supplement in five numbers, and then a separate organ, the Little Review, a four-page semiweekly appearing on days not taken by its parent. Impatient with correspondents from the start, Defoe at last gave up the race with them and discontinued receiving and answering these "Questions in Divinity, Morality, Love, State, War, Trade, Language, Poetry, Marriage, Drunkenness, Whoring, Gaming, Vowing, and the like." Here the letter was almost defeated by its own popularity, but Defoe went on during the remainder of the Review to insert an occasional letter on topics considered germane. In his three media Defoe printed four hundred letters, whatever the provenance, some very short, others long, and inserted notices to many correspondents concerning the sending of personal answers. His opinions on numerous points of single wrong and common weal exceeded the questions in length and were produced with care, sometimes itemized; often he queried the querist, and his replies were not always gentle. Defoe was no Athenian nor a Bickerstaff-Spectator, but cousin to each—he was nearer to the Mercury as conscientious dispenser of information and to the Tatler and Spectator as promoter of reformation. When Richard Steele added to his Gazetteership the editorial office of Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq., and dealt out his first Lucubration gratis to the Town on the second Tuesday in April, 1709, he could by no means foresee his debt to correspondents. The Tatler began its course in a tentative,

6

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

something experimental way; it was subject to trial and turn; its parts, the most of them, had been already performed by others, but its sum of parts was new. No invitation to letter-writers was included in the initial number; however, in his seventh paper Bickerstaff asked for aid, confessing jovially he had "not a Month's Wit more" except the penny post provide matter and using the occasion to publish his waggish will and testament. The first prose communication to be accepted appeared in No. 11, a history of the house of Staff as by the genealogist cousin D. Distaff from the Herald's Office, inserted "without altering a Syllable" and for wit hardly to be excelled by the most famous of the family. Thenceforth letters appeared in the Tatler, original or furbished or fabricated, with a fair but not exacting regularity. Mr. Spectator—" 'Tis the same Sun, and does himself succeed"—from his beginning made a liberal use of letters, solicited correspondence at the end of his opening paper, and in his third week wrote an essay on the classes of correspondents he had attracted. For ninety weeks the Tatler had thrived on a triweekly frequency; the Spectator of 1711-12, with a run only a fortnight longer, appeared daily and thus had double the number of issues of its predecessor. But in the proportionate publishing of letters the Spectator overwent the Tatler—by the time Bickerstaff laid aside his Censorial scepter he had printed in nearly half of his 271 numbers some two hundred letters, whereas in his first series of 555 issues Mr. Spectator made public more than five hundred letters. He also increased the proportion of issues containing three or more letters and of those in which one letter or a group of letters sufficed for "the Entertainment of this Day," perhaps with a prologue declaring, for example, "This being a Day of Business with me, I must make the present Entertainment like a Treat

Introduction

7

at an House-Warming, out of such Presents as have been sent me by my Guests." As in the Tatler, the notes, letters, and petitions in the Spectator were reasonably well distributed, the month of Mr. Spectator's visit to Coverly country being the only season when letters were almost absent. In the Tatler and in the Spectator the letters run from one sentence to a complete issue, and a few letters enclose others. And in each periodical the letters printed do not represent the total allegedly received, for the editor often referred to letters not entered and also at times summarized without quotation. The Tatler and Spectator remain a speculum of human life in Augustan England, of which the letters printed therein are themselves a special glass of motley fashions. They are not a full index argumentorum, but by their comment on subjects treated and on subjects proposed they become a faithful witness to contents past and possible. The writer to the Censor or the Spectator-General of Great Britain praises, blames, cajoles, threatens, rejoices, laments, recommends, observes, records; in each case he has a substance, however light, howsoever heavy, to transmit. The corporate correspondent possesses the make of mind and the intellectual resources to include the outer and the inner worlds of his age, or to approach their bounds. The letters in the Tatler and Spectator present this body of thought, emotion, and deed: the consolations of semiformal philosophy, the rewards of religion, the value of commerce, the profits of proper male education and female, the hemisphere of books and playhouse, but most of all the warm and colored spectacle of what we snugly call morals and manners—love, courtship, marriage, sin, goodness, pleasures, problems, hopes, defeats, appearances, customs, and habits. Mr. Spectator recognized the range of his correspondence in No. 402: "Were I to publish all the Advertisements I

8

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

receive from different Hands, and Persons of different Circumstances and Quality, the very Mention of them, without Reflexions on the several Subjects, would raise all the Passions which can be felt by humane Mind." The letters offer now a second sight and sound of men and women writing about themselves and other men and women. First Mr. Bickerstaff, then Mr. Spectator gathered in the sentences from their manifold audience to make private advice into public benefits, so that the affairs of heart and of head became matter of Britain. The problem of the authorship of the letters in the Tatler and the Spectator is a complex of editorial practice and policy and necessity, of collaboration and revision, of attribution weak and firm. Of the known authors the leading assistants in this epistolary commerce were Budgell, Hughes, Pope, and Swift, but their names did not appear as signatures, nor did those of such lesser worthies as Robert Harper, John Henley, James Heywood, Henry Martyn, Richard Parker, and a score of others. Messages were printed over the names of Charles Lillie, perfumer and Bickerstaff's clerk of court 5 Peter Motteux, sometime translator and editor turned man of business in fine silks and laces 5 Clayton and Haym and Dieupart, composers; and the actors Thomas Doggett, William Bullock, William Penkethman, and Richard Estcourt, and Powell the puppetman. There was a love letter by James Hirst, servant to the Honorable Edward Wortley, who discovered the note by chance and promised James he'd be a great man by appearing in the Spectator, where Steele printed it along with a clearer version. One letter and part of another written by Addison during his Continental travels appeared in early issues of the Tatler. Steele the zealous projector wrote to himself as Spectator a prospectus of his Multiplication Table. Steele could, indeed, be economical as well as fervent.

Introduction

9

Spectator No. 142 was taken over by a woman calling herself Andromache, who enclosed six letters from her husband to promote the theme of conjugal felicity. The first five of the series, dated 1671, breathe an eager lover's devotion, and the final letter, dated 1711, breathes the same devotion in much the same phrase after forty years of matrimony. A pretty lesson, with Cupid's scroll for proof. No Andromache, of course, had treasured those five dear missives for two score years and then shared them with the public; they were notes, redated and slightly revised, which Steele himself had written to his second wife shortly before their marriage in 1707 and which Mr. Bickerstaff found useful as documentation for one of his favored subjects. Thus could personal and professional interests meet in the love letters of an editor beset. What Dear Prue said on that Monday the thirteenth of August, 1711, when she saw the Spectator (if she saw and said) Steele did not print. Besides, he had done that sort of thing before, in Tatler No. 35, two years earlier and closer to their marriage. The great majority of the letters in the Tatler and Spectator are anonymous, pseudonymous, or initialed. Without special revelation the blanks, of course, lead nowhere, and "This fantastical Desire of being remember'd only by the Two first Letters of a Name" is generally fulfilled. The nom de plume, often frolicsome, characterizes the writer or his predicament. Mr. Bickerstaff inserts letters signed (to call at random) John Careless, Bridget Eitherside, Ezekiel Stiffrump, Solomon Afterwit, Diana Doubtful, Scoto-Britannus, Sylvia, and Strephon; Mr. Spectator gave his readers letters subscribed Alexander Carbuncle, Abraham Froth, Patience Giddy, Nathaniel Henroost, Eve Afterday, Susan Civil, Rustick Sprightly, Relicta Lovely, Damon, and Celinda. Some few of such disguises have been uncovered, but the true authors of letters so signed have

10

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

not, in the large, escaped their pseudonymity. Lemuel Leger and Philanthus and Charity Frost and their associates will of a surety remain as they elected to be known. Nor did Steele himself, the knowledgeable editor, seemingly know the identity of many, or most, of his correspondents, in the final issue of the first series of the Spectator he acknowledged his debts "conveyed by Letter, sometimes by whole Papers, and other times by short Hints from unknown Hands" and his inability "to trace Favours of this kind, with any Certainty." The letters did their work, whoever wrote them, and without the penalties of revelation. Along with the major and probably permanent uncertainty in our knowledge of the details of authorship there remains the confidence that Addison and Steele themselves wrote a sizable number of the letters either in whole or in part. They also revised a good many sent in by their readers, and often utilized ideas furnished by these correspondents. Indeed, Mr. Spectator, more explicit than his antecedent in matters of policy, gave in No. 542 five reasons for casting his thoughts into a letter, and earlier he quite plainly stated that letters furnished him "with Materials for new Speculations," that he at times did not use the original letter itself but formed "the Hints of it into Plans of my own Invention," and that he sometimes took "the Liberty to change the Language or Thought into my own way of speaking and thinking." His correspondents now and again suggested that he should put the letter "in a better Dress, and let it come abroad" or should "bestow upon it a few Brightenings from your Genius" 3 a few "Additions and Retrenchments" would hurt no one, and certain editorial strokes could be a fair price of admission, for, as a correspondent said, "it is no Wonder if all Mankind endeavours to get somewhat into a Paper which will

Introduction

II

always live." In No. 271 Mr. Spectator recorded his awareness that the public suspected the genuineness of the letters he included—"Some will have it, that I often write to my self, and am the only punctual Correspondent I have." Therefore, he often took pains (rather more than did Mr. Bickerstaff) to state or to imply that the correspondence in a given issue was "genuine," "as it came to my Hands, without Variation," "without Alteration, Addition, or Amendment." And he felt he "ought sometimes to lay before the World the plain Letters of my Correspondents in the artless Dress in which they hastily send them"; he had "ever thought Men were better known, by what could be observed of them from a Perusal of their private Letters, than any other way." But it is not often possible today to determine with certitude which letters in the Taller and Spectator appeared in their original state or after editorial attention and which letters were made from an editor's own whole cloth, unless, to be sure, the letter under study is a matter of historical record or is patently fictitious. The most valuable and the rarest evidence for the examination of editorial activity lies in the original letters, several of which appear in this volume. Thomas Tickell, the editor of Addison, and Johnson, his biographer, have said that Steele was more inclined toward the employ of correspondence than his coadjutor, and it is true that more epistolary issues bore his signatory capitals at the end than those of Addison in the Spectator, in which their signed performances ran abreast. Such a preference, or dependence, may lie in the temper of the two men and in their positions—for three and one-half years the volatile, vivacious Steele remained the sensitive and responsible editor, while the more deliberate Addison commanded a better leisure as well as a richer endowment of material. It was Steele's business to meet the schedules of these periodicals

12

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

without fail; Addison, except for a brief period, suffered no such official urgency. A number of the letters in these two journals illustrate the editorial use of the letter, whatever its authorship, as a means of dramatizing the eidolon and his circle and of advancing a jest or social reform and as a fruitful form to carry sober or satiric substance. Characters in the essays participated further through correspondence: there are letters from members of the Club, Sir Roger, Honeycomb, Freeport, Sentry, and the unnamed cleric; Sir Roger's neighbor Will Wimble wrote to him, and his butler Biscuit reported his death. Other fictitious people wrote to their creators: to the Tatler Tom Folio, the Upholsterer, and the Company of Upholders, to the Spectator the Ugly Club and the Love Casuist. The Esquire's kin—cousin Francis, D. Distaff as family historian, Ephraim Bedstaff, Benjamin Beadlestaff, and even Bread, the Staff of Life—advised and supported him. The letter of the Emperor of China to the Pope (in Italian as well as English) was transcribed by Mr. Spectator to point a satire; that of the Ambassador of Bantam to his royal master exemplified the virtue of plain honesty 5 and the epistles from Theodosius to Constantia were instruments in the narrative of their love, as were the letter by Shalum, "the only Antediluvian Billet-doux now extant," and its answer by Hilpa in the 789th year of the Creation. Such fictions obviously adapted the letter form to a literary journalistic purpose. The use of letters can make the work of the writer of an essay journal better and easier and perhaps more pleasant. With correspondence he furnishes out a paper with little labor and freely receives suggestions from hopeful readers, material for modification, and epistles to publish "without either Preface or Postscript," and thus he gains "more Time for future Speculations." The editor enjoys the

Introduction

13

knowledge, verified by circulation and advertising, that the printing of letters wins and holds subscribers, discovers which papers are most acceptable, gets new writers into print, and supplies the lights by which "Posterity will see the Humour of the present Age." Also, he can comment at will on a letter, and indeed may make its topic the subject of his essay. The periodical itself is better by attaining a plenitude denied even the most general eidolon—a welcome fullness of content, of authorship, of type and form, and of tone. This abundance is accompanied, and in a sense accomplished, by a rich diversity. In a letter the editor can conveniently publish things he might not choose to say in his own capacity. In the Tatler and Spectator the correspondents offer diverse arguments, observations, and illustrations which might come but ill from Mr. Bickerstaff or damage the "Dignity Spectatorial"; the very breadth of their experience would supplement the enlightenment of any small senate, though, as Moses Greenbag wrote to Dear Spec, "those Spectators which are so prettily laced down the Sides with little c's, how instructive or diverting soever they may be, do not carry with them that Authority as the others." The active variety in the personalities of the correspondents gives a dramatic interplay: they answer each other and so produce short series of letters among themselves, wisely promoted by the editor to encourage a continuing general participation and to advance the success of his reforms 5 and a sequence of letters on occasion presents a sort of play in miniature. Quite often an issue has more than one letter, and such a group may sometimes be a closely related collection or have an emphasis on a certain topic; thus the editor effects a sufficient harmony in his design. In subject, source, and manner of use the letter complemented and enhanced the essay in the Tatler and the

14

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

Spectator, which clearly surpassed all their predecessors and contemporaries in the skillful employment of correspondence. The letter became not an adjunct or a merely congenial accessory but a component contributing abundance and variety to the central unity of these two Augustan journals. Here in the beginning the literary press found a proper auxiliary in the letter to the editor and made it an ally. The letters to Isaac Bickerstaff and Mr. Spectator had more than immediate consequence—in 1725, eleven years after the last Spectator was run through the press, Charles Lillie brought out Original and Genuine Letters Sent to the Tatler and Spectator During the Time those Works were publishing. 'None of which have been before Printed. Lillie, an ambitious perfumer who delighted in the atmosphere of the Whig literary gentry and sought to serve Steele on occasion and his own trade as well, issued this work with Steele's permission and under imposing subscription. Lillie's two handsome volumes (now a rarity) contain almost three hundred letters, of which many more were written to the Spectator than to the Tatler, possibly because "Secretary" Lillie had been one of the authorized agents to receive letters and advertisements for the later sheet. These letters, like those printed in the two periodicals, are signed, if at all, with initials and pseudonyms 3 a great many of them refer to particular essays; they contain poems and other letters; they have the wide compass in tone and topic of the Tatler and Spectator; and a goodly number have sufficient quality and interest to bear amiable comparison with the correspondence "before Printed." Without the originals their degree of alteration cannot be measured, but probably they suffered more than casual mechanical conformity at the compositor's case. Here is a large body of writing for the Tatler and Spectator—but

Introduction

15

not in them, by what margins of failure only Steele could say. Did other letters survive? Dudley Ryder in February of 1716 made entry in his diary of a colloquy with a Mr. Horseman, who showed him "some letters that were sent to Mr. Steele when he wrote the Spectators which he had not made use of, that came to him by Mr. Harris who was Steele's secretary and had all his letters that he did not use." What were these letters in the hands of Horseman and Harris—were they those in Lillie's cache, those at Blenheim, or those of some other "Post-boy rob'd of his Mail"? The letters now first printed in this book are from two collections. Those to the Tatler and to the Spectator of 1711-12 rest in the archives of the Duke of Marlborough at Blenheim Palace, where they were examined by the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts and described in its Eighth Refort (1881) as "Upwards of 100 letters to the authors of the Spectator and Tatler, some addressed to Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq., a few have the numbers marked of the Tatlers wherein they appeared." Of the letters at Blenheim seventy are to the Tatler and only thirty to the larger Spectator—a disproportion which reverses that in Lillie. The addition of the letters in the present collection, which might have been entitled Volume III of Original and Genuine Letters Sent to the Tatler and Spectator, thus produces a better balance between the excluded letters of the two periodicals. Just how these and other Steele papers came to be part of the Marlborough Collection cannot be stated with certainty. Three possibilities have been listed by Rae Blanchard in her excellent Corresfondence of Richard Steele: that Steele's daughter Elizabeth, Lady Trevor, turned over the papers to the third Duke of Marlborough, whose Duchess was her husband's niece; that

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

the papers arrived at Blenheim by way of Althorp, seat of the third Earl of Sunderland, Steele's patron and father to the third Duke of Marlborough; or that these papers were somehow included in the return of whatever source materials Steele had borrowed for a Life of the great Duke. If the first suggestion is correct, these letters went from Steele through his daughter to her husband's niece's husband, the grandson of Steele's friend and hero—a journey by kin and law to an apposite end. In his edition of the Tatler (1898-99) George A. Aitken gave no reference to any Blenheim letters, but in his edition of the Spectator (1898) he printed fifteen of the thirty at Blenheim addressed to that journal, fourteen in an appendix and one as a footnote to No. 528. Among the appended fourteen is one, a letter by Dorinda on her unhappy courtship, which Steele rewrote for No. 402 without much change of matter. Aitken, it would seem, saw no connection between the Dorinda of the Spectator paper and the Dorinda of the manuscript letter, though the latter has overleaf a summary of substance, possibly in Steele's hand, followed by the word "used." This letter has its importance in supplying a too rare occasion for the study of Mr. Spectator's modes of editorial revision. The fifteen Blenheim letters already printed by Aitken are not included here. The letters at Blenheim Palace presumably remain the sole considerable body of manuscript communications to the Tatler and the Spectator and the largest extant corpus of unprinted material relating directly to both periodicals during their months of issue. They are also distinctive as a large collection of early letters of multiple origin. The Blenheim letters are here augmented by others recently discovered among the papers of the Tickell Collection and not known to Richard E. Tickell in the preparation of his book (1931) on his forebear Thomas Tickell.

Introduction

17

This fresh material was utilized by M. J. C. Hodgart in a valuable article (published by the Review of English Studies in its issue of October, 1954) to establish the authorship of Volume VIII of the Spectator in 1714 and the editorship by Thomas Tickell during its last two and onehalf months, after Addison and Budgell had turned to their new official duties following the death of Anne. Hodgart noted the presence of letters to the Spectator, which entered the Tickell Collection because they had been received by Tickell during his editorship or passed along to him by the former editors. The eleven letters from the Tickell manuscripts are apparently the only ones in this book that were sent to the periodical during its revived life in 1714. The letters in both collections survived as the result of presumptive editorial and printing practice: the letter chosen for insertion was sent on to the printer by the editor unless he considered that his alterations demanded a fresh copy, or for some other reason decided to keep the original; the compositor set the letter in type and discarded the copy; and the printer, having no notion of the ultimate scholarly and monetary value of such letters and essays, threw them away or sold them for waste. Thus the original letters had small hope to escape loss, and the presence of a letter in the Tatler or the Spectator is strong evidence that its manuscript did not survive. The Marlborough and Tickell letters lived because they were not sent to the printing house. Why were various letters refused publication in the Tatler and the Spectator} Since these pre-eminent essay sheets were not gazettes of foreign and domestic intelligence, the letters they received were largely personal, social, intellectual. They were not usually of a kind to require prompt disposal, so the decision to use a letter might depend not on timeliness but on editorial convenience. A letter might

18

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

not seem sufficiently interesting, important, or provocative, or it might contain matter potentially embarrassing or offensive. A letter might treat of topics which would not fit securely into the specific or general editorial plans of the season, or it might arrive at a time when no more letters were needed. Perhaps it duplicated other messages already printed or waiting. Perhaps it was considered more useful only as an entry in Mr. Bickerstaff's "Day-Book of Wit" or as a minute in Mr. Spectator's miscellany of materials. In an occasional instance we may with some conviction see definite reasons why a letter did not appear in part or whole in the periodical addressed, but, saving some few, we can only speculate on the exigencies governing the decisions of Messrs. Bickerstaff and Spectator. The correspondents in this miscellany with scattered exceptions requested or suggested the publication of their words or the use of their substance, or at least implied availability, and several of the writers reminded the editor or remarked his negligence (e.g., Letters 39 and 66), but certainly most of them never learned why their sentences failed to grace a column of type, and we are no better informed than they. The ninety-six letters now first published well represent, considering their number, both the diversity and the concentration of subject in the Tatler and the Spectator themselves. These manuscript letters, quite naturally, renew such continuing interests of Mr. Bickerstaff as the gaming sharpers, canes, petticoats, the Living Dead, the Table of Fame, the Court of Justice, the state lottery, John Partridge, and the great family of Staffs. Reflective writers to these journals select large themes, like freethinking, inequality of souls, riches, education, and the following of Nature, and such contemporaneous topics as Dr. Sacheverell and the exportation of grain. A critic of drama and opera

Introduction

19

writes twice at length. Protests come against satire on Dissenting modes of worship, against noise and knockers, the censure of attorneys, the injustices toward traders by persons of quality, an injury to an author, the nuisance of a smoking wife, and miscellaneous ills. There are requests, petitions, recommendations, suggestions, offers, compliments, and thanks; T. S. asks for more on the Rake 5 W. R. wants an essay on seducers 5 a Latinist craves a sermon on a text from Lucan and appends Latin verses celebrating the Spectator; the Chanticleers thank Mr. Bickerstaff for writing against cock-throwing; Philo-Bickerstaff sends in some verses he will prefix to his copies of the Tatler, and another reader desires its reprinting as a book; a woman needs advice from Mr. Spectator on what authors are most proper to be read; and Philogelus prays the setting of rules for laughter. Love, courtship, marriage appear as facts and problems: Mr. Bickerstaff is offered Platonic love by correspondence and is selected as umpire of a pre-marriage settlement; D. D. recounts the attempted murder of a faithless lover, and I. K. the ruin of a trustful lady; Brameno writes of the sudden marriage of his mistress; a fugitive lover is recalled to his mistress by her letter in the spectator; Eustace yearns to marry before his intended lady has reached the legal age; and F. J. narrates the death of his wife. Nonamorous incidents are related—an accident in the park, a visit to a harebrained kinsman, the ruin of a son by his father's friend, a lottery hoax. There are also remains of scandal, ever the most delectable staple of news, though Messrs. Bickerstaff and Spectator declared against a journalistic traffic in that commodity. Some of these communications are smallish beer in content and have not a groatsworth of wit; some are more fruitful in substance, at least in point of their time; others

20

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

have real merit for their true sense and sentiment 5 and each in its matter illustrates the power and glory of Mr. Bickerstaff and Mr. Spectator in eighteenth-century England. The prose style changes widely from sheet to sheet, varying with the preparation and competence of the individual who set down the words: the servant maid, the social gossiper, the learned critic, the eager lover, the sprightly raconteur, the devoted philosopher. The multiple authorship of these letters can particularly please the modern grammarian who would observe the casual differences in expression among a field of folk. One letter may possess no gift with words but show only the triumph of effort over inexperience with the writing of sentences; another may contain a graceful turn of phrase, a simple eloquence, or a nervous narrative. Some of these people display the favorite sin of casual letter-writers—the lack of firm organization or progressive structure; others go straight for whatever mark they had in view. Rare was the correspondent who closely followed in his style the forthright models of good letter-writing and sensible obiter praecepta of simple address provided now and then by the journal he revered. Eleven of the long communications to the Spectator are more expository than epistolary; seven of these are equipped with mottoes, that "ill Custom lately introduced by a certain Author, of talking Latin at the Beginning of Papers5'; and two of these lengthy letters were printed as entire issues after the editor had improved them by "putting out,—adding,—or correcting," the ways Dr. Johnson said he would have made his Ramblers better. These correspondents wrote as any group of diverse men and women would write—poorly, stiffly, easily, or well. In a rare corporate survival they represent virtually all the classes of literate society. But they had, one may surely say, an

Introduction

21

element in common—the enthusiasm to communicate with the popular Mr. Bickerstaff or the great Mr. Spectator. Any sizable collection of letters to the Tatler and the Spectator would be expected to contain many references to general doctrines or specific numbers of these two periodicals, and the Marlborough and Tickell manuscripts bear out this expectation with new, abundant, and definite evidence. In addition, some few of these letters illustrate an influence in the opposite direction, for several of them were used to make a Lucubration or Speculation, in a large way or less, and thus give opportunity to examine the processes of Mr. Bickerstaff and Mr. Spectator in the discovery and refinement of their ore. Steele certainly had at hand John Rayner's note (Letter 51) when he wrote the conclusion of Tatler No. 1385 and he used the letter signed Thomas Hope (56) as the basis for his corrective essay in No. 180. For Tatler No. 57 he may have had before his eye the gossip by T. H . from Hampstead (1)5 and for Tatler No. 71 the threat by Regnio (3). Tatler No. 122 may have grown from a reference to Euripides in a letter on opera (38). Moreover, several of the letters (11, 24, and 54) have unusually close connections with the Tatler in that they were apparently from correspondents who in some way had already entered the journal. Four of the communications to the Spectator became the bases of three papers and a portion of another and demonstrate editorial revision in different degrees of thoroughness: Letter 73 appeared as Spectator No. 404 after some slight alteration; John Fransham's epistle (76) underwent considerable rewriting and expansion for Spectator No, 520; and the contribution by Henry Grove, the last in this volume, became the last essay in the 1714 Spectator after occasional emendation. In the unique case

22

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

of Eustace, his letter is the center in a series of three surviving versions: his first letter was published by Lillie; his second and revised version appears herein as Letter 80; and this was in turn revised by Mr. Spectator for No. 539. Also, in No. 619 Mr. Spectator responded concisely to Letters 89, 90, and 91, "the Authors whereof are impatient for an Answer." These manuscript letters are signed, when they are signed, in the fashions familiar to readers of the Tatler and the Spectator—with true names, pseudonyms, or initials. Only a very few of the signatures give appearance of actuality, and of these real persons John Rayner alone can easily be identified. The other subscriptions are about equally divided among anonyms and initials and descriptive, often sportive, names. An unsigned contribution, which was revised to appear as Spectator No. 404, has been attributed to Pope; however, the hand of the original is not Pope's. Two correspondents signed themselves D. D., and the combination A. B. was selected by four different writers, one of whom wrote again as Philo Patriae. Almost certainly F. J. stood in reverse for John Fransham, and perhaps he earlier used J. F. Two letters were subscribed Thomas Hope but are not in the same hand, and it was probably Daniel Burgess, Dissenting minister, who affected the sufficiently suitable name of Jack Presbyter for his nom de guerre. The penalty of anonymity has been said to be false attribution, but few of these anonyms, pseudonyms, and initials will in likelihood be submitted to any attribution at all. The ways the writers of these new letters elected to reveal, conceal, or imply their identities and the similarities between these methods and those apparent in the printed letters support the opinion that Messrs. Bickerstaff and Spectator rarely knew who their casual, miscellaneous correspondents were, and perforce usually stayed content

Introduction

23

with the signatures, or lack of them, on the letters they decided to include. The script, of course, varies greatly with the individual who held the quill, from the clear and fastidious hand to the careless and untutored. Some of these correspondents retained a few old-fashioned characters; occasionally the pointing and capitalization are neutral enough to prevent certitude 5 but no epistle is so difficult in its penmanship as to preclude transcription. Capitals appear in profusion and diversity; punctuation in some letters is transcended, in others multiplied; syntax is often confused or at least liberal; spelling can wax personal and become "a very fantastical banquet." Such matters of mechanics in their certain systems or capricious ways all give forth the compositional manners of the age without professional normalization by the printer. The handwriting in these ninety-six notes and letters seems to say that four people wrote twice: "in contempt of question" the same pen wrote Letters 5 and 25 from Bath, and another wrote Letters 38 and 39 to the Tatler; Letters 76 and 81 to the Spectator are certainly by the same person, apparently Mr. Fransham of Norwich; and two letters (86 and 96) are contributions from the Reverend Henry Grove, of Taunton, as assistance to Mr. Spectator's revived venture in 1714. About one-half of the letters in this packet carry the date of composition by the author or the circular stamp of the London Post Office stating the day of the month of receipt from the country. Many of the remainder contain topical allusions or references to specific numbers of the journal addressed which provide a definite, or suggest an approximate, date of writing. The fact that four-fifths of the new letters to the Tatler which are dated or can be approximately dated were written during the last three months of 1709 and the first two of 1710 (five are dated November

24

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

21) may indicate that that period was an especially prolific one for letter-writers, although it is of course possible that the Marlborough Collection achieved such a chronologic concentration in some fortuitous fashion. And the failure to publish some of these letters may be related to the fact that during the period from November to February Mr. Bickerstaff lessened somewhat his use of correspondence. Only London, the one great city and the scene of publication, could be the point of origin of most of the letters here presented, though rarely did a correspondent name that city or disclose his street or coffee-house. The stamps "Peny Post Payd" and "Halfpenny Carriage" indicate a London source, for they were the marks of metropolitan postal services, and in several instances a letter points to a certain Tatler paper too promptly to allow of provincial commerce. Many of these London notes and letters probably arrived by the hand of writer or friend or messenger. Jack Presbyter providently marked his letter "Porter payd"; for a penny G. C. hoped to have his delivered "with care" 5 and a newly married woman reported the end of her love "with speed." The letters from Edinburgh, Bath, Sheffield, Norwich, and several smaller places illustrate the extensive reputation of the Tatler and the Spectator. Almost all these letters were plainly directed to Mr. Bickerstaff or Mr. Spectator. Of the seventy letters to the Tatler a good number were sent in care of John Morphew, the publisher, and one was sent via Charles Lillie, the cooperative perfumer at the corner of Beauford Buildings, Strand; of the twenty-six communications to the Spectator two went in I711-12 by way of its publisher, Samuel Buckley in Little Britain, and one by way of Mrs. Ann Baldwin, an authorized agent, and in 1714 seven through Buckley

Introduction

25

or Jacob Tonson, the publishers. Two of the Spectator letters printed by Aitken bore addresses to Steele, but no letter in the present volume was addressed to Steele or Addison or Budgell or Tickell. Does such an all but unanimous mode of address favor the idea that these correspondents (and by analogy the much greater body of readers) knew little or nothing of the actual editorship? Or did they share the semi-secret of the eidolon and yet prefer to play the game and sustain the piquant fiction? On three Tatler letters in the Marlborough Collection there are memoranda, possibly or probably in Steele's hand, which have here been recorded 5 one of these comments clearly has to do with the subject of the letter. The endorsements have likewise been retained. Most of them are very brief summaries of contents, a few adding the date; several report only a date; and several others merely give Bickerstaff's name or that of his correspondent. Moreover eighteen of the Tatler letters have additional notations on the back—the title of the journal and a numeral ranging from 50 to 100 with no duplications. These numbers are not chronological or topical in arrangement, nor do they have any relation, despite the description of the Blenheim letters by the Historical Manuscripts Commission, to the issues of the Tatler so numbered. They suggest some sort of filing system in use by or for Mr. Bickerstaff, or possibly even later, a system to which the key is lost. In his 78th paper, to be sure, he mentioned writing upon each drawer of his scrutoire the title of its contents "for the better Disposition of my Correspondence," and perhaps he had these endorsements, by phrase or number, in mind when in his 164th Lucubration he thus referred to his many packets of letters: "As this Collection will grow daily, I have digested it into several Bundles, and made proper

26

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

Endorsements on each particular Letter: It being my Design, when I lay down the Work that I am now engaged in, to erect a Paper-Office, and give it to the Publick." The Marlborough and Tickell letters have, on the whole, remained in a good state. Only four (Letters 11, 86, 91, and 96) have suffered a wasting or tearing away of a troublesome amount of matter. A few others have in the breaking of the seal submitted to small tears or have acquired frayed edges and faded areas 5 such gaps of a syllable, word, or short group of words will commonly offer a reader no great delay. These minor and major lacunae are indicated by three and nine ellipsis marks, respectively, within pointed brackets. Square brackets enclose the other editorial apparatus except the identifying tags for covermarks. The scant corrections in style have been noted, but the exceptional instances of words or parts of words canceled beyond recognition have been passed over. Apparently most of the writers prepared fair copies of Messrs. Bickerstaff and Spectator; a blotted or interlinear draft might be ineffectual or wanting in courtesy. The preparation of the text in a collection of letters by many hands invites problems somewhat different from those facing an editor of one man's letters, however inconsistent, particularly when the numerous correspondents vary widely in mechanical competence. A strict perpetuation of the holograph would provide much interesting substance for the votary of modern antiquities, but would also render some of these letters more difficult to follow than the reading pains might generally warrant. The editor has elected the middle way—he has preserved a sufficient degree of compositional nicety to save much of the flavor of the originals, but for a greater facility in reception as well as in printing he has made some departures from the

Introduction

27

manuscripts. The major normalization is the reduction of the raised characters to the line and the omission of their supporting periods and semicolons. Superscribed characters, familiar enough to those who have read the script of the eighteenth century, appear profusely in some of these letters and in others quite sparsely. The most popular base of such elevated characters is, of course, the y, which grows into ye, yey, ym, yms yn yo, yos, yr, yrby, yre, yrs, yrfore, ys, yse, and yu. Several of these abbreviations infrequently acquired more than one equivalent, such as ye for there and they as well as the, and yr for your and their and there. The letter w is the foundation for another series: wch, wch, with, wh, wm, wn, wnever, wr, ws, wt, wth, wthdrew, wthouty, and wt's. Further, the abbreviations and contractions, including the rare tildes and p and q contractions, have been expanded except for those still in current use and those wherein the omission of a letter or letters, with or without the compensatory apostrophe, provokes no interruption to understanding, e.g., the fairly common syncope of the ultimate e in a past tense. The abbreviation for Esquire, often with final flourishes, has been standardized to Esq. Otherwise the original orthography has been scrupulously continued. Departures from "correctness" have not been remarked with a sic. The original punctuation remains, despite its inadequacy today, except that double quotation marks have replaced in several cases the inverted commas ranged down the margin to show quoted matter and that an occasional period inadvertently or ignorantly omitted at the end of a sentence in the body of a letter has been supplied. No capitals have been lowered or created. The addresses and postmarks have all been kept. Only a full facsimile could, to be sure, convey the variety of appearance of these letters with all the chirographic quirks of the individual authors,

28

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

but the front and back end papers present brief views of letters from the Marlborough and Tickell Collections, respectively. The notes of this edition endeavor to locate matter which is cited or quoted and briefly to clarify allusions, to suggest the time of writing undated letters from definite or at times indefinite evidence of content, to document the specific responses to the Tatler and the Spectator, and to indicate the occasions when Mr. Bickerstaff and Mr. Spectator profited by hints or converted whole letters for public presentation as well as the several instances of a possible influence dubious of direction. In sum, this sheaf of seventy letters to the Tatler and twenty-six to the Spectator corroborates the testimony in those eminent periodicals that they received a large attention from their readers, more letters in fact than could be utilized, letters of vast variety in length, contents, form, style, and tone. If these Marlborough and Tickell letters may in respect to signatures be considered fairly typical of those written to Mr. Bickerstaff and Mr. Spectator, the great preference for initials, anonyms, and pseudonyms strengthens the evidence that Steele and Addison and Tickell did not know the identities of most of their contributors and were thus obliged to pass on to the reader such signatures as they saw in the letters they chose to publish. Also, if these new letters are representative in their need for compositional assistance, they give further indication that the successful writers to the Tatler and the Spectator often had two collaborators—the editor and the printer. Moreover, in the letters selected for minor or major use we here have occasions to perceive the techniques of employing "valuable Hints" and of re-forming the work of another pen. Since the original manuscripts of these ninety-six new let-

Introduction

29

ters—even those that were used—show no sign of stylistic or mechanical editing, they remain as true documents of individual ability. They therefore now possess a special value as messages from the public, literate or at times barely so, the public of Anne's England in its own high or lower idiom, its own moods and modes, and its posture of thought and circumstance of deed. I have here to state my debt in this undertaking—to Marjorie N. Bond for expert aid throughout the preparation of this volume and to my colleagues B. L. Ullman and Urban T. Holmes for special counsel 3 to His Grace the tenth Duke of Marlborough for kind and ready permission to publish the eighty-five letters from the archives of Blenheim Palace and to Major-General Sir Eustace Francis Tickell for his gracious cooperation in the publishing of the eleven letters from the Tickell Collection; to Messrs. Bickerstaff and Spectator for not sending these letters to the printshop 5 and to the men and women who wrote them.

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Ι

FOLLIES OF T H E TOWN London August [Before 20?] 1709 Sir Perceiving the design and tendency of your deservedly admired paper is to ridicule the Follies of the Town in general and Expose the apish Airs & graces of Persons In particular I have presumd by way of Information to lay before you the following particulars, which I Conceive may be of some Service to you for the Further prosecution of y:our Glorious Undertaking. The persons that I would Commend to your Consideration are at present Inhabitants of Hampstead,1 who I think by their Carriage & Actions have render'd themselves Subjects worthy your remark. The first that I shall offer is one Mr Brooks Commonly known Among the Ladies by the Name of Mose Brooks It being by way of Distinction (there being one of the Same Name). He is Proud and Imperious Extravagantly Letter 1. The first eighty-five letters of this volume are in the collection of the Duke of Marlborough at Blenheim Palace. 1 Mr. Bickerstaff may have had this letter in mind when in Tatler No. 57 (August 20, 1709) he wrote the following: "Letters from Hamstead say, There is a Coxcomb arriv'd there of a Kind which is utterly new. The Fellow has Courage, which he takes himself to be oblig'd to give Proofs of every Hour he lives. He is ever fighting with the Men, and contradicting the Women."

34

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

Foppish, full of his boasts & of his Thousand Pounds a year tho it is Suspected he is worse then Nothing, Conceited of his own wit tho Moderately Silly & Foolish. But that which Cheifly recommends him to your Observation is his Illbreeding Illnature & quarrelsomness which he has Carried To Such a Height that the whole Conclave of Ladies are at Variance with him he having Quarelld & affronted at least Most of them, & he still perseveres In this Umanly disposition, This his Carriage In my opinion is so Conspicuously out of the way & ridicolous That it Calls for the loudest Censures So Committing him to your Disposal I bid him Farewell. The 2d is two Unmarried Ladies by Name Mrs Harts, they live with their Uncle Mr Nberry Nigh Quaker Ge, e,s. These Ladies are noted for the distinguishing perfections of their Physiogmony which makes them so Imperiously proud & Squeamish that No one passes Their Inspection without a Censure But as Nature rarely bestows all her Jewels On one person So she has not done On them, For tho they are so graceful In their faces, yet they are as Equally Infamous for bad & Untoward Shapes, Now to Charm the Eyes & Engage the affections of Gentlemen passing by (which abundance do it being the way to the Heath) they have perswaded their Uncle to build a garden towards the road tho to the disfigurement of his House Which May More properly be calld a battry or fort to Kill all beholders, how they stand In all their attractions, whilst their Imperfections are Undiscoverd thinking that when once they are Hookd it will be a difficult matter to Unhook themselves again, These are practices So Notoriously heinous & proud, that I thought Myself Under a strict obligation, to Communicate them to you (as an vindicatour & abettour of your Undertaking). I have Some more In view but shall reserve them to another hour beg-

35

Letters to the TATLER

ging your pardon In the mean while for the prolixity of this Epistle fearing I have Intermeddled with your buissness. So Committing them both togather to your Care to do with them as you think fit In respect of degree to publick Censure but something you must say on them If you Intend to oblige your Humble Servant TH Address: To The Author of The Tatler Endorsement: Advices from Hamstead Tatler 65

These present

2

AN EXPERIENCE WITH SHARPERS Uxbridge [On or after August 25, 1709] Sir Sence my Late Return from Lisabon I have Diverted my Self with the Perusall of your Tatlers, You cannot Sir immagin how much you have oblidg'd me as well as other poor Sufferers in encountring the Hydra the Sharpers, by which you'll doe noe Small Service to the Nation.1 Happy had it been for me to have met Such admonition Sooner, then my Oathes might have Remain'd to this Day; But sence Sir, that is Irretrivable the Only Satisfaction I can hope for is your Fafour in Exposing them, I shall not offer any Method how (Leaving to you the Coupling of the Hounds 2) but only Relate the Matter of Fact. 1

In Tatler No. 56 (August 18, 1709) Bickerstaff began his campaign against the sharpers. 2 In Tatler No. 59 (August 25, 1709) Bickerstaff first referred to the sharpers as "Dogs." Cf. Letters 3 and 5, below.

35

Letters to the TATLER

ging your pardon In the mean while for the prolixity of this Epistle fearing I have Intermeddled with your buissness. So Committing them both togather to your Care to do with them as you think fit In respect of degree to publick Censure but something you must say on them If you Intend to oblige your Humble Servant TH Address: To The Author of The Tatler Endorsement: Advices from Hamstead Tatler 65

These present

2

AN EXPERIENCE WITH SHARPERS Uxbridge [On or after August 25, 1709] Sir Sence my Late Return from Lisabon I have Diverted my Self with the Perusall of your Tatlers, You cannot Sir immagin how much you have oblidg'd me as well as other poor Sufferers in encountring the Hydra the Sharpers, by which you'll doe noe Small Service to the Nation.1 Happy had it been for me to have met Such admonition Sooner, then my Oathes might have Remain'd to this Day; But sence Sir, that is Irretrivable the Only Satisfaction I can hope for is your Fafour in Exposing them, I shall not offer any Method how (Leaving to you the Coupling of the Hounds 2) but only Relate the Matter of Fact. 1

In Tatler No. 56 (August 18, 1709) Bickerstaff began his campaign against the sharpers. 2 In Tatler No. 59 (August 25, 1709) Bickerstaff first referred to the sharpers as "Dogs." Cf. Letters 3 and 5, below.

36

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

Br wn at the Rummer,3 Co tkl g cald Captain a Pretendet Stocking Merchant living in Ba ge Yard 4 d Breed Bucklers Bury formerly a fot boy & one Wa a jesuite at St Thomas; 5 the latter my pretendet Friend, gott me to the formers house to an entertainement (or he pretendet) of the Seconds, after dinner I wass briskly ployd with the Glass to dispatch me before night that the Notes I then had in my Pocket might be Receav'd — they Succeedet to wish, had all my Ready (the Summ I am asham'd to mention) & Tickt me for £99 more3 then drunk as I was send me home in a Chair, the next morning with Face all batter'd & uneasy thoughts concerning my Notes I addressd my Self to my friend for information, & was there told I had playd them away, besides a Note of a pound under the Stattut;6 in this Surprise I Consulted my Friends how to Recover this note (as for the former I knew that out of Hell there is no Redemption). They Recomendet me to one Sn 1 & Ove t n, the former a Counter the Latter a Custom house officer both belonging to the Gang but had noe share in this 5 I treated, Courted, Bulled, Bribed & Sweeten'd them, besides a Train of the Same sort belonging to the Horse Shoe in Swetings Alley a near the Change & the Grayhound in Fleet Street, at the Latter place they Maintaine by a jearly Pension a Counseler cald Ket be to advyse them in intrecate Cases; in thire Con3

A tavern at Charing Cross. It was here that in 1697 Lord Mohun killed Captain Hill. 4 Barge Yard in Bucklers Bury, the street between the meeting of Cheapside with the Poultry and Walbrook. 5 The problem of identifying this person and this place has not been solved. The reference may be satirical, fictitious, or merely loose. 6 The "Act against deceitfull disorderly and excessive Gameing" of 1664 (16 Car. II. c. 7. § 2) invalidated any contract to pay a sum above £100 lost in play at one time, with heavy forfeits by the winning person. Cf. the stronger act against gambling (9 Ann. c. 19) which went into effect several months after the cessation of the Tatler.

Letters to the TATLER

37

versation they made noe Scruple to tell who & who was bit & by whom, & would shew me thire Notes, I seem'd to be taken with thire Engenuity & offer'd them one by one to set all my friends profidet they would assist me in this affair, thay then advis'd me to perfer a Bill in Chauncery, for they thought there might be found one in thre that would Stumble at an Oath, I follow'd thire advice, Br n & Co kl g took it to a Title & the only Conscientious man was the Priest who beg'd not to Ruin him, for if I put him to the Trial he must Squeke, I was so pleas'd with his Conscientiousnes that I Chang'd my Emity for Compassion, & in a Distress that then befell him let him 12 Guineas, I can't say but partly on the former Considerations, Br wn found himself Distres'd bribes my Atorny one West re who informed them of all my proceedings, so they filed a Cross bill (which I could not whithout hazard answer), this has Stopt all my Proceedings, & for fear of being nab'd I am fors'd to abscond finding London to hot for me — the Charge I have bin at has Swell'd my Note to £145 :3 : 9d. Sence Sir the Law cannot Releave me I Begg you to Espouse my Cause, & after such a Method as might Reduce them to a composition, Your Prudence will teach you how. Let Sir your Compassion move you to this undertaking to give a Lift to one that throug his folly is on his Last Leggs & youl ever have the prayers of Sir Your Humble Servant Lazarus Endorsement: I Bickerstaffe Letter about Cheats Tatler 82

38

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR 3

A T H R E A T FROM A SHARPER Mr Bickerstaff Sir I find you still persist in railling att us nimble finger'd gentry for gathering a few lose grains from them who really have enough to spare; Now Sir I advise you as a freind to desist or else by all the Cards that I ever turn'd over att Paris or Ghent1 I shall dry brush your Jackett better than any Scowrer in town; whatt the Devill is the matter with you: thatt you Cant Keep your dam'nd foolish tounge in your head, shure You have been bitt by some of our herd and are fors't to write this paper for a liveing, take my advise and be quiet or par Deiu you will have your throat Cutt.2 adeiu. Regnio Dated att the Paris the 24th of Sepr 1709 Address: To Isaak Bickerstaff Esq. att John Morphew's near Stationers hall London Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Endorsement: Sepr 24:1709 Tatler 84 1 Tatler No. 62 (September 1, 1709) contains a list of "Dogs," i.e., sharpers, including "an Italian Greyhound, with good Legs, and knows perfectly the Ground from Ghent to Paris." The same essay later refers to "an House belonging to Paris at the upper End of Suffolk-street, or an House belonging to Ghent opposite to the lower End of Pall-Mall." Cf. Tatler No. 70 (September 20, 1709). See also Letters 2, above, and 5, below. 2 T w o days before this letter, in Tatler No. 71 (September 22, 1709) Bickerstaff wrote, "I have receiv'd private Intimations to take Care of

Letters to the TATLER

39

4 DENTAL HYGIENE September the 24th 1709. Sir Being a great Admirer of the Paper that beares an universall aplause Amongs many others whom you dayly insert I happened to meet a Lady to whom I am and have been Some time an humble Servant Namely the eldest of the 2 Ladys in Essex Street. I wish with all my heart I Could Continue So but unless She takes more pains amorning with her Teeth and washes her mouth after meals more Constant it will be impossible to Come nigh her by a bars leingth her breath Stincks so abominably whic proceds only from the not Oftener performing the above Said Dutys if I may Call them so. I hope you will have the same Sucess you had in the last 1 their Windows now being Constantly Close, pray insert this in your next for it Tends to their Losing me who am Sir your Faitfull Friend and very humble Servant D T pray take no notice of your Receiving this Address: To Isaac Bickerstaffe Esq. Endorsement: Sepr 24: 1709 Tatler 85

This

my Walks, and remember there are such Things as Stabs and Blows: . . . " Cf. Tatler No. 115 (January 3, 1710) with the note in Aitken's edition, and No. 164. 1 In Tatler No. 67 (September 13, 1709) Mr. Bickerstaff had reprimanded two sisters in Essex Street for "eternally gaping- out of the Window."

40

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR 5 SUPPORT FOR BICKERSTAFF AGAINST SHARPERS

Stafford Oct 1st [1709] Dear Kinsman Hearing you are in some danger of being worried by the pack of dogs you lately disciplin'd,1 and particularly by the tall topping Irish-Hound, who, upon seeing his marks in your advertisment lately run off from Bath in a great heat without purchase, you by your astrological praescience and acute skill in palmestry having spy'd out a sly vein of a retentive Glew in his paw, and so spoil'd his Top, we, whose names are underwritten, think our selves bound by the tyes of honour and blood to stand by Bickerstaff, our head, with our lives and fortunes, and therefore unanimously resolve to stand or fall in the defence and support of the Staff of Staffs;2 In witness whereof we have set our hands — Quarterstaff Crabstaff Given at the yearly meeting Letter 5. This letter is in the same hand as that of Letter 25, below. 1 In August and September, 1709, a number of the Tatler papers denounced sharpers, whom Mr. Bickerstaff represented "under the Shadow of a Pack of Dogs." See Nos. 56, 57, 59, 60, 62, 64-66, 68, 70, 71, 73, and 76. The captain of the pack was of an Irish breed (No. 6 2 ) . A letter from Bath in No. 65 described the invasion of that resort. The "Top" was a new manner of "Biting" whereby the gamester "secures one Die betwixt his two Fingers: The other is fix'd, by the Helf of a famous Wax invented by an Apothecary, since a Gamester; a little of which he futs upon his Fore-finger, and that holds the Die in the Box at his Devotion" (No. 6 8 ) . Other letters in this collection relating to sharpers are Letters 2 and 3, above. 2 The best account of this Staffian race is a letter by its genealogist

Letters to the

Beadle-staff Mopstaff Broomstaff Tipstaff

TATLER

41

of the Gent: of Staffordshire, at Pipestaffs at the Sign of the Bear and Ragged-staff 5

P : S: The Mareschalstaffs would join in the subscription, but they have been so severely handled this war in Flanders, they are scarce able to stand upon their own legs, and must begg your pardon; The Whitestaffs3 also desire to be excus'd because the chief of that branch has a particular intimacy with Monoculus4 one of the pack, and is tender of engaging against the fraternity; and indeed the whole family of the Whitestaffs are of so weak and tottering a constitution, so soon beat out of play, and so little to be depended on, if they do promise assistance, that they hope you will consider their tenderness and fragility, and give them leave to keep what they have in their hands without running the hazard of being broke; the rest you may rely on for your fast friends; for you know Quarterstaff is a lusty fighting fellow and has been heard to say— he is for a clear stage, and no favour. Crabstaff is another rugged sense fellow, with as smart blood in his veins as the very best of us, and you know he is naturally an enemy to all Sweetness; Beadlestaff is a potent brother, and of great weight and sway in the learned world, and, if occasion be, can summon the posse of the two universities to your assistance; Broomstaff D. Distaff (born Heneage Twysden) in Tatler No. 11 (May 5, 1709). Various members of the family there described, as well as others, appear throughout the Lucubrations of the astrologer-author, Isaac Bickerstaff, whose half-sister Jenny Distaff writes several papers. For other Staffs see Letters 10 and 15, below. 8 The white staff was the sign of office of the Lord Treasurer, at this time Sidney, Lord Godolphin. 4 Tatler Nos. 36, 56, 73 (July 2, August 18, September 27, 1709),

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

and Mopstaff are but young, but they are two dextrous striplings, and have been at the correcting of many of these dogs, when catcht at their biting tricks, and are always at hand to serve our family; and then as for Tipstaff, He, you are satisfied, knows so many tricks in the law, and has such an coercive force with him, that, if he can but touch the least hair of their backs, he binds the stoutest curr among them to his good behaviour; so that, Mr Bickerstaff, for all growlings, showing their teeth, barkings and threats to bite you, we doubt not but our numerous and sturdy family will always find Staffs enough to beat the dogs. We remain Yours Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Endorsement: Oct. 1: 1709

Present

6 VIRTUE AND RICHES London October 1st 1709 Sir Mr Greenhat's invention of a Rent-Roil instead of four ornamental horses at Hide-Park,1 I highly approve of, since the Humour of the age would make Riches the only distinguishing mark of a fine Gentleman & I question not but he will in a little time receive the thanks of the gayer world, for the retrenching this unnecessary Charge will 1

Tatler No. 66 (September 10, 1709) : "But what may serve all Purposes quite as well, it shall be allow'd all such who think Riches the chief Distinction, to appear in the Ring- with Two Horses only, and a Rent-Roll hanging out of each Side of their Coach."

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

and Mopstaff are but young, but they are two dextrous striplings, and have been at the correcting of many of these dogs, when catcht at their biting tricks, and are always at hand to serve our family; and then as for Tipstaff, He, you are satisfied, knows so many tricks in the law, and has such an coercive force with him, that, if he can but touch the least hair of their backs, he binds the stoutest curr among them to his good behaviour; so that, Mr Bickerstaff, for all growlings, showing their teeth, barkings and threats to bite you, we doubt not but our numerous and sturdy family will always find Staffs enough to beat the dogs. We remain Yours Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Endorsement: Oct. 1: 1709

Present

6 VIRTUE AND RICHES London October 1st 1709 Sir Mr Greenhat's invention of a Rent-Roil instead of four ornamental horses at Hide-Park,1 I highly approve of, since the Humour of the age would make Riches the only distinguishing mark of a fine Gentleman & I question not but he will in a little time receive the thanks of the gayer world, for the retrenching this unnecessary Charge will 1

Tatler No. 66 (September 10, 1709) : "But what may serve all Purposes quite as well, it shall be allow'd all such who think Riches the chief Distinction, to appear in the Ring- with Two Horses only, and a Rent-Roll hanging out of each Side of their Coach."

Letters to the TATLER

43

enable 'em to lengthen their Rent-Rolls every year, & consequently to proceed men of brighter parts & greater accomplishments, whereas otherwise their merits might have continued at a Stand. This Lucky thought of Mr Greenhat's has put me upon considering that we have taken hitherto quite a wrong method in pretending to determine a Man's Character, by enquiring into his words & Actions, since the Extent of every Rich man's Merit is not to be gesst at, but may, by certain & infallible Rules be gauged & measured as well as ere a hogshead in his Warehouse or cellar, for it is highly just & reasonable that we should look upon evry man according to That which he himself professes to be the Standard of his own merit. & therefore he who values himself only upon his Riches, is to be regarded by others only for the same consideration, all that we have to observe in this usefull operation, is, to take our Estimation of evry man from the depth & breadth of his Coffers not of his understanding, which Rule, let me tell you Mr Bickerstaff, if duly considerd & well applied will serve to investigate many usefull & important truths, 'twill clear up many doubts & prove of excellent Service to you in your future Speculation; from these principles twill be easy to solve why Sir Wm Scrip2 talks 20 per cent better than Sir Tristram Cash3 nay & to demonstrate too, that he must do so, & that it cant possibly be otherwise. I can indeed eat & drink & sleep full as well as such a one, I had almost said I can think & talk as well as he, I can be as Communicative to the necessities of others not as he can, but at least as he will be, I have enough to enjoy all things necessary & convenient to this life & what can he do more; & for ought I know may have as good & fair a prospect towards the next 2 3

Tatler No. 30 (June 18, 1709). Tatler Nos. 57, 60 (August 20, 27, 1709).

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

too; But then I must confess my bags are by no means so deep nor so numerous as his, & therefore he may with good reason be calld, according to the Language of the times, a better man than I. I have often wonderd upon reading over the Dedications of our Ingenious moderns to find whole pages filld with Encomiums & Panegyrick upon the Virtues of their Patron, & may be hardly a word said of their Estates & fortunes, which surely were a noble Theme Et genus & Virtus, nisi cum re, vilior alga est.4 There is an Expression in frequent use amongst us (which yet I never rightly understood till lately) to denote a man of good humour, great Sense, singular Merit & rare accomplishmts. We Say of Such a one, He's a man of a Thousand; or (in the Languge of these wealthier times) a man of 10 Thousand, that is to say, H e is a man worth a thousand or 10 Thousand pounds per annum, now that this is the plain meaning of the Expression, & then that it can never answer that of the Latins (Homo perpaucorum Hominum 6 ) as some would insinuate I think is very clear, for besides the apparent difference of the Phrases, it is further to be considerd that in those daies, Riches were strangely undervalued & the Possessors of em rank't but among the Vulgar, unless they exerted themselves to Virtuous Actions. Let not then our mighty6 men 7 over ween & set too great a value upon themselves. Let them not despise those who in respect of fortune & accidental Circumstances only are Inferior to 'em; for in order to maintain a due ballance between the poor & the Rich, our forefathers we see have wisely orderd that those who are lowest in the world, 5 Horace Sermones II. v. 8. Horace Sermones I. ix. 44. Plumb crossed through after mighty. 1 1 do not mean Costardmongers crossed through after men.

4 6

Letters to the TATLER

45

Should alwaies be promoted to garrets & apartments of known Superiority. I am Sir Your most Humble Servant &c. Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq.

Present

7

EXTEMPORE PRAYERS Oct: 3. 1709 Sir I shall keep Temper enough in this Address to give You no Occasion to suspect the Sincerity of my Subscription, tho Resentment in Party Causes is usually too Violent to observe the Rules of Breeding & often makes very good Friends forget the Obligation of the Strictest Bonds. I profess Mr B: I don't fear you should tattle me out of my Small Auditory, or lessen the Voluntary Subscriptions by which I thank God I live tho' I cann't pretend to grow fat.1 Nay if by exposing my Jargon & Nonsense You had reduc'd me to a shorter Allowance I might have thought it hard but should not have thott it to the Purpose to trouble You with an Expostulation. It may be public Service to Starve a Single Coxcomb. But I beseech you, what Occasion have You to declare War against a whole Party who are 1 Tatler No. 66 (September 10, 1709) contains a sharp passage, by Steele or Swift, condemning the extempore nonsense of Dissenting clergymen and the vehement performances of one Daniel, generally identified as the prominent Presbyterian minister Daniel Burgess, who could "grow Fat by voluntary Subscription." See also the paragraph concluding No. 69.

Letters to the TATLER

45

Should alwaies be promoted to garrets & apartments of known Superiority. I am Sir Your most Humble Servant &c. Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq.

Present

7

EXTEMPORE PRAYERS Oct: 3. 1709 Sir I shall keep Temper enough in this Address to give You no Occasion to suspect the Sincerity of my Subscription, tho Resentment in Party Causes is usually too Violent to observe the Rules of Breeding & often makes very good Friends forget the Obligation of the Strictest Bonds. I profess Mr B: I don't fear you should tattle me out of my Small Auditory, or lessen the Voluntary Subscriptions by which I thank God I live tho' I cann't pretend to grow fat.1 Nay if by exposing my Jargon & Nonsense You had reduc'd me to a shorter Allowance I might have thought it hard but should not have thott it to the Purpose to trouble You with an Expostulation. It may be public Service to Starve a Single Coxcomb. But I beseech you, what Occasion have You to declare War against a whole Party who are 1 Tatler No. 66 (September 10, 1709) contains a sharp passage, by Steele or Swift, condemning the extempore nonsense of Dissenting clergymen and the vehement performances of one Daniel, generally identified as the prominent Presbyterian minister Daniel Burgess, who could "grow Fat by voluntary Subscription." See also the paragraph concluding No. 69.

4-6

New Letters to the

TATLER

and

SPECTATOR

as Good Subjects to the Qu pay Taxes as chearfully, & pray for Her as heartily as ever a Dignitary of the establish'd Church. And tho our Prayers mayn't be accepted of God because They are Extempore Effusions (tho' for ought You know they may be every Word premeditated) yet our good Will is ne'er the less because We pray in the Way We think best. I take leave therefore to Remonstrate against your general Charge upon us as uttering nothing but Nonsense in what We call our Sermons. If You do in reality believe You have Ground for such an Assertion I am willing You should go on to treat us with Contempt, but let it be only in Private Conversation, & dont tempt us to read a Paper with Prejudice which for my Part I can say has been a Feast to me ever since I was so happy as to see it. Expose Folly & Impertinence Villany & Roguery as much as You will in Cases where Natural Conscience & good manners are of your Side but dont persecute Men who may for ought You know be at least innocently mistaken.2 Your hearty Admirer Jack. Presbyter Sir If You please to take no other Notice of this yet let me beg of You to let me know whether You received it, because I 2 Burgess himself very likely wrote this letter of dignified, reasonable protest, which Steele did not choose to print, though he included letters in succeeding issues on the topic of clerical eloquence. It is probable that the remonstrance from A. J. in Tatler No. 71 (September 22, 1709) referred to the censure of Burgess in No. 66; and it is possible that A. J. had conferred with Burgess (supposing him Jack Presbyter) and knew the minister would reply calmly. Perhaps Burgess, who had a distinctive vivacity in the pulpit, was further prompted to write by the complimentary reference in No. 72 to the homiletical behavior of Dr. Smalridge. A. J. wrote again on September 25 concerning the methods of satire, and Steele printed the letter in No. 74 but stuck to his point of not having injured any good man; this second letter from A. J. received an anonymous rebuttal in No. 76.

Letters to the TATLER

47

have Reason to be very Jealous of the Peny-Post in respect to Leters directed to You — &c Address: To The Authour of the Tatler To be left at Mr Morphews near Stationers Hall Porter paid.

8 LOVE FOR MR. BICKERSTAFF I wish I had noe complaint, but that of your forceing me to put my Selfe into the Tatler by making all other way's impracticable, for not being akin to Proteus I could not make my Letters Silly enough to Please your Guardians, your Loves, and your friends, & in the same moment rise above humanity; to please you now, I have but one care; which is to write well, if I could; but you have made it vain by by crushing my head as low as my heart, it could not have been flatter I believe tho it had been covered with a cornerd cap:1 Sure I shall please now, why are you charmed with fools? you needed noe foiles; and if you did, the highest understandings are soe to yours; is it because you think your beauty is not valued Enough, where your witt is understood; assure your Selfe tis quite contrary for there goes something of the brain to Guide the very Ey's, & even your Beauty is more perceived by one that know's the brightness of your mind, than one of those from the delights of whose Conversation you have banisht me, & in it done me one kindness in the midst of your Cruelty; for I Could not have endured their company for a moment without hopes of Seing you tho you can Spend wholle day's in 1

A cap with either three or four corners had been affected by divines and academicians.

Letters to the TATLER

47

have Reason to be very Jealous of the Peny-Post in respect to Leters directed to You — &c Address: To The Authour of the Tatler To be left at Mr Morphews near Stationers Hall Porter paid.

8 LOVE FOR MR. BICKERSTAFF I wish I had noe complaint, but that of your forceing me to put my Selfe into the Tatler by making all other way's impracticable, for not being akin to Proteus I could not make my Letters Silly enough to Please your Guardians, your Loves, and your friends, & in the same moment rise above humanity; to please you now, I have but one care; which is to write well, if I could; but you have made it vain by by crushing my head as low as my heart, it could not have been flatter I believe tho it had been covered with a cornerd cap:1 Sure I shall please now, why are you charmed with fools? you needed noe foiles; and if you did, the highest understandings are soe to yours; is it because you think your beauty is not valued Enough, where your witt is understood; assure your Selfe tis quite contrary for there goes something of the brain to Guide the very Ey's, & even your Beauty is more perceived by one that know's the brightness of your mind, than one of those from the delights of whose Conversation you have banisht me, & in it done me one kindness in the midst of your Cruelty; for I Could not have endured their company for a moment without hopes of Seing you tho you can Spend wholle day's in 1

A cap with either three or four corners had been affected by divines and academicians.

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

it; I wish all their Letters were forct into the Tatler as well as mine. I begg Mr Bickerstaff's pardon he does not wish, Soe mine is bad enough; pray make him amends by an answer to me & Lett him Guess at the Charmes of your face by those of your pen & be Satisfied that he & every body will think there is something wanting if it is not kind to the Sincerest most Passionate Respective & constant of Lovers.2 Since you admire folly I have a new Title to your kindness this morning for I dreamt last night that you was very Gracious and of a Sudden Grew out of humour and my heart akes at it as if there were Something Extraordinary in having the Broken Images in our Sleep of what Employs our thoughts continually awake. Oct 3: 1709 Endorsement: A Lover's Complaint. October the 3d

9 DEXTEROUS WAYS OF NEWS WRITERS Worthy Sir 1 beg leave to recommend this Pamphlet to your perusal, and can assure you, whatever your thoughts may be of it, the Author does not a little value himself upon the performance, notwithstanding his modesty not to subscribe his name. It wou'd be highly obligeing, wou'd you please to favour 2

Cf. the letter by Maria in Tatler No. 83 (October 20, 1709).

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

it; I wish all their Letters were forct into the Tatler as well as mine. I begg Mr Bickerstaff's pardon he does not wish, Soe mine is bad enough; pray make him amends by an answer to me & Lett him Guess at the Charmes of your face by those of your pen & be Satisfied that he & every body will think there is something wanting if it is not kind to the Sincerest most Passionate Respective & constant of Lovers.2 Since you admire folly I have a new Title to your kindness this morning for I dreamt last night that you was very Gracious and of a Sudden Grew out of humour and my heart akes at it as if there were Something Extraordinary in having the Broken Images in our Sleep of what Employs our thoughts continually awake. Oct 3: 1709 Endorsement: A Lover's Complaint. October the 3d

9 DEXTEROUS WAYS OF NEWS WRITERS Worthy Sir 1 beg leave to recommend this Pamphlet to your perusal, and can assure you, whatever your thoughts may be of it, the Author does not a little value himself upon the performance, notwithstanding his modesty not to subscribe his name. It wou'd be highly obligeing, wou'd you please to favour 2

Cf. the letter by Maria in Tatler No. 83 (October 20, 1709).

Letters to the

49 the publick with your opinion whether the method he has taken, is the Resemblance, or the Revers of a practice which has of late crept in among our Gentlemen news writers, for these Worthys out of a few materials pickt out of the foreign Prints, and mix't with some political Inventions of their own, have a dexterous way of composeing Letters which are palmed upon the publick for what they receive from Correspondents abroad, in these Letters you shall have the Debates and Resolutions of the several Cabinet Councils in Europe upon the most important Affairs, for instance, I have seen a Letter in the Supplement1 giving an account of some Transactions that 2 pass'd in the Cabinet Council of France, and this Letter forsooth to gain the greater Authority must needs bear date from Paris, when to my own certain Knowledge it ought to have been dated from that Gentleman's Apartment to whom the Town stands so highly obliged for the many full and true accounts of most horrid, cruel, bloody, and barbarous murthers &c. I am with all respect Worthy Sir your most humble Servant 5 October 1709 TATLER

Letter 9. Although this letter bears no address and does not name Bickerstaff or the Tatler, the date, the tone and contents, the request "to favour the publick," and its presence in the collection give all but conclusive evidence that it was directed to the Tatler. 1 Cf. Suppletnent Nos. 228, 241 (July 1, August 1,1709). 2 had crossed through after that.

50

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR 10

USHER AT T H E TABLE OF FAME Honord Sir As the resolution You have taken to reform & rectify Mankind points out the Character of a lofty enterprising Genius, so that air of Generosity so visible in all Your Writings shews You of such a liberal diffusive Spirit as greatly encourages my application to You: The Person, I firmly believe, fated to advance our ancient ffamily of the Staffs1 to those distinguishing Honours which are the reward only of transcendent Meritt. Nay I doubt not but to see the day when You will be tho't as well to deserve a statue as the elder Cato did in ancient Rome for his heroical & succesfull Attempts in the same kind. In the interim, having an entire persuasion that You will be generously ready to give a heave to a poor Relation, I make it my humble Request that, since You are erecting three Tribunals for the trying Persons of superlative & secondary Meritt, & also the men of evil ffame,2 I may be honourd with the Office to fetch in those Underground Gentlemen of the last denomination, & present them at the Bar of Judgment. I cannot conceal from You that the circumstances of my numerous ffamily force me to have an eye purely to advantage. Wherfore I make no Suit to be concernd as to the two first Tables, the Business about which (the Choice not being so great) will probably be soon over, Letter 10. Between the salutation and the text, across the fold, appears an unintelligible short piece of writing in a different hand. 1 See Letter 5, above. 2 In Tatler No. 67 (September 13, 1709) Bickerstaff proposed a Chamber of Fame, with various tables therein} he invited nominations under certain rules and continued the discussion of fame over the next several weeks. Cf. allusions in Letters 13, 15, and 38, below.

Letters to the TATLER

51

& the Perquisites, if any, very inconsiderable, Persons conscious of their own innocence & meritt making bold generally to squint upon an Officer of Justice. Besides its not improbable our worthy Kinsman Mr Beadlestaff3 (who I find has the honor to be known to You) may have been before me, & anticipated that more reputable Post. These reasons Sir determin my Request for the Other: And which I beg leave to prefer with this addition, that I may be favourd with a Reversionary Patent to my Issue male & theirs without limitation, that they may enjoy the Office till all are brought in that are accused, for the selecting fitt Persons & adjusting the Order of that Table. I am with greatest Respect Honord Sir Your poor Kinsman & most humble Servant fferdinando Tipstaff. Oct. 7, 1709. Address: These To the Honoured Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Humbly present. Endorsement: Tipstaff's request to be employd in Ushering in the Worthys at the Table of Fame. Tatler 61

11

CURE OF T H E SPLEEN Since you h < kind of Epidemical < 3

> prescription for y < > your advice. M


Letters from Benjamin Beadlestaff had appeared in Tatler Nos. 45, 71 (July 2 3, September 22, 1709). Letter 11. This is the only badly mutilated letter in the Blenheim

Letters to the TATLER

51

& the Perquisites, if any, very inconsiderable, Persons conscious of their own innocence & meritt making bold generally to squint upon an Officer of Justice. Besides its not improbable our worthy Kinsman Mr Beadlestaff3 (who I find has the honor to be known to You) may have been before me, & anticipated that more reputable Post. These reasons Sir determin my Request for the Other: And which I beg leave to prefer with this addition, that I may be favourd with a Reversionary Patent to my Issue male & theirs without limitation, that they may enjoy the Office till all are brought in that are accused, for the selecting fitt Persons & adjusting the Order of that Table. I am with greatest Respect Honord Sir Your poor Kinsman & most humble Servant fferdinando Tipstaff. Oct. 7, 1709. Address: These To the Honoured Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Humbly present. Endorsement: Tipstaff's request to be employd in Ushering in the Worthys at the Table of Fame. Tatler 61

11

CURE OF T H E SPLEEN Since you h < kind of Epidemical < 3

> prescription for y < > your advice. M


Letters from Benjamin Beadlestaff had appeared in Tatler Nos. 45, 71 (July 2 3, September 22, 1709). Letter 11. This is the only badly mutilated letter in the Blenheim

52

New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

• • •> the Indies < > t o and cold had occasioned her to be seized sicians stile a Tertian Ague. Now having consulted for a Speedy remedy the most eminent Doctors in Town, & among the rest the grand Esculapius;1 (But all in vain) for she is of a Squeamish Constitution & not able to dispense with any of their prescriptions: till this morning. Mr Bickerstaffe (said I) Sister, advises the cold bath and steel draughts to be taken Six dayes successively for a cure in my distemper (which (methinks) I would fain perswade you to experience. Well (said she) agreed on), to the bath we imediately repaired, & are now both soe perfectly cured that I am resolved (in process of time) an ample Satisfaction shall be made Mr Bickerstaffe for the Same—Indeed, 'Squire Water gruell with and without plumbs has had noe effect on either of us. my Sister is now advised to drink Bohea drops & I Burgundy Wine, the small quantity I drank att noone had very much revived the vitall Faculties, Soe I hope there is noe danger of a relapse, the Volatile Spirit of Bohea drops infused in a glass of Sack with a Civill Orange is my Sisters Chief Liquor by which she hath found much benefitt (her Animall Spiritts being likewise revived). My Sister and I both agree to subscribe our names as Collection, with about one-quarter of the matter torn away at the beginning1 and lesser lacunae later. Despite these crippling intervals it is obvious that the letter is in response to Tatler No. 80 of the same day, wherein Bickerstaff printed a letter by J. R. recounting his ill reception at Lady Haughty's. Bickerstaff there described his own reception of this gentleman shortly after receipt of a letter from him, his diagnosis of his visitor's distemper as the spleen, and his prescription of the "Cold Bath, with a Course of Steel." It is possible that such an interview took place and that the same man wrote the two communications signed J. R., the first one printed in the Tatler and this later one not printed. Cf. Tatler No. 47 (July 28, 1709). 1 The Aesculapius of Tatler No. 44 (July 21, 1709) and later issues has been identified as Dr. John Radclifle.

Letters to the

53

TATLER

Witnesses of this Speedy & effectuall cure att the bottom of next Saturdays paper. Test James Rockstoole halfesister to J :R Susan Squeamish Be it knowne to the most beautifull of the twelve Ladyes in Company, who entertained an affectionate friend att my Lady Haughty's her last visiting day with florid & polite discourse, ree houres time to his Substance of nothing but nonsense: The presence of his mistress him & meeting with an unexpected Surprise by an ingenious Contrivance of my Lady Haughtys it is humbly mallity may reasonably be excused, if not she is desired to appoint another day former Visitor. < • • • > her affectionate may retrieve his former good opinion. Pray lett onds will cutt Diamonds if there be occasion pray insert this in your i l lhighly oblidge your most affectionate friend for soe I take leave to if there is no danger of a Duell.

J.R.

t t of a Comment

Address: rstaffe Endorsement: Octobr 13th [1709] A Certificate of a Cure of the Spleen by I's Lucubrations.

12

CANES IN A PUBLIC HOUSE [After October 13, 1709] The Humble petition1 of John Manlove who was Sonn 1 Formal petitions appeared not infrequently in the Tatler; see Nos. 103, 113, 118, 134, 136, 141, 168, 215, 219, and 270. The first of

Letters to the

53

TATLER

Witnesses of this Speedy & effectuall cure att the bottom of next Saturdays paper. Test James Rockstoole halfesister to J :R Susan Squeamish Be it knowne to the most beautifull of the twelve Ladyes in Company, who entertained an affectionate friend att my Lady Haughty's her last visiting day with florid & polite discourse, ree houres time to his Substance of nothing but nonsense: The presence of his mistress him & meeting with an unexpected Surprise by an ingenious Contrivance of my Lady Haughtys it is humbly mallity may reasonably be excused, if not she is desired to appoint another day former Visitor. < • • • > her affectionate may retrieve his former good opinion. Pray lett onds will cutt Diamonds if there be occasion pray insert this in your i l lhighly oblidge your most affectionate friend for soe I take leave to if there is no danger of a Duell.

J.R.

t t of a Comment

Address: rstaffe Endorsement: Octobr 13th [1709] A Certificate of a Cure of the Spleen by I's Lucubrations.

12

CANES IN A PUBLIC HOUSE [After October 13, 1709] The Humble petition1 of John Manlove who was Sonn 1 Formal petitions appeared not infrequently in the Tatler; see Nos. 103, 113, 118, 134, 136, 141, 168, 215, 219, and 270. The first of

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and Heir of Sir Richard Manlove of Cardiffe2 who had Besides Your Petitioner three Sonns and two Daughters of all which Your Petitioner was eldest But Now Reduced to keep a publick house scituate in Chancery Lane and knowne by the Name of the Signe of the Sugar Loafe. Sheweth That Your Petitioner keeping a publick house as aforesaid is Much Damaged by Your Honnors Late Decree Made against Caines3 for that since the said Decree Most of Your Petitioners Customers have Left of Carryeing them and instead thereof use oaken Sticks with which They are alwayes Stirring and poakeing out Your Petitioners ffire to Your Petitioners great Loss and Damage which they Never Did with their Caines by Reason they were More for Ornament then Use: Wherefore Your Petitioner Most Humbly prayes Your Honnor to Reverse the said Decree or So Suppress the Use of Oaken Sticks or to Lay such fines on them that Use them as to Your Honnor shall seem Meet and Convenient towards the Makeing Up Such Loss as has already been sustained or may hereafter be sustained by Your Petitioner and Your Petitioner shall for ever pray &c'. Jo: Manlove Address: To John Bickerstaffe Esq. Endorsement: Manlove Petition to allow Canes for Sticks spoil his Fire these petitions appeared nearly two months after the first possible date of this letter; thus this petition from Manlove may have influenced Bickerstaff's adoption of the device. 2 Apparently this knight was created by his son. 8 Tatler Nos. 8o, 92 (October 13, November 10, 1709).

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13

T H E SPEAKING DOCTOR OF KENSINGTON 8br : 26 : 1709 Mr Bickerstaff I can't but Say that you have now made the World a fair offer to Serve themselves and freinds, for yours of Saterday the 22d of 8br1 mentions that if any person whatsoever can inform you of illustrious Persons or glorious actions that are not commonly known he was to send you an account thereof to Mr. J. Morphew's and they shou'd have justice done 'em. Now Mr Bickerstaff haveing given So great an oppertunity as this (whereby obscure Merit may come to publick View) it makes me recommend to his protection and care a person not altogether unknown to him that is the ingenious and leardned Dr. F d of Kensington2 which in a Tattler not long Since he was pleased to Stile the Speaking Doctor and to record him there for a past folly of his life. Nemo Omnibus Horis Sapit which perhaps might be the Doctors case when that wonderfull thought of the Bellows was brought forth, for undoubtedly Champaigne & Burgundy are great inspirers of mens minds & consequently causes greater productions then at other times for had it not been for Such Coadjutors the Doctor might have lived ages without Surprising the world in So extraordinary a manner unless he had call'd to his assistance the ingenious Mr Savery3 and Some more of his associates who lately 1

Tatler No. 84. Cf. Letter 10, above. A letter in Tatler No. 70 (September 20, 1709) recommended James Ford, "the famous speaking Doctor at Kensington," to the clergy who had not yet learned to speak properly. For an advertisement of Ford see the Post-Man, April 29, 1710. 3 In 1706 Thomas Savery took out a patent for a double bellows to produce a continuous blast. 2

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invented a pair of Mathematicall Bellows which Seems to be adapted more peculiarly for the purpose of Speaking then the true use of Blowing a fire. Now to leave the faults or rather flights of a man I ought to be as exact as possible to discribe His perfections in giving a true Character of So Worthy a person as the Ingenious Mr F d who teaches that which all the world was Strainger to here tofore. It is well known to Hundreds of persons his care and diligence in taking of all defects of the Speech either by Hesitation Stammering Snuffling or otherwise (without the Operation of Physick) nay he is So very extraordinary in his Art that he has taught a Young Lady of about 15 or 16 who was born Deaf and Dumb to Speak and read in a good Tone So that any Person may understand very well what She Says & reads notwithstanding she still remains Deaf (as a Stone). Now Pray Mr Bickerstaff why may not this my freind deserve Some place or other at one of your Tables.4 in my Opinion you may very well put him at the upper end for I am well assured you can't be blam'd, nor he displaced, by any that will pretend to take the busyness out of his hand, pray recommend So much ingenuity and Merit to the world, it being pity it shou'd goe unrewarded; I am assured the Doctor wou'd discover the whole Secret provided he was taken care off Sufficiently or else it must Dye with him. Yours Tim Telltruth Pray urge to the Quality and Gentry how necessary a thing tis for their Children to Speak plain as one of the 6 Clerks5 4 5

Tatler No. 84. Presumably the Six Clerks of the Court of Chancery.

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can testyfye haveing received Instructions from the Doctor. Endorsement: The Speaking Doctor at Kensington 8br 26

14 A RICH QUAKER LADY [On or after October 27, 1709] Mr Bickerstaffe We have a long time, been very curious, to intreat you, to insert in your paper, a Quaker Lady of a Considerable fortune, who has for this 3 years successively been courted by Severall Gentlemen; of divers opinions & (not inferiour to her Ladyship) men of great Estates & good prospect of getting wealth; The Lady loves courting to a miracle 3 Notwithstanding; neither the wealthiest nor most accomplisht can obtain her; so has made it her business to redicule all persons; that have hitherto address'd her; but still tell us will not live a maid; so Leave it to your ingenuity to Lampoon her Yea & Nayship; & we will take care to convey your paper to her hands; & as Chimny sweepers are ingenious; we have projected to keep one like a Gentlemen well equipt with a good retinue who perhaps may obtain her Ladyship; Wee are Your most humble Servants Address: To Isaac Bickerstaffe Esq. at his Appartment in

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can testyfye haveing received Instructions from the Doctor. Endorsement: The Speaking Doctor at Kensington 8br 26

14 A RICH QUAKER LADY [On or after October 27, 1709] Mr Bickerstaffe We have a long time, been very curious, to intreat you, to insert in your paper, a Quaker Lady of a Considerable fortune, who has for this 3 years successively been courted by Severall Gentlemen; of divers opinions & (not inferiour to her Ladyship) men of great Estates & good prospect of getting wealth; The Lady loves courting to a miracle 3 Notwithstanding; neither the wealthiest nor most accomplisht can obtain her; so has made it her business to redicule all persons; that have hitherto address'd her; but still tell us will not live a maid; so Leave it to your ingenuity to Lampoon her Yea & Nayship; & we will take care to convey your paper to her hands; & as Chimny sweepers are ingenious; we have projected to keep one like a Gentlemen well equipt with a good retinue who perhaps may obtain her Ladyship; Wee are Your most humble Servants Address: To Isaac Bickerstaffe Esq. at his Appartment in

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Sheer-Lane1 to be left with Mr Morphew At Stacioners hall Endorsement: of a Rich Quaker Lady

15

A PIOUS WIDOW Oct: 29 . 09 Cozen Bickerstaf Finding you enquire after obscure merit1 I send you the following account which I kno to be true, there is a friend of mine one Mrs Punny who refusd to bee cheif, or rather sole mistress, to a great Duke, & married an obscure person, to prevent farther sollicitation, & to secure her vertue. hee made but a sorry husband, & when hee dyed left little behind him, shee has since by her industry in an honest way, got a pretty deal of mony, which shee (having no children) layes out in matching her own poor relations, & not herself, tho shee's but middle aged, pretty agreeable, & very good humourd, she is a constant frequenter of the western Dome, & is so serious at her devotions that Stentors 2 noise cannot disturb her, pray try above, if you can recommend her to be mother of the maids, in his room, the place having been long vacant, or els give her a good place 1

In Tatler No. 86 (October 27, 1709) Bickerstaff first referred to his lodgings in Sheer (Shire) Lane. The first paper under the article of Sheer Lane was No. 100 (November 29, 1709). 1 Tatler No. 84 (October 22, 1709). 2 Stentor has been named as Dr. William Stanley, Dean of St. Asaph and Canon of St. Paul's. See Tatler Nos. 54, 56, 61, 67, 70 (August 13, 18, 30, September 13, 20, 1709).

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Sheer-Lane1 to be left with Mr Morphew At Stacioners hall Endorsement: of a Rich Quaker Lady

15

A PIOUS WIDOW Oct: 29 . 09 Cozen Bickerstaf Finding you enquire after obscure merit1 I send you the following account which I kno to be true, there is a friend of mine one Mrs Punny who refusd to bee cheif, or rather sole mistress, to a great Duke, & married an obscure person, to prevent farther sollicitation, & to secure her vertue. hee made but a sorry husband, & when hee dyed left little behind him, shee has since by her industry in an honest way, got a pretty deal of mony, which shee (having no children) layes out in matching her own poor relations, & not herself, tho shee's but middle aged, pretty agreeable, & very good humourd, she is a constant frequenter of the western Dome, & is so serious at her devotions that Stentors 2 noise cannot disturb her, pray try above, if you can recommend her to be mother of the maids, in his room, the place having been long vacant, or els give her a good place 1

In Tatler No. 86 (October 27, 1709) Bickerstaff first referred to his lodgings in Sheer (Shire) Lane. The first paper under the article of Sheer Lane was No. 100 (November 29, 1709). 1 Tatler No. 84 (October 22, 1709). 2 Stentor has been named as Dr. William Stanley, Dean of St. Asaph and Canon of St. Paul's. See Tatler Nos. 54, 56, 61, 67, 70 (August 13, 18, 30, September 13, 20, 1709).

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at your Tea Table,3 & you wil oblige your Kinsman, tho unknown, Wm Wagstaf.4 Address: These For Mr Isaak Bickerstaff at Mr Morphews, near Stationers Hall, pd pr penny post. Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Memorandum: To make me Compliments5 A idle fellow looks very well pleas'd that I am kept in, because He has—a place to go to.6

16

PLATONIC LOVE BY CORRESPONDENCE Sir On persuasion that your Candor & affability equal your Sense & wit I presume to troble you with this. From the moment I saw your performances, I have had a Secret veneration for their Author: 1 This esteem by being cherishd in a Heart naturally affectionate has improved it self to a perfect Love: for what other name can I give to those raptures & ecstasys with which my Soul is moved, when3 See Tatler No. 84 for Bickerstaff's promise that "there shall be a small Tea-Table set apart in my Palace of Fame" for worthy women. 4 Up to this time several Wagstaffs had been mentioned in the Tatler—Humphrey, Mrs. Rebecca, and one unspecified Wag-staff in No. 9 (April 30, 1709), Rebecca again in No. 14 (May 12, 1709), and Lepidus in No. 79 (October 11, 1709). 5 To be crossed through after Compliments. 6 This note overleaf is possibly in Steele's hand. 1 Cf. Maria's letter to Bickerstaff in Tatler No. 83 (October 20, 1709). For his valentine see Nos. 137, 141 (February 23, March 4,

1710).

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at your Tea Table,3 & you wil oblige your Kinsman, tho unknown, Wm Wagstaf.4 Address: These For Mr Isaak Bickerstaff at Mr Morphews, near Stationers Hall, pd pr penny post. Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Memorandum: To make me Compliments5 A idle fellow looks very well pleas'd that I am kept in, because He has—a place to go to.6

16

PLATONIC LOVE BY CORRESPONDENCE Sir On persuasion that your Candor & affability equal your Sense & wit I presume to troble you with this. From the moment I saw your performances, I have had a Secret veneration for their Author: 1 This esteem by being cherishd in a Heart naturally affectionate has improved it self to a perfect Love: for what other name can I give to those raptures & ecstasys with which my Soul is moved, when3 See Tatler No. 84 for Bickerstaff's promise that "there shall be a small Tea-Table set apart in my Palace of Fame" for worthy women. 4 Up to this time several Wagstaffs had been mentioned in the Tatler—Humphrey, Mrs. Rebecca, and one unspecified Wag-staff in No. 9 (April 30, 1709), Rebecca again in No. 14 (May 12, 1709), and Lepidus in No. 79 (October 11, 1709). 5 To be crossed through after Compliments. 6 This note overleaf is possibly in Steele's hand. 1 Cf. Maria's letter to Bickerstaff in Tatler No. 83 (October 20, 1709). For his valentine see Nos. 137, 141 (February 23, March 4,

1710).

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ever I enjoy You, tho' but in Idæa? Is it not Love to be pleased with your conversation, to grieve at its interruption, to rejoice at it's return, to wish a nearer Union with one whom I adore, to pray & vow for your prosperity, to hear with impatience & regret your name traduced, to be jealous of your honour, & appear in your vindication? Whence can all this proceed but from the truest, the sincerest Love? What tho your Person be as unknown to me, as even my name can be to you, ma'n't we however Love? yes Surely & that with the purest, most disinterested affection. My Love can never be charged on that gross appetite common to the salvage Brute; no! It is built on Nobler principles, it proceeds from an higher, more rational cause: They are the Irresistable beautys of the most refined Spirit, the conquering charms of a most finishd Soul have captivated all my facultys, & made me a fond, admiring, Eager Lover. My Sex I cant Imagine to be any Bar to my pretensions, for what has that distinction to do with true Platonic Love? there's no such thing as difference of sex in Souls, but the Spirit of a Man has all the softness, & delicacy of the female & the Soul of a Woman all the bravery & greatness of the Man; When they are each strip'd of those discriminating circumstances, by which flesh & blood have distinguishd the One from the Other. Some Indeed have questiond the reality of Platonism, fancying it either a disguise of impurer thots, or the fictitious amusement of stupid animals insensible of Love: but for the truth of this Kind of Passion I must think my self a most Evincing Argument; & that it owes not it's rise to a dull stupidity, to a want of more natural Inclinations my Complexion, were it known, would evidently prove: Since then there may be Love without those sensual pleasures, which pall the appetite, deaden the desire, & make the enjoyment nauseous; since there may be Love where the Innate

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beautys of the soul made conspicuous in the brightest emanations are the foundation of that Passion, Since there may be Love between rational spirits known to one another only by a distant communication of their thots I beg my dearest Bickerstaff to honour me with his Correspondence 3 I have often wishd to impart my mind on several subjects which some surprising turn has laid before me: but till I had some small encouragement my Modesty forbid me to make any farther advance: I no more desire to be personally known to you than I can expect you shod your self give in to an Ecclairsissment: for fear we shod be equally disagreable to Each Other: I only desire your leave to give you my real sentiments now & then, when I imagine you want either to explain your self, have not set an affair in its best light, have mistaken some circumstances which might give another turn to the matter related. Sometimes I may furnish you with Intelligence, beg your opinion on some points In which I may want satisfaction, & your advice in those busynesses your deep skill in Astrology enables you to pass an unerring Judgment on. Grant me but this favor & I'll promise not to be very troublesome, & shew that our Sex is not destined to be impertinent. Your humble Servant D D2 from my Closet November 4th 1709 Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. 2 This letter is not in the same hand as that of Letter 52, below, also signed D. D.

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17

VERSES TO BE PREFIXED TO T H E

TATLER

1

Wills Coffee-house Nov. 8:1709. Sir Your Excellent peices have Succeeded so well with the Men of true Tast, that none think their Collections worthy the name of Librarys, till they are enrichd with a set of your Tatlers. So Lucian and Others were receivd among the ancient Sages, with the diverting Aristophanes, whome no less a man than St Chrysostom was so fond of, that he rarely slept without him under his pillow.2 Hence tis, that something of a Genius in my Self (or at least the ambition of having one) invited me to be Master of so noble a peice of Furniture, but beholding it as a Theatre of Good Sense, without any Frontispeice, It moves me to Entreat your permission, that instead of a Title-page to my Sett (on which I shall bestow the most Curious binding) I may prefix the Lines Ensuing, who am Yours most Respectfully Philo-Bickerstaff. Hoc Unum præ Oculis Opusculum Lector Candidissime (Si perpendantur non enumerantur Argumenta) Tota Bibliotheca est, Qualis nec præterita nec futura, Quam fæliciter Instituit Isaacus Bickerstaff Armiger. Non tarn veterum Scriptorum mirus Æmulator 1 Probably, to judge from the contents of this letter, the Will's CoffeeHouse on Russell Street, Covent Garden, under article of which Bickerstaff himself had announced in his first paper he would give his accounts of Poetry. 2 See Louis E. Lord, Aristophanes: His Plays and His Influence (New York, 1927), pp. 97-98.

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Quam Ipse Autor Inimitabilis. Unicuique Ita Genio Primus, Ut nesciam Cui sit Secundus. Pasquinus simul et Marphorius Britannicus, Rite Eutopianus. Lepidus Prudentiæ (Cujuscunque Generis) Cultor, Moriae-mastix, Panto-mimus, Terrsefilius Augustanus. Cui Singuli (quod mirum est) ad Unguem patent Ipse vero tantum non Nemini. Heu! Quanto Bibliopobe pallescunt metu Ne tanto Literarum Thesauro Reliqui Codices, depretiati Reddantur penitus Inutiles? Address: For Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. T o be left with M r . John Morphew near Stationers H a l l . Endorsement: A Copy of Verses to be prefixd to Your Lucubrations.

18 TRUTHFUL

WRITING

Sir This is occasiond by the Reputation the Tatler begins to have in the world and to mind you (for by that small acquaintance I have with You I ought to beleive You know it already) That its infinitely beneath the dignity of Man to say any thing but truth. I mean that Modish opinions obscure expressions and confused words and even a true relation if theres nothing in it fit to make us more wise & just can benefit none jnjure many and are justly contemnd

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Quam Ipse Autor Inimitabilis. Unicuique Ita Genio Primus, Ut nesciam Cui sit Secundus. Pasquinus simul et Marphorius Britannicus, Rite Eutopianus. Lepidus Prudentiæ (Cujuscunque Generis) Cultor, Moriae-mastix, Panto-mimus, Terrsefilius Augustanus. Cui Singuli (quod mirum est) ad Unguem patent Ipse vero tantum non Nemini. Heu! Quanto Bibliopobe pallescunt metu Ne tanto Literarum Thesauro Reliqui Codices, depretiati Reddantur penitus Inutiles? Address: For Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. T o be left with M r . John Morphew near Stationers H a l l . Endorsement: A Copy of Verses to be prefixd to Your Lucubrations.

18 TRUTHFUL

WRITING

Sir This is occasiond by the Reputation the Tatler begins to have in the world and to mind you (for by that small acquaintance I have with You I ought to beleive You know it already) That its infinitely beneath the dignity of Man to say any thing but truth. I mean that Modish opinions obscure expressions and confused words and even a true relation if theres nothing in it fit to make us more wise & just can benefit none jnjure many and are justly contemnd

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by Lovers of truth Especially when dressd with wit language spirit period in which you exell and a strong intimation of being a lover of vertue. That Mr. Bickerstaff tho an Infidell shoud beleive a futurity on the sad accident of Philander & Cloe!1 Its possible indeed Mrs Cloe had more real charms at 18 then most of our ladies have at 40 (for I hope You hant wore Spectacles2 so long as to beleive a ffine fface the most deserveing qualification in a woman). Tis possible also she not only excelld her sister (tho' one may be excused in saying Providence saved the best) but all that Philander knew in the Playhouse. Yet seeing Mr Bickerstaff, cant be assured of this and that Philander's Motive for preserveing Cloe before any body was her real excellency above 'em all I dont see where the action's Heroick nor if you had the misfortune to be an Infidell any hopes of releife from considering it. Tis far more probable he sacrificed himself to a passion not govern'd by reason, the cause not the punishment makes the Martyr. If the Marshals Boufflers & Villars3 and their whole army had consulted Truth (which is indispensably necessary to make even the actor of a just cause vertuous4) they must have clearly seen that their Masters whole life being spent in gratifying his ambition at the expense of Millions of his neighbours & Subjects liberties lives and ffortunes their executeing his orders for establishing such injustice at the expense of their own and others lives was the highest affront coud be offerd Truth & therefore nothing they did or possibly cou'd do deserves the Name of Valour. 'Tis odds but the greatest part of our Army consult the Shrines 1

Tatler No. 94. (November 15, 1709). Tatler No. 88 (November 1, 1709). 3 The Duc de Boufflers and the Due de Villars, Marshals of France, were opponents of the Duke of Marlborough in the War of the Spanish Succession. 4 in the actor crossed through after vertuous. 2

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of Covetousness and Ambition and then tho their cause is just they are no better than Murderers. Not to trouble You longer as You have forbid us to compare our Mrs's eyes to Starrs5 so the consequence being far more pernicious you are desired to write nothing but what will bear the touch of Truth and when you use generall words as Vertue, Wisdom, Wit, Valour, Generosity Hero, Love, duty, Obedience, Sine, Good, Sublime, or any that will admit of several meanings You tell us what you mean by them or your paper will be no more regarded by lovers of Truth then the confused heap of words every day printed by all sects for Divinity & Morality. Sir Your humble Servant L:T: Novembr 17th [1709] Your paper of this day6 tells us of a effiminate husband & wife that dared get Children to stuff their tender brains with stories of Gyants & Sprights for our example Endorsement: Nov: 17: 1710

19 EXPORTATION OF GRAIN Novr the 19th 1709 Sir The generous concern that you have expressed in your indefatigable endeavours in rectifyeinge the mistakes, & re5

Tatler No. 94. Tatler No. 95 (November 17, 1709). The year of the endorsement is obviously incorrect. 6

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of Covetousness and Ambition and then tho their cause is just they are no better than Murderers. Not to trouble You longer as You have forbid us to compare our Mrs's eyes to Starrs5 so the consequence being far more pernicious you are desired to write nothing but what will bear the touch of Truth and when you use generall words as Vertue, Wisdom, Wit, Valour, Generosity Hero, Love, duty, Obedience, Sine, Good, Sublime, or any that will admit of several meanings You tell us what you mean by them or your paper will be no more regarded by lovers of Truth then the confused heap of words every day printed by all sects for Divinity & Morality. Sir Your humble Servant L:T: Novembr 17th [1709] Your paper of this day6 tells us of a effiminate husband & wife that dared get Children to stuff their tender brains with stories of Gyants & Sprights for our example Endorsement: Nov: 17: 1710

19 EXPORTATION OF GRAIN Novr the 19th 1709 Sir The generous concern that you have expressed in your indefatigable endeavours in rectifyeinge the mistakes, & re5

Tatler No. 94. Tatler No. 95 (November 17, 1709). The year of the endorsement is obviously incorrect. 6

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claiminge the folly of mankind; hath been managed with great pleasantness of style 3 & such strength of reasoninge hath run thro all your discourses, as hath made the world read all your papers with great delight which cannot but make your readers have great regard to your arguments: amongst other epidemicall errours that have infected the whole towne there is none soe dangerous as the present mistake we are run into in that violent clamour which is made against the present price of grain;1 as if it was detrimentall to the publick: when all the wise men that I have heard talk of it think the quite contrarye. it would be very well therefore if you would seriously consider the matter & in your ingenious way set the matter in a true light; for perhaps what came from you would be more regarded then from any other pen, & carry more force then a sett speech before our legislators. The short of the case Sir that I would have you is: first whether grain is one of the staple comodityes of this Kingdome, or not? secondly, whether it is not for the advantage of the publick to have as much of our staple comodityes exported, as we can spare? thirdly, whether a totall prohibition of Exportation of grain will not be detrimentall to the publick, when we have more grain then will serve our occations? The popular arguments which plead for such a law, are the hardships which the poor will undergo; 'tis true, those that are in & about London will suffer, should it continue as dear as it hath been; But thankes be to God it is not likely to be soe, for the price falls daily in all the markets 1

A short harvest produced a great rise in grain prices in 1709 and considerable distress: see Max Beloff, Public Order and Popular Disturbance 1660-1714 (Oxford, 1938), pp. 68-70. For the prohibition of the exportation of corn, see 8 Ann. c. 2, and Narcissus Luttrell, A Brief Historical Relation of State Affairs from September 1678 to April 1714 (Oxford, 1857), VI, 503, 511-21.

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round about us: if we would but be patient, & give the countreymen leave to thrash out their corn & bring it to the market; the price would soon be moderate; for such care hath been taken to put those wholesome lawes in execution which we have already, that the growing evil would soon be redressed: hitherto the countreyman hath been hindred from thrashing, by beinge happyly employed in soweinge his land again, in one of the most kind seeds times that ever was knowne: and all gentlemen that come from the midland Countreyes will tell you, they never had greater plenty, nor a better seeds time. But because the colliers at Bristoll have been unruly, & the weavers at London have been very clamorous, therefore we must run into another extream, & take away the proffit of the most usefull, & the most industrious part of the nation, that have born the whole burthen of the taxes, & for severall yeares past have sold their barly for less money per quarter, then the crowne received subsidies from it; & now they have a prospect of selling that plenty which God hath blessed them withall at a pretty good rate we are immediately for taking away that advantage from them, & by our owne inadvertency Deprive the publick of the oppertunity of encreaseinge its stock, & particular men of the advantage which God & nature hath put into our handes, of sellinge our grain at a good rate, because, he hath blessed us with a very good crop, when our neighbours want it; there is not a gentleman that lives in the countrey but will tell you wheat was a much better crop this year, then the last; & barly hath seldome been knowne better in most places; & for Beanes, they never were knowne soe good in any mans memorye. I confess it very well becomes our legislators to take care that our enemyes are not supplyed from us; and that our owne store be not exhausted beyond what will maintain our owne inhabitants with fullness & plenty. But why we should soe

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suddainly run from one extream to another I cannot tell: from cryeinge out against plenty, & the want of a market to vend our corn in, & giveinge S4 per quarter to the exporter; to a totall prohibition of all exportation, is beyond my shallow capacity: Thankes be to God we have great plenty of beef & mutton; fish & fowle; onely bread corn is gott a litle above the common price it uses to be at constantly for many many yeares together, which frights us out of our reason, & we have noe moderation, nor patience for the markets to setle; but because our neighbours are pricked with scarcity, & dare not fetch it from those parts they use to have it from, we will not let our husbandmen furnish them with their superfluous store, for fear the Mob should be angrye. would any other wise nation act thus? would the Dutch forbear sendinge to a good market for fear of disobligeinge the weavers? or would they lay an embargo upon their exportation's for fear of enrichinge their countrey? or would they discourage the manufactorye of distillinge, for fear of the clamours of a few drones? It was but the very last year, that your moneyed men would not bye any corn land, because grain was soe lowe that the tenants could never pay their rents, and now they have a prospect of a good market it must be taken from them; I hope the honest yeomen will remember the Knights of the Shire (that vote for such a law) at their next election; & know them I am resolved they shall! The management of this affair carryes some thing very extraordinary in it; as if those that design this law were for hurryeinge of it on in a thin house, least the members that are in the countrey should come & shew them there errour: soe fond are some men of a mistaken notion, that if they can but be leaders in any bill they are pleased, tho at the same time they know they are in the wrong. A dissinteressed person standing by wilbe apt to suspect

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that there is jacobitism at the bottome of all this; for if all grain must be kept at home, which way will the Portuguese bring their army into the feild without our barly? and how can the confederate army in fflanders subsist without our Beanes & oates for their horses? and how can their magazines be filled with stores this yeare without our help? when the confederate generalls complain soe much of their beinge defitient last campain, when they had from us all we could spare. Surely those those gentlemen who pretend soe much fear of a famin of bread amongst the poor, are not afraid of the blood of their horses risinge up in judgment against them for want of beanes, when we have the greatest plenty of horse corn that ever was knowne in the memory of man. Thiese thinges considerd I cannot but think there is something else at the bottome of all this clamour; therefore it would be well if your discerninge judgment would examine nicely into this affair, & set the matter in a true light, which would be of great advantage to the nation in generall, as well as a particular favour to your humble servant N:N: Address: To Isaack Bickerstaff Esq. Present Endorsement: For the Exportation of Corn

20

LIVELY DEAD M E N [After November 19, 1709] Sir I was last Night att the play where I unfortunately ffell in with a Cluster of merry ffellows, who (I suppose) being

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that there is jacobitism at the bottome of all this; for if all grain must be kept at home, which way will the Portuguese bring their army into the feild without our barly? and how can the confederate army in fflanders subsist without our Beanes & oates for their horses? and how can their magazines be filled with stores this yeare without our help? when the confederate generalls complain soe much of their beinge defitient last campain, when they had from us all we could spare. Surely those those gentlemen who pretend soe much fear of a famin of bread amongst the poor, are not afraid of the blood of their horses risinge up in judgment against them for want of beanes, when we have the greatest plenty of horse corn that ever was knowne in the memory of man. Thiese thinges considerd I cannot but think there is something else at the bottome of all this clamour; therefore it would be well if your discerninge judgment would examine nicely into this affair, & set the matter in a true light, which would be of great advantage to the nation in generall, as well as a particular favour to your humble servant N:N: Address: To Isaack Bickerstaff Esq. Present Endorsement: For the Exportation of Corn

20

LIVELY DEAD M E N [After November 19, 1709] Sir I was last Night att the play where I unfortunately ffell in with a Cluster of merry ffellows, who (I suppose) being

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Conscious of Comeing under the Denomination of Your defunct1) were very industrious to lett the world know they had life in 'em, by unmercifully displaying their Limbs at every ticlish passage to the great perplexity of their Neighbors, ffor the prevention of the farther growth of this Enormity I Committ these Lively Dead gentlemen to Your Correction desiring you'd make 'em reduce their Members to a reasonable Compass, not allowing 'em to exceed above 6 Inches in Extention without the Latitude of their Corps— Provided allways Nevertheless that you allow the Ladyes their full & perfect Liberty in the disposition of their parts— Pray be Speedy in answering my request and Your gouty Petitioner Shall ever pray &c. Address: ffor Isaac Bickerstaffe Esq. att Mr Jno Morphew's Bookseller near Stationers Hall These Postmark: THE HALFPENNY CARRIAGE2 Endorsement: I Bickerstaffe 64 Of Lively Dead Men 1

Tatler No. 96 (November 19, 1709). A number of later issues continued the subject of the Living Dead and the work of the Company of Upholders to bury them. In his first paper Mr. Bickerstaff, by way of Partridge, had engaged "to proceed to confute other dead Men, who pretend to be in Being, that they are actually decreased." Cf. Letters 24 and 30, below. 2 The Halfpenny Carriage was a postal service instituted by Charles Povey, a versatile and ingenious projector, to collect and deliver metropolitan letters at half the rate of the official Penny Post. His messengers rang bells to announce their approach, a practice adopted by the Post Office. The government disliked Povey's enterprise and soon drove him out of the postal business. The Halfpenny Carriage was active from October 4, 1709, for seven months. See Howard Robinson, The British Post Office: A History (Princeton, 1948), pp. 87-88.

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71

21

W O M E N AS SCANDALMONGERS Novr the 21st 1709 Mr Bickerstaff. I am extreamly pleased with your Lucumberations which putts me upon acquainting you with my being condemned to a country where the women Spend there time in Scandallizing their neighbours for they that are the greatest proficients that way are there distinguished as persons of the best understanding and their little Emmissaries daily repair to them for matter of conversation, now Mr Bickerstaff desire that you will oblige me with instructions not only to avoid being ensnared my Self butt also to display that Vice in Such colours whereby the Practicers may be detected which will add to the Esteem your paper has already gained of Yours humble Servant Aurelia Lovetruth Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. to be left with Mr Jno Morphew Near Stationers-Hall London Postmark: THE HALFPENNY CARRIAGE1

22

SEDUCTION OF YOUNG VIRGINS Sir You so handsomly touch on follies & vices; that your Essays are as improving as the Stage: May the same great Spirrit that hitherto influencd, excite you to speake to those 1

See Letter 20, above.

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71

21

W O M E N AS SCANDALMONGERS Novr the 21st 1709 Mr Bickerstaff. I am extreamly pleased with your Lucumberations which putts me upon acquainting you with my being condemned to a country where the women Spend there time in Scandallizing their neighbours for they that are the greatest proficients that way are there distinguished as persons of the best understanding and their little Emmissaries daily repair to them for matter of conversation, now Mr Bickerstaff desire that you will oblige me with instructions not only to avoid being ensnared my Self butt also to display that Vice in Such colours whereby the Practicers may be detected which will add to the Esteem your paper has already gained of Yours humble Servant Aurelia Lovetruth Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. to be left with Mr Jno Morphew Near Stationers-Hall London Postmark: THE HALFPENNY CARRIAGE1

22

SEDUCTION OF YOUNG VIRGINS Sir You so handsomly touch on follies & vices; that your Essays are as improving as the Stage: May the same great Spirrit that hitherto influencd, excite you to speake to those 1

See Letter 20, above.

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Gentilemen that thinke it a peice of wit, to seduce a Younge Virgin, & forswere themselves for a Toy: & how answerable they be for the future wickedness of the woman. Your constant Customer & Admirer WR 9br 21. 1709. Lond:

23

RUM FELLOWS Monday 21st Novr 1709 Mr Bickerstaff Worthy Sir I remember in one of your late Tatler's 1 you Edify'd the world in a very propper Discrimination between an Essentiall Rake & that Sordid Creature who is So fond of mimmicking the Vices & Follies which the other insenceably & without design falls into but you never directed us under which denomination to rank the latter 5 & I wonder that among the Severall Classes you were pleas'd to distinguish mankind into in your Tatler of Saturday last,2 you omitted the Definition of the Queer, & the Rumm Fellowes; Your observations hereon Will Infinitely obleige honored Sir Yours T:S: Address: For The Judicious & Learned Isaac Bickestaff Esq. 1 2

Tatler No. 27 (June 11, 1709). Tatler No. 96 (November 19, 1709).

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Gentilemen that thinke it a peice of wit, to seduce a Younge Virgin, & forswere themselves for a Toy: & how answerable they be for the future wickedness of the woman. Your constant Customer & Admirer WR 9br 21. 1709. Lond:

23

RUM FELLOWS Monday 21st Novr 1709 Mr Bickerstaff Worthy Sir I remember in one of your late Tatler's 1 you Edify'd the world in a very propper Discrimination between an Essentiall Rake & that Sordid Creature who is So fond of mimmicking the Vices & Follies which the other insenceably & without design falls into but you never directed us under which denomination to rank the latter 5 & I wonder that among the Severall Classes you were pleas'd to distinguish mankind into in your Tatler of Saturday last,2 you omitted the Definition of the Queer, & the Rumm Fellowes; Your observations hereon Will Infinitely obleige honored Sir Yours T:S: Address: For The Judicious & Learned Isaac Bickestaff Esq. 1 2

Tatler No. 27 (June 11, 1709). Tatler No. 96 (November 19, 1709).

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24

AN ACCIDENT W I T H A CANE Pal mall Novr 21st 1709 Mr Bickerstaffe I am extreamly happy in knowing you, and I shall recomend you to all the deceased in my Country, (who I represent) in hopes to revive 'em. I hope I am now born, and will endeavour to preserve life till my natural death.1 If you had not meet me in the Park, and I passed by another soon after who named you to me, threatning, (not thinking you were so neer) I should not have had the good fortune to have sought for your acquaintance or correction; but as his nameing you, has made me open my eyes and see my selfe; I freely confess the faults I was then guilty of, & I promise to avoid 'em. 'Twas thus, as I passed by the Gentleman, not seeing him, nor indeed any thing else, & brandishing my Cane, I at last flung it under my left arm, and the Gent, being just behind, struck him in the face, which you must think surprised him; I feeling something, turn'd about hastily in that posture, & beat off a Ladyes head-dress, with that part of my cane as was behind me; However I thot no harm, thinking every one below me, & I not able to do amiss; not being used to be contradicted: the Ladyes pardon I demanded, (and I now heartily desire she will excuse me) but took no notice of the Gent, thinking him as (I used to do) all in my own Country, below me: Upon which he looked somewhat earnestly on me, & said with a countenance not provoked, tho something disturbed 'Mr Bickerstaffe shall know this. I passed to the 1 Tatler No. 96 (November 19, 1709), where Mr. Bickerstaff reported that he "accidentally met a Rural Squire" in the Park, who brandished his cane "in a great Variety of irregular Motions" and "took up the whole Mall."

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

Senate, and then inquired who Mr Bickerstaffe was, and told (my own way) what had pass, and was informed who you are and what I might expect: I did not then mind it, Yet this accident has made me inquire for your Lucubrations, which I have perused, & there seen my own picture; 2 but I hope I shan't be long like it, for I am now modelling my person, & hope to make it acceptable to your selfe. My Cane I humbly beg a license for,3 because my Bulk requires it; But I promise alwayes to carry it in my hand with the right end downward; and my arms shall be confin'd to their regular bounds. My Woolfs cloathing I have parted with as you directed.4 And if you have any penance to inflict I shall chearfully undergo it for I am perfectly your Convert & Servant St George Address: For Mr Morphew neer Stationers hall Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Endorsement: Of a Country Squire Carriage in the Park

25

REPRINTING OF T H E

TATLER

Bath Nov: 21st [1709] Sir Several of your friends, who look upon your composi2

Tatler No. 96. It would seem from this letter that the park episode recorded by Bickerstaff had a basis in fact. 8 Tatler Nos. 80, 92 (October 13, November 10, 1709). 4 Tatler No. 96. Letter 25. This letter is in the same hand as that of Letter 5, above.

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

Senate, and then inquired who Mr Bickerstaffe was, and told (my own way) what had pass, and was informed who you are and what I might expect: I did not then mind it, Yet this accident has made me inquire for your Lucubrations, which I have perused, & there seen my own picture; 2 but I hope I shan't be long like it, for I am now modelling my person, & hope to make it acceptable to your selfe. My Cane I humbly beg a license for,3 because my Bulk requires it; But I promise alwayes to carry it in my hand with the right end downward; and my arms shall be confin'd to their regular bounds. My Woolfs cloathing I have parted with as you directed.4 And if you have any penance to inflict I shall chearfully undergo it for I am perfectly your Convert & Servant St George Address: For Mr Morphew neer Stationers hall Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Endorsement: Of a Country Squire Carriage in the Park

25

REPRINTING OF T H E

TATLER

Bath Nov: 21st [1709] Sir Several of your friends, who look upon your composi2

Tatler No. 96. It would seem from this letter that the park episode recorded by Bickerstaff had a basis in fact. 8 Tatler Nos. 80, 92 (October 13, November 10, 1709). 4 Tatler No. 96. Letter 25. This letter is in the same hand as that of Letter 5, above.

Letters to the

75 tions, as pieces too good to be sacrific'd to a minc'd pye, a pipes-end, or even a coffee-house file, make it their humble request, that, as you Astrologers for the better regulating your observations, throw a certain number of single stars into constellations, signs and Houses, you would be pleas'd to take the same method with your loose papers, by collecting them into a volume, as being more reputable for the author, as well as more convenient for the reader; 1 we have already the works of Isaac Causabon,2 of Isaac Vossius,3 of Sir Isaac Newton in that dress, all precedents and names sake of great worth and esteem; and now since we have a writer coming up to Horaces character, of — miscuit utile dulci4—,we desire to see Isaac the fourth a compact Author; under the title of — opera Bickerstaffiana, or whatever you think proper for your lucubrations; and we shan't fail to give you a place among the classes of the polite; we further remind you, that if even John Patridge,5 tho long since dead and buried, dares make an annual appearance in the skin of calf or sheep, sure you, Mr Isaac, who had a pen 1

TATLER

The announcement of the reprint of the Tatler in an edition "fitted for the Pocket" first appeared in No. 102 (December 3, 1709) 5 the first advertisement of the proposals for printing the octavo edition by subscription appeared in No. 126 (January 28, 1710). 2 Casaubon was the French classical scholar and Protestant theologian who became Prebendary of Canterbury. 3 The Dutch classical scholar who became Canon of Windsor, 4 Ars poetica 343. 5 This is, of course, the astrologer and almanac-maker whose death Swift foretold in his pamphlet Predictions for the Year 1708', by "Isaac Bickerstaff." Steele adopted the name for the putative author of the Tatler and there continued the hoax of the demise of Partridge, who was never quite able to convince the Town he was still living. There is a reference to him and his almanac in Tatler No. 96 (November 19, 1709); and No. 99, issued five days after the date of this letter, contained a notice of interment against "Dr. John Partridge, Philomath," submitted by the Upholders} few allusions to him appear thereafter. In the Tatler Partridge was more alive as a topic of reference in November of 1709 than he was a year later. Cf. Letter 31, below.

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masterly enough to persuade that Philomath: out of his life, and gloriously survive the defunct Brother, have more reason to appear as an author, that late posterity may read by the monuments of your pen, that once, and but once, since the creation England had produced an astrologer able to write useful and pleasant sense; and indeed, Mr Bickerstaff, you cannot in conscience deny the age behind you the benefit and diversion of your labours 3 therefore if not for your own sake, yet for ours, think of this petition from your learned friends and Admirers. this with your A in your next Endorsement: Request to print in a book the Tattlers

26 RULES ABOUT LAUGHTER Nov: 22d 1709

Give me leave, Sir, to tell you a story. An affected Fellow came in once where I was among some Scholars, and being willing to appear like the rest of the Company, took up a Greek Testament, that lay in the Window, paus'd a little, and clapping it down again with a very expressive Air, I'le swear, says he, That was a good Jest. Now, Mr Bickerstaff, whether he that laughs at no Jest, or he that laughs at his own, most deserves to be laugh'd at, I leave to your Determination. You wou'd greatly benifit the World, would you give some rules about Laughter; nor do I think 'tis any way beneath a Person of your worth, to instruct 1

In Tatler No. 63 (September 3, 1709) Bickerstaff had promised a "Treatise of Oscitation, Laughter, and Ridicule."

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

masterly enough to persuade that Philomath: out of his life, and gloriously survive the defunct Brother, have more reason to appear as an author, that late posterity may read by the monuments of your pen, that once, and but once, since the creation England had produced an astrologer able to write useful and pleasant sense; and indeed, Mr Bickerstaff, you cannot in conscience deny the age behind you the benefit and diversion of your labours 3 therefore if not for your own sake, yet for ours, think of this petition from your learned friends and Admirers. this with your A in your next Endorsement: Request to print in a book the Tattlers

26 RULES ABOUT LAUGHTER Nov: 22d 1709

Give me leave, Sir, to tell you a story. An affected Fellow came in once where I was among some Scholars, and being willing to appear like the rest of the Company, took up a Greek Testament, that lay in the Window, paus'd a little, and clapping it down again with a very expressive Air, I'le swear, says he, That was a good Jest. Now, Mr Bickerstaff, whether he that laughs at no Jest, or he that laughs at his own, most deserves to be laugh'd at, I leave to your Determination. You wou'd greatly benifit the World, would you give some rules about Laughter; nor do I think 'tis any way beneath a Person of your worth, to instruct 1

In Tatler No. 63 (September 3, 1709) Bickerstaff had promised a "Treatise of Oscitation, Laughter, and Ridicule."

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77

TATLER

Men in that Action, which has been esteem'd a part of the Definition of the humane Species. I am with great respect, Honored Sir Your most obedient Servant & Admirer Philogelus. Address: For Mr John Morphew Bookseller near Stationer's Hall London To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Humbly present. Postmark: NO 23

27

REQUEST FOR T H E

TATLER

Nibley Novr 26. 1709 Mr Bickerstaffe You have bestowed upon me a letter too full of Compliment for a Man who from hence forth intendes only to Retire: Happy it had been that I had only Rested private, and that of all I have ever wrote I could Say thus only, Hoc mihi cecini et Musis etsi Memo alius Audierit.1 Modesty I shall ever admire and can only wish that a smoothness which like a false Varnish would pretend to Counterfeit it, had more of the sincere in it. Assure your Selfe that tis not without good thought that I have left the World. It may be I would avoid even the Tattler by it, who I hear hath talked of late of some of my acquaintance especially this last summer of on Sir Samuel Slender who married to Mrs Blowsabella daughter to Madam julep. I want to see that paper. For your old Sir Harry I was at 1

Cf. Cicero Brutus 1. 187.

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TATLER

Men in that Action, which has been esteem'd a part of the Definition of the humane Species. I am with great respect, Honored Sir Your most obedient Servant & Admirer Philogelus. Address: For Mr John Morphew Bookseller near Stationer's Hall London To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Humbly present. Postmark: NO 23

27

REQUEST FOR T H E

TATLER

Nibley Novr 26. 1709 Mr Bickerstaffe You have bestowed upon me a letter too full of Compliment for a Man who from hence forth intendes only to Retire: Happy it had been that I had only Rested private, and that of all I have ever wrote I could Say thus only, Hoc mihi cecini et Musis etsi Memo alius Audierit.1 Modesty I shall ever admire and can only wish that a smoothness which like a false Varnish would pretend to Counterfeit it, had more of the sincere in it. Assure your Selfe that tis not without good thought that I have left the World. It may be I would avoid even the Tattler by it, who I hear hath talked of late of some of my acquaintance especially this last summer of on Sir Samuel Slender who married to Mrs Blowsabella daughter to Madam julep. I want to see that paper. For your old Sir Harry I was at 1

Cf. Cicero Brutus 1. 187.

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first affraid you had touch't upon a freind of mine who was lately and tho old upon an amorous adventure; but the Scene of Sheer lane and the other character of the Templer puttes that Conceit aside.2 If you have any thing really diverting I shall be glad some times tho not Constantly to Receive a paper from you, but I pray be pleas'd to get it Frank't and you will very much oblidge Sir Your Humble Servant Geo: Smyth Address: These For Mr Isaak Bickerstaffe printer of the Tattler where ever he lives at London Postmark: NO 28 Endorsement: for the Tattler's to be sent

28

LASHING ATTORNEYS Novr 28th 1709 Sir 1 am frequently diverted by Reading your Tatler, and can be very well pleas'd with any oportunity of being agreably instructed; Yet as all Persons, that Sett up for Censors of Men, and Manners, ought Strictly to Adhere to Integrity and Jus their Reflections, Soe in my opinion you are oblidg'd to Deale with Publick professions more Tenderly, then you have done in yours of Saturday last,1 wherein you Fall foul upon the Learned Sort of unlearned 2 1

Tatler No. 86 (October 27, 1709). Tatler No. 99 (November 26, 1709).

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR

first affraid you had touch't upon a freind of mine who was lately and tho old upon an amorous adventure; but the Scene of Sheer lane and the other character of the Templer puttes that Conceit aside.2 If you have any thing really diverting I shall be glad some times tho not Constantly to Receive a paper from you, but I pray be pleas'd to get it Frank't and you will very much oblidge Sir Your Humble Servant Geo: Smyth Address: These For Mr Isaak Bickerstaffe printer of the Tattler where ever he lives at London Postmark: NO 28 Endorsement: for the Tattler's to be sent

28

LASHING ATTORNEYS Novr 28th 1709 Sir 1 am frequently diverted by Reading your Tatler, and can be very well pleas'd with any oportunity of being agreably instructed; Yet as all Persons, that Sett up for Censors of Men, and Manners, ought Strictly to Adhere to Integrity and Jus their Reflections, Soe in my opinion you are oblidg'd to Deale with Publick professions more Tenderly, then you have done in yours of Saturday last,1 wherein you Fall foul upon the Learned Sort of unlearned 2 1

Tatler No. 86 (October 27, 1709). Tatler No. 99 (November 26, 1709).

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TATLER

79

People Called Attorney's, in General Terms, as usefull only to Fooles or Lazy Persons: But, till your Indefatigable Labours have quite Purged the World of Litigious Spirits, and prevented all Casual differences, Mistakes, and a thousand other Frailties, incident to human Nature; Your Learned Self may happen to be under the necessity, of makeing use of Some of these Useless People: I can not Suppose your Reflection pointed att Illiterate Sollicitors, for then you would have explain'd your Self in that particular; And, though your Readers may allow you to be Dull Some times, yett to write unintelligibly, when you would Ridicule others for the want of Learning, is only Turning the Satyr upon your Self 5 For, I take your Story, in the next Paragraph, concerning the Artfull Recovery of the Possession of the Play house in Drury Lane, to be Idle and Incoherent: You may take Notice of this Admonition, in Your Tatler, if you please; But I shall be as well pleased, if you lett it alone, Provided, you make amends for the Future with Censures more Just, and Tales more diverting I am (unknown Sir) Yours unknowne G:L: Address: For Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Endorsement: Of Lashing the Attorney

29

ABUSE OF T H E LAW from the Temple Novr 28th 1709 sac Least you should Issue out an order for my interment.1 1

Tatler Nos. 96, 99 (November 19, 26, 1709).

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TATLER

79

People Called Attorney's, in General Terms, as usefull only to Fooles or Lazy Persons: But, till your Indefatigable Labours have quite Purged the World of Litigious Spirits, and prevented all Casual differences, Mistakes, and a thousand other Frailties, incident to human Nature; Your Learned Self may happen to be under the necessity, of makeing use of Some of these Useless People: I can not Suppose your Reflection pointed att Illiterate Sollicitors, for then you would have explain'd your Self in that particular; And, though your Readers may allow you to be Dull Some times, yett to write unintelligibly, when you would Ridicule others for the want of Learning, is only Turning the Satyr upon your Self 5 For, I take your Story, in the next Paragraph, concerning the Artfull Recovery of the Possession of the Play house in Drury Lane, to be Idle and Incoherent: You may take Notice of this Admonition, in Your Tatler, if you please; But I shall be as well pleased, if you lett it alone, Provided, you make amends for the Future with Censures more Just, and Tales more diverting I am (unknown Sir) Yours unknowne G:L: Address: For Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Endorsement: Of Lashing the Attorney

29

ABUSE OF T H E LAW from the Temple Novr 28th 1709 sac Least you should Issue out an order for my interment.1 1

Tatler Nos. 96, 99 (November 19, 26, 1709).

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I am resolved to prevent it in time if I can, by showing you that I endeavour to doe some good, and to convince you I am yet a live, happening lately into Westminster Hall (where I goe but seldom) I spent a little of of my time in hearing of causes, it is the common cry of the world that the law is a lottery; and noe wonder it is soe since mankind has degenerated soe much as to have little or noe sense left of that part of our constitution which we vallue our selves soe much for & which is without doubt the best if men had any contiences left. I mean our being tryed by twelve of our country. And I observe there is such a thing as party causes which some men are not able to see through and will rather damn himself then disoblidg his freind. What you have hither too writt has done very much good.2 and I hope you will be soe kind when you have a little spare time to writt upon this subject which will afford you roame enough for oaths are now soe little set by that men of the best fashion begine to think them trifles. You were pleased at your first seting out to invite all your freinds to send you what happened in theire way which encouraged me to give you the trouble of this.3 which I hope you will not take amiss from your near kinsman and true freind Thomas Sticktotruth from a welsh Judg & a kentish Jury libra nos Domine Address: For Isac Bickerstafe Esq. These Endorsement: November 28 Of the abuse of the Law. 2 8

Tatler No. 99 contained criticism of attorneys. Tatler No. 7 (April 26, 1709).

Letters to the TATLER

8l

30

L E T T I N G OF CHAMBERS TO A TRADESMAN Mr Bickerstaff, Here has an Affair happen'd fit for your Cognizance.— A Senior Bencher of this House, contrary to the establish'd Rules and Constitution of the Society, has let out part of his Chambers to a Tradesman that sells Japan Wares; and, neglecting the Advice of his Brethren the Benchers, pursuant to the Remonstrances of the Baristers and Students, still persists in it. It is certainly a great Dishonour to the House; and you will easily apprehend the Consequence, if Others shou'd follow his Example: 'twill convert our Honourable Inns of Court into a base Exchange.— I need say no more of this Abuse: but, now, to your strict Justice and undeserv'd Mercy committing both It and it's Author, I rest your affectionate Friend and humble Servant John a Stiles Grays-Inn. Novemb: 28. 1709. Quare. If the Person above mention'd is not dead,1 and if, according to the Doctrine of the Transmigration of Souls, his Soul is not pass'd into the body of that busy Animal that succeeds him &c.— Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. at Mr John Morphew's near Stationers Hall present Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Endorsement: A Bencher who Lets his Chambers to a Tradesman 1

Cf. Tatler No. 96 (November 19, 1709).

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR 31 NOISE AND KNOCKERS [On or after December 10, 1709]

Sir I humbly begg that publick notice n your next court1 is holden, that I may have an oppertunity of offering Something against the petition of your Knocker man: 2 my main Arguments I shall reserve 'till our meeting & only tell you, that a Gentleman of my acquaintance went last week to My Lady Scandal's visiting room with all his sences, he staid about 4 minutes in which time he lost One (Between the Ladies & the footmen) which tis not in the power of Margaret Searl3 to retreive; he is very melancholly upon the matter & in high spleen is set to write a Satyr against Noise, in which nevertheless I dare promise he will use the ladies very tenderly: he has engag'd to furnish me with arguments against the Noisemaker, if therefore you have any regard for human Ears don't, I beseech you, indulge him so far as to grant him a Licence without giving me a hearing. Yours next—Will be publish'd a sermon preach'd at the funeral of Mr J-Patridge4 student etc: to be sold by the booksellers 1

Tatler No. 103 (December 6, 1709). In Tatler No. 105 (December 10, 1709) Mr. Bickerstaff reported a visit and demonstration by an inventor of door knockers. 3 The Searls were a family famed for relieving and curing deafness. Margaret was the wife of Samuel, son of Edmund Searl: see C. J. S. Thompson, The Quacks of Old London (London, 1928), p. 100. 4 In Tatler No. 99 (November 26, 1709) the Upholders concluded their postscript on burying Partridge on the twenty-ninth instant with this note: "We shall light away at Six in the Evening, there being to be a Sermon." For Partridge see Letter 25, above. 2

Letters to the

TATLER

83

of London & Westminster or by the said J Patridge at his house in — Address: For Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Endorsement: on Noise & Knockers

32

MATRIMONIAL PREROGATIVES from my File of Tatlers a 150 Miles from the Bills of Mortality Mr Bickerstaff being, besides your intimacy with the stars, a person of uncommon dexterity in resolving scruples, & untying difficulty's; your Judgment is desir'd in the following particular.— A Brother of mine you must know, being passionately in love with a young Lady, made his addresses to her with tollerable Success 3 till preliminaries coming to be adjusted the Lady threw in such a rigorous, unmercifull Article or two, that her Lover recoil'd at the proposal, & the Match was thereby retarded. The principal demand was, that the Lady shou'd have during her life, an independant Jurisdiction over all her female Children, & Servants; that her Husbands authority shou'd be confin'd to the Males, & that he shou'd never either directly or indirectly, interpose in her Administration. My Brother being tender of the Husbands prerogative wou'd by no means submit to such an unprecedented hardship, but made several remonstrances to the Lady upon the extravagancy of her terms. In a Word, she continued resolute, & inflexible, till he was so hamper'd betwixt his passion & his priviledges, that he knew not how to disentangle himself.— I seeing

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of London & Westminster or by the said J Patridge at his house in — Address: For Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Endorsement: on Noise & Knockers

32

MATRIMONIAL PREROGATIVES from my File of Tatlers a 150 Miles from the Bills of Mortality Mr Bickerstaff being, besides your intimacy with the stars, a person of uncommon dexterity in resolving scruples, & untying difficulty's; your Judgment is desir'd in the following particular.— A Brother of mine you must know, being passionately in love with a young Lady, made his addresses to her with tollerable Success 3 till preliminaries coming to be adjusted the Lady threw in such a rigorous, unmercifull Article or two, that her Lover recoil'd at the proposal, & the Match was thereby retarded. The principal demand was, that the Lady shou'd have during her life, an independant Jurisdiction over all her female Children, & Servants; that her Husbands authority shou'd be confin'd to the Males, & that he shou'd never either directly or indirectly, interpose in her Administration. My Brother being tender of the Husbands prerogative wou'd by no means submit to such an unprecedented hardship, but made several remonstrances to the Lady upon the extravagancy of her terms. In a Word, she continued resolute, & inflexible, till he was so hamper'd betwixt his passion & his priviledges, that he knew not how to disentangle himself.— I seeing

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there were no other hopes of an accommodation, mov'd for a reference; upon which they unanimously chose the sage Mr Bickerstaff for their Umpire, & enter'd into mutual engagements to stand by his decision. I was well pleas'd with their choice, as knowing you to be an unexceptionable person, both as to your ability's & integrity.— If I did not think it needless, I wou'd desire you to take this point into mature deliberation, to consider it thoroughly, & not precipitate your sentance.— The importance of the Case requires this of you, & moreover by way of encouragement, I promise to use all my interest for the bringing in of a Bill, in order to empower Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. to sit as supreme, over all amorous Causes; as well ante-matrimonial Squabbles, as Conjugal contentions; & that the last apeal may be unalianably settled upon him & his Heirs Astrologycal for ever.— This will be promoted with all imaginable zeal, by Sir your Constant Reader Corinna pray Sir as soon as you've consider'd this point, don't postpone your determination, but remember my Brothers impatience. Address: ffor Isaack Bickerstaff Esq. to be left with Mr Morphew near Stationers Hall London [Address repeated in another hand] Postmarks: DE 19 [1709?] pt pd 3d [large cross] 1 Endorsement: On Matrimonial Privileges 1 This letter is assigned to 1709 rather than to 1710 on the basis of references at the beginning" and the end: Bickerstaff gave more attention to his astrological interests in 17095 he showed in December of that year "uncommon dexterity in resolving scruples, & untying difficulty's"; and he devoted Tatler No. 103 (December 6, 1709) to the account of his first Court. Perhaps Corinna's proposal that he sit supreme "over all amorous Causes" encouraged him to continue the use of the

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33

LADIES' RIDING HABITS [On or after December 22, 1709] Sir I was very lately, less to my Surprise than Satisfaction, entertaind by a worthy Friend of mine with an Account of the happy Progress Your Censures have made in reforming the Town: which You will be satisfyd, is not the only Scene of Singularity & Affectation, when I have informd You how far our native Simplicity, here in the Country, is advanct towards those Extremes You have hitherto so succesfully discountenanct in the City. And sorry I am that those Phantoms, unable to stand the Pungency of Your Censure, should so conspicuously stalk about our once quiet Abodes, without Your superiour Genius to terrify them hence also. Indeed, our Females are not yet arrivd to the Extravagancies of Fardingals (now under Censure1) but, at the same time, they give Us terrible Apprehensions of an Innovation more material, from the Form & Make of their Riding Habits; wanting only in these Circumstances of Distinction, Boots, & Breeches. And not content with the formerly indulgd Use of Hat & Peruke, instead of Hood & Commode; they have, to compleat their Equippage, assumd a Surtout, & Wastcoat with Buttons, Cuffs & Pockets, tribunal. Before the rise of postal rates in 1711 the carriage of a letter beyond eighty miles in England cost threepence. The large cross was probably the mark of a postal inspector. Cf. Letters 57 and 88, below. 1 In Tatler No. n o (December 22, 1709) and a number of succeeding issues Bickerstaff satirized the swelling petticoat} his Court of Justice "for proceeding on the Cause of the Petticoat" was reported in Tatler No. 116 (January 5, 1710). Cf. Letters 34> 36, 37, and 61, below.

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a la Veture Masculine. Insomuch, that it is as obvious, now adays, to mistake a Woman on horseback for one of our own Sex, at a small Distance; as the Horsemen of Thessaly were, of old, supposd to be all of a piece with the Beasts they rode on. This I humbly offer to Your Consideration, as Censor of Great Brittain. How far You shall think it worthy Your animadverting upon, I do with equal Zeal & Submission resign to Your more exact Judgement & Penetration; & am, with all due Observance, Your most humble Servant A:B:2 Endorsement: Of Ladys Riding Habits &c.

34 W I D E Q U I L T E D PETTICOATS [On or after December 22, 1709] Mr Bickerstaf You being a Lover of Justice cannot help complaining to you of my hard fate, you must know I was the sole proiector of the wide quilted petycotes1 which are found so comodious for Ladys as with the help of Buckram whalebone and ropes, they so dexterously conceal great Bellys that any reputed Virgin may live without suspition in her fathers House till the moment she is ready to crye out, it 2

This letter and the three other letters (39, 55, and 75, below) signed A. B. are in four different hands. The combination of foremost initials was, of course, a popular choice of the correspondents whose letters did appear in the Tatler, the Spectator, and the Guardian, 1 See Tatler No. n o (December 22, 1709) and later issues for reformation of the petticoat. Cf. Letters 33, above, and 36, 37, and 61, below.

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a la Veture Masculine. Insomuch, that it is as obvious, now adays, to mistake a Woman on horseback for one of our own Sex, at a small Distance; as the Horsemen of Thessaly were, of old, supposd to be all of a piece with the Beasts they rode on. This I humbly offer to Your Consideration, as Censor of Great Brittain. How far You shall think it worthy Your animadverting upon, I do with equal Zeal & Submission resign to Your more exact Judgement & Penetration; & am, with all due Observance, Your most humble Servant A:B:2 Endorsement: Of Ladys Riding Habits &c.

34 W I D E Q U I L T E D PETTICOATS [On or after December 22, 1709] Mr Bickerstaf You being a Lover of Justice cannot help complaining to you of my hard fate, you must know I was the sole proiector of the wide quilted petycotes1 which are found so comodious for Ladys as with the help of Buckram whalebone and ropes, they so dexterously conceal great Bellys that any reputed Virgin may live without suspition in her fathers House till the moment she is ready to crye out, it 2

This letter and the three other letters (39, 55, and 75, below) signed A. B. are in four different hands. The combination of foremost initials was, of course, a popular choice of the correspondents whose letters did appear in the Tatler, the Spectator, and the Guardian, 1 See Tatler No. n o (December 22, 1709) and later issues for reformation of the petticoat. Cf. Letters 33, above, and 36, 37, and 61, below.

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was with no small pains & study that I brought them to this perfection, only to preserve reputations, but now there is so many false pretenders to this new invention that most of my business is pirated from me, and I ready to starve, while others gets a great deal of mony by building on my foundation, if you think I deserve a Pattent for the same desire you will procure it for your humble servant E Ruda I am still in Pall-Mall Address: To Mr Bickerstaff Endorsement: I Bickerstaffe 62

35 FUNERAL OF A SHARPER [Before January 3, 1710?] Sir You'd very much oblidge as well as entertain the Town, if you'd please to issue out a Comision of Interment 1 for your ffreind Sir James of the peake,2 alias Monoculus,3 Nibb's pound in Tyburn roade might be a very good place to bury him from & the spott Marybone, if it should be order'd of an Execution Day & the Myrmidons 4 to attend 1

Tatler No. 99 (November 26, 1709). In Tatler No. 115 (January 3, 1710) Bickerstaff referred to Sir Hannibal (identified as Sir James Baker, Knight of the Peak) as "taken up and interred by the Company of Upholders." Perhaps the suggestion in this letter influenced his burying of Monoculus. 8 Tatler Nos. 36, 56, 73 (July 2, August 18, September 27, 1709). 4 Tatler Nos. 60, 65 (August 27, September 8, 1709). Cf. Letters 3 and 5, above. 2

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was with no small pains & study that I brought them to this perfection, only to preserve reputations, but now there is so many false pretenders to this new invention that most of my business is pirated from me, and I ready to starve, while others gets a great deal of mony by building on my foundation, if you think I deserve a Pattent for the same desire you will procure it for your humble servant E Ruda I am still in Pall-Mall Address: To Mr Bickerstaff Endorsement: I Bickerstaffe 62

35 FUNERAL OF A SHARPER [Before January 3, 1710?] Sir You'd very much oblidge as well as entertain the Town, if you'd please to issue out a Comision of Interment 1 for your ffreind Sir James of the peake,2 alias Monoculus,3 Nibb's pound in Tyburn roade might be a very good place to bury him from & the spott Marybone, if it should be order'd of an Execution Day & the Myrmidons 4 to attend 1

Tatler No. 99 (November 26, 1709). In Tatler No. 115 (January 3, 1710) Bickerstaff referred to Sir Hannibal (identified as Sir James Baker, Knight of the Peak) as "taken up and interred by the Company of Upholders." Perhaps the suggestion in this letter influenced his burying of Monoculus. 8 Tatler Nos. 36, 56, 73 (July 2, August 18, September 27, 1709). 4 Tatler Nos. 60, 65 (August 27, September 8, 1709). Cf. Letters 3 and 5, above. 2

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it might not be amiss, the ffellow has for these 2 years last said, he wu'd not live 2 days, & being att a low ebb, both in ready Witt & ready mony, I thinck it requisite Your humble Servant [signature illegible] Address: To Isaac Bickerstaffe Esq. Att Mr Morphew's Stationers Hall Endorsement: Monoculus his Funeral

36 BICKERSTAFF'S BREAKING OF H I S WORD [On or after January 3, 1710] Mr Bickerstaff in one of your tatlers of the Last week you promisd to treat on quiltid paticotes.1 Tuseday the 3 instant our expictations being baulkt2 I was not a Lietle provokt to find your Lucubrations Could prom't you to noe beter Subiect then the praies of and Eunuck & that your Sedate Jenious should be disturb by your Enosint pupits, even to Venting your Spleen againts the Soft Sex for Enosently amuseing them selves with theire merry humors, for the future I forbid your playing with a Cat 3 as a marck of Idleniss & not Consistunt with 60 od.4 in short old Isaac if your future Tatlers are Soe full of Levety as your Last tis determind 1 Tatler No. 113 (December 29, 1709). Cf. Letters 33 and 34, above, and 37 and 61, below. 2 Tatler No. 115 (January 3, 1710). 3 Tatler No. 112 (December 27, 1709). 4 Tatler Nos. 59, 83 (August 25, October 20, 1709).

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it might not be amiss, the ffellow has for these 2 years last said, he wu'd not live 2 days, & being att a low ebb, both in ready Witt & ready mony, I thinck it requisite Your humble Servant [signature illegible] Address: To Isaac Bickerstaffe Esq. Att Mr Morphew's Stationers Hall Endorsement: Monoculus his Funeral

36 BICKERSTAFF'S BREAKING OF H I S WORD [On or after January 3, 1710] Mr Bickerstaff in one of your tatlers of the Last week you promisd to treat on quiltid paticotes.1 Tuseday the 3 instant our expictations being baulkt2 I was not a Lietle provokt to find your Lucubrations Could prom't you to noe beter Subiect then the praies of and Eunuck & that your Sedate Jenious should be disturb by your Enosint pupits, even to Venting your Spleen againts the Soft Sex for Enosently amuseing them selves with theire merry humors, for the future I forbid your playing with a Cat 3 as a marck of Idleniss & not Consistunt with 60 od.4 in short old Isaac if your future Tatlers are Soe full of Levety as your Last tis determind 1 Tatler No. 113 (December 29, 1709). Cf. Letters 33 and 34, above, and 37 and 61, below. 2 Tatler No. 115 (January 3, 1710). 3 Tatler No. 112 (December 27, 1709). 4 Tatler Nos. 59, 83 (August 25, October 20, 1709).

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by a Comety of that Sex that you nor Nicolini Caint keep in any Maner of Government, to have you interd 6 in one of the ferbellows of Gillys quilted paticote, according to your own maksims tell you break in to A Brighter Being. from my apartment with Punch 7 in the bath I am faire and full of fire & ixpect Satisfaction Address: For Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Endorsement: Punishment for not keeping your Word.

37 P E T I T I O N OF LACEMEN [On or after January 5, 1710] To the Worshipfull Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Censor of Great Britain. The Petition of the Dealers in Gold & Sylver Lace, & the numerous Artificers depending on them.1 Humbly Sheweth, That, haveing with the greatest satisfaction read your Tatler of the 5th Instant,2 wherein your Worship does, with great justice & prudence Condemn the new-fashion'd Petticoats, & forbid the Ladys the wearing thereof, otherwise allowing them all the Ornaments that Art can supply 5 6 7 1

See Letter 38, below. Tatler No. 96 (November 19, 1709) and later issues. Cf. Tatler Nos. 44, 50 (July 21, August 4, 1709).

This petition was written but shortly after the first petition printed in Tatler No. 113 (December 29, 1709), also on petticoats, and was perhaps incited by it. For other communications on the petticoat see Letters 33, 34, and 36, above, and 61, below. 2 Tatler No. 116 (January 5, 1710).

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by a Comety of that Sex that you nor Nicolini Caint keep in any Maner of Government, to have you interd 6 in one of the ferbellows of Gillys quilted paticote, according to your own maksims tell you break in to A Brighter Being. from my apartment with Punch 7 in the bath I am faire and full of fire & ixpect Satisfaction Address: For Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Endorsement: Punishment for not keeping your Word.

37 P E T I T I O N OF LACEMEN [On or after January 5, 1710] To the Worshipfull Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Censor of Great Britain. The Petition of the Dealers in Gold & Sylver Lace, & the numerous Artificers depending on them.1 Humbly Sheweth, That, haveing with the greatest satisfaction read your Tatler of the 5th Instant,2 wherein your Worship does, with great justice & prudence Condemn the new-fashion'd Petticoats, & forbid the Ladys the wearing thereof, otherwise allowing them all the Ornaments that Art can supply 5 6 7 1

See Letter 38, below. Tatler No. 96 (November 19, 1709) and later issues. Cf. Tatler Nos. 44, 50 (July 21, August 4, 1709).

This petition was written but shortly after the first petition printed in Tatler No. 113 (December 29, 1709), also on petticoats, and was perhaps incited by it. For other communications on the petticoat see Letters 33, 34, and 36, above, and 61, below. 2 Tatler No. 116 (January 5, 1710).

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'em with, which shall not disguise their natural Beauties. Your Worship's Petitioners doe, with all humility, pray, that you will be pleas'd, fully to Impower us the said LaceMen &c Tradeing within the Citys of London & Westminister to apprehend, secure & bring before your Worship, on proper Court Days, all such Ladys as shall, in Contempt of Your said most just Prohibition, presume to Wear, or encourage the Wearing of, the said unlawfull Petticoats; (such excepted who for particular reasons shall be Licens'd by Your Worship) Since, if they shall obstinately proceed in their Disobedience, not only your Petitioners, (who are a great number) but many Thousands of their Dependants must inevitably be ruin'd for want of Employment, or, what we humbly conceive will be of worse Consequence, if they shall persist in the Wearing the said Petticoats & Lace them suitably & ornamentally, the greatest part of the Bullion in the Nation wou'd in a Year's time be Melted downe, consum'd or become a Perquisite to the Ladys Women. And your Petitioners &c. Endorsement: Lacemens &c Petition to I Bickerstaffe Tatler 71

38 DRAMA AND OPERA [On or after January 14, 1710] Mr Bickerstaff I have been often diverted by your Elucubrations and I was wonderfully pleasd with the success they met with

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'em with, which shall not disguise their natural Beauties. Your Worship's Petitioners doe, with all humility, pray, that you will be pleas'd, fully to Impower us the said LaceMen &c Tradeing within the Citys of London & Westminister to apprehend, secure & bring before your Worship, on proper Court Days, all such Ladys as shall, in Contempt of Your said most just Prohibition, presume to Wear, or encourage the Wearing of, the said unlawfull Petticoats; (such excepted who for particular reasons shall be Licens'd by Your Worship) Since, if they shall obstinately proceed in their Disobedience, not only your Petitioners, (who are a great number) but many Thousands of their Dependants must inevitably be ruin'd for want of Employment, or, what we humbly conceive will be of worse Consequence, if they shall persist in the Wearing the said Petticoats & Lace them suitably & ornamentally, the greatest part of the Bullion in the Nation wou'd in a Year's time be Melted downe, consum'd or become a Perquisite to the Ladys Women. And your Petitioners &c. Endorsement: Lacemens &c Petition to I Bickerstaffe Tatler 71

38 DRAMA AND OPERA [On or after January 14, 1710] Mr Bickerstaff I have been often diverted by your Elucubrations and I was wonderfully pleasd with the success they met with

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among all degrees, hoping that a Man of your good sense & wit woud restore the lost Taste of the Town in the Politer Arts, or rather that you woud raise the Esteem of Arts & Sciences by your Influence higher than they have yet been in this Nation of Fancy, by regulating that by Judgement, which has been most wanting in England ever since the Muses began to look with a favourable Eye on our Island. I shal not look into the Proofs of this; they are so Obvious that Mr Bickerstaff can not but know them. But when I found you siding with the great Corrupter of the Manners, & Bane of sense, & that noble Diversion the Drama 3 I coud not but have some revolting Thoughts in my head, and almost determine, that you ought to be depos'd from your Censorship when once you descended from the Dignity of it by beating the Drum to the Benefit of a Commedian,1 who tho meritorious in his Way is far from being the best Commedian in England, since Ben: Johnson2 excells him in all Parts where Nature is to be expressd in her proper Gestures: Dogget is confind, & the same in all Parts, but Ben: is various yet just in All; and whilst he acts Corbaccio, Morose & Numpes 3 it is Injustice to prefer any one to him, till we can see any one so 4 masterly in three such parts 5 as those of6 so different a Character. I woud have Mr Bickerstaff have a Care of incurring a worse censure than My Lord Plausible in the Plain Dealer,7 who rather 8 than not flater9 woud flater the very Poets of the 1

Thomas Doggett, called by Bickerstaff "the best of Comedians" in Tatler No. 120 (January 14, 1710). Cf. Tatler No. 122 (January 19, 2 1710). Benjamin Johnson, the actor. 3 Characters in Jonson's Volpone, The Silent Woman, and Bartholo4 mew Fair, respectively. differ crossed through after so. 5 of crossed through after farts. 6 such crossed through after of. 7 The comedy by Wycherley, first acted at Drury Lane in 1676. 8 lest crossed through before rather. 9 he crossed through after flater.

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Age, in flatering the Players of the Age a Race more infinitely despicable than the former. As this seems below10 the Dignity of Censor Morum, so what you have been pleasd to say of Operas & their Support Grimaldi11 brings in Question your Integrity which is a Quality absolutely Necessary for that Post. Your Conduct here seems like that of our Modern Reformers whose Zeal is lent against the Vices of the Poor, but suffer those of the Rich unattaqu'd. For while you fall on the Gamsters, I mean the little Sharpers,12 you declaim in Praise of Opera's which corrupt the Minds of the Nobility with Luxury, usurping on sense & good Poetry which by the Help of just Plays might inspire noble Notions into them than to waste their Wealth & Time in Gaming & Whoring. The great Milton is of Opinion that a well regulated Theatre is of more use to Virtue than the Pulpit it self;13 and it is evident from history, that the Tragic Scene in Athens supplyd the Dutys of our Pulpits by inculcating Lessons of Morality by the means of the noblest of Pleasures. I coud give you a proof14 in the Bellerophon of Euripides, of the effect of this Diversion on the Morals of the Audience, did I suppose you did not know it. I coud tell you that the whole Audience rose up as one Man when Bellerophon began to speak in the vindication of Avarice nor woud suffer the Actors to proceed till Euripides came on the stage & desird their Patience to see how he punishd him.15 Part of this 10

your crossed through after below. Cavalier Nicolini Grimaldi, a popular operatic figure, praised by Steele in Tatler No. 115 (January 3, 1710). 12 Tatler No. $6 (August 18, 1709) and later papers. 13 Cf. the introduction to Book II of The Reason of Church Government, the foreword to Samson Agonistesy and Paradise Lost, IV, 261-66. 14 of this crossed through after proof. 15 Seneca Epistulae morales cxv. 15-16. In Tatler No. 122 (January 19, 1710) Bickerstaff used this same passage and translated the lines 11

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Speech of Bellerophons is yet extant in the Fragmentt of this Poet; but I'll pass this & other Arguments from the Antients since you have formerly exprest the great Efficacy of some evn of our Plays. But if those Sentiments were realy yours, how is your praise of the Opera consistent with it; the Invention of an ignorant people, & the Refuse of Mankind, the Dreggs of the Vandals & Goths, the Child of Slavery, & fully as deformd, without the least Mixture of Nature, & reason; at which a man of tolerable sense must shock his Understanding all the while he gratifys his Ear. While the Enemys of Sense had encourag'd this sottish (not noble as you call it) 16 diversion a Censor ought not meanly & ungenerously to have sided with the Public Folly because favourd by the leading Men of Power, but fairly to have exposd the Folly and Mr Bickerstaffs Influence might have been of force to have rescud the British Nation from the Infamy it lay under, as on the Contrary it has now permitted the Fools who had no thing before to say in their Defence that the Tatler likd & praisd Opera's. Thus the other Day inveighing justly against Opera's a Fool that knew not Verse from prose but by the Jingle of the Rhimes cryes out very pertly — why the Tatler is then in the Wrong? not considering that Mr Bickerstaff might not speak his real sentiments but sacrifice either to the Intrest of his Acquaintance, or to the Vogue of Quality, or evn might have a Corrupt Taste of his own in this as well as some other Particulars of less Consequence. And indeed that Complaisance you have so publickly discoverd for Operas, as well as your Partiality for some particular Playfrom Euripides' Bellerophon; he named Seneca but not the "famous Tragedy" or its author. Certainly it seems that Addison was reminded of the Latin account of the incident in the Athenian theater by the reference in this pseudonymous letter and perhaps drew therefrom a hint for laying down "the proper Duties of an Audience." 16 Tatler No. 115.

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ers of no superlative Merit & Excellence, woud almost persuade us that that however pleasant a Droll, Mr Bickerstaff might be, and how successfull soever his amusing Lucubrations yet that he wanted a perfect Taste of the fine Letters, and preferd not Nature, & Reason where they ought to prevail 5 set up Sound against Sense; Eunuchs against Men; and Italians (the the very Dreggs of Mankind) against Englishmen; & that without having the least Justice on his Side; for I will be bound to prove, that there is scarce an Actor even now on the Stage, who makes but any tolerable Figure, but who excells Grimaldi in all the true Graces of Action. Nay it is demostrable that there can be no such thing as true acting in an Opera; since the Singer is obligd to stop in the Midst of a passion17 while the Instrumental Music plays, & sometimes to swell his own Notes: next it is plain to any One who knows what acting is that to have a sett form of Actions or Gestures can never be just because the Actions or Gestures ought to follow the passion that is represented; but Grimaldi has not above four Motions, which he passess through & then begins again. I am not against Music. I love it as well as any One, and know that the Antients allowd a great Share of the noblest Tragedys in the world to Harmony but then I love it when it discovers the Soul of Harmony, when it penetrates the Heart, & turns the Soul which way it will; when it makes the Blood thrill through your Veins; when it paints things as I may say, by the apt & wonderful Mixture of proper Sounds. But alas! all the Italian Operas, which we have had here consist only of light Airs that tickle the Ear, but never once reach the Heart or touch the Soul. But I am surprizd into a greater Length than I design'd, & therefore shall omit what more I had to say on this head, till crossed through after passion.

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as well as upon your false Representation of the Inconvenience of two houses,18 and your Omitting of Titus Flaminius in your Table of Fame,19 whose character is more worthy of Fame than all the Hunters of Mankind, he like a God delighting in doing Good to Man; he set all Greece at Liberty. &c but I cant conclude without one remark on your Tatler in praise of Operas which I shal resolve into a Query whether the Sight of an Eunuch on the Stage is not more derogatory to the dignity of Human Nature, than that of a Tumbler? & whether the Ladys are not justly to be excusd for Neglecting an Entertainment so shocking to Nature, as well as Reason, to see the effect of Mechanisms in the celebrated Opera of the Harmless Maid and the Comical Humours of Punch? 20 I have not your papers by me, so trusting to my Memory lose many things worth my remarking; nay I have so little Time, that I can not transcribe this Letter but venture to send it with all the Faults of a hasty writing, designing only to rouse that public Spirit that you once seemd to assert, & procure Poetry & good Sense nay Nature it self an Advocate more worthy the Cause I am yours Philo Patriae21 Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq to be left with Mr Morphew near Stationers Hall London Endorsement: Against Opera's Nicolini Dogget &c. 18

Tatler No. Tatler No. 20 Tatler No. 21 This letter differently. 19

99 (November 26, 1709). 81 (October 15, 1709). 115. is in the same hand as that of Letter 39, below, signed

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[After January 14, 1710] Sir Tho I ventur'd to censure your Complaisance for the Follys of the Quality, in praising Opera's, calling them a noble Entertainment 1 &c while you set up for the Censor Morum of a Whole Nation 5 yet on farther Reflection I begin to fear that I was too severe 5 for the Quality will bear Censures that reach not themselves and their own Vices, & Follys, but the Censor may have something to apprehend from so ruling a Part of the Town, shoud he suffer his Frowns to extend to them. I the more easily bear the Neglect you have shewn my Letter to you some Time since2 on that Subject with the hasty Objections made to your Conduct in that particular, since I doubt not but Mr Bickerstaffe has the common View of the World in his Eye, & may fear that by attaquing Folly, & Vice every where he might raise So many Enemys, as might be able to lessen the Sale of his Paper, & by Consequence his Profit. Tis true I cannot help thinking, that woud you, with that finer Adress, of which you discover your self to be sometimes Master, fall on the abandond Taste of the Town in the politer Arts, you might with ease reform & improve it. The Reputation, your Paper has got woud go a great way in this particular, especialy when that Reputation is not built meerly on the Vogue & Whim of the People, but upon Solid Merit. For if I do not very much mistake my Man, I have heard too just Sentiments of the Drama from you, to suffer me to think the Applause you gave these Trifles 1

Tatler No. 115 (January 3, 1710). The hand of this letter is that of the preceding letter, which was subscribed differently, "some Time" earlier. 2

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called Operas, coud be the effect of your Judgement. But I may be mistaken both in the Person, & the Matter; I shall therefore passe to the Occasion of this present Letter. I was last night to visit a female Wit, who among other Scandal & News informed me of a certain Scribling Lady who had sent you her Farce for your Service & Approbation.3 Tho the Assurance of her own Merit was usual to the Lady, and her Hopes of your Encouragement of a Farce very extraordinary, yet having her own Interest only in View she acted to the Height of her System of Politics. Her Conduct in this particular has reviv'd my Design of Something like it for a Friend of Mine; who has a very good Opera after the old Way, that is a perfect Tragedy (but with a happy Event) intermixt with Music absolutely Necessary for the carrying on of the Plot: But then I shal not desire your Approbation or Encouragement, unless on your Perusal you think it deserves both or either. No man, that is acquainted with the Antients, & the Rise of the Stage can be against Music, it was the Foundation of Tragedy the Episode being grounded in the old Goatsing, or Vintage Song, and a great part of the Time of the Representation devoted to the musical performance to the last & in the highest Perfection of that Poem. But then was only sung what was proper, But in Operas we sing fighting, weeping, dying bid them shut the door, read & write Letters in Crotchets & Quavers, & a thousand other absurditys which shock the understanding more than the light Italian Airs can please the Ear, for they never penetrate so far as the Heart. What I therefore propose is, that by promoting a 3

Probably Mrs. Susannah Centlivre, a Whig female wit and playwright. Performances of her play The Busybody Steele had noticed in Tatler Nos. 15, 19 (May 14, 24, 1709), and he had promised her a prologue, according to a letter from her published by Charles Lillie in Original and Genuine Letters Sent to the Tatler and Spectator (London, 1725) Vol. II, No. 13.

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more perfect, as well as more rational Diversion you reform the Taste of the Quality without seeming to condemn or find ffault with what they relish at present. You must needs know that such a Creature as Count Hideacre4 has been able to get 2 or 3000 guineas an Opera subscribd; now your very advertising a Subscription for an Opera, & naming the place where the Subscriptions shall be taken in will more than double the Product of his personal Importunity. So that my Friend being contented with the Common Advantages of a third & sixth day & the Printing it, you may turn it to a considerable Advantage to your own Pocket, & the Benefit of the Town, & I may say to the Honour of the Nation. As for the setting the Musical part, I do pretend to know so much that Daniel Purcel, & Clayton5 well instructed, & their Names conceald will do the Buisness much better, than any Foraigner but a Proof of this I have not Room to give. If therefore this motion raise your Curiosity enough to desire a sight of this Play publish but an Advertisement that you desire to see the Manuscript Mentiond in a Letter Subscribd A: B. & name where you will have it left, & it shal soon be sent to the place not at all doubting but you will faithfully restore it when you have past your Censure either to its Advantage or disadvantage. Yours A: B.6 Endorsement: Bickerstaffe Tatler 80 4

John James Heidigger, the prominent director of operas and masquerades. 5 John Daniel, brother of the poet, was a song-writer and lutinistj Henry Purcell, of course, was the most eminent English composer of the seventeenth century 5 and Thomas Clayton introduced Italian opera at Drury Lane and composed the music of Addison's Rosamond. 6 The hand of this letter is not the same as that of any of the other three letters in this collection (33, above, and 55 and 75, below) signed A. B.

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40

AN I N J U R E D AUTHOR [After January 14, 1710?] To Isaac Bickerstaffe Esquire Censor of Great Britain Sir I am very ignorant of the Ordinary form of Petitions, but with all the respect humane Nature is capable of, I approach your dread Tribunall. I beg redress in the Person of an injured Author,1 who, having Writt a very Ingenious Treatise, for the universall benefitt of Mankind, am like to be dissapointed in the satisfaction of seeing my Labours made publick. I offered them to the Care of a Bookseller in St Dustan's in the East, intending our Common advantage, the Man being a little near sighted (not to reproach his understanding) lookt on the first, and Last page of the papers; and, not having my best Cloaths on, dismissed me with the usuall trading Complement; he was full of such things, and had not Leisure to print them. A Fine Lady, or a Good Friend, tho' they Strike at first sight; make not that impression wee find from nearer observation, or longer acquaintance. What strange sort of penetration then must they have, who, at one view, are able to Judge of the nature and Value, of 40, or 50 sheets? Be pleased Great Sir, to bestow a few Moments, on the Nature of this Greivance, and put a stop to such evill practices, as highly discourage learning & ingenuity, in any Manner your Excellent Wisdome shall think fitt. I Lay no Claim to your favour, from benefitts done to 1

Cf. Tatler No. 101 (December 1, 1709) on the ills of authors.

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others; but your Late benevolence to a Player,2 puts me in hopes you will be favourable to a Writer, do me the Honnour to direct me to some honest intelligible Bookseller, who will not slight my Cogitations, (not presuming to Call them Lucubrations) but upon due deliberation. I am Sir your Honnour's Most obedient & humble Servant W. Williamsby P.S. Pray do me the favour to make my misfortune and the reparation known, as soon as possible; it will be of generall use.

41 A GLISTER DRIVER [About January 20, 1710?] Mr Bickerstaff Knowing you to be a person of Singuler witt & known integrety desire your advise in the next Tatler about a person whose carecter I will describe where it wilbe best for him to fix his next Station. A certaine Emprick or Glister1 driver in the Citty not far from the Conditt in Aldermanbury haveing some time since drawn Cutts with his Mr maid for wich he was discarded & turned out of doores upon which he tooke A house 2 Probably a reference to the comedian Thomas Doggett. See Tatler Nos. 120, 122 (January 14, 19, 1710). Cf. Letter 38, above. 1 A medicine injected into the rectum, or the syringe used for injection.

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others; but your Late benevolence to a Player,2 puts me in hopes you will be favourable to a Writer, do me the Honnour to direct me to some honest intelligible Bookseller, who will not slight my Cogitations, (not presuming to Call them Lucubrations) but upon due deliberation. I am Sir your Honnour's Most obedient & humble Servant W. Williamsby P.S. Pray do me the favour to make my misfortune and the reparation known, as soon as possible; it will be of generall use.

41 A GLISTER DRIVER [About January 20, 1710?] Mr Bickerstaff Knowing you to be a person of Singuler witt & known integrety desire your advise in the next Tatler about a person whose carecter I will describe where it wilbe best for him to fix his next Station. A certaine Emprick or Glister1 driver in the Citty not far from the Conditt in Aldermanbury haveing some time since drawn Cutts with his Mr maid for wich he was discarded & turned out of doores upon which he tooke A house 2 Probably a reference to the comedian Thomas Doggett. See Tatler Nos. 120, 122 (January 14, 19, 1710). Cf. Letter 38, above. 1 A medicine injected into the rectum, or the syringe used for injection.

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& shopp neer Temple Barr but afterwards calling to minde how he had been served by keeping company with one thereabouts flew from his bargain & tooke a shopp & house in an other place where he was for about a months time but finding buisnes not to answer his expectation hath run away from that you are desired to give your advice whether it wilbe best for him to venture upon an other or putt his money in to the Lottery 2 I am Sir your obliged ffriend AC C Address: For Sir Isaack Bickerstaff to be left att Mr Morphews near Starcioners Hall near Ludgate with care Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Endorsement: Of a Glister Driver

42

TROUBLES OF A SERVANT MAID [About January 20, 1710?] Most Worthy Mr Bickerstaff 1 believe you to be a man of so calm a temper that a litle thing will not dissturb you, or I Shou'd conclude you wou'd be in a passion, to find a poor servant maid make so free 2

In 1710 a state lottery was conducted to negotiate a loan of £1,500,000 through the sale of 150,000 tickets at £10. Each holder was entitled to an annuity for thirty-two years—the blanks for 14s. and the prizes for amounts from £5 to £1,000 per annum: see John Ashton, A History of English Lotteries (London, 1893), p. 51. The books were opened for receiving subscriptions on January 20, and the drawing started on July 26: see Luttrell, Brief Historical Relation, VI, 537, 611. Cf. Letters 42 and 44, below.

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& shopp neer Temple Barr but afterwards calling to minde how he had been served by keeping company with one thereabouts flew from his bargain & tooke a shopp & house in an other place where he was for about a months time but finding buisnes not to answer his expectation hath run away from that you are desired to give your advice whether it wilbe best for him to venture upon an other or putt his money in to the Lottery 2 I am Sir your obliged ffriend AC C Address: For Sir Isaack Bickerstaff to be left att Mr Morphews near Starcioners Hall near Ludgate with care Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Endorsement: Of a Glister Driver

42

TROUBLES OF A SERVANT MAID [About January 20, 1710?] Most Worthy Mr Bickerstaff 1 believe you to be a man of so calm a temper that a litle thing will not dissturb you, or I Shou'd conclude you wou'd be in a passion, to find a poor servant maid make so free 2

In 1710 a state lottery was conducted to negotiate a loan of £1,500,000 through the sale of 150,000 tickets at £10. Each holder was entitled to an annuity for thirty-two years—the blanks for 14s. and the prizes for amounts from £5 to £1,000 per annum: see John Ashton, A History of English Lotteries (London, 1893), p. 51. The books were opened for receiving subscriptions on January 20, and the drawing started on July 26: see Luttrell, Brief Historical Relation, VI, 537, 611. Cf. Letters 42 and 44, below.

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with you, perhaps it's hopes I have of luck in the Lottery 1 that makes me so Impertinent & if it shou'd prove considerable, Ille beshure to make you amends for this trouble by afording subject for your Pen, but at presant pray Sir be so kind as Command the Ladys not to cary thier litle dogs 2 a visiting with them, except they be shure the have no loosnes, for the so bedaube my Ladys house that it takes 3 hours cleaning after my Lady Trifle her Daughter & thier litle bougking companion has been hear. Address: flror Isaac Bickerstaff Esq.

43

A VISIT TO A COUNTRY RELATION [On or after January 26, 1710] Sir I went this last week a few miles into the Country to visit a Gentleman who has been some yeares my Relation by marriage, but whom I had never seen. I alighted at his house & was carried into the Hall, where after I had spent some time in viewing the furniture, part of which was a Dalton 1 & a hat & feather (for my Kinsman is a Justice of 1 In the official Lottery of 1710 subscriptions were first taken on January 205 see Letter 41, above. In Tatler No. 124 (January 24, 1710) Bickerstaff referred to buying a ticket himself and to seeing- a country wench who might be the "handsomest great Fortune in Town." Bickerstaff's reference to the country wench possibly influenced or was influenced by this note from a serving maid. 2 In Tatler No. 121 (January 17, 1710) Bickerstaff had prescribed for a lady's sick lap dog in a passage that also may have had some connection with this note. 1

The Countrey Justice, Conteyning the practise of the Justices of the Peace out of their Sessions ( 1 6 1 8 ) , by Michael Dalton, was long a

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with you, perhaps it's hopes I have of luck in the Lottery 1 that makes me so Impertinent & if it shou'd prove considerable, Ille beshure to make you amends for this trouble by afording subject for your Pen, but at presant pray Sir be so kind as Command the Ladys not to cary thier litle dogs 2 a visiting with them, except they be shure the have no loosnes, for the so bedaube my Ladys house that it takes 3 hours cleaning after my Lady Trifle her Daughter & thier litle bougking companion has been hear. Address: flror Isaac Bickerstaff Esq.

43

A VISIT TO A COUNTRY RELATION [On or after January 26, 1710] Sir I went this last week a few miles into the Country to visit a Gentleman who has been some yeares my Relation by marriage, but whom I had never seen. I alighted at his house & was carried into the Hall, where after I had spent some time in viewing the furniture, part of which was a Dalton 1 & a hat & feather (for my Kinsman is a Justice of 1 In the official Lottery of 1710 subscriptions were first taken on January 205 see Letter 41, above. In Tatler No. 124 (January 24, 1710) Bickerstaff referred to buying a ticket himself and to seeing- a country wench who might be the "handsomest great Fortune in Town." Bickerstaff's reference to the country wench possibly influenced or was influenced by this note from a serving maid. 2 In Tatler No. 121 (January 17, 1710) Bickerstaff had prescribed for a lady's sick lap dog in a passage that also may have had some connection with this note. 1

The Countrey Justice, Conteyning the practise of the Justices of the Peace out of their Sessions ( 1 6 1 8 ) , by Michael Dalton, was long a

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the peace & Commander in the militia, & his Understanding & Courage are esteem'd2 equal to those employments) a Servant came to tell me his Worship was gone to fetch a Walk, & directed me where I might find him: I went, & see him labouring over the ploughed land with his Greyhounds after him, & turning his head from one Shoulder to t'other like the machine that generally appears at the door of a Wax work: I made my self known to him & received a very hearty Welcome, &, upon my refusal to go back to the house and drink, wee pursued our walk: his actions & discourse gave me immediately reason to determine that the Squire was one of those who, whatever his Sences might have been had there been no such creatures as Hares was now little better than mad, & maintaind as inveterate an Hatred against that animal as the Dogs with whome he cheifly Converses: he led me round the feild where I found him, making Frequent & sudden starts out of the path to peep thro holes in the Hedge, from one of which he took his handchercheif which he had laid there to hinder the creature's escape: anon I might See him walk double for 20 paces or more afar which he'd cry out in great rapture there she has been "here's a fresh footing, & after having perswaded me I saw it, he wou'd seem surpriz'd that I express'd no joy at the sight: when I told him it was a fine country thereabouts, he replied "yes she'll make a good Course if she rises here: in short his discourse standard and popular work "Gathered for the better helpe of such Justices of Peace as have not beene much conversant in the studie of the Lawes of this Realme." Mr. Spectator in his ninety-second issue referred to this book: "One [bookseller] tells me, that he thinks it absolutely necessary for Women to have true Notions of Right and Equity, and that therefore they cannot peruse a better Book than Dalton's Country Justice" A reference to a "Dalton in the Parlour-Window" appeared in a poem in another periodical: "The Character of an Essex Justice," Muses Mercury, January, 1708. 2 in the country crossed through after esteem'd.

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was upon the same Subject during my whole stay with him, & when I endeavoured to divert it by talking of Bank Stock, Sword Blades, or Dr Sacheverill,3 still he introduced some Story of the same sort & among the rest he told me with some joy & pride that the first word his Son (the Squire apparent) spoke was Halloo: since my return to Town I received a letter from this worthy Gentleman of an insufferable length & only to tell me "that he found a Hare sitting in Norton's Close that she (for I observ'd most animals & all inanimate things were of the Feminine Gender) was a swinging stout puss: that Spy & Scamper gave her several turns: that She fool'd 'em at the Hedge next old Johnson's lane & got away to Beach Grove: I hope Sir after this my request will not be thought unreasonable when I ask a place for this Gentleman in the new Hospital you propose to Erect in Moorfeilds:4 Tho I'm sensible this City, being so full of Men of Buisness, will stock you with great numbers of inhabitants: Therefore all I can desire is that if there be room for a country Gentleman he may be admitted: & if (as I suspect) you should be applied to, to entertain any more of this Fraternity I hope my Friend shall not be postponed: I am &c: Sir if there be any thing in this letter which you think worth taking notice of I hope you will retrench it for it is spun to a more tedious length than I suspected: Address: This 3

to Mr Bickerstaff:

Dr. Henry Sacheverell was the fiery and popular High Church preacher whose sermon on November 5, 1709, "The Perils of False Brethren, both in Church and State," brought about his momentous impeachment by Parliament the next year. 4 Tatler No. 125 (January 26, 1710).

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44 A VISION OF LOVE [On or after January 28, 1710?] Mr Bickerstaff affter the reading your tattler that Began the Excellecent description of your last Vision:1 the path that you was pleas'd then to Persue, wrought such an Agreeable Impression upon me, that a Secret desire of Aplauding the Virtues, & destesting the Vices therein describ'd; persu'd me thro' my slumber's; no Sooner had I laid By the Roman Lyrick whose Epistle to Macenas, I Had been reading, that begins Prisco Si credis Macænas docte Cratino nulla placere diu, nec, Vivere Carmina possunt, quae Scribuntur aquae potoribus.2 and compos'd my Self for Sleep, But I fancy'd my Self in a delightfull place I had formerly Seen; itt's the Garden of Sir Wm Se n of Casehorton,3 where methought I was Retir'd behind a shade of trees whose lofty topps afford an Umbrage to a Square. 'Rownd which in Steen'd Canalls a Crystall Current flow's, that well delight's, with itt's Clear Stream's the Trout, which I observ'd with great pleasure Shooting from the Ray's of the too hott Sun beneath the liverwoort & creeping lens; att the End of the Walk methought I Saw a Company of frantick poet's intermixt with Satyr's, & Faun's, Leading old Drunken Silenus upon his ass, while Bacchus Supported, by a large Vine that grew there; peep'd thro' the outmost tendrell's, & Laught 1 This vision was begun in Tatler No. 120 (January 14, 1710) and continued three issues later. 2 Horace Epistulae I. xix. 1-3. 3 This gentleman of the dream has not been identified.

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to See the action's, of the Rout, who Came skipping, & doeing, a thousand freak's like the old Bacchantes; the foremost of which I observ'd to be Higgins & Layfeild,4 who haveing play'd a hundred rediculous action's, were turn'd the one into an Ape, the other a deform'd Monster, whose terible shape had allmost turn'd the Comedy, to Tragedy, by affrighting old Silenus' his she ass, who had like to have gott Loose from her Leader's & thrown the old Suckster, had not the 'fright oblidg'd her to Cast her foal that prov'd half Ass & half Bear; but turning my Eye I Saw with Unspeakable Joy the Aproach of my Gloriana whose perticular Mein of Modesty, & Virtue, att once Encourag'd, & forbad me to Speak, till the Fair whose who delight's rather to make her self comply with a free uncourted Air, than a Startch'd precizeness thus Bespake me: Sir yor Look's seem to Speak you att once Both Surpriz'd & pleas'd; I suppose itt's the Result of your Reading, when takeing my Book, she return'd itt Saying had itt been Cowley, or Dryden, she could have Read & been pleas'd. I could but Reflect upon the Misfortunes of the Sex who had they the Same Education with us might produce great thing's; as she was admiring Cowley, who has the Luck you know to please the fair, she was interupted by a Servant that Came to Invite her to a publick Ball that was att the other End of the Garden. But she Reply'd I admire the Charm's of Reason, before Vanity & noise; we had not gon farr but we was overtaken by a great many youth who were Loaden with Present's of all Sort's adapted to the humor's of their Mistresses, & other's Returning with 4

Layfield was a dancer in pantomimes, and Higgins was a posturemaster (contortionist). Both had been active in the London theater during the winter of 1709-10. Higgins possibly was the posture-master Bickerstaff saw at the Haymarket "the other Day," according to Tatler No. 108 (December 17, 1709).

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Curse's on the Jilting Sex; these are Said she the Coquett's the tattler Speak's of who were Rail'd att; 5 But as I have Chosen you for the Man I Love, I do hear frankly offer my Self as a partner in your misfortunes, & Joy's; pleas'd att the goodness of the Fair to grant of her self; what my Utmost Endeavour's had hitherto fownd in Vain to Attempt, we Entred yor temple of Hymen. this Vision beeing as likely as Strange; I desire If itt bee n't your Celestiall globe that you have putt into the Lottery,6 to Consult my Starr's, & See If I may depend on Vision's. From your obedient Countryman Aleous N:B: I was Born Nov: 26, 25 Ms: past 4 postmerid: Address: To Isaack Bickerstaff Esq.

45 A LUSTFUL SEA CAPTAIN [About February 1, 1710?] Worthy Sir you having taken the Laborious taske of Reforming this Vicious Age I take the Liberty of Comunicateing this Afair to your judicious judgment. A Lustfull sea Captain full of Rage with his Wapin Concubin a Zealot of the Age A Doating Husband with their Litle brat A Hore Knave & Fool what say you to that 5

Perhaps a reference to Tatler No. 126 (January 28, 1710). Tatler No. 124 (January 24, 1710). Cf. No. 128. See also Letters 41 and 42, above. 6

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Curse's on the Jilting Sex; these are Said she the Coquett's the tattler Speak's of who were Rail'd att; 5 But as I have Chosen you for the Man I Love, I do hear frankly offer my Self as a partner in your misfortunes, & Joy's; pleas'd att the goodness of the Fair to grant of her self; what my Utmost Endeavour's had hitherto fownd in Vain to Attempt, we Entred yor temple of Hymen. this Vision beeing as likely as Strange; I desire If itt bee n't your Celestiall globe that you have putt into the Lottery,6 to Consult my Starr's, & See If I may depend on Vision's. From your obedient Countryman Aleous N:B: I was Born Nov: 26, 25 Ms: past 4 postmerid: Address: To Isaack Bickerstaff Esq.

45 A LUSTFUL SEA CAPTAIN [About February 1, 1710?] Worthy Sir you having taken the Laborious taske of Reforming this Vicious Age I take the Liberty of Comunicateing this Afair to your judicious judgment. A Lustfull sea Captain full of Rage with his Wapin Concubin a Zealot of the Age A Doating Husband with their Litle brat A Hore Knave & Fool what say you to that 5

Perhaps a reference to Tatler No. 126 (January 28, 1710). Tatler No. 124 (January 24, 1710). Cf. No. 128. See also Letters 41 and 42, above. 6

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this Sea Captain is a Master of Musick & has the Vanity to think he is the same of the fair sex. there is not A Trader man that has a young wife although the good man Draines his bags to serve him but he Entertains the next Rake he mets with the Cuckeldom of the aforesaid ye & Nay. the Woman he had the Child by is a poor Sailors Wife, she has now got her Husband under his Command where I leave him to be Bambuseld. I am not Satirically Inclined but this being a Professing harlot I beg your Assistance in Compation to the poor Ignorant fellow, he out of 23S per Month must keep his Captain Brat. Sir I beg you will forgive the first Esays of my Eronious Pen — I am your humble sarvant obscure Ormonda Sir pray when you have perused it Comit this Scrawl to the flames Wensday Night Address: To Isaack Bickerstaff Esq. at Mr Charles Lilies 1 1 This is the only letter in the collection addressed to Bickerstaff by way of Charles Lillie, friend of Steele and enterprising perfumer, and the association of the two men in the Tatler gives the only clue, however general, to the date of this letter. In No. 92 (November 10, 1709) Lillie made his first appearance with a note asking to be "advantagiously exposed" in the paper; after receiving several editorial puffs, he became Bickerstaff's clerk of the Court of Justice (Nos. 103, 110 [December 6, 22, 1709]). He was named in No. 138 (February 25, 1710) with John Morphew, publisher of the Tatler, to receive nominations of twelve boys for a special benevolence (cf. Letter 51, below). He continued to appear in the Tatler, especially as clerk of the Court of Honour, until its cessation. Meanwhile, subscriptions for a reprint of the journal were advertised in No. 126 (Saturday, January 28, 1710) and frequently repeated, with Morphew and Lillie as recipients. Of all the references to Lillie this advertisement and his own communication in No. 92 alone gave his full address. No firm conclusion is possible, but it would appear more likely for Ormonda to write to Bickerstaff through

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A Perfumer at the Corner of Beauford Buildings in the Strand Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Endorsement: Tatler 69 Memorandum: Lord Wharton has Dawson's letters without my seeing them 2

46 GRATITUDE AND NOBLE RESOLUTIONS ffebry the 4th 1709 [1710 N.S.'J Sir 1 shall never forget Mr Bickerstaffe's kind offer to me, tho just at present I have some thoughts of making another kind of provision for the Boy, which will be easyer to me, & of more advantage to him. In case my project shou'd fail, & your complement not be fill'd up,1 I shall make bold to trouble you again. I submit to your Censure as very just, but can assure you with a world of Satisfaction that reason with me begins to assert its Soveraignty over the passions, for that I find of late somethings appear very shameful & odious which heretofore I acted without remorse; & have Lillie after noting one of the many entries of an official notice of subscriptions than to write to the Tatler via a person who had merely sought publicity or had acted largely in semiserious or fictitious roles. 2 This memorandum is apparently in Steele's hand. The Earl of Wharton, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, was in England from September of 1709 through the following April. Joshua Dawson was Secretary to the Lords Justices of Ireland. Steele as Gazetteer always desired official news. 1 Possibly this "provision" and "complement" have some relation to the secret benevolence mentioned in Letter 51, below.

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A Perfumer at the Corner of Beauford Buildings in the Strand Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Endorsement: Tatler 69 Memorandum: Lord Wharton has Dawson's letters without my seeing them 2

46 GRATITUDE AND NOBLE RESOLUTIONS ffebry the 4th 1709 [1710 N.S.'J Sir 1 shall never forget Mr Bickerstaffe's kind offer to me, tho just at present I have some thoughts of making another kind of provision for the Boy, which will be easyer to me, & of more advantage to him. In case my project shou'd fail, & your complement not be fill'd up,1 I shall make bold to trouble you again. I submit to your Censure as very just, but can assure you with a world of Satisfaction that reason with me begins to assert its Soveraignty over the passions, for that I find of late somethings appear very shameful & odious which heretofore I acted without remorse; & have Lillie after noting one of the many entries of an official notice of subscriptions than to write to the Tatler via a person who had merely sought publicity or had acted largely in semiserious or fictitious roles. 2 This memorandum is apparently in Steele's hand. The Earl of Wharton, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, was in England from September of 1709 through the following April. Joshua Dawson was Secretary to the Lords Justices of Ireland. Steele as Gazetteer always desired official news. 1 Possibly this "provision" and "complement" have some relation to the secret benevolence mentioned in Letter 51, below.

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thereupon taken very great & noble resolutions. However in case of a relapse to my former course of life (for how deceitful are we Mortals!) I do hereby promise the Censor of great Brittain, to take unto me a Wife, let the consequence of it be what it will: but still I mean with a reserve to such accidents as even Marry'd Men themselves cannot pretend to provide against. Your generosity on this occasion makes it very plain, that were your abilitys answerable to your inclination, your actions wou'd be no ways inferiour to your Writings, of which I profess my self a sincere admirer, & shall ever own my Self for this favour Sir Your most obliged Servant C:M. Endorsement: Charles Mern's Letter of Thanks.

47 REASON AND RELIGION Sir It Was with the greatest pleasure and Satisfaction, that I Read your Excellent Admonition to the Freethinkers of our Age.1 I Pray God it may be crown'd with Abundant Success. The Occasion of this trouble is to beg the favor of your thoughts upon this head more fully, vizt the irrationality of a Course of Sin or the Manifest repugnancy of Vice and profaneness, to the "principles of Universal Reason; which 1

Tatler No. 135 (February 18, 1710).

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thereupon taken very great & noble resolutions. However in case of a relapse to my former course of life (for how deceitful are we Mortals!) I do hereby promise the Censor of great Brittain, to take unto me a Wife, let the consequence of it be what it will: but still I mean with a reserve to such accidents as even Marry'd Men themselves cannot pretend to provide against. Your generosity on this occasion makes it very plain, that were your abilitys answerable to your inclination, your actions wou'd be no ways inferiour to your Writings, of which I profess my self a sincere admirer, & shall ever own my Self for this favour Sir Your most obliged Servant C:M. Endorsement: Charles Mern's Letter of Thanks.

47 REASON AND RELIGION Sir It Was with the greatest pleasure and Satisfaction, that I Read your Excellent Admonition to the Freethinkers of our Age.1 I Pray God it may be crown'd with Abundant Success. The Occasion of this trouble is to beg the favor of your thoughts upon this head more fully, vizt the irrationality of a Course of Sin or the Manifest repugnancy of Vice and profaneness, to the "principles of Universal Reason; which 1

Tatler No. 135 (February 18, 1710).

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I doubt not but would be (By the Divine Blessing) of Lasting Service. It must Indeed be Confest that Scarce ever any Age did make Equall pretence to Reason with ours, and it Cannot In Justice be Denied the honour of not Contenting it self in any part of Learning, with a slothfull Implicit beleif but with Great Dilligence continually Attempts a Rational Account of things, Men not being Content to know by other mens Understandings, but they will Understand for themselves. Nor hath Reason been Unsuccessfully Employed in the Service of Religion and in particular it hath Contributed verry much to the Defence of its fundamental principles and Excellently frustrated the Assaults that the bold but Corrupt Reason of some men made against them: So much that Infidelity might go into Compleat Desfair if it were not better maintain'd by Interest than Argument. And We may wth Such a rational Assurance; and In as manifest wisdom Renounce the world the flesh and the Devill, and follow christ our Saviour into heaven, where he is before, and for us Entred; as any wise man to Improve his Estate can take a Voyage into Another Country, which he hath Never Seen. But When Reason would Intermeddle with our lives, and claims its right of Command over our wills, and to prescribe to our Affections, men shamefully and unpardonably forsake it, and nothing is more unreasonable than the lives of men, And this age So well Improved in Reason, in Case of Sin is not So verry Impatient of Absurdity. The Request that I make, is not only from my Self, but a Society of persons that do Use their Endeavors towards the Suppressing Atheism, vice & profaneness,2 and therefore I hope you will not deny the Satisfaction you allways 2

Presumably the Society for Reformation of Manners.

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give to the Publick in your writing upon any Subject as well as to Your Most Obedient Servant E.R. I have a collection of manuscripts by me which I beleive may be worth your perusall, if you please to appoint where I shall leave them, my man shall Carry them to the place you direct Feb : 21 : 1709/10

Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq.

48

H U M B L E THANKS FROM T H E CHANTICLEERS [After February 21, 1710] Squire, The Chanticleers of Chick-hall, near St Albans in the county of Hertford, descended from that illustrious family of Cock-hall near Rumford in Essex, have order'd me to return most humble thanks to your worship from their house in particular, & from all the Chanticleers in great Britain, for the eminent services done to their name in your paper, put out not long before last Shrove-Tuesday,1 & 1 The petition of Job Chanticleer "of the antient Family of the Chanticleers at Cock-Hall near Rumford in Essex" appeared in Tatler No. 134 (February 16, 1710). Cock-throwing-, a favorite sport on Shrove Tuesday, consisted of throwing a missile, for a fee, at a cock tied to a peg; if the sportsman knocked the cock down and could seize the bird before it could get on its feet, the cock became his property. Shrove Tuesday in 1710 was February 21. Cf. "An address to the cock-

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give to the Publick in your writing upon any Subject as well as to Your Most Obedient Servant E.R. I have a collection of manuscripts by me which I beleive may be worth your perusall, if you please to appoint where I shall leave them, my man shall Carry them to the place you direct Feb : 21 : 1709/10

Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq.

48

H U M B L E THANKS FROM T H E CHANTICLEERS [After February 21, 1710] Squire, The Chanticleers of Chick-hall, near St Albans in the county of Hertford, descended from that illustrious family of Cock-hall near Rumford in Essex, have order'd me to return most humble thanks to your worship from their house in particular, & from all the Chanticleers in great Britain, for the eminent services done to their name in your paper, put out not long before last Shrove-Tuesday,1 & 1 The petition of Job Chanticleer "of the antient Family of the Chanticleers at Cock-Hall near Rumford in Essex" appeared in Tatler No. 134 (February 16, 1710). Cock-throwing-, a favorite sport on Shrove Tuesday, consisted of throwing a missile, for a fee, at a cock tied to a peg; if the sportsman knocked the cock down and could seize the bird before it could get on its feet, the cock became his property. Shrove Tuesday in 1710 was February 21. Cf. "An address to the cock-

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shall, as in duty bound, sett forth your praises with their utmost vigour, night, & day, as long as there is a Chanticleer left. Sach 1 may preach one way, & Η ly another,2 till they are both hoarse, & not make a single convert in a year, but your ingenious lucubrations, good Esq. are so nicely digested, that they more powerfully prevail towards a generall Reformation, than all the Societies, that were ever yet set up in the European world. The Barbarous, & cruel persecution of the poor Chanticleers, formerly practiced on that day, was visibly abated by your appearing in their behalfe, & we hope by the next may be totally laid aside, or else we cannot be of the same opinion with a Revd. Dean who told the H . of Commons on a 30th of Jan.3 That the people of England, were a good natur'd people. Good night. Dear Esq., I am with all due respect Yours Τ. Β. Cock-men killers," transmitted by Pythag. Cock, in Lillie, Original and Genuine Letters, Vol. I, No. 11. 2 Dr. Benjamin Hoadly was a prominent Whig divine, later elevated to a bishopric. For Dr. Sacheverell see Letter 43, above. 8 Dr. Richard West, Prebendary of Westminster, preached the annual sermon before Commons on January 30, 1710, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Charles I and usually an occasion for rabid condemnation of former and present opponents of the Church. Dr. West's moderation in suggesting" faults on both sides was but ill relished by many members, and the motion next day to thank him was carried only by a close division. His sermon was, according to custom, published as a pamphlet. See Abel Boyer, History of the Reign of Queen Anne, Digested into Annals, VIII ( 1 7 1 0 ) , 247-54, and Luttrell, Brief Historical Relation, VI, 541.

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR 49 LADIES 5 PAINT AND COCK-KNOCKING

[After February 21, 1710] Sir, As You are a person, that by solving of Cases of conscience, give great ease to disturb'd minds, Settle me I < · · · > You, in this weighty point;— Some Ladies that were att the < · · · > house in Laden-Hall-Street lately, drop'd Severall < · > of paint, most of 'em of Your fine Reds but differing somewhat in Degrees in order to sute different Complexions; Now how I shall find out these persons; And convey to 'em what they have lost, without offence, I can't tell without Your Instructions. Tho' if You knew ever a fine WinePainter, that I cou'd obleidge, with this powder of 5£ an Ounce, I shou'd be ready to Serve You, who am Your humble Servant The following Enormity too requires redressing; Two persons In Fleet-Street that were marry'd last Shrove-tuesday,1 to carry on the Diversion of the Day, by knocking down a Cock att night, have ev'ry day since spent most of it, in billing, to the great offence of many Young Gentlemen who frequent a Coffee-House over against the Window where this peice of Letchery is practis'd; Therefore I desire You to forbid 'em. Address: To Is Bickerstaff, Esq. Att Morphew's, Near Stationer's-Hall. Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Endorsement: On Ladys Paint 1

In 1709 Shrove Tuesday fell on March 8, a month before the start of the Tatler, and in the next year on February 21. Cf. Letter 48, above.

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50

GAMING, ELECTIONS, AND WOMEN'S PORTIONS Sir You have in your last Tatler taken notice of me 1 in a manner so obliging that I can't omit expressing the Sense I have thereof: If you please to accept of my Gratitude in returns of this kind, I will endeavour to keep up a Correspondence with you as long as your Patience will allow me, which I shall ever be careful to support by a brief way of writing. You know that several Men have been ruined by the Business of Fortune hunting: Is it a Grievance to the Community or no? if it be, I hope you will declaim against it in time. There are three Things I will name that hurt Estates very much, vizt Gaming, Parliament Elections, & Womens Portions. The mischiefs of the first are like to be remedyed in great part by a Bill now on Foot in the H : of Commons2 which ows its Birth to your Lucubrations. The Second is of a nice & fropish nature & ought not to be touchd upon but with great foresight & the exactest skill imaginable. The Third pleads Prescription & constant Usage, but may safely be encountered by this standing maxim 1

Tatler No. 137 (February 23, 1710). Cf. No. 132. Dick Reptile appeared, of course, later in the Tatler—in Nos. 196, 203> and 246. 2 For the progress during the winter of 1709-10 in the House of Commons of a bill to prevent excessive gaming, see Luttrell, Brief Historical Relation, VI, 518, 522, 525, 545. The Act (9 Ann. c. 19) went into effect on May 1, 1711. Cf. Letter 2, above. In Tatler No. 71 (September 22, 1709) Bickerstaff had reported the promise of a friend that "he will employ his Time in compiling such a Tract before the Session of the ensuing Parliament, as shall lay Gaming Home to the Bosoms of all who love their Country or their Families} and he doubts not but it will create an Act, That shall make these Rogues as scandalous, as those less mischievous ones on the high Road."

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of Reason as well as Law Malus usus est abolendus. I am Sir Your most humble Servant Dick Reptile From the Trumpet Club this 23 Feby 1709 [1710 N.S.] Address: To Isaac Bickerstaffe Esq. Endorsement: Reptile on Gaming Elections & Womens Portions Tatler 66

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51

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR BOYS [Before February 25, 1710] Sir A Gentleman having an intire dependance on your judgment in Physiogmony has order'd me to receive upon your recommendation Ten Scholars to be compleatly qualified in Writing and Accounts for any Trade. 1 Mr Nutt's 2 order will be sufficient for their reception. from Your humble Servant Jno Rayner 3 1

In Tatler No. 138 (February 25, 1710) Steele wrote, concerning the exercise of secret kindness: "There happens among others very worthy Instances of a publick Spirit, one of which I am obliged to discover, because I know not otherwise how to obey the Commands of the Benefactor. A Citizen of London has given Directions to Mr. Rainer, the Writing-Master of Paul's School, to educate at his Charge Ten Boys (who shall be nominated by me) in Writing and Accounts, till they shall be fit for any Trade: I desire therefore such as know any proper Objects for receiving this Bounty, to give Notice thereof to Mr. Morphew, or Mr. Lillie, and they shall, if properly qualified, have Instructions accordingly." Steele must have had this note by Rayner at hand when he wrote his essay, and did not himself know the name of the donor. In Tatler No. 140 (March 2, 1710) a correspondent asked whether the intelligence of this intended charity had been given only to encourage such designs or "whether there be a Person who really intends to do so," and stated he had two boys to recommend. Bickerstaff replied that there really was such a charitable man and that only two boys had as yet been named. (Was Charles Kelly of the endorsement one of these boys?) Months later Tatler No. 261 gave another instance of secret generosity, an offer to place six youths under another writing-master, an offer perhaps inspired by the one verified in this note from Rayner. 2 Richard Nutt was the printer of the Tatler. 3 John Rayner wrote The Paul's Scholar's Copy-Book, with the proper embellishments for use in schools; this shilling pamphlet was advertised in Tatler Nos. 135, 144 (February 18, March 11, 1710).

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From the Hand and Pen in St Pauls Church Yard London Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Endorsement: Raynr about the 10 Boys. Charles Kelly

52

REVENGE OF AN INJURED MISTRESS Sir About ten days past there happen'd a Tragicomical accident to a Gentleman with whom I am well acquainted, which possibly You may not think too trifling for a Page in Your Paper, especially when related by Your pen it may admitt several, both pleasant and profitable, turns. About three Years since, the Person abovementioned by means of a casual interview became known to a certain Lady of Condition who then lodg'd in Cecil-Street, and in a Short time after had opportunityes afforded him of improving the acquaintance, which he did so succesfully that in less than A Month the Lady's lodgings were as free to him, as his own. The Lady was infinitely pleas'd, the Gentleman thought himself almost too happy, and nothing was more their mutual care than the Means of perpetuating their love and freindship; It may now be seasonable to let you know that the Lady became a Widdow after She had been a wife of ten days only to a Wealthy old Gentleman, who therefore left her both Young and rich, (which was not above three months before my friends acquaintance with her) and that She had determin'd against a second marriage. About a Year ago She retired from the Strand to a new Street near Red-lyon Square, as being a Place of less Noise and

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From the Hand and Pen in St Pauls Church Yard London Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Endorsement: Raynr about the 10 Boys. Charles Kelly

52

REVENGE OF AN INJURED MISTRESS Sir About ten days past there happen'd a Tragicomical accident to a Gentleman with whom I am well acquainted, which possibly You may not think too trifling for a Page in Your Paper, especially when related by Your pen it may admitt several, both pleasant and profitable, turns. About three Years since, the Person abovementioned by means of a casual interview became known to a certain Lady of Condition who then lodg'd in Cecil-Street, and in a Short time after had opportunityes afforded him of improving the acquaintance, which he did so succesfully that in less than A Month the Lady's lodgings were as free to him, as his own. The Lady was infinitely pleas'd, the Gentleman thought himself almost too happy, and nothing was more their mutual care than the Means of perpetuating their love and freindship; It may now be seasonable to let you know that the Lady became a Widdow after She had been a wife of ten days only to a Wealthy old Gentleman, who therefore left her both Young and rich, (which was not above three months before my friends acquaintance with her) and that She had determin'd against a second marriage. About a Year ago She retired from the Strand to a new Street near Red-lyon Square, as being a Place of less Noise and

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better Air, and there also the loving Couple did what they thought fitt. But here I must put an End to the love Part, and let You know that the Gentleman not satisfyed with the Charms of this Lady engaged himself in another Amour, and was so disingenuous as to expose the weakness of the former to the Malice and ill-nature of the latter, who exprest herself very Satiricall on that Occasion in a letter She sent to the Gentleman, which letter being dropt by him in the first Lady's lodgings, let her into his whole management, and had very near been atton'd for by him at the expence of his life, for as much as the abused and enraged Lady pursued her revenge that very night, and having procured a Suit of Mens Cloaths, hunted him from haunt to haunt till at length getting notice of him at a Tavern near Covent garden She waited his coming out about 12. at night, and following him some distance from the Tavern, made a full push at him with a Short sword but missing her Aim thrust it against his belt, which prevented a Mortal wound; for one about an inch deep. The Assassine was imediately seized by the help of the Watch, and the Gentleman extreamly confounded to find her his injured Mistress but infinitely more at being inform'd by her of the occasion of her resentment and disguise. I assure You Sir this Story is literally true, but shall not presume to anticipate Your reflexion on it, onely give Me leave to conclude with the poet Mulier sævissima tune est Cum Stimulos Odio pudor admovet. Juv. xa. Sat.1

Your most humble Servant D. D. 2 Feb: 27, 1709. Address: To Isaac Bickerstaffe Esq. 1

These

Lines 328-29. This letter is not in the same hand as that of Letter 16, above, also signed D. D. 2

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR 53 A NOISY KNIGHT [On or after March 4, 1710?]

Mr Bickerstaffe A certaine Musroom Knight,1 whome you were (about 2 Months since) pleased to bury, is risen againe, & insolently dares, in defiance of your order, frequent this place, he's every night so outragiously eloquent, that he's a nusance to the whole Coffye house, Wherefore Severall of us are become your humble Petitioners, that you would take this Matter into your immediate consideration, and find out some effectuall way to rid us of this worthless wretch, else we must be forc'd to leave the house to the no small prejudice of our very good Friend Mr West.2 J S T. B . W M J. B 3 Tom's Coffye-House Convent Garden Address: To Isack Bickerstaffe Esq. to be left att J. Morpheus near Stationers Hall London Endorsement: A Noisy Knight disturbs the Coffee house 1

This is doubtless a reference to Sir Hannibal, interred by the Company of Upholders, who "was Knighted very young, not in the ordinary Form, but by the common Consent of Mankind," in Tatler No. 115 (January 3, 1 7 1 0 ) · 2 The landlord of Tom's Coffee-House, Russell Street, Covent Garden, was Captain Thomas West. 3 A somewhat similar complaint appeared "about 2 Months" after Tatler No. 115 in No. 141 (March 4, 1710), signed with six initials, which may have suggested this protest from Tom's of composite authorship. Cf. the letter in Tatler No. 258, signed with the initials of Swift, Prior, and Rowe.

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54 INTELLIGENCE FROM EDINBURGH Edinburgh March 28 1710 Sir A certain impertinent Scribler who has nothing but a good name to recommend him, has the impudence to encroach upon this part of your jurisdiction, which you have so just a title to, and which you alone are in a condition handsomely to maintain. In Emulation of your ingenious Lucubrations he calls his ridiculous paper the North Tatler,1 and treats his Brother Bickerstaff, as he's pleas'd to call you, in a very familiar manner. I am Sure a person of your profound knowledge, and one who is already an Adept in the occult Sciences will never endure so intolerable an affront, and you cannot chuse but look upon it as your Province at this time, to Vindicate your name and Authority, from so bold and Impudent a rival. But to drop so trifling a Subject 'tis with the utmost sorrow and regret, I am forc'd to observe, that the Ancient gravity and sedateness of Scotland is so much changed for a ridiculous affectation of every impertinent custom that takes place at London, that even Painting it self ventures to appear among us, and those of the meanest condition laying aside all regard to your Authority, are not ashamed to exceed Persons of a better character and higher rank in the Sumptuousness of their dress and the grandeur of their equipage, particularly a certain Diminutive of a man, of no birth nor Credit boldly keeps his Chariot, and carries about with him, a double dose of an ugly, clumsy, painted Wife. 1

The first issue of the North Tatler, a semiweekly, was dated March 27-April 1, 1710: see George Chalmers, The Life of Thomas Ruddiman (London, 1794), p. 121.

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Wherefore I earnestly beg in the name of my countrey men, that in case either the little Gentleman, or the fat Lady in White, shall presume to make another Appearance of this kind, I may be allowed to seize the Coach-man and horses for her Majesties Service. I am Sir Your most humble Servant Osyris2 Endorsement: Osyris from Edinburgh Tatler 63

55 FALSE REPORT OF MARRIAGE [On or before March 29, 1710] Mr Monitor General! Were I not necessitated to crave your advice in order to 2 In Tatler No. 143 (March 9, 1710) appeared this notice, not reprinted in the octavo and duodecimo editions: "The Letter from Osyris of Edinburgh is received, and the Performance of his Promise earnestly desired." The next issue contained this further note: "The Censor having lately received Intelligence, that the ancient Simplicity in the Dress and Manners of that Part of this Island, called Scotland, begins to decay; and that there are at this Time, in the good Town of Edinburgh, Btaus, Fofs and Coxcombs: His late Correspondent from that Place is desired to send up their Names and Characters with all Expedition, that they may be proceeded against accordingly, and proper Officers named to take in their Canes, Snuff-Boxes, and all other useless Necessaries commonly worn by such Offenders-" The present letter may be a response to BickerstafPs repeated invitation or a part of an established correspondence between the editor and Osyris, or it may even be a communication by someone who usurped the name he had seen in No. 143.

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Wherefore I earnestly beg in the name of my countrey men, that in case either the little Gentleman, or the fat Lady in White, shall presume to make another Appearance of this kind, I may be allowed to seize the Coach-man and horses for her Majesties Service. I am Sir Your most humble Servant Osyris2 Endorsement: Osyris from Edinburgh Tatler 63

55 FALSE REPORT OF MARRIAGE [On or before March 29, 1710] Mr Monitor General! Were I not necessitated to crave your advice in order to 2 In Tatler No. 143 (March 9, 1710) appeared this notice, not reprinted in the octavo and duodecimo editions: "The Letter from Osyris of Edinburgh is received, and the Performance of his Promise earnestly desired." The next issue contained this further note: "The Censor having lately received Intelligence, that the ancient Simplicity in the Dress and Manners of that Part of this Island, called Scotland, begins to decay; and that there are at this Time, in the good Town of Edinburgh, Btaus, Fofs and Coxcombs: His late Correspondent from that Place is desired to send up their Names and Characters with all Expedition, that they may be proceeded against accordingly, and proper Officers named to take in their Canes, Snuff-Boxes, and all other useless Necessaries commonly worn by such Offenders-" The present letter may be a response to BickerstafPs repeated invitation or a part of an established correspondence between the editor and Osyris, or it may even be a communication by someone who usurped the name he had seen in No. 143.

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exempt me from an approaching evil, I wo'd be farr from occasioning you the trouble of perusing this thro' a needless impertinence. Alas Sir My Case is this. A Young Ladies Father having in abundant instances testified extraordinary respects to me & particularly in giving me advantageous opportunities of improving my self as well in the Theory as practice of my Study I have shown a Zeal to requite them, first by serving him in the same studies as farr as my weak abilities wo'd permitt, and secondly by pleasing the young Lady now and then with a formal compliment. All which I did to acquitt my self the more gentilely of the obligations I lay under to the father, and now report ha's solemniz'd a marriage 'twixt the young Lady & Me. with Solemnity avertant Superi. The father & daughter are wonderfully pleased with the Report, falsly supposing that since report made me the author of the Marriage I was the Author of the Report. Now such is my Case (may it please your Monitorship) That the father continuing to me the same favours & my self being (quod a modo) necessitated to those with the same and the young Lady expecting the same formalities from me as before, and I being wholly averse to humour the report any longer lest it might once make a blott in our reputations and having abjur'd matrimony with her, I earnestly begg you wo'd (at your own Leisure) advise me what method I must pursue to discharge with honour the obligations I lie under to the father. For if I pursue my old course of serving the ffather & complimenting the Daughter I shall first obstruct the Young Ladies preferment by humouring the report of marriage & so hindring her from a real one. Secondly I shall disobliege the father in baulking the hopes he had conceiv'd of a future marriage. Lastly I shall stain my own

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reputation in frequenting the house & not marrying her, for Report will call me ffickle headed Coxcomb of a proteuslike nature. On the Contrary if I desist my old Course & frequent 'em no more I charge my self guilty of Rudeness incivility & brutality in not making so much as a bare acknowledgement of receiv'd favours and in participating of a profitt which claims at least a gratuity of profound respect & honour, which respect & honour must appear by a personal tribute thereof otherwise paulum sepulte distat inertie,1 as fflattry says. Sir I begg you'd be pleas'd when Leisure & your own opportunity will permitt to lead me out of this Labyrinth wherein I am unhappily intoxicated and your Orator shall ever pray &c. A:B:2 Address: To Mr Isaac Bickerstaff To be Left at Mr Morphew's near Stationers Hall London this give post paid Postmark: MR 29 [1710] Endorsement: How to clear him self from a Report of being Married —

56

ABUSE OF CREDIT BY NOBLEMEN May the 22d 1710

Mr Bickerstaff As you Set up for Censor of Great Britt, I think you 1

Horace Carmina IV. ix. 29. This letter is not in the same hand as that of any of the three other letters (33 and 39, above, and 75, below) signed with these initials. 2

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reputation in frequenting the house & not marrying her, for Report will call me ffickle headed Coxcomb of a proteuslike nature. On the Contrary if I desist my old Course & frequent 'em no more I charge my self guilty of Rudeness incivility & brutality in not making so much as a bare acknowledgement of receiv'd favours and in participating of a profitt which claims at least a gratuity of profound respect & honour, which respect & honour must appear by a personal tribute thereof otherwise paulum sepulte distat inertie,1 as fflattry says. Sir I begg you'd be pleas'd when Leisure & your own opportunity will permitt to lead me out of this Labyrinth wherein I am unhappily intoxicated and your Orator shall ever pray &c. A:B:2 Address: To Mr Isaac Bickerstaff To be Left at Mr Morphew's near Stationers Hall London this give post paid Postmark: MR 29 [1710] Endorsement: How to clear him self from a Report of being Married —

56

ABUSE OF CREDIT BY NOBLEMEN May the 22d 1710

Mr Bickerstaff As you Set up for Censor of Great Britt, I think you 1

Horace Carmina IV. ix. 29. This letter is not in the same hand as that of any of the three other letters (33 and 39, above, and 75, below) signed with these initials. 2

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Ought in Justice to take notice of the faults of Great men, as well as Little ones, you have been very Liberall of late, of Censoring the Trading part of mankind, Especially, your old Acquaintance the Upholsterer 1 who did not Ruin himself (as you would Insinuate to the world) by turning polititian, but for want of his Just debts, due to him from persons of Quality, which was the Occasion of his takeing so many turns in the park, to avoid the Sight of his Constant Dunners, But Mr Censor puts me in mind, of a well fed Chaplain to a noble man, who would be Sure when he preach'd before his Patron to thunder out the punishments due to false weights & false measures & Inveigh bitterly against the Supposed Sins of the trading part of the Congregation, butt never tells his patron it is any fault to Contract with his Tradesmen to pay you in 3 or 6 months & when he has Got their goods, make you Stay So many 1 For the Upholsterer see Tatler Nos. 155, 160 (April 6, 18, 1710) and, after this letter, Nos. 178, 232 (May 30, October 3, 1710). Steele at the beginning of No. 180 (June 3, 1710) was referring to the present letter: "I have received a Letter which accuses me of Partiality in the Administration of the Censorship, and says, That I have been very free with the lower Part of Mankind, but extremely cautious in Representations of Matters which concern Men of Condition. This Correspondent takes upon him also to say, the Upholsterer was not undone by turning Politician, but became Bankrupt by trusting his Goods to Persons of Quality; and demands of me, that I should do Justice upon such as brought Poverty and Distress upon the World below them, while they themselves were sunk in Pleasures and Luxury, supported at the Expence of those very Persons whom they treated with a Negligence, as if they did not know whether they dealt with them or not. This is a very heavy Accusation, both of me and such as the Man aggrieved accuses me of tolerating. For this Reason, I resolved to take this Matter into Consideration, and upon very little Meditation could call to my Memory many Instances which made this Complaint far from being groundless." This theme of the "mistaken Sense of Superiority" of the gentry over the "lower Rank," particularly the trader, Steele develops quite beyond the suggestions of the letter and even attributes to his correspondent a specific statement ("a Mug-House near Long-Acre") not in the letter.

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years, & in Case of death perhaps never paid, & that he himself comes under the denomination of a Canibal, with the Rest of the family, who Every time they Sit down to Eat, may properly be Said, to be feeding upon the vitalls of a Set of Tradesmen, this the deplorable Case of many familys, at this time who Labour under insupportable necessities, that would be in happy Circumstances were their Just debts paid them, If Mr Censor's Large Contributions that has been lately Rais'd for him,2 amongst the Gentry, will not hinder him from writing a Tatler < · · · > Impartialy upon this Subject, I do not doubt but it will h a < · · · > the desired Effect, & Intitle the family of the BickerstafPs to < · · · > prayers of a Great many poor family's as well as your most humble Servant Thos Hope 3 Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. at Mr John Morphew's near Stationers hall London Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Endorsement: May 22d 1710 Tatler 100

Memorandum: What maintains Superiority. It is mean for Noblemen to ask Credit but necessary for traders to 4 give it —Character of Duke of Newcastle —5 2

These "Contributions" may be an allusion to the proposed edition of the Tatler by subscription} see Letter 25, above. Cf. Tatler No. 162 (April 22, 1710). 8 This letter is not in the same hand as that of Letter 58, below, also signed Thomas Hope. 4 do crossed through after to. 5 This note is probably in Steele's hand. The Duke of Newcastle, who died the next year, was considered avaricious.

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57 CHARACTERS OF DR. SACHEVERELL Mr Bickerstaf I never saw the Person of the Triumphant Criminal,1 but of his Pictures Several, as different as his Sermon, & Speech, yet this variety creats no wonder, being safely accounted for by considering that they were done by Several hands. But I want your assistance to help me to the meaning why a celebrated modern Mind-painter should in the drawing of two Characters (as they tell me) of the Same Person, make the one so very unlike the other, that tho you should view them in all the different Lights imaginable you cant See the least resemblance, but because tis possible the defects may be in me, and not in the Draughts, I have sent them inclos'd, that you may be the better qualify'd to give me your opinion which you think the truest representation, and why the Copy's are so disimilar. I understand that Mrs Manly 2 is very well acquainted with the Painter, and She being your very good ffriend I doubt not (if you think fit it oblige me so far) but to receive entire Satisfaction by your Answer. The ffirst is in Miniature He has a depth of Judgment, a Capacity of Government, a true and Supprising tast of Politicks. The other Somewhat larger His native Temper inclines him rather to be Led by Others than to goe of himself. He is what may be term'd Good1 Dr. Henry Sacheverell, who became in 1710 the center of a pamphlet war. See Letters 43 and 48, above. 2 Mrs. Mary de la Rivière Manley, an authoress of doubtful fame, who the previous year had published The New Atalantis. Cf. Tatler No. 63 (September 3, 1709).

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natur'd but no Conjurer. His Inclinations unactive Soft and Supine. Tis well he was not Cruel Voluptuous or positively Evil seeing the Empire have suffer'd so much for his not being positively Good — Compare them and give me your Thoughts whenever you see convenient. I am Sir Your unknown Admirer

J.F.3

If you shall not think it proper ever to take any notice of this in your Tatler, I shall readily acquiess, not doubting of your having very good reason for the Omission, all the favour therefore that I shall further beg is that you would let me know that you have receiv'd this by putting J. F. at the Close of your next Tatler — Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. To be left at Mr Morphews In London Postmarks: NORWICH IY 10 [1710] Post pd 3d [large cross] 4 Endorsement: Charge of Different Characters of the Dr in the papers. Tatler 60 3

This may be John Fransham, who presumably wrote Letters 76 and 81, below, which seem to be in another hand. 4 Cf. Letters 32, above, and 88, below.

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58 SERVANTS AS GUARDIANS July the 10th 1710

Mr Bickerstaff I am to return you thanks in the behalf of 7 or 8 persons who have reapt some benefit by your Excelent Tatler on the 3d of June Last 1 but I am one amongst 3 times that Number who have the misfortune to deal with persons who have put themselves under guardianship to their own Servants, even at the age of 40 & 50 year's, which Gaurdians I suppose take care to keep Such monitors as yours out of Sight, & may probably be the occasion of our not faring as well as other persons, we shoud < · · · > give you this trouble, but Several of us being Reduced to your ne pluss < · · ·>eing mortgaged & pawnd what we had in the world to take up money at no Small Interest; to Support our credit, & their body's 5 the former of which being drawn to its lenth, we must necessarily become bankrupts for want of our own; & our family, however seemingly in happy Circumstances, now, reduced to poverty & to Seek our bread in a Strange land, what adds to the aggravation of our misfortune's is that this usage is cheifly from persons of prodigious fortunes & not from those who are needy for want of a plentifull Estate, Therefore we once more humbly request you to write upon this Subject, in full hopes that So charitable an Action will have the desired Effect which if not, we shall claim your promise of publishing a list < · · · > shall Send to you of those persons who are not at their own disposall at the years abovementioned. I sub1

Tatler No. 180.

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scribe my Self in behalf of our whole Society your most Obedient Servant to Command Tho Hope 2 P:S we are advised if this Should not be Regarded to prove our debts before a master in Chancery & put them to Sale by Auction at Some noted Cofee house by the Exchange Endorsement: ffrom Tho Hope to Mr Bickerstaffe Tatler 77

59 "GOOD MR. BICKERSTAFF" [After September 7, 1710] Nemo Sine crimine vivit — Sir I think you are highly vituperable, especially, as our Brittains Censor, for not sharply reprehending such as in the Frontspeice of their letters, improperly Style you (good Mr Bickerstaff.) I was reading your Lucubrations, & found a letter inserted with that Title. 1 this excited my curiosity to make an exact scrutiny into both your volumes,2 & dili2

This letter, though bearing the same name, is not in the same hand as that of Letter 56, above. 1 The only letter in the Tatler with the salutation "Good Mr. Bickerstaff" appeared in No. 221 (September 7, 1710). The phrase had been used a year earlier within letters in Nos. 66 and 74 (September 10, 29, 1709). 2 Volume I of the octavo reprint of the Tatler and the first two duodecimo volumes, according to announcements in the folio edition, apparently appeared on July 10, 1710 (Nos. 193, 196 [July 4, 11, 1710]), and Volume II of the octavo on September 1, 1710 (Nos. 21719 [August 29-September 2, 1 7 1 0 ] ) .

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scribe my Self in behalf of our whole Society your most Obedient Servant to Command Tho Hope 2 P:S we are advised if this Should not be Regarded to prove our debts before a master in Chancery & put them to Sale by Auction at Some noted Cofee house by the Exchange Endorsement: ffrom Tho Hope to Mr Bickerstaffe Tatler 77

59 "GOOD MR. BICKERSTAFF" [After September 7, 1710] Nemo Sine crimine vivit — Sir I think you are highly vituperable, especially, as our Brittains Censor, for not sharply reprehending such as in the Frontspeice of their letters, improperly Style you (good Mr Bickerstaff.) I was reading your Lucubrations, & found a letter inserted with that Title. 1 this excited my curiosity to make an exact scrutiny into both your volumes,2 & dili2

This letter, though bearing the same name, is not in the same hand as that of Letter 56, above. 1 The only letter in the Tatler with the salutation "Good Mr. Bickerstaff" appeared in No. 221 (September 7, 1710). The phrase had been used a year earlier within letters in Nos. 66 and 74 (September 10, 29, 1709). 2 Volume I of the octavo reprint of the Tatler and the first two duodecimo volumes, according to announcements in the folio edition, apparently appeared on July 10, 1710 (Nos. 193, 196 [July 4, 11, 1710]), and Volume II of the octavo on September 1, 1710 (Nos. 21719 [August 29-September 2, 1 7 1 0 ] ) .

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gently inspect each page to see wether you had made any annotations theron, in search for which I was indefatigable, but could not find in any place you had taken notice therof, this is a matter not to be conniv'd att or pass'd by in Silence since that if you correct not this errour speedily, tis probable, it will diffuse it self through the city & suburbs, & so become general. That you shall not have one Coxcomb indite Letters to never such undignified persons but shall denominate them good I desire you will please to < · · · > this into your serious consid n d act therin as son shall direct. I shall only referr you to the perusall of the 16 & 17 verses of the 19 chp Matthew which without any further arguments will demonstreate to you that Nullus est bonus sed Deus. I Subscribe myself with all humility Your Most humble serv Indoctus Evolr Jacob's Coffee house behind the Exchange in the 19th year of my age 1710 Tuesday Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. at Mr Jno Morphews near Stationers hall These Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Endorsement: offerd L Tat

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Sir I have caught my Wife two or three times smoaking Tobacco in private, & when I chide her for it, she says that all the Ladies do so at t'other end of the Town, which it seems she thinks a sufficient Excuse for her continuing in that practise. I know no better way to reform both her & them than for you to take this matter in hand & sett it forth in it's true colours. I am with respect Sir Yours &Φ Address: For Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. present Endorsement: Tatler 81

61 PETTICOATS Tuesday Noon [1710] Mr Bickerstaff The fame of your Tattler hath reachd My Ears tho at the further part of the Brittanick: Isle;1 whear I am en1 This letter offers no sufficient clue to its year. It is here assigned to 1710 only on the ground that by the end of September, 1709, the Tatler had been published only half a year but had gained by that date in 1710 the fame and influence of another twelvemonth. 1 This may be a reference to the Tatler as printed in London or to the Edinburgh reprint by James Watson, which started early in 1710.

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New Letters to the TATLER and SPECTATOR 60 A SMOKING W I F E Cheapside 30 7ber: [1710?] 1

Sir I have caught my Wife two or three times smoaking Tobacco in private, & when I chide her for it, she says that all the Ladies do so at t'other end of the Town, which it seems she thinks a sufficient Excuse for her continuing in that practise. I know no better way to reform both her & them than for you to take this matter in hand & sett it forth in it's true colours. I am with respect Sir Yours &Φ Address: For Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. present Endorsement: Tatler 81

61 PETTICOATS Tuesday Noon [1710] Mr Bickerstaff The fame of your Tattler hath reachd My Ears tho at the further part of the Brittanick: Isle;1 whear I am en1 This letter offers no sufficient clue to its year. It is here assigned to 1710 only on the ground that by the end of September, 1709, the Tatler had been published only half a year but had gained by that date in 1710 the fame and influence of another twelvemonth. 1 This may be a reference to the Tatler as printed in London or to the Edinburgh reprint by James Watson, which started early in 1710.

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formd that The degenerate part of mankind which have forsaken the Temple of Great Jupiter and his embassiders & have forsaken both reading and hearing Morality but What your Lines A foard: I tharfore am Commanded by Astræa To Desiear you would Leve of to Assault A Ganst the wool of the poor sheep and the silke of the worme with the bones of the Leviathan and tho it extends it self so largly in my sexis garbe: 2 1 beg you to obay the commands of Astræa To set forth the minds of thos men which 30 nor 40 barns of that Grain8 which cant contan them to Appropriat to thim selfes and Avarice whilst thar poore fellow Christains drop down Dead for want, if they will Let you tawt thear semes it will sarve your poore widow and Starcher with all the rest of our suffering Brethren, she hopes as id In your next to hear of this mater and you will oblige the Aivine AAStræa and Sir your Freind Andronica Address: This To A Freind and not A Foo tis to Esquire Bickerstaff This Lines ar to goo Endorsement: On the Petticoat 2

A reference to Bickerstaff's campaign against the extravagant petticoat beginning in Tatler No. n o (December 22, 1709). 3 The shortage of grain, with resulting high prices, lasted from 1708 until well into 1710. Cf. Letter 19, above.

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LADIES' LETTERS TO MEN Sir Methinks the Ladies of this age, have entertaind abundance of very bad notions, among the rest, that of not writing to any, but their own sex, or Relations, So that A Sincere friendship between two Young persons, of Different sexes, not related: is born to very hard Fate indeed, if many miles asunder. This is A Barbarous Custom, invented by the Enemy, of Nature and Reason, as a barr to the early, and sweetest Sallies of Love, and Virtue, the Mischiefs it produces, are innumerable. & from this root, much pride & Ignorance proceed; for an Ingenious Commerce, by writing, would not only refine our Minds 5 but even our very Spelling: And remove the Cause, why the fair Sex, neglect the Improvements of the Mind, & its Immortal Charms, and apply themselves wholly to Dress, & Innumerable little Artifices, Now, of So much use among them, that Men of Sense (for their sakes) are forc'd, to Commend things, that really are most Ridiculous follies, Damn it. Pray Mr Bickerstaff, redress this grievance as much, & as soon, as possibly You Can. Yours &c Alcamenes Address: For Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Censor of Great Britain Endorsement: Ladys should be permitted to write letters to those of a different sex. Letter 62. This letter and the following eight letters to the Tatler apparently offer no indications of dates in 1709-10.

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63 A LOVER'S DISAPPOINTMENT To the Worshipful Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Sir My Misfortunes are the Occation of my troubleing you at this time. I am of a very tender Age, not being Quite 18. & one that can't complain for want of mony but what's that to a troubled mind which was thus Occationed— At the Meeting, where I constantly goe on a Sunday, Sett a Person, of all the Charms can be named to make one Love t'was such an, one an Angel; or more; (I once thought her) that fixed my heart & Eyes. It is now more than a year agoe she was than about 16. & of a moderate Fortune though considerably inferior to mine, which with the tenderness of my Age, & Rough Temper of my Parents, hindred me from making my Affections known to her, otherwise than by my Eyes, tho' had all the Encouragement from her could possibly be Imagined that way, & the Pleasure I found in that Sort of Conversation was otherwise than most People think, our Eyes being Seldom one moment from each other, which gave a Rumour (from Some Persons who observed us) among my Kindred, & Acquaintance that I was otherwise engaged with her than I really was. this passed on much to my Pleasure in ever hearing her Name mentioned till lately I had not seen her for 4. or 5 Sundays following when I was resolved to write, let the Effects be what they would, & Accordingly I did & as was going with my Lettrè D'Amour in order to have it Convey'd to her hands, I meets an Acquaintance of mine, I asks how she does. Oh says he (pointing cross the way) she Lives at that house & has been married these 3. weeks. Oh! how was I confounded. I gott home Stomp't upon &

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burn't my Letter in a mighty Rage & withdrew into the Country Silently to mourn & I fear shall never overcome a thing has so Seiz'd my mind. Sir. If you have the least tender for the Welfare of so young a Person & the least knowledge of the great Perplexity a Person may be in on Such an Occation, tell me in your Curious Style how to Overcome a Trouble greater than my Pen can declare — And let me have your Opinion whether (contrary to the Vulgar Notion) their is not as much Perjury Infidelity (what shall I call this horrid Thing) as if wee were engaged by Conversation &c without Promises — I am Sir Your great Admirer in the depth of Despair Brameno Address: To the Worshipful Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Present Endorsement: A Young Man hears of the marriage of his Mistress

64

REQUEST TO ANSWER FORMER LETTERS from the uper walk in the Royall Exchang Mr Bickerstaf having Recd a Letter Last post from a Contry Cozan of yours Mrs Bety Tatelstaf who writ to you some time a goe and hearing nothing from you thinks you very unkind if you Recd it that you do not give her an Ancear as allso a Nabour of hers one Dorothy Wood do Right which

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burn't my Letter in a mighty Rage & withdrew into the Country Silently to mourn & I fear shall never overcome a thing has so Seiz'd my mind. Sir. If you have the least tender for the Welfare of so young a Person & the least knowledge of the great Perplexity a Person may be in on Such an Occation, tell me in your Curious Style how to Overcome a Trouble greater than my Pen can declare — And let me have your Opinion whether (contrary to the Vulgar Notion) their is not as much Perjury Infidelity (what shall I call this horrid Thing) as if wee were engaged by Conversation &c without Promises — I am Sir Your great Admirer in the depth of Despair Brameno Address: To the Worshipful Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Present Endorsement: A Young Man hears of the marriage of his Mistress

64

REQUEST TO ANSWER FORMER LETTERS from the uper walk in the Royall Exchang Mr Bickerstaf having Recd a Letter Last post from a Contry Cozan of yours Mrs Bety Tatelstaf who writ to you some time a goe and hearing nothing from you thinks you very unkind if you Recd it that you do not give her an Ancear as allso a Nabour of hers one Dorothy Wood do Right which

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desirs to Know if you had one from her, Sir if this Come Safe pray satisfie your Cozan and her Nabour that I may be at no more Charge or troble with there Letters being very Besse now in Learning to make Rufes. I am Sir your very humbell Sarvant Margry Difine Address: For Isaac Bickerstaf Esq. Endorsement: Request to take notice of former Letters

65 LOVE AND COQUETRY Sir You may justly guess me to be very young, that has not yet learnt to hate the man I am oblig'd to. Quo semel est imbuta recens, servabit odorem Testa diu: 1 makes me hope I shall still retain the secret pleasure of Gratitude in acknowledging; for I have not the Vanity to think my self capable of more, & even this Mite is Treasure enough to the Generosity it is ow'd to. I think in common Justice a man ought to have the Satisfaction of knowing the Fate of his good Actions, & not be depriv'd of the pleasing reward of their Success: & even the contrary, makes his Obligation no less, on the same reason, as it were absurd to suppose a man a Fool because he is not Rich, or a General no Skill because he is beat. I am as much indebted, tho' my Thanks comes under neither of those heads; for before your Favour, the Gentleman by a hazardous Stratagem brought the Lady into some perilous Circumstances, from which he had the Happiness Horace Epistulae I. ii. 69-70.

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desirs to Know if you had one from her, Sir if this Come Safe pray satisfie your Cozan and her Nabour that I may be at no more Charge or troble with there Letters being very Besse now in Learning to make Rufes. I am Sir your very humbell Sarvant Margry Difine Address: For Isaac Bickerstaf Esq. Endorsement: Request to take notice of former Letters

65 LOVE AND COQUETRY Sir You may justly guess me to be very young, that has not yet learnt to hate the man I am oblig'd to. Quo semel est imbuta recens, servabit odorem Testa diu: 1 makes me hope I shall still retain the secret pleasure of Gratitude in acknowledging; for I have not the Vanity to think my self capable of more, & even this Mite is Treasure enough to the Generosity it is ow'd to. I think in common Justice a man ought to have the Satisfaction of knowing the Fate of his good Actions, & not be depriv'd of the pleasing reward of their Success: & even the contrary, makes his Obligation no less, on the same reason, as it were absurd to suppose a man a Fool because he is not Rich, or a General no Skill because he is beat. I am as much indebted, tho' my Thanks comes under neither of those heads; for before your Favour, the Gentleman by a hazardous Stratagem brought the Lady into some perilous Circumstances, from which he had the Happiness Horace Epistulae I. ii. 69-70.

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to extricate her, & thereby the Consequence of convincing her in his Justification. The Conclusion of her being a Coquette, was not unnatural for a Stranger to make from such a Story; tho' the Lady is very wide of the Character: but she has good humour enough to forgive you that; at the worst, she knows too much of Love to withstand my Intercessions, that am, autant quant a vous Convertí a l'Amour Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Endorsement: On Love Coquettry

66

REQUEST TO INSERT A FORMER L E T T E R Worthy Sir I lately Sent you a letter with a desire to insert the lines therein Contained in your next Tatler, which began as follows, There is a Certaine person whose name is Æsop Liveing in Lumberd Street &c; perhaps you think any person describd Soe plaine not proper to be incerted in your paper, I desire you insert it in your next Tatler with onley Such a one Liveing in the Citty &c. or in what manner you think most proper— otherwayes shall Expect a reasion to the Contrary— in the mean time I remaine Your Admirer

J. Μ

Endorsement: Request to insert a former Letter

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to extricate her, & thereby the Consequence of convincing her in his Justification. The Conclusion of her being a Coquette, was not unnatural for a Stranger to make from such a Story; tho' the Lady is very wide of the Character: but she has good humour enough to forgive you that; at the worst, she knows too much of Love to withstand my Intercessions, that am, autant quant a vous Convertí a l'Amour Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. Endorsement: On Love Coquettry

66

REQUEST TO INSERT A FORMER L E T T E R Worthy Sir I lately Sent you a letter with a desire to insert the lines therein Contained in your next Tatler, which began as follows, There is a Certaine person whose name is Æsop Liveing in Lumberd Street &c; perhaps you think any person describd Soe plaine not proper to be incerted in your paper, I desire you insert it in your next Tatler with onley Such a one Liveing in the Citty &c. or in what manner you think most proper— otherwayes shall Expect a reasion to the Contrary— in the mean time I remaine Your Admirer

J. Μ

Endorsement: Request to insert a former Letter

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67 A QUARREL BETWEEN FENCING MASTERS Sir James Tivedale A pretended Master of Small Sword and Hillary Tully 1 Master thereof have been at Some Small Differance & the former like A Hero Swore the Peace Against the Latter by which he gave him Truble Charge & Attendance at Sessions Though never Dared to Apear Against him — Your Opinion in this by your Next Print is to know Whether the Pretended Master May not be Accompted A fool & Cowerd or what you please to Term him if he is A Person that Ought to be Recomended to Teach any Sort of Gentry in A Science he is Wholly Ignorant off & Dare not Defend his owne Reputation in the Same. I am Sir Your humble Servant N:N: Tom's Coffee-house in St Martins Lane Address: To Isaac Bickerstaffe Esq. To be Left att M r John Morphews near Stationers Hall. London, these Postmark: PENY POST PAYD Endorsement: A Quarrel between Fencing Masters Tatler about Tividale 67 1

Tully was one of the most popular teachers of the small sword during the reigns of Anne and George I: see Egerton Castle, Schools and Masters of Fence, rev. ed. (London, 1893), p. 292, n. 2.

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PROMOTION OF COOK TO BARKEEPER Sir At a certain Tavern near St Dunstans Church lives my Lady Pinknyes who being a Scullion has arrived to be Cook wench at the aforesaid Tavern but now being grown very great by the many ffavours she has received for the ffavours she has given has a mind to be a Barrkeeper, she is pretty well set out with Laced Shooes, Scarlet stockings and silk Clogs, and in time by the ffavour of W mΚ s may have a Silk gown and then I think she will be very wellfitted out and so Sir I being one that wishes her very well woud desire you to look out for such a business, no more at this time but I Rest Yours &c. Timothy Telltale Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. These Endorsement: A Cook Wench's preferred to be Barr Keeper Tat

69 A MARRIED WOMAN'S D I L E M M A Sir Knowing you to be a man that takes pleashure in serving our Sex, I make bold to troble you hoping you will not deny to give me your asistance. you must know then Sir that I am a very young woman and lattley marreyd. my husband is a man of a very obledging temper & I am Sattisfied Loves me beyound meashure. & Indeed more

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PROMOTION OF COOK TO BARKEEPER Sir At a certain Tavern near St Dunstans Church lives my Lady Pinknyes who being a Scullion has arrived to be Cook wench at the aforesaid Tavern but now being grown very great by the many ffavours she has received for the ffavours she has given has a mind to be a Barrkeeper, she is pretty well set out with Laced Shooes, Scarlet stockings and silk Clogs, and in time by the ffavour of W mΚ s may have a Silk gown and then I think she will be very wellfitted out and so Sir I being one that wishes her very well woud desire you to look out for such a business, no more at this time but I Rest Yours &c. Timothy Telltale Address: To Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. These Endorsement: A Cook Wench's preferred to be Barr Keeper Tat

69 A MARRIED WOMAN'S D I L E M M A Sir Knowing you to be a man that takes pleashure in serving our Sex, I make bold to troble you hoping you will not deny to give me your asistance. you must know then Sir that I am a very young woman and lattley marreyd. my husband is a man of a very obledging temper & I am Sattisfied Loves me beyound meashure. & Indeed more

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then I deserve, beccause it is not in my power to give him a Suteable return I own when I was first marreyd my Love was Eaquel with his nor was I ever easey but when I was in his Companey. but now my Love is quit drawn from him and is placed in an Others Brest whair I am shure it is imposable ever to remove it, for he is so endearing & so Charming a man. that I wold Suffer any torment raither then Strive to leave loving him, oh Sir its' Imposable to tell you how deserving this dear man is. our loves are Eaquel. & Shure whair I but Single, we Shuld be the happyest cup'le on this side heaven. Sir I beg of you to put me in some way how. I may uese my husband civeley, since it is not in my power to love him. & it is not in my nature to flatter, he is senceable I doe not love him as I ought to doe, & that the reson of my slighten him is for an others Sake: Indeed thair is no Comparison bettwen my husband & my lover, for the first is a dull pece of Stuf, the latter is all life & Gaetey & so much freeness in his temper that its no wonder he is preferd before the other, all woman that knows him Loves him to destraction, & indeed in my opinion, he is the only man in the world, that deserves to be truly loved. & then he sings & dances: & in short does every thing, that to a Gentleman dose belong. I could give you a further description of him, but durst not, if you ever goe to fish Street hill, you may be shure to find him at one of the taverns thair a bouts. Sir I beg that you will give me your advice in your next tatler. I am your very humble Servant, tho5 unknown Address: Pray delever this to Squire Bickerstafs own hands with Speed Endorsement: New married Woman complains of the Loss of her Love for her Husband.

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Marcus Antoninus. Emperor, in his meditations page the 252 recomends to his man of virtue to be firm in his friendship. Steady and agreeable in the maner of Showing it,1 Instruct me I beseech you Sir by what methods I may atain to that Glorous End, assist with your Genius my Inclination to please; take this Noble Subiect into your Consideration; and Set the Emperors meaning in a right light, that Shineing with the Sublime: friendship may be again restor'd to its Luster; and its maner render'd agreeable; in this you will Infinetly oblige Sir Your most Humble Servant Address: ffor Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. at Mr Morphews near Stationers Hall. 1 The Emperor Marcus Antoninus his Conversation with himself, trans. Jeremy Collier, 2d ed. corr. (1708), p. 252.

71 AN OVERBEARING FATHER Sir you have under the Character of a Tatler and a Spectatour often ridicul'd the foolish humour of some Parents, who think they see something peculiar in their Children's faces, & from that Observation hastily (without enquiring good Judges of Nature) form their designs of making them what they'll never be fit for. I know a case of this kind, but I should not trouble you with it, were there not somewhat new & remarkable in it. without making any farther introduction, I'll tell ye the case, the young man Pm going to Speak of, had never a great inclination to Letters, & only learn't by the constraint of his Fathers Command & Discipline; but he always express'd an extraordinary eagerness for Numbers, & was continually begging to have a little instruction that way which after a long while by the mere force of his importunity he obtain'd. being put under a good Master (who has made himself famous by a Book he publish'd some years ago) he apply'd himself so close to it that he took in the best part of the whole Art in a short time; & has ever since reckon'd it the most pleasant of all his Studys. he has an Uncle a Merchant in London who some few years past came down into this Country, & while he was here offer'd his Father (who is a Priest) to take him gratis, & to make a man of Buisness of him at the same

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rate, the Lad would have jumpt for a grant, but his Father said Nay, & he dar'd not say to his uncle that he never likt any thing else in his Life, away goes the Uncle to merchandize, & away goes the Boy some time after to chop Logick & to run the Round of the Learned Arts & Sciences, he has in Obedience to his Father spent three Years, & is now going home to see him, resolving to take the Courage to tell him that he has done his utmost, & that after all his mind will not stick to it. I saw one of his Letters to his Father about this Matter which was penn'd with all the respect of a Son, & the address of a well-bred Scholar; but his Father's answer, which I saw too, was but pardonable at best, he fancies his Son has lost his Virtue & Religion for no other reason but that he's so humble as to own his unfitness for the Altar & to endeavour a more suitable employment. I can't forbear mentioning one very odd whimsie which is this: he's very angry with his Son for turning out of Kind as we phrase it here, what, says he, your Grandfather a Priest, & your Father a Priest! & will you break the Line? you my only Son, my only Hopes frustrate all? what! So many books, such a Library bought into my house with this veiw that the Trouble & cost should be sav'd to my Son, & must I now have the dismal prospect of having them after my decease carried out for less than half the Price, & Scatter'd abroad in Several hands many of which may be ignorant of their Worth, & may employ them to the meanest purposes? these are his complaints, & yet the Son always gave him to understand that he could never answer his expectations, his Father is a Learned & Pious Man but he has somewhat so austere & high in his Carriage that his Son & his People must certainly have more dread than Love for him. I have writ this to ye now because I hear his Uncle is coming down shortly, & because I suppose he may be upon the old talk again, the Young Man being

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not too far gone in years to be his Apprentice. I desire therefore that you would urge a matter of so much consequence with all your usual force of reason & Eloquence, his Father is a great Admirer of the Philosophical & rational part of your Lucubrations & therefore you may give him such a turn by one Paper, as is I'm perswaded above the Power of any other Person or method. I'm sure since doing good was the motive to your undertaking (as you have not only protested, but shewn on all occasions by your Noble endeavours to that end) that I need not entreat & beseech ye. whatever the event be in this case, you'll have the Satisfaction of discharging your Office, & I of useing the best Means, to conclude however it be decided I shall ever think of the Spectatour with all imaginable respect, & look on my Self as one of his deepest Debtours. I am &c Philo-Spectator P.S. is it well for a Father to become a Master to his children? will not they forget the Father and all ways have the Idea of a Master whenever they think of him? will not this have an ill influence upon them & make them too fearfull & distant? I ask these questions in such a Manner because the Young Man is still under the same concern in the Presence of his Father, as a Schoolboy is in the Presence of a Master; and tho he Strives against it, it like a long contracted Distemper, baffles all his Attempts: he cannot bring himself to speak without some perplexitie to him, being allways afraid that his Words will be found fault with, or a rebuke given for some other matter, which suggests to me another Question, whether a father, without a deal of Temper & Prudence, will not be apt to play the Master for ever? I would (now I am in) ask a little farther, whether a Parent (if he will teach his child) or any Private

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Master, should ever whip one for any thing but obstinacy, or look black, threatnen, & bounce but upon the same account? whether tis not better to lead a Boy gently on & only manage him by disgrace & reputation, by an empty & full belly? whether tis not more likely to make a Boy quicker at learning this way, & to secure his delight in it for the future? it seems to me that what is not made a Pleasure to the Boy will never be a pleasure to the Man. I ask these questions in the same Manner because he has told me that his Fathers conduct spoilt him, that it broke his Spirits, threw him into fits, & introduc'd a setled Enmity to some of the Classicks. he has told me his whole Story in Tears, Yet in the height of his passion he would say that his Father design'd him well, & that he deserv'd a great deal worse usage. I have not all this from himself only, but from another too, & I have observ'd the effects just now mentiond, which have many times stir'd my compassions. I would only ask two questions more, whether Ambition be not the most moving Principle in Boys? & whether that can be toucht so well when one Boy is taught alone? I ask these last questions because he was shut up all day alone & never for Several years convers'd with any Scholar but himself. I leave all these things with you, & hope in a little time to see them discours'd on, & fully answerd. farewell. Address: To Mr Buckley Printer, in Little Brittain London Postmark: IY 18 [1711?] 1 1 Either 1711 or 1712 is consistent with the composition of this letter. Spectator No. 307 (February 21, 1712) was a learned epistle by Budgell on the same subject. But the year 1711 seems the more likely because of the reference to the Tatler, the treatment of sensible education in Tatler No. 173 and Spectator No. 21, and the discussion of Will Wimble at the end of Spectator No. 108 (July 4, 1711) in a passage which may have prompted this letter a fortnight later.

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72

A LADY W I T H T W O SUITORS [On or after February 13, 1712] None has with grater Sucksess, undertacken the reformation of Maners then the most jnianus Specttator, this Sur, gives me Corage to A dress you with my prasant greavance—. Thare is two Gantlemen, of I think neare Equall meritte who pretend A grate Respectt for me One of which Vainly Presumin one A Preferance in my Esteem, tacks the Lebberty of late, to be very Sateracall one his Antogonest and my Self, Solamon tells us Conversin with Fools is the gratest Vaist of time and the Conversation of the Vetty is my thinks to Dear att the Price of being the Subiett of thare Satur for the Satesfacktion of herin thare witt, in Short unless Philanthrophas1 quickly finds Som very Oglign maner of A poligizing in the Same Company for his late ill nature I am Resolvd, to prefer that way of pass in my life which att the Same time A foords diversion and information without ill natur, in order whare unto Deer Sur, your Opinioun what Authors2 are most proper for the Studdie of one that wold be Serous but not Souer & wold Loock heaven ward but not Quite turn up the whites of her Eyes— I am Worthy Sur, your most Zealous Devote Alice Maybe Post Crep Pray my Respects to Miranda 3 with thanks for the Epistle barin date Fabruary the 13: 1712 1

Spectator No. 300 (February 13, 1712). Cf. letters in Spectator Nos. 79, 95, and 140. Mr. Spectator had dealt with feminine reading in Nos. 37 and 92. 8 Spectator No. 300. 2

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"FOLLOW NATURE" [Before June 13, 1712] Quid est aliud, Gigantum modo bellare cum diis, nisi naturas repugnare? Tull: de Senectute.1 It has been held as a very ancient and a very certain maxim among the philosophers That Nature dos nothing in vain; That wise being who created the Universe has appointed evrything to a certain use and purpose, and determind it to a settled course and sphere of action from which if it the least deviates it becomes unfitt to answer Letter 73. Mr. Spectator used this essay as No. 404 (June 13, 1712) after limited revision. In his first, middle, and final paragraphs he added and subtracted a few sentences} elsewhere the alterations of the manuscript were confined to a few words or phrases. The course of the thought was not changed. A motto from Vergil's Georgics (later replaced by one from the Eclogues) was substituted for the one submitted from Cicero's De senectute, the sentiment of which Mr. Spectator economically employed in his last sentence, along with Tully's name. Of the "single Capital Letters" subscribed to the Spectator papers in 1711-12 as indications of authorship (C, L, I, O, R, T , X, Z, and Q once) the signature Ζ has afforded the greatest "Matter of Speculation to the Curious." Spectator No. 404 has this mark at the end in its first three forms—folio, octavo, and duodecimo. Neither Steele nor Addison has been credited with this paper, but Pope, John Hughes, and Eustace Budgell have all been suggested by editors of the journal. The PercyCalder-Nichols edition mentions Popej Bisset names Pope; Chalmers is silent; Morley proposes Budgell; Aitken gives the issue to Budgell or "perhaps Pope"; and Gregory Smith says that the Ζ here and elsewhere may stand for Hughes. The most detailed claim for Popean authorship is that of Norman Ault, who included the essay in his Prose Works of Alexander Pope (Oxford, 1936) on the basis of phrasal similarities. But this manuscript is not in Pope's hand or in that of Budgell or Hughes, a fact of some concern in the assignment of authorship. Perhaps Ζ became a signature to include various miscellaneous contributions by known assistants and/or anonymous volunteers. 1 ii. 5.

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those ends for which it was designd: In like manner is it in the dispositions of society, evry man when he's sent into the world is designd for a particular station and has qualifications givn him suitable to it; Nature who wrote the play best knows how to dispose the parts, but if like refractory actors we refuse to submitt to her disposition we can expect but little harmony in the performance; and it is I think pretty plain that most of the impertinence and ridicule we meet with in the world is generally owing to the absurd affectation of excelling in characters men are not fitt for, and for which nature never designd them. Evry man has one or more qualities which may make him usefull both to himself and others, Nature never fails of pointing 'em out, and while the infant continues under her guardianship she brings him on in his way, and then offers her self for a guide in what remains of the journy, if he proceeds he can then scarce miscarry; for Nature reckons her self oblidgd to make good her own engagements, and as she never promises what she is not able to perform so she never fails of performing what she promises. But the misfortune is men despise what they may be masters of and affect what they are not fitt for; they reckon themselves already possessd of what their Genius inclines 'em to, and so bend all their ambition to exceli in what is out of their reach; Thus they destroy the use of their natural talents in the same manner as covetous men do their quiet and repose, they can enjoy no satisfaction in what they have, because of the absurd inclination they are possessd with to what they have not. Cleanthes had good sense a great memory and a constitution capable of the closest application, in a word, there was no profession in which Cleanthes might not have made a very good figure; but this wont satisfie him, he takes up an unaccountable fondness for the character of a fine gentle-

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man, all his thought and application is bent upon this; instead of attending a dissection frequenting the courts of Justice or studying the fathers, Cleanthes reads plays, dances, dresses, and spends his time in drawing rooms, instead of being a good physician lawyer or divine, Cleanthes is a downright Coxcomb, and will remain to all that knew him a contemptible example of talents misapplied. It is to this affectation the world owes its whole race of Coxcombs, Nature in her whole Drama never drew such a part, she has sometimes made a fool, but a coxcomb is allways of a mans own making by applying his talents otherwise than nature designd, who ever bears an high resentment for being putt out of her course and never fails of taking her revenge on those that do so. Opposing her tendency in the application of a mans parts has the same success as declining from her course in the production of Vegetables, by the assistance of art and an hott bed we may possibly extort an unwilling plant or an untimely sallad, but how weak how tastless and insipid? Just as insipid as the poetry of Valerio: Valerio had an universal character, he was genteel, had learning, thought justly spoke correctly, twas believd there was nothing in which Valerio did not exceli, and twas true there was but one, Valerio had no Genius for poetry, yet hes resolvd to be a poet, he writes verses, and takes great pains to convince the town, that Valerio is not that extraoirdnary person he was taken for. Behold how industrious a man is to his own disadvantage, and how artfull an enemy his vanity proves in exposing him most where he is least guarded. If men wod be content to graft upon nature and assist her operations what mighty effects might we expect, Our age shod then boast of productions equall to those of Virgill and Tully; To build upon nature is laying the foundation upon a rock, evry thing disposes it self into order as it were

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of course, and the whole work is half done as soon as undertaken 5 Ciceros Genius inclind him to Oratory Virgills to follow the train of the Muses, they piously obeyd the admonition, and were rewarded; they had the Vis ignea in their soul and all they had to do, was to blow it into a flame, in vain might they have labourd, in vain attempted to raise a superstructure if Nature had not first laid the foundation, and given em that particular Genius, from which only those mighty effects cou'd arise, and which as Mr Dryden says — Must be born and never can be taught.2 and certainly wherever Nature designs a production she allways disposes seeds proper for it which are as absolutely necessary to the formation of any Moral or intellectuall excellence as they are to the being and growth of plants; and I know not by what fate and folly it is that men are taught not to reckon him equally absurd that will affect a character in spite of Nature with that gardner that shod undertake to raise a junquil or tulip without the help of their respective seeds. As there is no good or bad quality that dos not in some measure affect both sexes, so it is not to be imagind but the fair sex must have sufferd by an affectation of this nature att least as much as the other; the ill effect of it is in none < · · ·>spicuous as in the two opposite characters of Cælia and Iras; Cælia has all the charms of person together with an abundant Sweetness of nature, but is excessive silly and has a very ill voice; Iras is ugly and ungenteel but has a great deal of witt and good sense; If Caelia wod be silent her beholders wod adore her, if Iras wo'd talk her hearers wod admire her, but Cselias tongue runs incessantly while Iras gives her self silent airs and is coquetish; so that tis difficult to persuade one self that Cselia has beauty and Iras witt, each neglects her own excellence and is ambitious of 2

"To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve," line 60.

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the others character; Iras wod be thought to have as much beauty as Cælia, and Cælia as much witt as Iras. The great misfortune of this affectation is, that men not only loose a good quality but also contract a bad one, they not only are unfitt for what they were designd, but they assign themselves to what they are not fitt for, and instead of making a very good figure one way make a very ridiculous one another. In a word, coud the world be reformd to the obedience of that famd dictate Follow Nature, which the Oracle of Delphos pronouncd to Cicero when he consulted what course of studies he shod follow,8 we shod see allmost evry man as eminent in his own sphere as Tully was in his; and shod in a very short time find impertinence and affectation banishd from among the women, and coxcombs and false characters from among the men. Address: To the Spectator Endorsement; ffollow nature

74

MULTIPLICATION TABLE AND BEAU AT BATH Monday Noon [About June 23, 1712] I beg Mr Spectator will let me know in one of this weaks papers, if he is consearnd in the project of multiplying half a Guinea to Seven thousand pounds.1 If you have a hand 3

Plutarch Cicero v. 1. In Spectator No. 413 (Tuesday, June 24, 1712), Steele inserted a letter over his own name concerning a "Multiplication Table," which he claimed was "so far calculated for the immediate Service of Her Majesty, that the same Person who is fortunate in the Lottery of the 1

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the others character; Iras wod be thought to have as much beauty as Cælia, and Cælia as much witt as Iras. The great misfortune of this affectation is, that men not only loose a good quality but also contract a bad one, they not only are unfitt for what they were designd, but they assign themselves to what they are not fitt for, and instead of making a very good figure one way make a very ridiculous one another. In a word, coud the world be reformd to the obedience of that famd dictate Follow Nature, which the Oracle of Delphos pronouncd to Cicero when he consulted what course of studies he shod follow,8 we shod see allmost evry man as eminent in his own sphere as Tully was in his; and shod in a very short time find impertinence and affectation banishd from among the women, and coxcombs and false characters from among the men. Address: To the Spectator Endorsement; ffollow nature

74

MULTIPLICATION TABLE AND BEAU AT BATH Monday Noon [About June 23, 1712] I beg Mr Spectator will let me know in one of this weaks papers, if he is consearnd in the project of multiplying half a Guinea to Seven thousand pounds.1 If you have a hand 3

Plutarch Cicero v. 1. In Spectator No. 413 (Tuesday, June 24, 1712), Steele inserted a letter over his own name concerning a "Multiplication Table," which he claimed was "so far calculated for the immediate Service of Her Majesty, that the same Person who is fortunate in the Lottery of the 1

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it, I shall upon the first intimation; send you some of mine for that use. If I get the great Prise Π invite you once a weak to a Surloin of Rost Beaf, and as I am perswaided you love boath the Smell and Tast, I shall think it long till I have your good Company on this occasion, and with much Esteem. I am Yours Dorinda Ρ S If you think fit let the Ladys which frequent the Bath know, that they have a dangerous heart Stealler amounghts them, bid them beware how they admit him Either to Toilet or Tee Table, for to my Sertain knowledg he has made a Conquest of most of those which has received him for these Several years past, and has practis'd this art of Thieveing Ever Since he was 17 years old. He is taill well shaped, more inclined to the Broun then fair, His apparrell Clean but never gaudy, my paper will not admit of a Longer discription and Shall only add, He is a Great Hipocrite, and whilest he Cures, he Kills. Address: For the Spectator to be left with Mr Buckley at the Dolphin in Little Britain [On outer fold in same hand] Sheffeild Postmark: PENY POST PAYD State, may receive yet further Advantage in this Table," with details set forth in proposals printed the day before. However, at this time the Act against illicit lotteries went into operation, so that the Spectator of June 28, 1712, carried an advertisement that the undertaking of the Multiplication Table had been laid down. Perhaps Dorinda saw the proposals mentioned by Steele in his letter.

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75 A VICIOUS FRIEND London August 17th [1712?] 1 Mr Spectator I am a dayly Reader of your Papers, and, belive me Sir, I read them with unspeakable Pleasure and Satisfaction. I assure you It is neither to shew Wit, Humour, or any Thing tollerably done in the epistolary way of Writing, that hath pravailed upon me humbly to offer these Lines to your perusal: I must own myself an utter Stranger to these Perfections. I am a plain, thinking, young Man, of indifferent good natural Parts, and some Learning. And if I may be allowed to Judge in my own cause, never led a Life so remarkably wicked, as to deserve the Chestisement I now groan under. It is my fortune att present to be att a considerable distance from My Father though upon the Place with a friend of his for whome he has a very great Respect. This Gentleman is dull heavy and illiterate: but knows himself so little, that He setts up for a Pollitician, and would be a Director in all Business. He gave my his Advice unasked, as to the Manadgement of some affairs in which I am involved; which in Truth was such, as no Man of sense could approve, I told him I was of another oppinion, and offered my Reasons with all becoming modesty and discretion: Afterwards I took a different method from what he adviced, which did so enrage him. That ever since, he has made it his constant Business, Not only, to hurt my Reputation, by propegating his rash judgements on my 1 The year of this letter would appear to be 1712. By the middle of August, 1711, the Spectator had been published for only five and onehalf months; by August, 1712, Mr. Spectator's spirit of universal benevolence had become much more apparent. His essay of August i6, 1712, included comment on the place of charity in morality and religion.

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actions, without knowing the occasion of them: But likewise in all companys and upon every occasion to utter, with a Seeming concern and regret, the most villainous lys of me, that his malice could invent. These his infernal methods have proved too successful, for by them he has converted some of my nearest Relations and Dearest friends into my irreconcilable Enemys. It is to no purpose to trouble you with the more particular Circumstances of my present Calamity. Only be pleased to know that I am by these wicked Contrivancies reduced to great straits, and deprived of most pleasing Hopes. That Universal benevolence which runs through all your writings, and the more than Ordinary inclination you discover on every occasion to pity and relieve the Distressed, have encouraged me to lay my deplorable case before you and earnestly to intreat, that out of Commiseration of my underserved afflictions, and your Love to Mankind; You may be pleased to Represent in your lively Collours the Monster who hath thus undone me. Which will I hope prevent the world's being again imposed upon by Such a Wretch and will be no small consolation to The most miserable of all men A B2 Sure I am, if you knew the pangs I endure you would not long defer your Answer Address: To Mr Spectator 2 The hand of this letter is not that of any of the other three letters (33, 39, and 55, above) signed A. B.

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Mr Spectator The just value and esteeme you have alwayes showne for a matrimoniall State, incourages my Address to you for directions to me and others who may bee in that Sorte of Single State I am now in— About 3 months since dyed the dearest partner of my Life, my Wife; A loss of the greatest weight I e're yet mett with — and to recover which, if I know my own heart I could most willingly bee stripp'd of all (which is not a little) I enjoy in the World: All! but the dearest Off spring of our Loves, the first borne of our Joys, and now the only surviveing of a numerous Traine; a Youth in whome I am as much blest and honour'd as ever parent was, And by whose conduct and counsell my loss which otherwise would bee insupportable is rendred more easy: ffor if my Eyes Letter 76. This letter was rewritten and enlarged into Spectator No, 520 (October 27, 1712). Mr. Spectator retained the original situation and attitude, together with the date, place, signature, and a few phrases, but changed the offspring from a son to a daughter resembling her mother, added the circumstances of the wife's death, elaborated the ideas and sentiments, and in general increased the subtlety and eloquence of presentation. We have here an excellent example of the skillful expansion of a letter into a periodical letter-essay. Spectator No. 520 has long been ascribed to a Mr. Fransham of Norwich. Nathan Drake, in his Essays, Bio graphical, Critical, and Historical, Illustrative of the Tatler, Spectator, and Guardian (London, 1805), III, 295, wrote thus: "All that we are able to ascertain with regard to Mr. Francham, for instance, is, that he was an inhabitant of Norwich, and that he wrote N° 520 of the Spectator on the death of his own wife. This is a paper, however, of so much excellence, that every person who peruses it will naturally wish that his contributions had been more numerous; it may be pronounced, indeed, one of the most pathetic of the series of essays to which it belongs; and of impenetrable materials must that heart be constructed which can refuse to sympathize with feelings and sufferings described with so much touching simplicity, with

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159 stand in Teares as frequently they doe at Sight of the picture of my Love, the Sight of him who has soe great a Share of her Vertues sensibly dryes them, and administers Secret joy to my declyneing Spiritts. Tis true the memory of this departed Creature will most certainly bee ever most deare and valueable to me. But inasmuch as your truely valued advice will live and flourish in your happy papers to many generations, and may make others equally happy with myself, I intreat you in their names alsoe, that you will give us Some few and Speedy directions how to make the memory of such a wife not only deare but delightf ull And you will thereby not only obleige me and the World I hope; but add to the just Veneration You have always had from Sir Your disconsolate and Most humble Servant

F:J:

Norwich 7 8bre 1712. tenderness so truly unaffected." But clearly this new letter shows that the major credit for the excellence of Spectator No. 520 should go to Richard Steele, whose signature Τ was subscribed to that issue. In Lillie, Original and Genuine Letters, Vol. II, No. 142, A. W. compliments the account and speaks of his own similar grief. John Fransham, a linen draper of Norwich, had contributed verse to the Gentleman's Journal; two tracts in 1710 on the question of High Church and Low have been attributed to him; he became land agent to Horace Walpole and died in 1753. See Letter 81, below, for another communication by him to the Spectator some weeks later of a very different character, an account which Steele did not elect for insertion or rewriting. Cf. Letter 57, above, signed J. F. A few letters between Fransham and Defoe have been printed by Francis Norgate in Notes & Queries, 5th ser., III ( 1 8 7 5 ) , 261-63, 282-84, and reprinted by George Harris Healey in The Letters of Daniel Defoe (Oxford, 1955). In 1704 Fransham related a coffee-house jest which Defoe acknowledged and rewrote for his Review; see Healey, pp. 70-72. John Fransham thus has the distinction of providing by post material which both Steele and Defoe revised for periodical publication.

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T E X T FROM LUCAN AND VERSES TO MR. SPECTATOR Mr Spectator, You are such an exquisit Preacher of morality and acceptable therein to all people who are not wholly Debochies, that you can't but know verey weell all the properties belong to any good Preacher and that its none of the least of them, he chuse texts suitable to the time and place wherein he liveth, and which you yourself hath done indeed verey dexterously in all your papers hitherto, but there is a speciall one you have never yet touched, and which I long mightily for a sermon upon from you and its that text in Lucan, nulla fides regni Socijs.1 it is not good manners for me to prescrib a text to you unless I were to expect a funeral sermon from you upon it. I onely shew you how glad I would be to have your instructing thoughts of it according to the opinion of the best Commentators: for there be some of great reput now, who think the text ought to be understood with this restriction, Nulla fides regni Socijs, ni, scilicet uni Sanguine sint, uni et relligione simul: Nam sic, nos ævi nisi magna oracula fallant, Alterutri certé neuter obesse volet, Næ quamvis alter longe potioris, ut hæres, Sese prætextum juris habere putat. Clare Spectator tuus usque servus Viribus totis, rogat ut molesta Scripta si sint haec tibi, perlegantur Lumine leni. Oct: 12. 1712. 1

I . 92.

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Address: ffor Mr Spectator, to be left for him with A. Baldwin in the Warwick lane. London. Postmark: SE 13 2

78 A T R U T H F U L TRADESMAN Octr 22d 1712

Sir One of Your late Correspondents has taken 'on him boldly to answer for the Success of any Tradesman that deals honestly by & sells to all his Customers alike: 1 I so far give in to his judgement, that I'm almost determin'd to try the experiment & to hazard the imputation of being Singular & precise, by affixing in the most conspicuous part of my Shop, vizt.— Goods sold by Retail For Present Money & The Price at a Word By. S: Η In Case this Project fails, in 2 or 3 Years I intend to leave off Trade, & indeavor to live on that small Estate Providence has given me, for 'tho' I have a Wife & Children whom I Love tenderly Pm unwilling to make their Fortunes at the expence of Truth, or to put it in the power of any Person justly to say I have got an Estate by Fraud 2

The postmark should be October 13, or the date of the letter September 12. Was the postmarker a month behind or the writer a month ahead of himself? 1 Hezekiah Thrift in Spectator No. 509 (October 14, 1712).

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Address: ffor Mr Spectator, to be left for him with A. Baldwin in the Warwick lane. London. Postmark: SE 13 2

78 A T R U T H F U L TRADESMAN Octr 22d 1712

Sir One of Your late Correspondents has taken 'on him boldly to answer for the Success of any Tradesman that deals honestly by & sells to all his Customers alike: 1 I so far give in to his judgement, that I'm almost determin'd to try the experiment & to hazard the imputation of being Singular & precise, by affixing in the most conspicuous part of my Shop, vizt.— Goods sold by Retail For Present Money & The Price at a Word By. S: Η In Case this Project fails, in 2 or 3 Years I intend to leave off Trade, & indeavor to live on that small Estate Providence has given me, for 'tho' I have a Wife & Children whom I Love tenderly Pm unwilling to make their Fortunes at the expence of Truth, or to put it in the power of any Person justly to say I have got an Estate by Fraud 2

The postmark should be October 13, or the date of the letter September 12. Was the postmarker a month behind or the writer a month ahead of himself? 1 Hezekiah Thrift in Spectator No. 509 (October 14, 1712).

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or Lyes. If You [approve of my Resolution, I shall goe on & let You] know my Name & Dwelling & give You leave, or rather desire You to make it publick, since few Persons then dare shew their dislike, lest they forfeit that Sence, in the opinion of all wise judges; & perhaps it may be of no small Service to, Mr Spectator Your Admirer & humble Servant S:H: P. S. Your silence will be a sufficient rebuke to me. Address: To The Author of the Spectator

Present

79 LADIES AS LANDLORDS [On or after October 23, 1712] Mr Spectator Since you have often declared that the cheif intention of your paper is both to please and Instruct the fair Sex:1 whether it be because the other Sex is not so capable of Receiving instruction or if they were are too Self Conceited to learn I will not determine but beg leave to inform you that Since you have prudently advised the Fair I had like to have Said the charming Sex what heads Ruffles and Peticoats they ought to put on and how to be have themselves in a visiting Room or the like and in Short how they ought to be-have 'emselves in all Respects in a town Life so I hope you will not think tho your old friend Sir Roger is 1

First declared in Spectator No. 4 (March 5, 1711).

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or Lyes. If You [approve of my Resolution, I shall goe on & let You] know my Name & Dwelling & give You leave, or rather desire You to make it publick, since few Persons then dare shew their dislike, lest they forfeit that Sence, in the opinion of all wise judges; & perhaps it may be of no small Service to, Mr Spectator Your Admirer & humble Servant S:H: P. S. Your silence will be a sufficient rebuke to me. Address: To The Author of the Spectator

Present

79 LADIES AS LANDLORDS [On or after October 23, 1712] Mr Spectator Since you have often declared that the cheif intention of your paper is both to please and Instruct the fair Sex:1 whether it be because the other Sex is not so capable of Receiving instruction or if they were are too Self Conceited to learn I will not determine but beg leave to inform you that Since you have prudently advised the Fair I had like to have Said the charming Sex what heads Ruffles and Peticoats they ought to put on and how to be have themselves in a visiting Room or the like and in Short how they ought to be-have 'emselves in all Respects in a town Life so I hope you will not think tho your old friend Sir Roger is 1

First declared in Spectator No. 4 (March 5, 1711).

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2

dead that we are to be quite forgott in the Country for I am sure we want it as much as others. I have observed in the country where I live that some of the fair Sex have lately become Purchasers and as I am Informed they as Soon as they have enterd upon their Estates have by a Sperit of excelling their Predecessors and Gaining more rent for their lands than has been known for this fifty or Sixty years have not only raised their Rents but blasted their own Reputation and as Some Say have or will Ruin their tenants which mischeif a few Grains of thought might amend and Set Right for as I apprehend when any Lady byes an Estate and goes to live among her tenants the first thing to be considerd is how to keep up a Just character and good name among 'em which is much more to be esteemd then their money for the most true Service is out of Love and not out of fear, if they would consider it their tenants are but a part of their family and what greater blessing is there then to See ones own family thrive and to be accounted by numerous familys to be a blessing to their Country, a good name and Reputation in the country where one lives is all that money can Purchase and is what all desire to leave behind 'em. on the other hand those that goe this way to work as soon as they can call the Estate their own to Raise the Rents of their tenants will not only have the disrepute and Curses of a country but it will at Last end in their own ruin for if Farms are Raised higher then they can pay the Farmers will fling 'em up and none by the ill name the Lady has got will become her Tenants, but I would not be misunderstood. I dont plead that if a Farm is very much under lett that the Landlord or Landlady ought never to Raise it but that they ought to do it with the utmost prudence always having this Consideracon 2

Sir Roger de Coverly's butler reported the death of the good man in Spectator No. 517 (October 23, 1712).

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before 'em that an 111 name is much Sooner got then Lost, if you think this worthy of your Speculation I hope you will dress it out fit for the view of the world in doing of which you will much oblidge your Country friend Tell Truth Address: For Mr Spectator These

80

AN IMPATIENT LOVER Dear Mr Spectator If your ffriendship to Virtuous Love be any thing but Pretence, You will immediatly Answer the Design of this letter, which comes from One most exceedingly tho' Unfashionably in Love with a Young Lady upon the Pure Letter 80. The letter from Eustace has three versions: No. 13 in Vol. I of Original and Genuine Letters, published by Charles Lillie in 1725; the Blenheim manuscript; and the second letter in Spectator No. 539 (November 18, 1712), often assigned to Budgell, whose Christian name was Eustace. The manuscript is not in the hand of Budgell. The text in Lillie's scarce collection follows: Dear Spectator, I am most exceedingly, though unfashionably, in love with a lady upon the pure consideration of her own merit, without the least regard to her family or fortune. By her own merit I mean her person and understanding, for you have often taught us that the former, under the conduct of the latter, makes that clever thing, an agreeable woman. What I say of her family and fortune, may seem to proceed from no small opinion of my self: but truly, Spectator, if twenty persons, every one as wise as you are generally thought to be, were to be judges, they would unanimously agree, that cupid did not take his hand upon either of those eminences. Now in order to get her I must be assisted either by you or an act of parliament: for you must know the only objection against my being admitted as a suiter is, that she is too young to make a wife of. All therefore that I intreat of you, is to give it under your hand, that a discreet handsome middle-siz'd woman of eighteen, may be married any where

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before 'em that an 111 name is much Sooner got then Lost, if you think this worthy of your Speculation I hope you will dress it out fit for the view of the world in doing of which you will much oblidge your Country friend Tell Truth Address: For Mr Spectator These

80

AN IMPATIENT LOVER Dear Mr Spectator If your ffriendship to Virtuous Love be any thing but Pretence, You will immediatly Answer the Design of this letter, which comes from One most exceedingly tho' Unfashionably in Love with a Young Lady upon the Pure Letter 80. The letter from Eustace has three versions: No. 13 in Vol. I of Original and Genuine Letters, published by Charles Lillie in 1725; the Blenheim manuscript; and the second letter in Spectator No. 539 (November 18, 1712), often assigned to Budgell, whose Christian name was Eustace. The manuscript is not in the hand of Budgell. The text in Lillie's scarce collection follows: Dear Spectator, I am most exceedingly, though unfashionably, in love with a lady upon the pure consideration of her own merit, without the least regard to her family or fortune. By her own merit I mean her person and understanding, for you have often taught us that the former, under the conduct of the latter, makes that clever thing, an agreeable woman. What I say of her family and fortune, may seem to proceed from no small opinion of my self: but truly, Spectator, if twenty persons, every one as wise as you are generally thought to be, were to be judges, they would unanimously agree, that cupid did not take his hand upon either of those eminences. Now in order to get her I must be assisted either by you or an act of parliament: for you must know the only objection against my being admitted as a suiter is, that she is too young to make a wife of. All therefore that I intreat of you, is to give it under your hand, that a discreet handsome middle-siz'd woman of eighteen, may be married any where

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Consideration of her Own Merit, I mean the Beauty of her Person & the Endowments of her Mind. These are so Excellent that they Entitle Her to the Charecter of Most Agreable. Tho' Her ffamily and ffortune are in divers Respects Valuable, Yet did you know Us, You wou'd absolve my Love from any Tincture of either Avarice or Ambition. No, Cupid did not take Aim from either of those Eminencies. The Innocent Beauty and Pleasantries of her blooming Youth gain'd an Easy Entrance into my Affections, and by a Continued Conversation of some Years her Growing Virtues have taken so deep Root, that She is Now sole Mistresse of my Heart. Yet so it is, that to obtain her I must be Assisted either by You or an Act of Parliament, ffor the Only Objection to my being accepted as a Lover is her being too Young for a Wife. Now there are so many Particulars, besides the Common Accidents of Love and Life, to hinder the Prospect of our being Joyned three within the kingdom of Great-Britain, without being deservedly chronicled for a wonder. If you notify your opinion soon, and I succeed, you shall upon honour make one at the wedding} if not, I will next sessions get it enacted that she is one and twenty, and then you shall never know the dear Eugenia, nor Your humble petitioner, Eustace. Greys-inn. P.S. I should have told you, prudence requires that I admit of no delays, but rather force her from my heart, be the consequence never so fatal.

A comparison of the three versions seems to indicate that Eustace first wrote a letter to the Spectator from Gray's Inn which was not used or answered but appeared in Lillie's collection some years later. Not seeing his communication in the journal of his choice, Eustace wrote again, on November 13, 1712, from Tom's Coffee-House, with some of the same phrases but with more spirit and circumstance. This is the letter here first printed. The last form of the letter was, of course, that in the Spectator, a prompt editorial reworking of the second, or Blenheim, version, without much verbal recourse to the one first received. For no other Spectator letter do we have three different versions.

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Years hence, that 'tis next to Impossible to Expect it. If therefore You have any Compassion for a sincere Lover, or Regard for a ffriend, be pleased soon to Notifie it Under Your hand, that Parents may permit a Handsome Discreet Daughter of 18teen to Marry, without Offence either to Prudence or Humanity. If You oblige me in this and I succeed, I promise You a Place at my Wedding and a Treatment sutable to Your Great Age and Dignity, if Not, I shall endeavour to get it Enacted Next Sessions that She is One and Twenty, and then You shall never see the Charming Eugenia nor receive any thanks from Her ffaithfull humble Servant Eustace Toms. Novembr 13 [1712] Address: To The Honorable the Spectator of Great Britain This.

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A LOTTERY HOAX Mr Spectator The Goverments Lottery being now drawing, putts me in minde of the behaviour of a certaine Barbor in Surry in a Towne not farr from Epsome who had some Ticketts in that Lottery drawn about 18 years since.1— I shall only relate the fact as told me by a Justice of peace in the same 1

The drawing in the £1,800,000 lottery of 1712, with tickets at £10, began on November 20: see Ashton, History of English Lotteries, p. 53, and Post Boyy No. 2735 (November 20, 1712). For the lottery of 1694 see Ashton, p. 49.

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Years hence, that 'tis next to Impossible to Expect it. If therefore You have any Compassion for a sincere Lover, or Regard for a ffriend, be pleased soon to Notifie it Under Your hand, that Parents may permit a Handsome Discreet Daughter of 18teen to Marry, without Offence either to Prudence or Humanity. If You oblige me in this and I succeed, I promise You a Place at my Wedding and a Treatment sutable to Your Great Age and Dignity, if Not, I shall endeavour to get it Enacted Next Sessions that She is One and Twenty, and then You shall never see the Charming Eugenia nor receive any thanks from Her ffaithfull humble Servant Eustace Toms. Novembr 13 [1712] Address: To The Honorable the Spectator of Great Britain This.

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A LOTTERY HOAX Mr Spectator The Goverments Lottery being now drawing, putts me in minde of the behaviour of a certaine Barbor in Surry in a Towne not farr from Epsome who had some Ticketts in that Lottery drawn about 18 years since.1— I shall only relate the fact as told me by a Justice of peace in the same 1

The drawing in the £1,800,000 lottery of 1712, with tickets at £10, began on November 20: see Ashton, History of English Lotteries, p. 53, and Post Boyy No. 2735 (November 20, 1712). For the lottery of 1694 see Ashton, p. 49.

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County who was a party in the Action — the dress & instructions to us present Adventurers I humbly submitt to your most correct and entertaineing pen:— All I wish for is, that if providence makes my case his I may behave myself with the same equanimity and manly temper that he did. The Story is thus — The Barbor attending the Justice in his usuall way of triming him; acquaints him he had putt 50£ into the then Lottery, and shew him his 5 Ticketts for the same: The Justice being of a mirthfull and truely pleasant temper, sends Tonsor upon some sleeveless errand to his Servant and in the meane time takes the numbers of the 5 Ticketts: Tonsor not sensible of the Justices merry designe takes up his Ticketts, falls to his buisiness, which done, hee takes his leave and the Justices hearty wishes for his good fortune: I must beg leave to informe you Sir That Tonsor being a jolly man and of a free and generous nature, was very well received by most Gent that either lived in or frequented the same Town; And therefore the Justice to make a thorough Tryall of his temper, orders an Agent of his in London to send to Tonsor (who kept a Tavern as well as a Barbors shopp) the Numbers of the benifitt Ticketts as they were dayly drawne: But with this perticular direction that after 5 or 6 days past in their drawing hee should send downe one of Tonsors 5 as a benifitt Tickett of 200£ per Ann. 'Twas accordingly done; and the Justice acquainted therewith by his Agent, upon which the Justice sends for Tonsor to shave him, and lookt upon him when he came as gravely as Tonsor did on the Justice The Justice impatient to See Tonsors behaviour began to inquire of him about News: and by and by smoothly step't into the

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inquiry whether Fortune had smiled or frown'd on Tonsors Ticketts — The Barbor with a chearfull and modest countenance and by a composed behaviour acquaints the Justice, that, indeed 200£ per Ann. was fallen to him, but that since he had received the news his thoughts had beene constantly imployd about laying out the same in building a little dormitory for himself and second Self dureing the small remaines of their lives. At the end of which house or Garden he would build an Almeshouse for indigent old Age whose endowment should be his whole estate after the demise of himself & wife — The religious determination of the man (who at other times was thought not over religious) soe struck the Justice, that he even repented he had shown him the paradice he was never like to enter into. And instantly directed his Agent at London to undeceive him by as easy a method as hee could, least the surprize of disappointment should make too deep an impression and be of ill consequence: The Agent therefore by Letter to Tonsor falls fowl on his own Servant, by telling Tonsor, the Rascall his Clerk had blunder'd and comitted a most unpardonable crime in sending downe into the Country in his last account the number of 1175 instead of 1173 which hee desired might bee rectifyed least it might bee to the prejudice of any of his Townsmen— Here I am in the darke to draw the bright Image of the man. Tonsor receives the Letter — and with as much or more cheerefullness then he received and carryed the news of his good fortune: He now unsentfor carrys that of his disappointment in the Clerks blunder,— And yet such Submission and Sweetness of temper then appeared in Tonsors face, as was noe small Surprize to the Justice and to bee

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wisht for by all the present Subscribers and in perticular by Sir Your most (and very lately) 2 obleiged humble Servant

F:J:

Norwich Novemr 22d 1712.

82

DIVINE VERSES [1712] Sir You have often declar'd yourself to be the Patron of the fair sex and have usd your utmost endeavours not only to make us polite but to make us ashamd of those impertinencys which so universaly reign amongst us: so that out of your usual complaisance to be sure you will favour any thing of a Ladys performing. Haveing seen several divine poems inserted in your papers which you tell us are composd by others,1 out of an ambitious desire of haveing my name in publick and of enjoying part of that universal applause which attends every thing that you but barely permit, I have venturd to undergo the reproach of being thought masculine in attempting to write, which is thought the peculiar province of the Men and a Devotee which is 2 The hand of this letter is the same as that of Letter 76, above. John Fransham may here refer to Mr. Spectator's use in No. 520 (October 27, 1712) of his earlier communication. Cf. Letter 57, above. 1 Divine poems, original and paraphrase, appeared in Spectator Nos. 378, 388, 410, 441, 453, 461, 465) 489, and 513 (May-October, 1712).

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wisht for by all the present Subscribers and in perticular by Sir Your most (and very lately) 2 obleiged humble Servant

F:J:

Norwich Novemr 22d 1712.

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DIVINE VERSES [1712] Sir You have often declar'd yourself to be the Patron of the fair sex and have usd your utmost endeavours not only to make us polite but to make us ashamd of those impertinencys which so universaly reign amongst us: so that out of your usual complaisance to be sure you will favour any thing of a Ladys performing. Haveing seen several divine poems inserted in your papers which you tell us are composd by others,1 out of an ambitious desire of haveing my name in publick and of enjoying part of that universal applause which attends every thing that you but barely permit, I have venturd to undergo the reproach of being thought masculine in attempting to write, which is thought the peculiar province of the Men and a Devotee which is 2 The hand of this letter is the same as that of Letter 76, above. John Fransham may here refer to Mr. Spectator's use in No. 520 (October 27, 1712) of his earlier communication. Cf. Letter 57, above. 1 Divine poems, original and paraphrase, appeared in Spectator Nos. 378, 388, 410, 441, 453, 461, 465) 489, and 513 (May-October, 1712).

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so unfashionable. I hope therefore you will favour this following scetch of mine and give it a being in your papers. Dress it in what form you please, and give it that turn of expression peculiar to yourself. I shall be pleasd if I lay a foundation on which the Spectatour builds a beautifull Structure. I am Your constant reader & admirer Clotilda Christ. Canst thou dear Soul now leave the world The world that is Devotions bane Where Crowns are tost and scepters hueld Where lust and proud ambition reign. Can you your costly robes forbear To live with me in poor attire Can you from courts to cells repair To sing at midnight at our Choir Soul

The Gate to bliss doth open stand And all my pennance is view The world upon the other hand Cries out oh do not bid adieu. But what can pomp or glory do Or how can humane charms perswade That Soul that hath a Heav'n in view How can it be by Earth betrayd? No Monarch full of Youth and fame The Joy of Eyes and Natures pride Should once my thoughts from Heaven ecclaim Altho he woo'd me for his Bride.

Address: T o T h e Spectatour

These

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83 INEQUALITY OF SOULS [1712?] 1

Sir I have read many of your papers with satisfaction and pleasure. And I pay respect to your great Ability and opinion, and finding you ready to answer what is pertinently desired of you, and ready to communicate your sentyments for the publick Good, I desire your thoughts of the underwritten, which was communicated to me by a Dear ffriend. Tis a Subject I have sometimes exercised my Thoughts upon But do not fully determine my selfe upon it. I owne what is therein suggested carries fair probability along with it, And may in some sort solve the objections against those who hold All Souls to be originally Equall, Their Inequality or different operations to proceed onely from the different Temperament of their Body's. But there is another opinion strongly asserted by some. And passages in the Apocrypha,2 if not in the sacred Cannon fairly bid for the Truth on't. vizt The preexistance of Souls, And that as they have behaved well or other wayes in that state, so are they previledged ill or well in this. I must owne this Subject cannot well be discuss'd in a single paper. But be1

This letter and the two following letters apparently offer no positive indications of date, but 1711 is perhaps less likely than 1712. In the later year the ambitious author of a sizable contribution had a better hope of publication because by then Mr. Spectator was increasing substantially the proportion of long- letters; also, by 1712 the Spectator had progressed in attractiveness as a medium for aspiring writers. It is quite improbable that these three contributions were written in 1714. for the revived journal, since these letters almost certainly went to Blenheim through Steele, who had no connection with the 1714 Spectator and would not have had its correspondence. 2 Cf. Wisd. of Sol. 8:19-20.

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cause you concern your selfe in many usefull and momentus Subjects I desire that you wou'd oblige some well meaning Persons with your Thoughts on This. I believe that in your dayly papers you do in a good degree serve the Publick, and do thereby design its Information Reformation and Good, upon which account (sincerely wishing < · · · > same my selfe) I Subscribe Sir your Affectionate Humble Servant Are the Souls of men all equall and capacitated alike, or do they differ, and How. some say there are, others contradict it. And perhaps tis very dificult to determine. But what if they are not equall, If that inequality obstruct not their perticular and final Happyness they receive no dammage. We cannot suppose that God made such an inequality betwixt them, so, as to necessitate the reigne of the Inferiour sort, or so absolutely to ascertain the Happyness of the superiour that they will not (cannot) be unhappy and fall into misery. And therefore if this be so, And God has given perfections to some Souls more than to others, It is because Hee sees Degre's and Order necessary, And has such in the other world as well as Here, and designs their continuance for ever, So that the superior Order here haveing more Abillity and power than the Inferiour And Actions accordingly, Doubtless the highest Class hereafter is to be their Lott and Portion. But as they may fail of exerting their owne Advantages in this state, And perhaps as well as the meanest quite fall away too, certainly they will be distinguish'd in the next. But not according to their Original Dignity, but according to their comportment management and meritt in this.

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And so for Souls Inferiour. If they manage in this world as they may and can, they shall be perfectly happy in the next, exclusive of all dissatisfaction and Envy against their Superiours, altho themselves are in a Class below them. And moreover tis highly probable that if the combatts of lower Souls here below against their great Impediments and Spiritual enemies are (considering their lesser Abillitys) equal or more it may be than those of a Superiour Order, God who made us, can alter us. H e who works by means is not tyed to means. H e can and will perhaps exalt that Low (But eminently conquering) Soul to the degre and felicity of the highest. So that tho it be a most desireable thing to have the noblest Soul. To be endow'd with the best understanding To have witt, and Memory and hardly any ungovernable unruly Affections or Passions, A certain aptness to learn and an happy retention of All that is so, with the great Advantage of a quiett Temper, and of All good Humour, These things are most desireable, and are happy engagements, and incitives to all vertue Relygion and Goodness and renders those Souls less exposed to hazard and Danger. Yet if these are unemploy'd and lost, swallow'd up by any commanding Irregularitys, that promiseing Souls future state will be very unhappy and miserable, and the more it may be so as its Advantages was greater, and probabilities more obligeing and certain. So on the other hand where the Abillities were few and less, The Soul Dull and Lumpish, unapt to learn, and soon forgetting All, encompass'd with many Infirmities, and with Loads of Difficulties, Yet surmounting these, and doing what it can, That Soul shall undoubtedly be eminently Happy. Wherefore as I tye not all the Vertues and Relygion To

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fineness of Parts excellency of Witt and to great understandings, so neither do I confine Vice and Irrelygion and Wickedness to Duller Souls, for these may stick to both. Therefore whether Souls are Equal or unequall in their original, or from whatever cause the appearing Difference does proceed, for the secureing of our owne quiett, ffor Instruction, for ffear as well as for consolation. Lett every Soul Bless God for what it is, and has, and endeavour to comport its selfe according to the Divine Rule externally written in the holy Scriptures, and internally written in its owne Mind. And that Soul shall find no cause of any complaint. The Just and Holy God will take care of it, and secure its finall condition beyond possibility of complaint, in utmost Bliss and Security for evermore. Address: To Mr Spectator

84

ADVANCEMENT OF VIRTUE [1712?] Quis virtutem amplectitur—? Præmia si tollas. Juv.1 All men are so ignorant of the satisfaction intrinsical to true virtue through their little experience of it; that they seem to think it upon no other score worth seeking after than that it is likely to procure them riches & honour (in their depraved opinions) rewards more real & substantial than the lively sense of a good action & the chearfull enjoyments of an unshaken conscience: so that they put virtue & 1

X. 141-42.

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fineness of Parts excellency of Witt and to great understandings, so neither do I confine Vice and Irrelygion and Wickedness to Duller Souls, for these may stick to both. Therefore whether Souls are Equal or unequall in their original, or from whatever cause the appearing Difference does proceed, for the secureing of our owne quiett, ffor Instruction, for ffear as well as for consolation. Lett every Soul Bless God for what it is, and has, and endeavour to comport its selfe according to the Divine Rule externally written in the holy Scriptures, and internally written in its owne Mind. And that Soul shall find no cause of any complaint. The Just and Holy God will take care of it, and secure its finall condition beyond possibility of complaint, in utmost Bliss and Security for evermore. Address: To Mr Spectator

84

ADVANCEMENT OF VIRTUE [1712?] Quis virtutem amplectitur—? Præmia si tollas. Juv.1 All men are so ignorant of the satisfaction intrinsical to true virtue through their little experience of it; that they seem to think it upon no other score worth seeking after than that it is likely to procure them riches & honour (in their depraved opinions) rewards more real & substantial than the lively sense of a good action & the chearfull enjoyments of an unshaken conscience: so that they put virtue & 1

X. 141-42.

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vice upon the same foot with each other (useing them both only as they are likely to prove means most convenient to serve their several designs) with this difference that they sometimes make use of virtue, as Statesmen do of Religion, to palliate & gild over their knavish & villainous pursuits: Virtue considered in it self without farther views being thus deemed of nothing worth, few are so desirous of being really virtuous as of being thought so, the esteem of men being sufficient to answear all their purposes, which are centered in their Pockets. It is difficult to determine whence this indifferency to virtue, which is so general, should originally proceed, Whether from the Universal depravity of Man's Nature, or an inability to discern real from apparent goods, or (which is most likely) from want of reflection; so that they have no Ideas but what they have from sensation, & therefore it is no wonder that the showy & gawdy appearances of Pomp & Pageantry, which make the greatest impressions upon men's senses, have equal influence on their Minds: & that Virtue (which delights in nothing less than trappings) should be disregarded, like a rough & unpolished Jewel, that lies undistinguished from common & ordinary Stones: But could men dispel those mists that prejudice them in favour of the dazling appearances of things, set virtue naked in opposition to these apparent goods, & resolve To judge impartially, all of them would appear as light in comparison with her even in the judgement of the most voluptuous man, as a shadow when compared with Substance: Nay, her looks would appear so lovely & inviteing, her motions so uniform & majestic, & her whole person so charming & delightful; that were it again to be adjudged she would doubtless in opposition to the three contending Goddesses bear away the Golden Prize. Yet she, like our Modern beauties, finds that all her Charms veniunt a dote, & that it is to that she owes

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the few Suiters that make their court to her; & that men now bow to her, as Hypocrites do to God, not so much to acknowledge their dependence upon him, as by an appearance of Piety to procure the esteem of their Fellowcreatures, & the more easily satisfy the exigencies of this life without regard to a future. There are now very few with whom the glorious examples of Regulus, Mucius, the Decii, & the Scipio's2 have any weight, whose pious concern for the prosperity of their Country so far stiffled all private regards to themselves or their families, that they notwithstanding the entreaties of their nearest & Dearest relations to the contrary scrupled not to sacrifice themselves for it, thinking as all the good men of those days did, & as the good men of the present age ought, that omnis omnium caritates Patria una sit complexa:8 But now How many Nero-like would stand (were they out of danger) to see their Country laid Waste, & their Countrymen massacred? & be so far from assisting them, that were there a greater reward proposed to the rebel & Parricide than the Loyalist & Patriot, they would (it is to be feared) prostitute all the ties of Piety, honour, & conscience to the selfish regards of their mistaken interest. It is very melancholy to consider to what a deplorable condition men are sunk, when infamy thus takes place of true virtue, & men's notions are so far inverted, that they think nothing laudable but what is profitable in the worst sense: When conscience is no longer the directress of men's Actions: but they are disposed to good or Evil according as Profit, the end of all their actions, inclines to the one or the other, like the Needle that is directed to the North or South Pole not 2 Marcus Atilius Regulus; Gaius Mucius Scaevola 5 Publius Decius Mus, father and son; and Scipio Africanus Major and Minor were all celebrated for heroism. 8 Cicero De officiis I. xvii.

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from any natural tendency it has to either, but as the Magnetic Power of the one or the other prevails. Cicero the best of the Antient Moralists, & inferior to none of the Modern,, seems to have been apprised how great would be the decay of virtue & common honesty, when such an immoderate Love of Money should get root in our minds, & therefore he in the 20th Chap, of the first book of his Offices cautions us against the least desire of riches in the following words viz. Pecunias Fugienda cupiditas; nihil enim est tarn angustí tamque parvi animi quam amare divitias &c. having before in his 8th Chap, of the same book introduced this vice as the cause of all injustice. Daily experience must needs convince every Man that this extraordinary Moralist has too justly called the desire of riches the Mother of injustice, & that his cautions against it were very necessary: therefore they having hitherto failed of their intended effects, I think fit to renew them in my own name, & therefore do advise my Readers to be so far from coveting riches, that, if they fall in their way, I would have them despise them upon all other considerations than that they capacitate them the better to exert themselves to the advancement of virtue and good manners. Mr Spectator. I do not remember that you ever touched upon the abovewritten subject, I therefore desire you to peruse this, & if with some alterations without any prejudice to your reputation you can & do print 4 it, it will be an obligation, but if it prove only a hint, it will be a Satisfaction to Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant this crossed through after 'print.

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UNDERSTANDING AND COUNSEL [1712?] Monitio acerbitate Objurgado contumelia careat. Cic: de Amic: 1

We discover in ourselves any defect sooner than That in the understanding; & if that whereby we are to Judge is deficient, no wonder if we make a wrong judgment, & pass too favourable an opinion on ourselves & actions: hence it is that the most ignorant are always most conceited & opinionate, most impatient of advise, unable to acknowledge their own folly & the wisdome of others; a certain degree of intelligence being required to be able to know that a man knows not.2 Possibly they may not be perfectly in the wrong, who reckon it an happyness to this sort of people to be so much in-love with themselves, as not to be convinced of their own ignorance; but if it is an happyness it must be that of a brute & not of a man; for I cannot conceive man in a more unhappy circumstance than to have neither an ability to give nor take instruction. The Case is not much better with those whose fortune has placed them in a crowd of flatterers, that under pretence of friendship encourage them in all their vices & extravagances: those that have most friends have seldome any that will (or perhaps dare) be so much their friends as to tell them of their faults; for which reason Great Persons used formerly to keep Jesters, of whom they might hear their own characters without dissimulation or flattery, 1

xxiv. 89. The case is not much better with those whose fortune crossed through before Possibly. 2

has placed

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or any other disguise than that of wit, which served only to gild the bitter pill, that it might be better taken. A seasonable piece of rallery has oftentimes better effect than the solidest argument: & woud men but admonish with more temper & good humour they woud not find it so ungratefull an office as it is generally renderd by the proud & conceited manner of those, who think to advance their own prudence by exposing the folly of others, & intend not so much to instruct as to find fault. Dextra præcipue capit indulgentia mentes; Asperitas odium sævaque verba movent.3

No one hears his faults without some concern & uneasyness; if Demea admonishs, we are angry with Him; but if Micio, then with ourselves; this advises like a friend, the other rebukes like a master: Micio considers how hardly we bear a superiority of understanding; & therefore introduces his counsel with this saying A Standerby often sees more than a better gamster that plays: Demea, who has a cold flegmatick constitution unable to undergoe the fategue of debauchs, like a wise man makes a vertue of a necessity, & tells you that he had more wit than to be guilty of any extravagances at your age or in your circumstances, & is amazed that any body shoud want to be perswaded that which is for his good & advantage: Micio knows that we have all a natural desire to be happy; but are not easily convinced, that that which is against our inclination, will conduce either to our happyness or advantage: in short Micio has acquired the knowledge of humane Nature by experience & long observation of the manner wherewith men act & govern themselves; by reflextions upon the nature of our mind, upon our inclinations & motions of our Will: while Demea with much pains & industry has been acquiring the knowledge of his 3

Ovid Ars amatoria II. 145-46.

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own estate. But it is not to be supposed that all men are to be lead to their good by the same common way; as long as there are different sentiments & capacities, there must be different arguments adapted as to the person as cause 3 & he that shoud goe about to give counsel without this consideration, must often throw away a pearl where a grain of barly woud doe much better. I have known some so cunning as to ask advise concerning that which they have determin'd to doe, if not actually done already; & then if you happen to think otherwise than they, you certainly disoblige them forever 3 at least there is no hopes of forgivness till they have seen their folly, & very few even then will acknowledge it; much the greater part running away with I know not what mistaken notion, that it woud be a greater reflextion upon their understanding to own that they had been in an error, than obstinately to maintain & defend it. A Kinsman of mine once asked me if I thought such a Lady woud make him a good wife: I told him that I rather thought the contrary; at which his countinance changed, & with some indignation he sayd I don't care a farthing what you think, I am resolved to marry her tomorrow. I replyd that I was sorry to hear it, & thankd him for being so kind as to make me run my head against a post, notwithstanding the Lady exactly answerd my expectation, my kinsman came again to me not long after, & willing to justifie his conduct, without any provocation told me that he had the best wife in England; I confessed that he was now the most proper Judge, & heartily congratulated his good fortune. it is no uncommon thing to see Parents with more care than discretion contribute to the ruin of their children by continualy cautioning them against vices, that they woud otherwise never have thought of; this method is like burning of books or prohibiting of goods, which always makes

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them more coveted & esteemd: & I am perswaded that many of our Clergy woud doe more good, if they recommen'd vertue without exclaming so much against vice, an hundred Sermons exposing & lamenting the wikedness of the Age, woud never reclame so many as this one text. Her Ways are ways of Pleasantness & all her paths are peace.4 Address: To The Spectator

These

86 RELIGION AND CHARITY Mr Spectator If the following Tho'ts happen to please You, & be judg'd to deserve a place in Your Paper, the Author of them will be proud to lend You all the Assista < · · · > H e can in the generous Design You have resum'd of allaying the Heats of You by adding to their Light, being very much Your Admirer & Friend < · · · > 4

Prov. 3 :17Letter 86. The last eleven letters of this volume are in the Tickell Collection. This letter is in the same hand as that of Letter 96, below, by Henry Grove, Dissenting minister and tutor at Taunton, Somerset. The outer edge is badly frayed, and the area of the signature is missing. The top half of the postmark is faded and frayed so that the day in June, which appears to be the twenty-sixth, is too indistinct for a decisive reading. Grove sent this, presumably his first, contribution to the Spectator soon after its revival on June 18, 17145 it was not printed but was apparently turned over to Tickell by Addison or Budgell. Mr. Spectator accepted Grove's assistance for Nos. 588, 601, 626, and 635.

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them more coveted & esteemd: & I am perswaded that many of our Clergy woud doe more good, if they recommen'd vertue without exclaming so much against vice, an hundred Sermons exposing & lamenting the wikedness of the Age, woud never reclame so many as this one text. Her Ways are ways of Pleasantness & all her paths are peace.4 Address: To The Spectator

These

86 RELIGION AND CHARITY Mr Spectator If the following Tho'ts happen to please You, & be judg'd to deserve a place in Your Paper, the Author of them will be proud to lend You all the Assista < · · · > H e can in the generous Design You have resum'd of allaying the Heats of You by adding to their Light, being very much Your Admirer & Friend < · · · > 4

Prov. 3 :17Letter 86. The last eleven letters of this volume are in the Tickell Collection. This letter is in the same hand as that of Letter 96, below, by Henry Grove, Dissenting minister and tutor at Taunton, Somerset. The outer edge is badly frayed, and the area of the signature is missing. The top half of the postmark is faded and frayed so that the day in June, which appears to be the twenty-sixth, is too indistinct for a decisive reading. Grove sent this, presumably his first, contribution to the Spectator soon after its revival on June 18, 17145 it was not printed but was apparently turned over to Tickell by Addison or Budgell. Mr. Spectator accepted Grove's assistance for Nos. 588, 601, 626, and 635.

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Qui parti Civium consulunt, partem negligunt, Rem pernicio < · · · > in Civitatem inducunt, Seditionem, atque Discordiam Cicer. de Offic.1 Those most excellent principles of Universal Benevolence & Charity < · · · > not more improv'd by the Religion of Christians, than the Things themselves are degenerated < · · · > Practice. An honest Heathen would have blushd for that which a Disciple, a Minister, < · · · > shall a < · · · > with a barbarous Satisfaction of Mind: Of which, One very manifest Reason is this, that i < · · · > all Ages Men have grafted wrong Maxims & Rules upon the genuine Dictates of Christianity which, as is Usual, have by Degrees changd the Stock that bore them into their own Kind. An ardent Desire of the Happiness of other Men, is a first principle of Nature, and the very Spirit of the Gospel; and, One would think, of so friendly an Aspect on the Peace of the < · · · > that it were hardly possible to make an ill U < · · · > of it; and Yet, so it is that, this best of Principles hath given Rise to the very worst 5 for what, is the Inference made from this Principle of good Will towards Men, but that their Salvation is to be attempted by all the Ways possible, & consequently, Others failing, by Fines, Imprisonments, & such like Wholesome < · · ·>rities? And thus, One Man loses his Liberty, his Properties, & Perhaps his Life, for < · · · > Cause forsooth, but that Another happens to be troubled with an Excess of Charity, & will needs ease Him of this Lumber, that He may save Him from Shipwreck. There is Something odious in an open, undisguis'd Assault Upon the Rights of a Neighbor, & Humanity is not reconcild to it without Some Pain: But When A Person hath Once brought Himself to < · · ·>lieve that in vexing other People, and making them feel the Weight of his Hand, 1

1 , xxv.

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He doth not gratify his Own Pride & Revenge, but barely obey the Impulses of a generous Heart, what should keep Him from laying waste all before Him like a wild Beast? In Reality they are h passions that push Him on, but, while He imagines that tis the Fervor of his Chty, He checks them not: He indulges, He chafes, He works them up to the greate h t , < · · · > can He be blam'd for cherishing so Sweet a Disposition? And 'tis remarkable < · · · > Means, two Things the most Opposite in the World, Charity & 111 Nature, are a < · · · > to conspire in producing the same bad Effect. Not that Charity willingly lends < · · · > but Its Name is borrowed to conceal Things that will not pass with any C r < · · · > I have therefore this One reasonable Request to make My Readers, that < · · · > themselves enflam'd with this Sort of Charity, They would for a Moment c a < · · · > the Principle that governs Them. They are not, surely, so much Strangers to < · · · > to conceit They are without all Remains of those ill Qualities which They complain < · · · > Rest of Mankind 5 Now let them only Suppose, as They have a great deal of Reason to do, < · · · > possibly these corrupt Propensions may-have some Share in the Actions which hitherto < · · · > have attributed to their Zeal for Religion, & Regard to the Eternal Interests of Mens < · · · > I fear, after They have examind their Bosoms, and carefully separated the hidden Sprin of their Activity, giving to Each what belongs to it, it will be found that the least Part f < · · > to their Charity. I will not say, but at the Very Time Men are offering Violence to Reason and Revelation, They may suppose themselves to be acting from good Principles, & to serve a good End; I have Charity enough to think that many believe so, and would not act as They do if They were otherwise convinc'd. But then I will say, that neither would They act after such a Manner, if They had

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more true Charity 5 because if They had more Charity, They could never come so easily into a Belief that such inhumane Methods are consistent with it. So that, the immediate Reason of Mens hard Usage of those that differ from them may be an Apprehension They have taken up that herein They do God and the Souls of Men good Service; This, I say, may be the immediate Reason, and Yet They not a whit the more excusable, because the < · · ·>οη of their embracing such an Apprehension is, not their Charity, but, Something of a quite < · · · > Nature. That it is not Charity, any Man may be soon convinc'd, that, with His Hand < · · · > but ask Himself the following Questions. < · · · > contentedly become the Object of Such a raging Charity? By no Means; I am < · · · > Way: and so thinks My Neighbour. Which of Us therefore shall have a < · · >is Sentiments upon the Other, where Neither pretends to Infallibility? If his < · · · > go along with the greatest Power, The Party in Power will always have a Right to t < . . . > on the Rest, and be likely to make a dangerous Use of the Precedents that have < · · · > e t Them in this kind. Should I be willing, that of Those, whom I have a special Friendship for, any should be curd of their Errors by these desperate Methods? If not; It cannot be out of Kindness that I prescribe Them to Others. In Points of Philosophical < · · ·>ation, where Neither Passion, nor Interest, nor Party are concernd, is Force reckoned < · · > e r Means of Conviction? If not; Why is it thought so in Religion, but for the contrary Reasons? Am I not most strongly enclind to compel Others to come in, When I have least to alledge against Them from Reason, & am least able to answer the Arguments They produce in their Own Defence? In this Case, it is not hard to guess at what moves My Indignation.

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Which does soonest kindle My Zeal, to see the plain Institutions of the Gospel neglected, Or when those are so treated that derive their whole Obligation from Humane Authority? Tis Certain, Religion & the Souls of Men are most endangerd by the former; and if, notwithstanding this, My Zeal be all retaind to Support the Commandments of Men, (if My Zeal hath not blinded Me), I shall acknowledge My Self to be under the < · · ·>uence of less creditable Motives than Concern for Religion & Charity to Mankind. Address: To Mr S. Buckley In Amen Corner Postmarks: 26[?] IV [1714] 4 2

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87 MARRIAGE FOR MONEY [On or after September 8, 1714] Mr Spectator Among the Various Errors of our lives, whose Reformation falls properly under your Cognusance, I don't Remember that you have ever touch'd upon that Common Mistake, most Parents run into, of not only opposing their Children's Inclinations, but Even obtruding on 'em, as Companions for life, to Gratifie a Mercenary, or Some other Principle as little Justifiable, Persons So disagreeable, that they have no Prospect of ever Enjoying with 'em the least Share of happiness, but from the minute of their Entring i < · · · > the Matrimonial Nooze look upon them2 Fourpence was at this time the postage rate for a single letter traveling more than eighty miles.

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Which does soonest kindle My Zeal, to see the plain Institutions of the Gospel neglected, Or when those are so treated that derive their whole Obligation from Humane Authority? Tis Certain, Religion & the Souls of Men are most endangerd by the former; and if, notwithstanding this, My Zeal be all retaind to Support the Commandments of Men, (if My Zeal hath not blinded Me), I shall acknowledge My Self to be under the < · · ·>uence of less creditable Motives than Concern for Religion & Charity to Mankind. Address: To Mr S. Buckley In Amen Corner Postmarks: 26[?] IV [1714] 4 2

London

87 MARRIAGE FOR MONEY [On or after September 8, 1714] Mr Spectator Among the Various Errors of our lives, whose Reformation falls properly under your Cognusance, I don't Remember that you have ever touch'd upon that Common Mistake, most Parents run into, of not only opposing their Children's Inclinations, but Even obtruding on 'em, as Companions for life, to Gratifie a Mercenary, or Some other Principle as little Justifiable, Persons So disagreeable, that they have no Prospect of ever Enjoying with 'em the least Share of happiness, but from the minute of their Entring i < · · · > the Matrimonial Nooze look upon them2 Fourpence was at this time the postage rate for a single letter traveling more than eighty miles.

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selves as thenceforth Satisfie'd to a Continued State of misery < · · · > which, as it principally regards the wellfare of our lives, deserves a mo particular Animadversion, I Shall therefore beg leave to Sa Something on that head, in hope, that if you don't think me f < · · · > appear in print, & therefore deny me the honour of a plac your Paper, I may at least be so far Serviceable to the publi as to Engage your more proper Sentiments on this Subject. 'Tis a Matter of Some difficulty to devest People of a Prejudice, which they receive from a Sordid Adherence to Interest, & a false belief that they must be happy, who are Rich; but Surely if A Parent cou'd be once perswaded that Solid Satisfaction does not Consist in Shew or Grandeur, Titles, fine Equipage, or a great Estate, especially when attain'd to at the Expence of the many Inconveniencies he runs his Child into by his opposition to a well grounded Passion for a deserving Object5 he wou'd never venture Subjecting his Child to the many Calamities that flow from a fix'd Aversion to his Choice created by the Child's prepossession for another. This is what the least reflection may Convince People into a just Sense of, & a due observation of the unhappy Instances of this kind may make So Obvious, as to give a different turn to the actings of Parents in this important Article of life, who think they Sufficiently acquitt themselves by blindly Consulting their Interest, without Ever having any View towards the juster gratification of their Children's Inclinations. All Parents Declare that their Sole A < · · > is the happiness of their Children, this they tell you is the Chief End < · · · > all their Endeavours in the disposition of < · · · > how inconsistent their Actions are with this Profession, is left to the determination of any unbiass'd Person, when at the Same time a Booby with the a d < · · ·>tage of a larger fortune, Shall be pre-

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ferr'd to a man otherwise unexceptionable, who, if there were no Competition might reasonably expect, and probably Engage the ready Concurrence of friends in his favour; 'tis true indeed, that were it in any one's Power to make the happiness of another Centre in the Same Object that he places it in, then Parents may be allow'd to intend their Children's, in regarding only their Interest, but as 'tis by all Confess'd that that is only Seated in the mind & therefore repos'd in different Objects according to the various Inclinations of these who pursue that Ultimate End, So they can no more be Said to Provide for a Child's Happiness by making a Choice agreeable to themselves, with an Exclusion of the Child's voice, than one man can please another's Palate, by fixing for the other on what is gratefull to himself, if then the laying a foundation for their Children's Happiness (of which they only are Judges) be the Principle Parents are actuated by (as that it is, at least ought to be will be by all agreed) and that that End is only to be attain'd by kindly indulging 'em by a Compliance with their desires, How justly do they deserve to fall under Censure, who render the most generous Passions ineffectual by opposing 'em, only to Sett a foot Matches from which genrally Spring the greatest discontents incident to human life. I wou'd not be misunderstood by being thought to Incourage or Countenance the < · · ·>ffections on an Object under Scandalous < · · · > very disadvantageous Circumstances, upon a Presumption of a Parent's being under a Necessity of Conforming, in order to make his Child happy, but my thoughts on this head may be resolv'd into this rule that as a Child ought not to be forc'd to an Acceptance (an Approbation, 'tis impossible She Shoud) of a man's addresses wholly disagreeable, nor on the other hand gratified by the Parents allowance of an ill plac'd Esteem, So

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where there is a Competition between a man of meritt, of a Competent fortune, & an Ass of a greater, I wou'd have the Child's Inclinations in favour of meritt turn the ballance, the Advantages of fortune being adventitious, the nobler qualities of the mind, as well as beauties of the Person, individual, & not to be acquir'd. I am led into these reflections by an account I received the other day, from a Gentleman of my acquaintance, whose Case is this — there lives an old Gentleman in his Neighbourhood, whose daughter my friend looks on with all the Eagerness of a transported Lover; he has Some reason to think that his Passion woud be return'd with equal ardour, & Crown'd with Success, were it not for an obstruction he is likely to meet with from her father's approbation of a Neighbour's Son, on no other account, than that of an Intimacy between the old Gentlemen, & that the father of the intended Son in law is able to putt his boy, as the phrase is among trading People, into a good way; the Son himself has never Spoke to the lady tho' happy in frequent opportunities, indeed he is not Capable of doing it; not that he is under any restraint from an Excess of Passion, for then he were to be excus'd, but that he wants Sense, & is a fellow of So much Stupidity, that had he the blessing (which but to think of fills the other with E x t < · · · > Raptures) in his arms, he wou'd Continue insensible of its < · · · > e . My friend, tho' not perhaps in as good Circumstances as the other, yet is Settled in Such a State of life, as Setts him upon a level with her, & will well Enable him to maintain her in affluence, add to this that he Engrosses the fair one's good opinion, while the other is her greatest aversion. Pray, Mr Spectator, Since you alone are able to do it to advantage, Sett these matters in a true light, Shew the ill Consequences that must attend this So unnatural an Union, Carried on by way of bargain and Sale between the old folks & not

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Soften'd by any degree of Inclination on her part. I wou'd willingly have your love-Casuist's1 opinion, whether obedience is due to a parent, where 'tis to be paid by a forfeiture of the most exquisite2 Enjoyments of life, & how far these Arguments of, MARRY FIRST & LOVE will Come AFTER, or Pigs love by lying together, So3 frequently made use of by the old People ought to prevail, & whether the last be not applicable only, where insipid Mortals of the Same cold Constitution & Indifferency with my friend's Stupid Rival, meet. Your observations on these Heads, which by your vallue for the fair I Conjure you to make, if you don't think proper to insert this long letter, will be acceptable to the Publick, & very much oblige Sir Your Admirer & hum S < · · ·>ant I. B. I had almost forgott to desire you wou'd make the following lines the Motto of your Paper. Curst Rules! that thus the noblest Loves Engage to wait the Peevish humours of old age! think not the lawfullness of love Consists in Parent's wills, or in the forms of Priests; Such are but licens'd Rapes, that Vengeance draw from Heaven; howe're approv'd by human law Marriage the happiest Bond of Love might be, if hands were only joyn'd, when Hearts agree Lansdown's British Enchant4 1

Mr. Spectator introduced the Love Casuist in No. 591 (September 8, 1714) and made "use of this Gentleman's Skill" in Nos. 602, 605, 614, 623, and 625 and of references to him by correspondents in Nos. 613 and 619. 2 Satisfaction crossed through after exquisite. 3 ought crossed through before So. 4 George Granville, Baron Lansdowne, "The British Enchanters," I, i, Poems on Several Occasions ( 1 7 1 2 ) , p. 255. The final couplet in this

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Address: To The Spectator, att Jacob Tonson's att the Shakespear's Head over against Katherine Street in the Strand.

88

A CLUB OF CORPORAL WITS Sept. 25 [1714] Multi Mortales, dediti Ventri, atque somno, indocti incultique Vitam sicut peregrinantes transiere, quibus profecto, contra Naturam, Corpus Voluptati, Anima Oneri fuit. Salust.1

Sir I am a Member of the Club of Corporal Witts. We are all of the same County & professe our-selves perfect Masters of Witt, & Impudence; the former of which is, with us, of such Nature that it can't shine, tho' in the brightest Genius, without the Assistance of the latter, which2 we therefore make It our Endeavour to cultivate by sufficient Quantities of thick foggy Ale, brew'd for that Purpose; & when we act any thing in Publick or appear before Persons that command our Respect, if any one of us distrusts his Abilities, 'tis the Method, to encourage his Natural Endowments by passage appeared as the motto of the fifth number (January 17, 1715) of William Bond's continuation of the Spectator. Letter 88. The author of this letter apparently composed with hesitation, and his pen performed with awkwardness, so his product gives a somewhat slovenly appearance. T o preserve the fourth page for addressing, he wrote the concluding lines down the margin of the other pages. 1 Cataline ii, 8. 2 the crossed through after which.

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Address: To The Spectator, att Jacob Tonson's att the Shakespear's Head over against Katherine Street in the Strand.

88

A CLUB OF CORPORAL WITS Sept. 25 [1714] Multi Mortales, dediti Ventri, atque somno, indocti incultique Vitam sicut peregrinantes transiere, quibus profecto, contra Naturam, Corpus Voluptati, Anima Oneri fuit. Salust.1

Sir I am a Member of the Club of Corporal Witts. We are all of the same County & professe our-selves perfect Masters of Witt, & Impudence; the former of which is, with us, of such Nature that it can't shine, tho' in the brightest Genius, without the Assistance of the latter, which2 we therefore make It our Endeavour to cultivate by sufficient Quantities of thick foggy Ale, brew'd for that Purpose; & when we act any thing in Publick or appear before Persons that command our Respect, if any one of us distrusts his Abilities, 'tis the Method, to encourage his Natural Endowments by passage appeared as the motto of the fifth number (January 17, 1715) of William Bond's continuation of the Spectator. Letter 88. The author of this letter apparently composed with hesitation, and his pen performed with awkwardness, so his product gives a somewhat slovenly appearance. T o preserve the fourth page for addressing, he wrote the concluding lines down the margin of the other pages. 1 Cataline ii, 8. 2 the crossed through after which.

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some supernumerary Quarts of the aforementioned Liquor. But 3 since this Preparative, may on some occasions, be wanting, to provide against such an Accident, we accustom our selves to an habitual Practice of our Art; & for this Intent keep our Bodies in continual Motion. Through the Whole course of our lives we make Hurry & Noise supply the Want of thought, Wisely fearing that, should we suffer our Imagination to Cool, Reflection might now & then surprize us, against which4 as a powerfull Enemy to Impudence, we, like skillfull Generals, fortifie our head Quarters with the utmost Precaution by the following Means. In Private or among strangers, we single out one of the society whom we all suddenly attack with a Loud Hollow & an uninterrupted Repitition of the Words He Blews. If the Assaulted Person show a Blush or any other sign of Conscious Modesty, he is expelled as an Unworthy Member: But if he prevent the Blush by an Oath pronounced carlessely, By taking a Pinch of snush5 gracefully, A forced scornfull Laugh, or by retorting the Joke upon some one else, he is judged a hopefull Proficient. Having some Skill in Natural Philosophy we admitt none but who are of a Red or Swarthy Complexion because such are least obnoxious to the Sin of Modesty: Besides this every Candidate must bring a Certificate, under the hands of two very honest Fellows, that he never betrayed himself as guilty of a Fault by his looks, but notwithstanding this Strictnesse in Relation to our Club, wherever we light upon a bold Fellow, (like Highway-men when they meet one of their own Profession) we 6 treat him kindly as a Brother of the Science. 3 4 5 6

least crossed through after But. being crossed through after which. Synonym of "snuff." kindly crossed through after we.

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Our Impudence is a necessary Vehicle to our Witt, & Language. This last is very Laconick, & calculated only for our own Understanding. I'll give you a Specimen. To be ashamed on any Occasion, is To Blew. A short Fellow is a Tuck. Any Man with a Long Name is called John. Sweet is your Face is an Expression that comprehends A perfect Abstract, of all the Politenesse, & Complaisance at this Day to found in the most refined Courts of Europe. Our Witt is not like that of the Vulgar but of a particular Stamp. Common Witt is the Product of the mind but Ours flows purely from a Well-organized Body: However 'tis distinguished by the same Appellations as your ordinary Witt. Thus, a Wipe over the Face with a flat Hand, is Humour. A sudden Blow on the Shoulders, is 8 extempore Thought. A sly Box o' the Ear, is clean Satyr. A Rap on the Fingers, is A palpable Hitt. And a Kick on the Shins, in return to any of the foregoing Jokes, is A Smart Repartee. This we think preferable to the strongest Expressions of Steele or Congreve, because 'tis Corporal, whereas, their's is Mental. This is plain, for the Mind being immured in the Body, is subject to it's Commands, & consequently, it's Servant 5 therefor as the Jests of the Master are infinitely beyond those of the Servant, it follows that the Brightnesse of Body, is as far superiour to the Brightnesse of the Mind. Upon this Reasonable Consideration our Conversation is always9 in this kind of Eloquence, & we prefer the Company of of Jugglers, Wrestlers, Dancing-Masters, & Pickpockets befor any other because their Accomplishments are altogether Corporal. Two or three brisk afternoon thoughts, When we have been somewhat enlivened by such company, 7 8 9

This crossed through before Our. Humour crossed through after is. of crossed through after always.

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are sufficient to disturb the Neighbourhood, for a StoneCast round us. But though we are Masters of the forgoing Qualifications, Meritt can't silence the Voice of Envy. Jack Smart a Scholar & Logician pretends to prove the Non-existence of our Club: he saith, dear sir, there can be no such Men in Nature as we are, & argues against our Being in this Manner, "I confesse that Dullnesse may be tolerable to some People, if it be Various, since even Wretchednesse when Changeable is sometimes endured with10 Patience. But to walk on still in the same Circle of Stupidity without any Variety of Nonsense, is a Thing I can't believe of any Rational Creatures, because this would be a more than Brutal Sensuality 5 for the Swine doth not always roll himself in Dirt, nor will even the Asse continually feed on Thistles." In Answer to this I say 'tis all false, for we are persons that not only live in World to fill up Spaces that would otherwise be void, but act daily for the Welfare of the Publick. Our Witt tho' wholly upon the Sublime, is so contrived that it may be attainable to the meanest Capacities; so that in a few Years the Whole Nation may become Witts, by which Means, an Ordinary Brittish Genius may in common Conversation confound the most ingenious Forreigner, and, to Our immortal Honour, it will amaze the students in the Forreign Academies of the Beaux Esprits & Humoristi, to find all their Arguments against our Learning, Laws, or Constitution, effectually answered by one of our Smart Repartee's which do not, like your Mental Witt, flash lightly upon the Understanding, but leave a sensible Impression upon the Body. But to give You, & other learned Men a perfect Idea of our Society, I shall oblige you with my own Character. My 10

Some crossed through after

with.

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Complexion, which is very Red, is partly Natural, & partly acquired. My Body is Brawny, & fitt to bear a Jest as well as give it. I have Witt at my Command; & for my further Improvement in this particular, have subdued my thinking Faculties, that my Impudence may never suifer any Uneasinesse from the Suggestions of Reason. To raise my self to this envied Height, I have drunk at freecost 90 Tun of Ale, by a New Method of Spunging, which I will shortly publish for the Support of Younger Brothers who have spent their Fortunes in drinking. Sixscore & twelve men, & 450 Ladies, have I put to the Blue. 68 Times hath my Coat been washed with salt briny Showers, & torn by Unmercifull Jests. 1000 Times have I had my head broke, my Face Wiped Down & my Shoulders & Eyes black & Blue11 through the overflowing Witt of sprightly Company, & yet, I thank my stars, I 12 can13 —Sir I am this Moment interrupted by a Witty Dog who hath broke my Chair, bruised my left Arm, & thrown all the Ink in my Face. I can scarce see to write my self your humble Servant Bob Brush Pray Sir give this to the Spectator Address: To Mr Sam. Buckley In Amen-Corner London Postmarks: 27 SE Post Pd 3 [large cross] Pd D3 1 4 11

from crossed through after Blue. / always crossed through before I. 13 say crossed through after can. 14 The cross was almost certainly an inspector's mark, and the " P d " stamp would also be applied by an inspector in the General Post Office, a stamp at this time usually borne only by overseas letters. This letter may have come from the Low Countries, whence the British Post Office was running its own service. The cross possibly was intended as a message to the clerk or the carrier concerning the payment of postage. The writing by hand of the cross and of the notice of postage due ( " D 3 " ) was apparently most unusual. For possible explanations see a note on 12

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89 CHIROMANCY from Cornhill Oct. 19. 1714 Mr Spectator Having been a constant reader & great admirer of your Papers, I take the encouragement to trouble you with this Question, viz. whether or how far any future contingencies or past occurrences and circumstancies of life may be known either by the aspects, appearences & Conjunctions of the Planets, or by the lines, marks, or characters either in the hand or face. The occasion of this request take as follows. I am Dau'ter, Neice & Sister to Persons of the black Gown, & ha' thereby had opportunities of so far informing my self in the Nature of Astrology & Chiromancy as to believe all their predictions to be mere guesses, & all their pretensions most detestably silly & ridiculous. But being lately in the Country to contemplate the pleasures of a rural life, there were two Gentlemen of pretty equal fortunes made their addresses to me; & they both breath'd forth their passions with such an abundance of Zeal & earnestness of affection that from their expressions of fidelity whilst there, & aliso since, & from both their characters, Pd no reason but to believe each of their passions sincere & real. But since 1 came again to Town I was in company with several Ladies, the greatest part of whom I was wholly unacquainted with, after much pleasing conversation, one of them pretended to great knowledge in Physiognomy & Chiromancy & looking [earnestly upon me & taking my hand amongst the rest, having] scan'd there the lines & crosses for some time told me with a grave air that there were 2 Gentlemen that pretended this letter by Robson Lowe, "The Manuscript Cross," Philatelist, XXIV (1957), 3 7- Cf. Letters 32 and 57, above.

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to a greater esteem of my person than the rest of the world, but the one (whom she describ'd, & whom for distinction I shall call ffaber) was peevish, fretfull, very fickle & unconstant, that he could easily fancy a Mrs. or with as much ease let her alone; but the other, says she, (suppose Aprilis) is sincere, faithfull & constant & will be true to his vows & promises to his lateest breath. This she told with such an assurance, together with some past accidents of life that were exactly true, & which it were impossible she could know from any reports, that I must confess till then, I had an equal indifference to either of them; but, since, I've had much more favourable tho'ts of Aprilis; which yet I wo'd conceal, as aliso my growing coldness to ffaber till I had your advice whether I ou't to carry with any Partiality towards these 2 Gentlemen meerly upon the Ladies pretended knowledge of their secret affections & Inclinations. Your's &c. Charissa.1 Address: For Mr Spectator These 1 In Spectator No. 619 (November 12, 1714) Mr. Spectator briefly responded to seventeen letters "lately come to my Hands, the Authors whereof are impatient for an Answer." The first answer in the series is to this letter—"Charissa, whose Letter is dated from Cornhill, desires to be eased in some Scruples relating to the Skill of Astrologers; referred to the Dumb Man for an Answer." Cf. Letters 90 and 91, below.

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90 A LOVER'S REPENTANCE [Between October 29 and November 12, 1714] Sir Your generous intentions never fail of their desir'd Success, You never dictate a true Sense of Honour, which does not win upon the Hearts of your Readers, and insensibly gains Proselytes to the Noble Cause: This was the motive, that induced you to publish the Fair Monimia's Letter,1 and wrought a happy change in my former ingratitude. I assure You, Sir, Had You fill'd up your Paper with a discourse on that Subject, it could not have had greater force of Persuasion, than the sight of that Letter inserted among your writings. I am the Unknown Admirer, whom The Injur'd Fair one upbraids with the deepest guilt of ingratitude by letting You Know, what Favours oblig'd me in a more particular manner to Inviolable Constancy; I readily own the Obligations, and am highly conscious of my Folly, But Hope, upon this voluntary resignation of My Self up to Her Service, The Crime of Desertion will not be thought inexcusable, especially, when I protest, that no diminution of Beauties, no Malice of Her late distemper could ever work any alteration in a Passion, which the Beauties of Her mind inflam'd: Despair of succeeding tore me away from my Duty, and prompted Me to endeavour the shaking off an Amour, that was very fatal to the quiet of my Mind, and likely to be very fruitless in the Event. If you think these reasons satisfactory, Deny me not, Dear Sir, the Benefit of your Protection, But assist me in effecting a Reconciliation, which will compleatly answer 1

Spectator No. 613 (October 29, 1714).

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your Character and my greatest Hopes of Happiness: Unless you Publish this Humble acknowledgement or something of this Nature in my favour, I shall not Dare to Hope for pardon or reception, therefore I shall run over your Papers with the utmost impatience, 'till I find Subscrib'd The Faithfull Castalio.2 Address: For Mr Spectator.

91

LOVE CASUISTRY Mr Spectator The following Case being matter of fact, I shall represent it with as much Brevity & Plainness as I can, and hope it may deserve the notice of Your Casuist.1 Lysidor & Euphelia are both Young & of a liberal Education; Their Parents having been in good Circumstances bro't 'em up very Gentilely; but thro' the misfortunes that have attended the Familys, neither of 'em has Any other Portion than their Education. They have for a considerable time entertaind a mutual Passion. Lysidor wanted a Fortune but to make Euphelia happy; She on the other Hand lamented Her Fate only as it gave Her a quicker Sense of 2 This letter is one of those noted by Mr. Spectator in No. 619 (November 12, 1714)—"At the earnest Desire of Monimia's Lover, who declares himself very penitent, he is recorded in my Paper by the Name of The faithful Castalio." Cf. Letters 89, above, and 91, below. Letter 91. The lower part of the sheet has been torn away, with a presumably large loss of words. 1 See Letter 87, above.

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your Character and my greatest Hopes of Happiness: Unless you Publish this Humble acknowledgement or something of this Nature in my favour, I shall not Dare to Hope for pardon or reception, therefore I shall run over your Papers with the utmost impatience, 'till I find Subscrib'd The Faithfull Castalio.2 Address: For Mr Spectator.

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LOVE CASUISTRY Mr Spectator The following Case being matter of fact, I shall represent it with as much Brevity & Plainness as I can, and hope it may deserve the notice of Your Casuist.1 Lysidor & Euphelia are both Young & of a liberal Education; Their Parents having been in good Circumstances bro't 'em up very Gentilely; but thro' the misfortunes that have attended the Familys, neither of 'em has Any other Portion than their Education. They have for a considerable time entertaind a mutual Passion. Lysidor wanted a Fortune but to make Euphelia happy; She on the other Hand lamented Her Fate only as it gave Her a quicker Sense of 2 This letter is one of those noted by Mr. Spectator in No. 619 (November 12, 1714)—"At the earnest Desire of Monimia's Lover, who declares himself very penitent, he is recorded in my Paper by the Name of The faithful Castalio." Cf. Letters 89, above, and 91, below. Letter 91. The lower part of the sheet has been torn away, with a presumably large loss of words. 1 See Letter 87, above.

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Lysidor's Suffering, & prevented the < > opportunity of emerging. Amidst these uncertaintys Euphelia's Wit & Beauty have attracted the affection of a Young Gentleman that has a very plentiful Estate; & Lysidor's Address recommends Him to the esteem of a Lady equally advantagious. She is acquainted with Her Conquest, nor is H e a Stranger to his: What shall They do? Their Fate seems to be at its Crisis. Should They refuse these Offers either of 'em is Undone: On the other Hand, All their Happiness is plac'd in each Other. They can be grateful & by a prudent Conduct make the Others happy, but can never love & therefore must be miserable Themselves. Invincible Obstacles appear against < > Your Casuists' penetration in the Affairs of Love will enable Him at One View to understand the full extent of the Question, and his Judgment will be of singular Use to the unhappy Couple, who may otherwise precipitate themselves into an irrecoverable Error & entail upon One Another perpetual Ruin. I am Dear Spec: Your Constant Admirer

J. C.2

London Novr 1: 1714 Address: To The Spectator 2

This letter is the second one answered in Spectator No. 619 (November 12, 1714)—"J. C. who proposes a Love-Case, as he calls it, to the Love Casuist, is hereby desired to speak of it to the Minister of the Parish} it being a Case of Conscience." Cf. Letters 89 and 90, above.

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Dec. 4. 1714. Mr Spectator. I had no sooner read over the letter in your Paper of the 29,1 but I began it once more, and do assure You after a second perusal, I found charms enough to engage a Third. The Topick therein illustrated being so necessary to future happiness, and I at present being upon an enquiry after an employment for Life, upon retiring to my chamber, it so wholly engross'd my thoughts, That tho' I took an Authour very Justly esteem'd into my hands, I had not power to allow Him an attention. I therefore laid him aside, & indulg'd a loose to Fancy. Immediately all the Various conditions of Life, that my Education has qualify'd me for, & my Fortune given me the choice of, presented themselves in their distinguishing dress to my Veiw. I ran thorough most of the Employments from a Mechanick to a Philosopher, turn'd them on every side, and veiw'd them in every Light, resolv'd against Some, more or less dislik'd others, as they had greater, or Smaller pretensions to Novelty to recommend them. Among the curious Machines of this Age are esteem'd Watches: But Alass! what is there in these New to the Artist? Their various Movements are known, and determined, and all the hast he makes to place the last, is but to obtain the poor Liberty of beginning again. He is confined to his Stool & his [illegible word] and all H e can hope for uncommon in his business, is limited to the scanty 1 Spectator No. 626 (November 29, 1714), by Henry Grove, who wrote Letters 86, above, and 96, below.

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circumference of six Inches. The Next that engaged my Thoughts was the Mercer's. Here indeed I saw the bounds of 3 Rods to range in, and the Masters as if conscious of the Priviledge, continually strutting in them. But I beleiv'd that after the turns of one afternoon, even at this time of the year, I should make < · · · > of things Uncommon. The work < · · · > Silks, tho' admirable, yet stand they 2 rolled up whole Months unreguarded unless some stranger desires to see them open < · · · > The Soldier may talk of his Marches & his Toils, his Battels & his Seiges, his Wounds & his Conquests, his Trophys & his Scars, his Amours & his Mistresses, his Intrigues & his enjoyments, & may possibly challenge a preference. But 3 with submission I conceive that the business of one Campaign is too like another to admit of much Novelty, & though' the scenes of it are numerous, yet some of them are not very entertaining, but if He swears they are all so, I do not insist upon it. The Booksellers shop might indeed furnish out an Entertainment for Life; but alass! He prepares this for other Person's Uses, not his Own; the Letter & the Binding are the objects of his Thoughts, the Contents are left to his Perusal, who bids most. These attended with some others crouded themselves into my Thoughts: But my Education having rais'd me within Veiw of the Bar, the Dispensary, and the pulpit, they were quickly succeeded by Ideas of another Sort. Whilst in Westminster Hall, tho' I could Imagine I might one day fill a cheif Seat in one of the Courts of Justice, yet the daily Forms of all of them, tho' necessary, I fancy'd tedious, and the Furrs that awe the Croud below, in a little time would hang a Burden upon my Shoulders. The frequent repetetions of Actions not much differing in 2 8

whole Months crossed through after they. I crossed through after But.

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their circumstances, often rejected Pleas so unmercifully insisted upon, and the great Probability of having for ten, or fifteen Years little more to do, than pay Coach-hire from the Temple to Westminster, & from Westminster to the Temple, introduc'd into my Mind an Image with too few charms to fix my Inclinations; but lost me to the Dispensary. Here with Pleasure I meditated on the bountifull indulgence of Nature in the vegetable World. How fitted is it to delight? how necessary to support? how diffusive are all its parts in their Uses, how particularly usefull are each of them in its own Climate? I past out of this into the Sensitive Part of the Creation, & from a Veiw of the Various Parts of Animal Bodies, was insensibly led into a Speculation of our Own. How fine is the Texture of the Fibres, how curiously are they interwoven with the Nerves? How proper the Substance? how admirable the Connexion of the Muscles? In a word, the Use & necessity of every part of the Human Body to preserve and adorn the whole, affords matter for too agreeable an Entertainment, not to engage admirers. I cast an Eye therefore upon practice. But Oh! though Nature is liberal, Art is penurious. Into what a Narrow compass is practical Physick thrown: An Octavo is now Judg'd large enough to contain the Remedies the whole World produces; tho' the different applications of half a dozen of them may take up perhaps the greatest part of the Work. The Terror of a charge of a Mala Praxis is so dreadfull, that every prescription must needs have its Authority, and 'though Numbers dye every week under its operations, Yet Few are so hardy as to indite a New one. One < · · ·>denham 4 seems to be the blessing of one Age. I therefore enlarg'd the Prospect, and contemplated on 4

Presumably Thomas Sydenham, the famous medical scientist.

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the Excellencys of the Mind. In this Veiw I saw Man stand Head of the Creation, Lord of this lower World, Allied to Angels, and an Image of his God. How extensive are the faculties of this Being? how disproportioned are the objects of our Sphere to gratifye them. I look'd with compassion on the Toils of the Great, and the Nutts of the Vulgar. I saw whole Cities busy'd some in wasting, others in raising Fortunes, anxious All, and unsatisfyed. Objects that at a distance appear'd large enough to fill the whole Soul, like the Sensitive Plant, upon touch shrunk into nothing. Every difficulty surmounted serv'd only to encrease their Labour, they are now convinc'd it is something beyond that must make them happy. This appetite after Novelty at once demonstrates the Power of the Soul to comprehend, and its capacity to receive. The Authour of its Nature in his infinite Goodness, as if the 5 Ocean & the Earth could not afford it an entertainment of threescore & ten Years, has by his Son set open the gates of Heaven & bid it contemplate, O Merciful Father! Kind Redeemer! Here we may eternally employ our selves, and eternally be bless'd. The largest Capacitys in these Rivers of Pleasure may drink to their fill, for as God is infinite in Perfection, the Greatest as well as the Lesser Stars, shall have their Glory. Every one Shall receive, what every one can bear,, and all shall be fully satisfy'd with the degree enjoy'd. Since therefore, Mr Spectator, the discovery of every truth here, not only delights us, but at the same time enlarges the Mind; and happiness in the next World is not only a reward, but an effect of our employment in this, I conclude, Wise is the Man, that so exercises the Powers of his Soul here, that It may be able to bear a Crown of the brightest order hereafter. 5

whole crossed through after the.

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Mr Spectator I have sent you this as some return for the pleasures I have receiv'd from your Papers, and if this can any ways be assistant to the continuance of them, all, or any part of it is entirely at your disposal. Yours &c. Address: To Mr Spectator to be left at Mr Tonsons at the Shakespear's Head in the Strand. London.

93 T H E RUIN OF A YOUNG LADY [1714] Scilicet, hoc etiam restabat adultera dixit ut fæcunda, fores, fieretque injuria partu nota, Iovisque mei testatum dedecus esset haud impune feres. Ovid 1

Mr Spectator, tis a melancholy reflection to think that debauchery and lewdness have arriv'd to such a delicacy and refinement among our modern men of Gallantry (who are generaly Letter 93. This letter and the two letters that follow give no indication of date of composition or transmittal. On the assumption that they were received by Tickell during his editorship, they may be assigned to the period October-December, 1714. The fact that none of them was mentioned in Spectator No. 619 (November 12, 1714), where the editor briefly answered a number of accumulated letters, may mean that these three came in after that date. The concluding letter in this volume was postmarked December 17 and appeared in No. 635, the final issue of the Spectator, on December 20; these three undated letters are here placed before that letter because the chance is small that they were written during the last several days of Mr. Spectator's life. 1 Metamorphoses II. 471-74.

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Mr Spectator I have sent you this as some return for the pleasures I have receiv'd from your Papers, and if this can any ways be assistant to the continuance of them, all, or any part of it is entirely at your disposal. Yours &c. Address: To Mr Spectator to be left at Mr Tonsons at the Shakespear's Head in the Strand. London.

93 T H E RUIN OF A YOUNG LADY [1714] Scilicet, hoc etiam restabat adultera dixit ut fæcunda, fores, fieretque injuria partu nota, Iovisque mei testatum dedecus esset haud impune feres. Ovid 1

Mr Spectator, tis a melancholy reflection to think that debauchery and lewdness have arriv'd to such a delicacy and refinement among our modern men of Gallantry (who are generaly Letter 93. This letter and the two letters that follow give no indication of date of composition or transmittal. On the assumption that they were received by Tickell during his editorship, they may be assigned to the period October-December, 1714. The fact that none of them was mentioned in Spectator No. 619 (November 12, 1714), where the editor briefly answered a number of accumulated letters, may mean that these three came in after that date. The concluding letter in this volume was postmarked December 17 and appeared in No. 635, the final issue of the Spectator, on December 20; these three undated letters are here placed before that letter because the chance is small that they were written during the last several days of Mr. Spectator's life. 1 Metamorphoses II. 471-74.

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Speaking either raw unfledg'd university Scholars, officers that have servd two or three campain's in Flanders or Attorney's clerks,) as of late it has, tis grown modish among them not to relish the soft embraces of any woman unless her virtue, innocence, and chastity2 are sacrificed to thier lust, I knew a beautifull young Lady, of a virtuous education, full of truth, Sincerity, and good nature, an intire Stranger to the Town had a pretty agreable turn of thought in conversation spoke every thing with such a becoming Simplicity and dress'd with Such an unaffected negligence as made almost every body fond of her, there was a Gentleman that some time before having quitted his studys in the university had got a commisson in the army, wore 3 fine cloaths, could express himself after an handsome unmeaning manner, trifle agreeably, and in short was such a one as Ladies at the age of fifteen are most delighted with, who hap'ning one day to meet the aforesaid Lady, was resolv'd (being obstinatly bent against matrimony) to 4 debauch So pleasing an object, at any rate, he Soon was admitted to visit her at her fathers house no body once suspecting his designs to be otherwise than honourable, and tho the Lady thought meanly of him at first, yet he by his sly insinuations had gaind so much upon her, that She began to think him not altogether disagreeable which insensibly grew into love, he, finding her heart in his interest thought it a proper Season to press her to a compliance, which by his repeated assurances of marriage he soon obtaind. Some time after being commanded away to Flanders he left her without even So much as taking leave,5 She 2

is crossed through after chastity. good crossed through after wore. 4 ruin crossed through after to. 6 So crossed through after without; his crossed through after of her crossed through after leave. 3

taking;

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at first could not believe him gone till different messengers all agreeing in the Same Story convinc'd her of its certainty and even then she sooth'd her self with the hopes that he would come again, but unfortunately proving with child she was now in greater confusion than ever, insomuch that at Several times she strove to make her self away rather than outlive the disgrace. The cause of her melancholy was industriously enquired into and soon found out which when it came to her Brothers ears, the noble youth drew a Sigh from the bottom of his heart and being unable to express his concern, said nothing but we to his apartment, were he continued Some time Speechless, his friends visited him and us'd all the arguments they thought most prevaling with a man in his condition but in vain, he grew feaverish, rav'd of his Sister, and soon after died, it prov'd no less fatal to the Lady for she being So Sensibly touch'd with the loss of her reputation and Brother became frantick and in one of those fits expired, this Sir however Strange it may Seem is notwithstanding a faithfull account of what has happ'd, and if it may be of Service to deterr young Gent from a sin attended with So many inconveniences ive gaind my end, I am your constant admirer IK Address: To Mr Spectator at Jacob Tonsons at Shakespears head near Catherine Street in the Strand Postmark: PENY POST PAYD

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94 THE JOINING OF TWO SOULS [1714] Sir! I am sensible of my vanity in presuming that this may deserve a place among your Speculations, it being in my own opinion, but a mimick of some greater pieces of the same kind in your former works, yet seeing that Favour is sometimes bestowed on the least meritorious, I make bold to submit the following vision1 to your censure, & if you shall esteem it no disgrace to your more sublime entertainments, You will in allowing it to appear under your protection, very much oblige your constant Reader & very humble Servant As I was turning over the admirable poems of Mr Watts, the other night, (which Author may perhaps never have had the fortune to be seen by you) I was very much taken with his Indian Philosopher,2 the passages in which, thô seemingly fabulous, are not improbable, & the thoughts in that piece, so agreeably suiting my Ideas of love, made such an impression on my mind that they were the occasion of the following Dream. I fancied myself unaccountably convey'd from my native Island to the banks of the celebrated River Ganges near which, in a Grove with a venerable aspect, was the residence of a famous Brachman,3 who as I was solitary walking thus accosted me: European! for 1

Visions appeared in the first series of the Spectator not infrequently; the 1714 revival continued their use in Nos. 558, 559, 587, 599, and 604. 2 Isaac Watts's poem "The Indian Philosopher" appeared in his Horae Lyricae (1706), pp. 175-79. Its theme is that of "Matches made Above, But Broke in coming down." 3 Brahmin.

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such I know thou art, tho it was thy ill fate to be born in that part of the world 5 & thô thou art ignorant of the sublime oriental Philosophy, yet as far as thy facultys are capable of the reception, I shall demonstrate the wonderful birth of Souls, & the occasion of the harmony or discord in the love & friendship that governs, & cements the world. No sooner had he said this, but he led me to the summit of a high mountain, which was the haunt of a Genius, whose times the Philosopher knew, & introduced me to his presence, whom I found contemplating the works of the Creation, & playing very melodiously on an instrument, from which he broke of, at my entrance, & after having survey'd me attentively for some time, He gave me a Telescope, & bad me me apply it to my Eye; which I no sooner had done, but presently I saw into the unfathomable space, wherein were several lucid & igneous Forms moving to & fro, who seemed to enjoy the true relish of being, these, the Genius told me, were the Souls of Mankind, before they were imbodied, whom I found attending on an Awful Power placed on a Throne of an almost invisible essence, fixt & immoveable, who seemed to preside over the Souls who moved round the Throne. I Beheld this with some amazement, when the Genius preventing my enquiry told me the name of the being scarcely visible was Fate; & bad me turn the Telescope sloping, which I no sooner had done, but this Globe appeared to me in all its Districts & Divisions: I turn'd the Glass up again, & saw Fate dispersing those Souls into innumerable bodys, which were conciev'd at some part or other of the Globe (which yet required a narrow Search to descry plainly, for the balls of my Opticks with long scrutiny were so dim, that the Actions proceeding from that Power, appeared so irregular, that they seemed to be the Effects of Chance). These Souls before their entrance into their destin'd

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bodys, on a hovering flight, often div'd into each others essences, with great ardor & semblance of love, but being over-ruled by the superior Power, they parted, some into the polite provinces of Europe, whils't their Mates of equal worth took up their mansions in the bodys of an African or American: the Separation of these was for the most part inevitable during their abode on the Globe; but to some of the Souls it was granted to fall in the same part of the Earth with their Mates, these sometimes were admitted to associate here & enjoy the highest pitch of mutual happiness, that Human Nature is capable of, but as these were few, So there were Multitudes 3 whose Lot it was to joyn with Souls of contrary or unequal Dispositions, which is the Cause why Pure Love, & Friendship are so rarely found. Whilest I was meditating on this, several Souls of courser frames, which form the Lump of Mankind were distributed into their respective bodys hardly regarded by me: till two more lucid than common appearing, forced my Eyes to their wonted Station, these as I was sending my best wishes after, descended to an Island known to us by the Name of Britannia: Surely now said I, we shall have in so polite a Nation an Example of Love or Friendship beyond whatever has been fabled of former times, but one of these Souls was born into a Family almost equalling the greatest in the Island, Whom after her incorporation, for distinction sake I shall call by the name of Sophronia, where she had Education suitable to her great birth, & had to her excellent Natural Disposition super-added the ornament of good Literature far exceeding others of her Sex, so that she shone without a Rival, admired & adored by all that had the honour to see & know her. The other whom I shall call Paulinus was cast into a meaner family, yet such as was able to give him a thorough knowledge of all Liberal Arts & Sciences, which

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thô they had been wanting, his Natural Abilitys would more than compensate them, however for want of that Necessarium, Riches, He had the unhappiness to remain obscure, & the Vast Treasure of his Soul was like a Diamond hid in a Casket; Paulinus after some time came to the Metropolis of the Island (the Residence of the charming Sophronia) where among the Crowd he had the Opportunity to see her on public Occasions, (without any Notion of his being formed her Associate), here he fed the secret flame in his breast, & drew long draughts of Love, while she scarce knew whether there was any such Person as Paulinus in being. At this I turned away the Telescope & asked the Genius with some earnestness, whether these two Souls should ever unite; He told me they might if a foolish Notion of inequality did not interpose. With this answer I turned again to the Glass, when during the time of my diversion from it, Paulinus had by some means gained on the heart of Sophronia, (for with me then, a Minute was, as a Month is in the division of time in our Atmosphere) which yet was not so strongly rooted but the Reflection on it was very disagreeable to her tho she enjoyed the highest degree of Social happiness in his company; so much may that Distinction of Fortune, or flattery of Education if not guarded against, gain a place in the most elevated Souls. But after some time the Lovely Youth wore out the remains of that fantastic Distinction, so that she consented to joyn with him in an inseparable bond, Paulinus transported at this, & promising himself a long train of shining moments, in the company of his charmer, thro some act of hastiness, gave light to the affair t < . . . > Parents, who full of the pride that great Birth & flowing we had instill'd into them, commanded their Daughter to avoid < · · · > the least thought of him, & to divert her mind

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further, approved of the Pretensions of a wealthy Favourite of theirs, a Soul of a courser frame, who had nothing to recommend him but that adventitious gift of Fortune to the excellent Sophronia; She unfortunate Fair recieved the proposal with obedience to them, & no seeming displeasure, but alas the Idea of Paulinus was to deeply fixed in her heart to admit of a Rival. She soon convey'd the unwelcome News to Paulinus, declaring in moving expressions her ill fortune, & vowing constancy, on which Paulinus retired to the countrey, & giving himself up to the mournful reflections on his indiscretion, fell into a Fever which carried of, one of the greatest Genij in the Nation, nor did she long survive him. At this I flung away the Telescope, resolving to see no more of the miseries of Mankind, & cry'd out in a rapture, What, & when no intervening Seas shall separate two twin Souls, shall the vain pride of great birth, or the fantastic Distinction of Fortune divert their happiness, Surely there is nothing certain in humane life, no real happiness on this Orb, all is Vanity! to which the Genius calmly reply'd, Think not that happiness is bounded by this life, All here is fleeting — & Mortals have scarce a knowledge of their own existence, but they are gone: Know that these two Souls are now each others, where the utmost Felicity is enjoyed, where they see & adore the wonderful paths of Providence, & will continue in this beatific State to all Eternity. The Reflection on these Words had such an impression on my mind that Fancy was no longer able to sustain the weight, but quitting her charge, restored me to the state of a narrow, limited, intellectual being. Address: For the Author of the Spectator

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AN ALCHEMIST [1714]

Mr Spectator I have a Relation who is a man of great Probity and Learning, very much addicted to the Study of naturall Philosophy, but perticularly to that part of it, which is generally understood by the name of Chimistry. The pursuits of those Experiments are a little too chargeable for one of his Circumstances, which is the only consideration that makes him sometimes seem to repine at the scantiness of his Fortune. An Hour every day I am admitted into his Study, and I may affirm, there is no one pleasure in the other three and twenty, young as I am, that I prefer to that Priviledge. He has all that Innocence, and Simplicity of Manners, that is remarkable in those who converse less with men, than with Books 3 and at the same time is wholly free from that morose and conceited Pride, that is habituall to them, who have the Commerce of Books without that of Mankind. Among his many excellent Qualitys, the single weakness, if it be one, is his Belief, that 'tis not only possible, but very practicable to make Gold: and as this is ever uppermost in his mind, thô not from the thirst of it 5 we seldom meet, but by very forcible Arguments, he endeavours, to bring me over to his opinion. The Grand Elixir or Alkahest he justly derides and explodes, but maintains an analysis must first necessarily be made of that mettall (nor is it so difficult a task as people vulgarly suppose) and that without the previous knowledge of its constituent Parts, 'tis in vain to attempt the composition of it. He laments the perplexity men give themselves in tedious complicated processes, when Nature,

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whose operations we should steadily pursue, acts with the greatest plainess and uniformity imaginable, thô he cannot but own, that by an unaccountable Fatality, the most naturall Methods and Ideas are not the most obvious to our Understanding. To confirm the Truth of his first Assertion, he shewd me by what Course both Brimstone, and Iron it self have lately bin made by some Forrein Philosophers, the one having bin found to consist of an Acid Salt, Sulphur (by which is meant the Chymicall Principle) and a Saline or Terrestriall Alcaly. By repeated Experiments the due Mixture of those things have produc'd what we commonly call Brimstone. The other was likewise made, by a Union of the aforesaid Sulphur, a vitriolick Salt, and of Earth. From hence he infers, that the first Principles of Gold (tho perhaps more closely combind than those of other Mettalls) may however be discoverd, as well as in the Instances above mention'd, and consequently would be attended with the same Success. The charge alone deterrs him from the Attempt. I cannot but own this Argument has some weight with me, and the making that Glorious Mettall is become less Chymericall, than once it appear'd to be. As I know you to be verst in all Sorts of Sciences, I would gladly have your Sentiments upon this Important Subject, and so great a Deference I have for your Judgement, that without your approbation, notwithstanding the plausible appearances, I am not willing to be at the Expence of the Experiment. Address: To The Spectator to be left for him at Mr Samuel Buckly's in Amen Corner London Postmarks: PENY POST PAYD Office1 G 1 Perhaps a notation to indicate that the letter was put in at the district office, not at one of the substations.

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96

AN I N T I M A T I O N O F I M M O R T A L I T Y Sentio Te sedem Hominum ac Domum contemplan quae si tibi parva (ut est) ita videtur, hæc cælestia semper Spectato; illa humana contemnito. Cicero. Somn. Scip.1

If the Universe be the Creature of an intelligent Mind, this Mind could have no immediate Regard to Himself in producing it. He needed not to make Trial of his Omnipotence, to be informd what Effects were within its Reach: The World as existing in His eternal Idea was even more beautiful than as it is drawn forth into Being; And in the immense Abyss of his Essence are containd far brighter Scenes than will be ever set forth to View; it being in the Nature of Things impossible that God should bound his own Power by giving Existence to a System of CreaLetter 96. This letter was written by Henry Grove, of Taunton. After the addition, subtraction, and alteration of a number of words and phrases, it became the last essay of the Spectator, No. 635 (December 20, 1714), which has long been credited to Grove. Since the postmark is December 17, this communication must have been revised, copied, and given to the compositor very soon after its receipt. Did Mr. Spectator's reference in No. 632 (December 13) to the "Close of this Volume, which the Town may now expect in a little time" call forth this contribution from Grove, who had already written Nos. 588, 601, and 626 and wished to appear once more? Nathan Drake, in his Essays . . . Illustrative of the Tatler, Spectator, and Guardian, wrote a most laudatory memoir of Grove and called the concluding number of the Spectator "a termination worthy of the work" and added that "a more sublime, a more interesting and impressive paper cannot be found in the series to which it belongs" (III, 2 1 4 - 1 5 ) . Each page of the manuscript has a tear at the top, and the final page, containing the original of the last few sentences of the published essay and whatever personal message and signature Grove wrote, is missing. The hand is the same as that of Letter 86, above, which Mr. Spectator did not see fit to use. 1 vi.

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tures so perfect that He cannot improve upon it by any after Exertions of His Almighty Will. Between Finite & Infinite there is an Unmeasur'd Interval, not to be filld up in endless Ages; for which Reason, the most excellent of all Gods Works must be equally short of the last Stretch of infinite Power as the most imperfect, & may be exceeded with the same Ease. This Thought, if pursued, would, perhaps, lead Us to conjecture, not without all Probability, that the Unfathomed Space is ever teeming with new Births, the younger still inheriting a greater Profusion of Gifts than the older, but as this doth not fall within My Present View, I shall content My Self with taking Notice, that the Consideration now mention'd proves Undeniably, that the Ideal Worlds in the Divine Understanding yield a Prospect incomparably more ample, various, & delightful than Any Created World can do: and that therefore as it is not to be supposed2 t h < · · · > k e a World merely of inanimate Matter, h o < · · ·>abited only by Creatures of no higher an Order < · · > e End for which He designd his reasonable Offspring in the Contemplation of his Works, the Enjoyment of Himself, & in Both to be happy; having, to this Purpose, endowd them with correspondent Faculties & Desires. God can have no pleasure from a bare Review of his Works, which He hath not, to greater Advantage, from the Survey of his own Ideas; But He takes pleasure in the Satisfaction derivd to Beings capable of it, from the Study of them, who by them ascend to the first Cause; and, for their Entertainment, hath erected this huge Theatre. Is not this more than an Intimation of Our Immortality? Man, who when considerd as on his Probation for a happy Existence hereafter is the most remarkable Instance of divine Wisdom, if We cut Him off from all Relation to Eternity, is the oddest, & most Unaccountable 2

supposable altered to supposed.

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Composition in the whole Creation. He hath Capacities to lodge a much greater Variety of Knowledge than He will be ever Master of, and an Unsatisfied Curiosity to tread the secret Paths of Nature & Providence: but, with this, his Organs, in their present Structure, are rather fitted to serve the Necessities of a vile Body, than to minister to his Understanding; &, from the little Spot to which He is chaind, He can frame but wandring Guesses concerning the innumerable Worlds of Light that encompass Him, which, tho' in themselves of a prodigious Bigness, but just glimmer in the remote Spaces of the Heavens 3 And, when with a great deal of Time & Pains He hath labourd a little Way up the steep Ascent of Truth, & beholds with3 Pity the groveling Multitude beneathe, in a Moment his Foot slides, & He tumbles down headlong into the Grave. Thinking on this, I am Obligd to believe, in Justice to the Creator of the World, that there is another State when Man shall be better situated for Contemplation, or r a < · · ·>wer to remove from Object to Object, & < · · > e accommodated with Senses, and other Helps, f o < · · · > quickest, & most amazing Discoveries. How doth such a Genius as Sir Isaac Newton from amidst the Fog that involves the humane Understanding break forth, & appear like One of Another Species! The vast Machine We inhabit lies open to Him, He seems not unacquainted with the g e < · · · > Laws that govern it, &, while with the Transport of a < · · · > He beholds & admires the glorious Work, He is capable of ρ < · · · > at Once a more devout, & more rational Homage to his Make But alass! how narrow is the Prospect ev'n of such a Mind, and how Obscure, to the Compass that is taken in by the Ken of an Angel 5 or of a Soul but newly escapd from its Imprisonment in the Body! For my part, I freely indulge my Soul in the 3

the crossed through after with.

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Confidence of its future Grandeur; It pleases Me to think that I who know so small a Portion of the Works of God, & with slow & painful Steps creep up & down on the Surface of this Globe, shall e'er long shoot away with the Swiftness of Imagination, trace out the hidden Springs of Natures Operations, be able to keep Pace with the heavnly Bodies in the Rapidity of their Carreer, be a Spectator of the long Chain of Events in the Natural & Moral Worlds, visit the several Apartments of the Creation, know how They are furnishd & how tenanted, comprehend the Order & measure the Magnitudes, & Distances of those Orbs, which to Us seem dispos'd without any regular Design, & set all in the same Circle, observe the Dependance of the Parts of each System, &, if Our Minds are big enough to grasp the Theory, of the Several Systems upon One Another, from whence results the Harmony of the Universe. In Eternity a great deal may be done of this kind. I find it of Use to cherish this generous Ambition; for, besides the secret Refreshment it diffuses through My Soul, < · · · > an Endeavour to improve My Faculties, as < · · · > conformably to the Rank I now hold among < · · · > the Hope I have of being Once promoted to a more exalted Station. The Other, & that the Ultimate, End of Man is the Enjoyment of God, beyond which He cannot lift a Wish. Dim at best are the Conceptions We have of the Supreme Being, Who, as it were, keeps his Creatures in Suspence, neither discovering, nor hiding, Himself 3 by which Means, the Libertine hath a Handle to dispute His Existence, while the most are content to speak him fair, but in their Hearts prefer every trifling Satisfaction to the Favour of the Almighty, & ridicule the good Man for the Singularity of his Choice. Will there not a Time come, that the FreeThinker shall see his impious Schemes overturnd, & be

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made a Convert to the Truths He hates 5 when deluded Mortals shall be convinc'd of the Folly of their Pursuits, & the few Wise who followed the Guidance of Heaven through that imperfect Dawn which God was pleas'd to shew Himself by, &, scorning the Blandishments of Sense, & the sordid Bribery of the World, aspird to a celestial Abode, shall stand possessd of their utmost Wish in the Vision of God? Here the Mind heaves a Thought Now & then towards God, & hath some transient Glances of His Presence; when, in the Instant it thinks it self to have the fastest Hold, the Object eludes its Expectations, & it falls back tir'd & baffled to the Ground. Doubtless there is some more perfect Way of conversing with God. Are not Spirits capable of mutual Intelligence unless immers'd in Bodies, or by their Intervention? must Superior Natures depend on inferior for the main Priviledge of sociable Beings, that of conversing with, & knowing, Each Other? What would They have done, had Matter never been created? I suppose, not have livd in eternal Solitude. As incorporeal Substances are of a nobler Order, so, be sure, their Manner of Intercourse is < > Address: To Mr Jacob Tonson Bookseller at Shakespears Head over against Catharine Street In the Strand London Postmark: 17 DE [1714]

INDEX

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

INDEX Addison, Joseph, 3, 8, 11-12, 17, 25, 150η, 181n; Rosamond, 98n Aesculapius, 52 Aesop, 138 Afterday, Eve, 9 Afterwit, Solomon, 9 Aitken, George Α., 16, 25, 150n Alcamenes, 134 Aleous, 107 Althorp, 16 Andromache, 9 Andronica, 133 Anne, Queen, 3, 17, 29, 36, 66, 115n, 139n Apocrypha, 171; Wisdom of Solomon, 171η Aristophanes, 62 Ashton, John, 101n, 166n Athenian Mercury, 4 Ault, Norman, 150n

Β., Α., 22, 86, 9 8 , 124, 157 B., I., 189 B., J., 120 Β., Τ., 120 Baker, Sir James, Knight of the Peak, 87 Baldwin, Mrs. Ann, 24, 161 Bantam, Ambassador of, 12 Bath, 23, 24, 40, 74 Beadle-staff, 41 Beadlestaff, Benjamin, 12, 51 Bedstaff, Ephraim, 12 Beloff, Max, 66n

222

Index

Bickerstaff, Francis, 12 Bickerstaff, Isaac. See TATLER, Passim Biscuit, Edward, 12 Bisset, Robert, 150n Blanchard, Rae, 15 Blenheim Palace, 3, 15-16, 29, 33n, 51-52n,, 164» Blowsabella, Mrs., 77 Bouffiers, Due de, 64 Boyer, Abel, 113n Brameno, 19, 136 Bristol, 67 British Apollo, 4 Brooks, Mose, 33 Broomstaff, 41 Brush, Bob, 194 Br wn, 36, 37 Buckley, Samuel, 24, 148, 155, 185, 194, 213 Budgell, Eustace, 8, 17, 25, 148n, 150n, 164n, 181n Bullock, William, 8 Burgess, Daniel, 22, 45n, 46»

C , G., 24, 101

C., J., 199 Caelia, 153-54 Calder, Dr. John, 150» Carbuncle, Alexander, 9 Cardiff, 54 Careless, John, 9 Casaubon, Isaac, 75 Cash, Sir Tristram, 43 Castalio, 198 Castle, Egerton, 139n Cato, the elder, 50 Celinda, 9 Centlivre, Mrs. Susannah, Busybody, 97n Chalmers, Alexander, 150n Chalmers, George, 12m Chancery, Court of, 56n Chanticleer, Job, 112n Chanticleers of Chick-hall, 19, 112

Index

223

Charissa, 196 Charles I, 113n Charles II, 36 China, Emperor of, 12 Cicero, 152-53, 1545 Brutus, 77n-, De amicitia, 178; De officiis, 176η, 177, 182; De senectute, 150; Somnium Scipionis, 214 Civil, Susan, 9 Clayton, Thomas, 8, 98 Cleanthes, 151-52 Cloe, 64 Clotilda, 170 Club of Corporal Wits, 190-94 Cock, Pythag., 113n Cock-hall, near Rumford, Essex, 112 Cock-men, Τ. Β., 113 Collier, Jeremy, 142n Congreve, William, 153n, 192 Constantia, 12 Converti a l'Amour, 138 Corbaccio, 91n Corinna, 84 Co tkl g, 36, 37 Coverly, Sir Roger de, 12, 162, 163n Cowley, Abraham, 106 Crabstaff, 40, 41 D., D., 19, 22, 61, 119 Dalton, Michael, 102; Countrey Justice, 102η Damon, 9 Daniel, John, 98 Dawson, Joshua, 109 Defoe, Daniel, 4—5, 159η, Little Review, 5, Review of the A fairs of France, 4—5, 159n; Supplement to Review, 5 Delphos, 154 Demea, 179 Dieupart, Charles, 8 Difine, Margry, 137 Distaff, D., 6, 12, 40n Distaff, Jenny, 40n Doggett, Thomas, 8, 91, 95, 100» Dorinda, 16, 155

224

Index

Doubtful, Diana, 9 Drake, Nathan, 158n, 214n Drury Lane Theatre, 98n Dryden, John, 106, 153} "To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve," 153n Dunton, John, 4 Edinburgh, 24, 1 2 1 - 2 2 , 132n

Eitherside, Bridget, 9 Epsom, 166 Esculapius. See Aesculapius Estcourt, Richard, 8 Euphelia, 198-99 Euripides, 21; Bellerofhon, 92-93 Eustace, 19, 22, 164n, 166 F., J., 22, 128, 1597n Flaminius, Titus, 95 Flanders, 41 Folio, Tom, 12 Ford, Dr. James, 55-57 Fransham, John, 21, 22, 23, 128n, 158n, 169» Freeport, Sir Andrew, 12 Frost, Charity, 10 Froth, Abraham, 9 Gentleman's Journal, 159n George I, 139n Ghent, Pall Mall, 38 Giddy, Patience, 9 Godolphin, Sidney, Lord, 41n Granville, George, Lord Lansdowne, "British Enchanters," 189 Grayhound, Fleet Street, 36 Greenbag, Moses, 13 Greenhat, Obadiah, 42—43 Grove, Henry, 21, 23, 181n, 200n, 214n Guardian, 86n Η., S., 161—62 Η., Τ., 21, 3 3 Halfpenny Carriage, 24, 70, 71

Index

225

Hampstead, 21, 33, 35 Hand and Pen, St. Paul's Churchyard, 118 Hannibal, Sir, 87n, 120» Harper, Robert, 8 Harris, Mr., 15 Harts, Mrs., 33 Haughty, Lady, 52n, 53 Haym, Nichola, 8 Haymarket Theatre, 106n Healey, George Harris, 159n Heidigger, John James, 98 Henley, John, 8 Henroost, Nathaniel, 9 Heywood, James, 8 Higgins, contortionist, 106 Hill, Captain Richard, 36n Hilpa, 12 Hirst, James, 8 Hoadly, Benjamin, 113 Hodgart, M. J. C , 17 Honeycomb, Will, 12 Hope, Thomas, 21, 22, 126, 130 Horace: Ars poetica, 755 Carmina,124n, Epistulae, 105», 1375 Sermones, 44n Horseman, Mr., 15 Horse Shoe, Swetings Alley, 36 Hughes, John, 8, 150n Indies, 52 Indoctus Evolr , 131 Iras, 153-54

J., Α., 46n J., F., 19, 22, 159, 169 Jacob's Coffee-House, 131 Johnson, Benjamin, 91 Johnson, Samuel, 11, 20 Jonson, Ben: Bartholomew Fair, 91n; Silent Woman, 91n; Volpone, 91n Julep, Madam, 77 Juvenal, 119, 174

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Index

Κ., Ι., 19, 206 Kelly, Charles, 117η, 118 Kensington, 55, 57 Ket be, 36 Κ s, W m, 140

L., G., 79 Layfield, pantomimist, 106 Lazarus, 37 Leger, Lemuel, 10 Lillie, Charles, 8, 14, 15, 22, 24, 97n, 108-9, 113n, 159n, 164n Lisbon, 35 London, 24, 33, 71, 72, 83, 90, 95, 106n, 117n, 118, 120, 124, 126, 128, 132, 139, 145, 161, 167, 168, 185, 194, 199, 204, 213, 218 Lord, Louis Ε., 62η Love Casuist, 12, 189, 198, 199n Lovely, Relicta, 9 Lovetruth, Amelia, 71 Lowe, Robson, 195n Lucan, 19, 160 Lucian, 62 Luttrell, Narcissus, 66n, 101n, 113n, 114n Lysidor, 198-99

M., J., 138 Maecenas, Gaius, 105 Manley, Mrs. Mary de la Rivière, 1275 New Atalantis, 127η Manlove, John, 53-54 Manlove, Sir Richard, 54 Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, 142; Conversation with himself', 142n Mareschalstaff, 41 Maria, 48n, 59n Marlborough, first Duke of, 64n Marlborough, third Duke of, 15, 16 Marlborough, tenth Duke of, 15, 29 Marlborough Collection, 3, 15-17, 21-28, 33n Martyn, Henry, 8 Maybe, Alice, 149 Mern, Charles, n o

Index

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Μ icio, 179 Milton, John, 925 Paradise Lost, 92n, Reason of Church Government, 92n; Samson Agonistes, 92n Miranda, 149 Mohun, Charles, fourth Baron Mohun, 36n Monimia, 197, 198n Monoculus, 87-88 Mopstaff, 41, 42 Morley, Henry, 150n Morose, 91n Morphew, John, 24, 38, 47, 55, 58, 59, 63, 70, 7 1 , 74, 77, 81, 84, 88, 95, 101, 108n, 114, 120, 124, 126, 128, 131, 139 Motteux, Peter, 8 Mus, Publicus Decius, 176 Muses Mercury, 103n Ν., Ν., 69, 139 Newcastle, Duke of, 126 Newton, Sir Isaac, 75 Nibley, 77 Nichols, John, 150n Nicolini (Grimaldi), 89, 92, 94, 95 Norgate, Francis, 159n North Tatler, 121 Norwich, 23, 24, 128, 158n, 159, 169 Numpes, 91n Nutt, Richard, 117 Original and Genuine Letters Sent to the Tatler and Spectator, 14, 15, 97n, 113n, 159n, 164n Ormonda, 108 Osyris, 122 Ove t n, 36 Ovid, Ars amatoria, 179n; Metamorphoses, 204» Paris, 49 Paris, Suffolk Street, 38 Parker, Richard, 8 Parliament, 164n, 165; House of Commons, 115n Partridge, John, 18, yon, 75, 82-83

228

Index

Paulinus, 209-11 Paul's School, 117n Penkethman, William, 8 Penny Post, 24, 38, 47, 59, 70», 74, 81, 101, 109, 114, 126, 131, 139, 155, 206, 213 Percy, Bishop Thomas, 150n Philander, 64 Philanthrophas, 149 Philanthus, 10 Philo-Bickerstaff, 19, 62 Philogelus, 19, 76 Philo Patriae, 22, 95 Philo-Spectator, 147 Pinknyes, Lady, 140 Pipestaff, 41 Plausible, Lord, 91 Plutarch, Cicero, 154n Pope, Alexander, 8, 22, 150», 166» Post-Man, 55» Povey, Charles, yon Powell, Martin, 8 Presbyter, Jack, 22, 29, 46 Prior, Matthew, 120» Proteus, 47 Proverbs, 181 Punch, 89, 95 Punny, Mrs., 58 Purcell, Henry, 98 Quarterstaff, 40, 41 Quickset, Sir Harry, 77 R., E., 112

R., J., 52n, 53 R., W., 19, 72 Radcliffe, Dr. John, 52 Ragged-staff, 42 Rambler, 20 Rayner, John, 21, 22, 117; Paul's Scholar's Copy-Book, Regnio, 21, 38

117η

Index Regulus, Marcus Atilius, 176 Reptile, Dick, 115n, 116 Robinson, Howard, 70η Rockstoole, James, 53 Rome, 50 Rowe, Nicholas, 120η Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts, 15, 25 Ruda, E., 87 Ruddiman, Thomas, 121n Rummer, Charing Cross, 36 Ryder, Dudley, 15

S., J., 120 S., T., 19, 72 Sacheverell, Dr. Henry, 18, 104, 113, 127-28 St. Chrysostom, 62 St. George, 74 St. Thomas, 36 Sallust, 190; Cataline, 190n Savery, Thomas, 55 Scaevola, Gaius Mucius, 176 Scandal, Lady, 82 Scipio Africanus Major, 176 Scipio Africanus Minor, 176 Scotland, 122n Scoto-Britannus, 9 Scrip, Sir William, 43 Searl, Edmund, 82n Searl, Margaret, 82 Searl, Samuel, 82» Se n, Sir William, of Casehorton, 105 Seneca, Epistulae morales, 92η Sentry, Captain William, 12 Shalum, 12 Sheffield, 24, 155 Shrove Tuesday, 112, 114 Silenus, 106 Slender, Sir Samuel, 77 Smalridge, Dr. George, 46n Smart, Jack, 193

229

230

Index

Smith, G. Gregory, 150n Smyth, George, 78 Sn 1, 36 Society for Reformation of Manners, 111n Sophronia, 209-11 Spectator, 3-29, 86n, 145-218 Sprightly, Rustick, 9 Squeamish, Susan, 53 Stafford, 40 Stanley, Dr. William, 58n Steele, Elizabeth, Lady Trevor, 15-16 Steele, Mary ("Prue"), 9 Steele, Richard, 3, 5, 8-9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 25, 45n, 46n, 59n, 75n, 92n, 97n, 108n, 109n, 117n, 125n, 126n, 150n, 159n, 192 Stentor, 58 Sticktotruth, Thomas, 80 Stiffrump, Ezekiel, 9 Stiles, John a, 81 Strephon, 9 Sugar Loaf, Chancery Lane, 54 Sunderland, third Earl of, 16 Sufflementy 49 Surrey, 166 Swift, Jonathan, 8, 45n, 120n; Predictions for the Year 1708, 75n Sydenham, Dr. Thomas, 202 Sylvia, 9

T., D., 39 T., L., 65 Tatelstaf, Bety, 136 Toiler, 3-29, 33-142 Taunton, 23, 181n, 214n Telltale, Timothy, 140 Tell Truth, 164 Templar, 78 Theodosius, 12 Thompson, C. J. S., 82n Thrift, Hezekiah, 161n Tickell, Major-General Sir Eustace Francis, 29 Tickell, Richard E., 16

Index Tickell, Thomas, 11, 16-17, 25, 181n, 204n Tickell Collection, 3, 16-29, 181n Tipstaff, 4 1 , 4 2 Tipstaff, Ferdinando, 51 Tivedale, James, 139 Tom's Coffee-House, 165n, 166 Tom's Coffee-House, Russell Street, Covent Garden, 120» Tom's Coffee-House, St. Martin's Lane, 139 Tonson, Jacob, 24, 190, 204, 206, 218 Trifle, Lady, 102 Trumpet Club, 116 Tully, Hillary, 139 Twysden, Heneage, 40n Ugly Club, 12 Upholders, Company of, 12, 70n, 75n, 82», 87n, 120n Upholsterer, 12, 125 Uxbridge, 35 Valerio, 152 Vergil, 152-53; Eclogues, Villars, Duc de, 64 Vossius, Isaac, 75

150;

Georgics, 150n

W., Α., 159n W., M., 120 Wa d, 35 Wagstaf, William, 59 Wagstaff, 59n Wagstaff, Humphrey, 59n Wagstaff, Lepidus, 59n Wagstaff, Mrs. Rebecca, 59n Walpole, Horace, 159» Watson, James, 132 Watts, Isaac, "Indian Philosopher," 207 West, Dr. Richard, 113η West, Captain Thomas, 120 Westminster, 83, 90 West re, 37

231

232

Index

Wharton, Earl of, 109 Whitestaff, 41 William III, 4 Williamsby, W., 100 Wills Coffee-House, 62η Wimble, Will, 12, 148n Wood, Dorothy, 136 Worthy, Edward, 8 Wycherley, William, 91n, Plain Dealer·, 91