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THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. L
TUESDAY, February 3, 1784.
Price Three-pence.
To be continued every Tuesday.
Ut t;i wVdf, ftc in Jtudiis, pukherrimum ^ humaniffimum exifiinw^ ferverkatcm comitatemque rmjcere^
Tie ilia in trifiitiam, heec in petulantiam procedat. Plin, £pift«
'< As in a man's life, (6 in his literary purfuits, I think it tlic mod beautiful and humane thing in the world
fo to mingle gravity with plealantry, that the one may not link into melancholy, nor the other rife up
in wantonnefs."
THE ceremony of introducing himfclf to the
public is, perhaps, tlic mod difagreeable
circumdance a periodical writer has to encounter.
Contrary to the eftablifticd rule of the poets, who
invariably commence their labours with invoking
the mufe, it is necefTary he fhould avoid the
footfleps of his prcdeceflbrs in every thing but
an endeavour to x-ender his lucubrations ufeful as
well as amuting.
In compliance with this rule, I [hall decline
troubling the reader, with any account of my
perfon, name, or family, the planet I was bom
under, or the feats I performed at School. All
thcfe minutiae, though vaftly entertaining to fome
readers, I (hall refcrvc for a very learned work to
be publilhed in the one hundred and fiftieth, year
of my. age, at which time my very good friend,
Dr. Gjiaham, affures me, I fhall enjoy a per-
fect date of health, full-toned juvenile virility,
together with that brilliancy of imagination,
and ferenity of mind, fo edential to one of my
occupation : providtd I follow the mode of living
prelcribed to me, and indeed to all the worlds
by the faid Doflor, which, it may well be
feppofed, I have faithfully promifed to do.
It is more immediately neceflary that the reader
fhould be informed of the nature and tendency of
the publication offered to his perufal, than of any
perfonal particulars refpe6iing fuch as may be
concerned in. its produftion. ,
Information, indru6^on, or at lead innocent
apiufcment, mud always be expe&ed from thofe
who, whatever be their motives, dcp forth the
candidates for public favour. It has been the
fmgular felicity of fome writers, by the drength
of their genius, and the foundnefs of their
judgment, to produce works in which thefe fc-
veral excellencies have been united; and I know
not of any fpccies of compofition that more
happily admits of their union, than thofe detached
effays which are prcfented to the public as
literary amufements, but from which may be
derived all the advantages generally fuppofed
peculiar to more voluminous produ^ons.
In fupport of this obfervation, it feemt
unneceilkry to mention the Sp£Ctator as the
mod
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No. 1.
mod convincing proof of its propriety. To that
paper, and to the fevcral others which have been
publiflicd on the fame plan, every Englifh reader
will cheerfully acknowledge himfclf indebted for
inflru£lion conducive to his real happincfs, for
information contributing to his real intcreft, and
for hours of amufemcnt rccoUeclcd with pleafurc.
And who fo fit to entertain die mind,
As he who pi6lurcs morals and mankind ?
Garrick.
The immediate objctl of publications of this
kind is, in a familiar manner, to lafli vice,
however dignified; to expofe folly, -whatever
^fotois fhe may affume ; and to rtfcommcnd thofc'
«gracc5.and virtues .which have the honoxjr lobe
univerfally praifed, and the misfortune to be very
little praftifed.
This was the grand objcft of the former
Spectator 5 and it i<cnc£li great bonojar on the
conftellation of gcniufes which produced it, to
lecord, that its influence was fuch as to corrc£l
vice and folly in the bud, and to (lop tlie progrcfs
of manners obnoxious to virtue. When a fafh-
ionablc lady, by a fantaflic appearance, had ren-
dered hcrfelf publicly ridiculous, the Spectator
of thofe days, by expofmg her folly, prevented
imitation, and genierally rcftored the pretty flut-
tcrer to rea{on and hcrfelf.
But thcfc arc honours which the K e w
Spectator can never hope to (hare, and which
Addison himfelf would now find it difficult
to acquire. Since his time, this country has
abounded in writers, whofe chief aim, inflead of
flrengthening, has been to undcrmme virtue, to
patronifc hypocrify, to render piety ridiculous,
and, in effeft, to fubflitute external griraace for
moral re£litude.
And grace and virtue, fcnfc and rcafon fpUt,
With all the rafli dcxteiity of wit 1
Pope.
Indeed they have not flopped here, but, throw-
ing afide the maflc, have recommended vice itfelf
in fuch flattering colours, that even our daily
news-papers arc faihionably vicious: uniting the
efFufions of party virulence, with partial and
intercfted dcfcriptions of public amufemcnts, and
perpetual panegyrics on fuch charafters, male and
female, as a rational man would naturally look
for in the Newgate Calendar, and Harrises Liji of
proflitutes.
Such is the prcfcnt (late of the more amufivc
branches of literature, and particularly of periodical
produ&ions, that it is dangerous to lay them before
the youth of cither fex, whofe morning bufinefs,
it formerly was, to read them to their parents ; but
who arc now obliged to renounce that kind of im-
provement, left their morals fhould be tainted^
their palTions inflamed, tlieir delicacy dcflroyed.
Who, therefore, fecks in thefc
True wifdom, finds her not, or by dclufion
Far worfc, her falfc rcfemblance only meets,
An empty cloud ! Mi ltoit.
The endeavour, therefore, to reflorc this bud
ofaraufement to the garden of literature, cannot
be deemed an unworthy tafk, and, it is hoped^
will meet with the candour and proteftion of a
generous and an enlightened public : whether it
will be fo conduced as to merit that candour and
proteAion, the New Spectator mufl leave to
the determination of hiy reidcrs. In- one part
ofhisconduft, at leafl, the New Spectator
will endeavour to dcfervc commendation : though
the plcafure of his readers may not be augmented,
their innocence will not be dlminifhed ; though
he fhould be too weak to add flability to virtue,
he will not be weak enough to give colour to vice.
Viliiu tji argtntwm auro, viriutibus aurum.
HOR.
Silver to goU we own /ball yield the prize,
And gold to virtue. Francis.
With this determination he Commences his labors^
and, relying on the protection and afliflance of
the virtuous, he will cheerfully proceed in their
for vice, and deem their approbation his greatcfl
reward*
• As in a work of this nature variet)' of enter-
tainment is naturally cxpefted, and as almoft
every fpecics af public amufemcnt now forms
•an objeft of criticifm ; I found it neccffary to
depute fome trufly Spectator of thofe affairs,
who will make a jufl report of his obfcrvations,
and give his fenlimcnts freely, without refpeft
to perfons of either fex, or of any denomination,
whilfl I attend to the more ferious objefts of this
publication.
Luckily, forme, I have long been intimately
acquainted with a man on whofe judgment I can
rely, and whofe integrity is inflexible. Johw
Bull is, to be fure, as honefl a creature as ever
was bom. With a tinfture of found philofophy
and a great deal of good nature, John is perpe-
tually contemplating the objefts before him, and
is freqently giving his opinion unafkcd. I have
fomctimes feen him at a theatre, gravely fhtiking
his head, whilft a celebrated performer has bein
applauded from all parts of the houfc. At other
times, I have difcovered pleafurc fparkling in
his eye, and his hands ready to exprefs his fa-
tisfa6Hon, when tlie houfc has appeared quite
inicnfible
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Ke. t
THE ^EW SPECTATOR, &c.
\
ittfenffl>le of excellence in the performance. It
nuft be confefled that, with all his philofophy
and good nature about him, he will fometimes
exprels himfelf with afpcrity not becoming a
thinking man ; but it is only on occafions where-
in others, as well as himfelf, have fuflered, or
arc liable to fuffcr, from knavery, folly, or igno-
rance.
Communicating to John my intentions rc-
fpe&ing this undertaking, he eamedly folicited
the privilege of inferting his opinions refpe^ling
fome things, which, he faid, the papers of the
day either totally overlooked or quite mifrepre-
fented« I gladly granted him the privilege, re-
quelHng^ on my part, that he would not confine
himlelf to particular tranfa£lions or objeds, but
give fcope to his obfervations, and communicate
them with freedom and (incenty ; and as I have
always been taught to look up to him with fome
degree of veneration, I bought proper to notice
kis productions in the very title of my work ; and
I truft the SACBOFiMioNS of John Bull will
merit the attention of my readers.
AoD£o to the regular correfpondence of my
friend, John Bull, I fhall ia every number of
this work infert Soiayt potTxcAL piodu&ion,
which, Lhope, will merit the attention of thofe
who are attached to the mufes.— But as I am de*
tennined not to give place to any poetry whick
does not bear evident marks of genius, and as
very few original vecfes, if I may judge from
daily, weekly, and monthly publications, difco-
ver any pzetenfions to that diflin^lion ; fo I (hall
find myfelf under the neceffity of republifliing
ibme choice pieces which have already ap^>eared,
but which axe not fo univerlally kaown as they
ought to be. This fcheme meets the approbation
of my friend John, who hopes that it may have
fome effieft on public tafte, and give men a reliih
for the flights of true genius, which a^e ieldom
to be found in thefugitive produftioos of the day.
Meanwhile I (hall very cheerfulfyinien tbcf poe-
tical, as well as profe produ&iont of.fuch as
choofe to become my correfpondents, or candidly
afEgn proper reafons for their rejeCUon, and re-
queft they may be addrefled as mentioned at the
ioot of thia papdr.
SiJCM being the plan of the New S^acTAToa, ,
it remains only to apologife for the apparent pre-
fomptifOn of adopting a Titk which may indicate
arrogance radier than that diffidence which is the
concomitant of genius. It is well known that
kveral publtcationa of this kind have failed for
want of their nature and tendency being fufltci-
«nily cgcplained to the public : many who hare
read, with pleafure, the Spsctator, Tat lb r,
&c. have no conception that the Idler, the
World, the Connoisseur, &c. &c. are pro-
duftions of a (imilar nature, but who will at
once comprehend what is meant by the New
Spectator. To have entitled it the Spec-
tator Revived had indeed been a fpiecicsof
arrogance, of which I hope I fhall never ftand
accufed.
To tht New Spbctator.
Sir, ^
My brother John having informed me that,
when deftitute of fuch original Poetry as may
havefufl^ient;nerit to recommend it to the pnblic,
you mean to infert the poetical cftufiona of the
more ancient Bards ; I reqneft the favour of feeing
the following Sono in the New SptcrPATOR,not
only as being worthy of fodl 7 place, but as it is
the whole of one of thdfebeaudiful pieces of (im«
plicity, with a line or two of which OpHkltA, an
her diflradion, fo captivates the attentiop of all
who have not facrificed every pretention tp zca}
ufte. ' Your's, &c.
ANNA MARIA BULU
SONG.
O flng unto my roundelay, ' '
O drop the briny tear with me j
Dance no more on hoKday ;
Like a nmning riycr bo.
My love is dead.
Gone to his death-bed^
All under the willow tree f
Black his hair ai winter ns^t ;
White his |kin as fummcr fotittr^
Red his &cc as morning Ught ;—
Cold be lies in die grave below f
My love is dead, &c.
Sweet hittongoe as throfiit*s note |
Quick in dance as thoqght can be ;
Daft his labour; cudgel flout ;—
O he lies by the wilbw tree I
My love is .dead, &c.
Hark ! the raven flaps his wing^
In the briered dell below ;
Hark ! the death^wl bud doth ling
To the night-mares as they go«
My love is dead, &c.
See, the white mom (hincs on high;
Whiter is my true-Iove*s fhroud !
Whiter than the morning fky I
Whiter than the evening clondt !
My love it dead, &€.
Here
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, 4c*
Ko.I.
Here» upon my truc-lovc*« grave, t
Shall the barren flowen be laid ;—
Not one holy iaint to fave
All the forrows of a maid ?
My love is dead, &c.
With my hand I'll plant the briars,
Round his hallow'd corfe to grov ;
£If and fairy light your (ir«s,
Here my body ttill fhall be.
My love is dead, &c.
Come with acorn cups and thorn,
D/tin mj heart its blood away )
life and all its goods I fcom,
Dance by nig|it, or fea(l by day;
My love is dead, &ۥ
Water-witches, erown'd with reeds,
Bear me to your deadly tide ;
I di»»-I come— my tnie^love waits*—
Thus the damfel fpolK, and died 1
To ike New Spzctatoh.
Fxiend S p e C|
To write on every thing worthy of public
cotnxnetulation or of public cenfure, in this me-
tropolis, is an arduous tafk. To give a few loofe
UxiX^ convcpng little information, and lefs
inftru^on, is mere wafte of time and paper.
In order, therefore, to avoid prolixity, on the
one hand, and frivolity on the other,— permit
me to throw my thoughts into a ibrt of mifcel-
lany, without regard, to order, conne^on, or lite-
rary excellence ; all which I leave to your more
ferious and more learned correfpondents.
Female D a e s s.
The ladies have afTumed the trebU^capcd great
coat and feft, in which they parade the flreets, like
fo many fiemalfc jockies. I expeO, that in a few
days, my grandmother's Jofeph will foon be the
ton : I (hall, accordingly, have it advertifed for (ale
by auftion, and (hall depute that lady audioneer,
who is mod remarkaUe for overpowering tke
voices of the performers in the moft interefling
fcenes of a tn^gedy • The great coat lafliion took
its rife from thofe females who vifit Covcnt-Gar-
den thrico a week, at five in the morning, with
turnips, carrots, and other wholefome vegetables
tofelL
Am Ballook hats and caps are in the^igheft
eftimation ; the green boxes are thronged with
the former, and the front boxes with the latter.
In another week, the lower order of the town
ladies will eadiibit them in the ftreets, and
then farewel to Balloon hats and caps! Fafhi-
ons, particularly female fmfliions, fare juft like
(pngs; they fometimes have a long play-houie
run, till at length they get into the ftreets and are
no more regarded. The Cyprian corps too g^tiC'*
rally meet the fame fate.*— -The balloon hat is cer«
tainly pretty, and has a good effe£l ; there isfomc*
thing womanly in it ; but the balloon cap is fo
totally eclipfedby the Turki(h tuiban, that I can-
not fay a word in its £ivour*
To the great joy of many a waining lady, P<w-
dtr has rcfumed its reign, and fits enthroned on
the head df beauty, bidding, defiance to nature
and fimplicity. My fifler, Anna Maria^ true to
her fcx, is a ftrong defender of this fame duft of
vanity, and is now deeply engaged in writing a
poem, to be entitled the Comforts of White Dujt
and Beards Greafe, to be dedicated to Lady
A , who, it fecms, always Carries a quantity
of right orris, with a Imall puiF in her pocket.
Squiee Morgan's Nephew.
The amours of this young gentleman will
hereafter form a very pretty book, and become a
great favourite with your boarding-fchool milTes.
His grand chara^riflic, and his fole bufinefs is
To rove.
Free and uiiqucftion'd, through the vilds of love.
Variety^ is his motto, and he may be truly faid to
dick at nothing. He fairly knocked up his uncle
Morgan^ and obliged him to go abroad for his health,
et cetera. He is accufcd of being too pnttiifcuous
in his amours ; be that as it may, he is certainly fo
miich attached to one at prefent, that I am in
hopes his defigns have not yet fucceeded, and
that the fair one may have refolution enough to
refill his attempts, or that her hufband may have
wit enough to take her out of the way of temp-
tation, and not be fent out of the way himfelf fo
often as he has been. It is ipmewhat fingular,
but fo it happens, that Squire Morgan's Nephew
always finds himfelf vaftly inclined to the com-
pany of neighbours wives. I hear various com-
plaints of him on this head.
About fifteen months ago, Mr. H***** mar-
ried a delicate woman, who, till very lately evin-
ced the utmoft tendemeOs and aficffion for her
hufband. Unfortunately, (he was noticed by our
hero, who, being a very gallant man, feldom fails
in his attacks on the ladies, and being a man of
property, and keeping much company, Mr. H—
was prefently invited to fhare his confidence and
friendihip, which he thought it advantageous to
accept of, and the intiinacy increafed fo much,
that our hero made no fcruple frequently to vifit
him en pafantf and at length prefented to the lady
the gre^ Bucephalus of his Honour's fUble.
Oua hero and his friend were lately in the
gallery of the Houfe of Commons, to hear a fmart
debate* About ^ in the evening the former re-
quefted
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Ko. 1.
TH£ M£W SP£CTATOft, Ac
quefted tlie latter to keep his feat whilft he ftepped
"out, and returned near two in the morning, with
an apology to his friend for having troubled him
fo long. On Mr. H-^ retiring hotne^ he found
that our heto had taken a little rtfrejhmtnt with
his lady whilft he kept his place in the gallery !
This anecdote may convince the world, that
our hero is not fo (illy as many take him to be.
Soon after that trick, he praftifed another of a
funilar nature. Finding Mr^ H-^ and his lady at
home, he requeftcd the favour of writing ma-
terials^ and that his friend would flep with a note
to a gentleman on fome bufmefs which he could
entruft to none clfc. The contents of this card
vcre ftmply thefe : " keep the bearer as long,
and make him as drunk, as you can.*' This was
accordingly done, and Squire Morgan's Nephew,
at three the next morning, was found confollng
the wife of his friend in the abfence of her
Inifband!
I HAVE fevcral more anecdotes to communicate
refoefling this amour, unknown even to the
Abigail ef Mrs* H-* herfelf. As yet nothing
has tranfplred, which can fo much tax the reputa-
tion of the lady, as the folly of her hufband !
Air-Balloon Extraordinary.
Th£ phylofophical inventersandi^proversoftho
Acrojtdtic GloU rightly conje^red, that important
difcoveries would refult from a contrivance en«
abling people to travel in the air. In conjunftion
with a Very (agacious friend of mine, I finifhed
a Balloon of coniiderable magnitude, and a fhort
time ago, after the manner of MelT. Charles and
Robert, we took our departure from this world,
which, after travelling nine days, appeared to us
about the fize of a reafonable plumb-pudding, and
on the tenth morning was totally invifible to the
naked eye ; on which my friend began to be a
little alarmed, aM obferved, that we were wan-
dering round the world like departed fpirits, and
polEbly might arrive on fome other planet, and
be hanged as fpies in a foreign country. Whilft
my friend was thus lamenting our fituation, I
difcovered, as I imagined, feveral white rocks at
no great diftance, to our left, and prefently after
a quantity of what appeared to be eagles on the
wing, but, on approaching nearer, we found
therodcs to be theoutfkirtsof another world, and
the eagjles to be neither more nor lefs than fo many
Air-'balloons, which, it feems were the common
packhorfes and machines for conveyance in thefe
remote regions.
RajoxcBO at finding ourfelves in fuch excellent
company, as well as in the profpe£l of making
aeroflatic difcoveries beyond any thing known in
our world, we purfued our courfc, and foon gain-
ed the confines of this ftrange country; then
orderiilg our machines accordingly we afcended fo
much above the new world, that we tould readily
view every part of it, for it confifled but of one
Very large city, furrounded on all fides, but that on
which we entered it, with villages. Vineyards,
meadows, woods, lawns, and gardens iii abun«-
dance.
My friend Who but a little time before Was xrt a
defpairing mood, now refuming his courage, and
impatient to find himfelf oh the terra Jirma of
the new world, let out fuch a quantity of gaz, that
we fuddenly reached the ground, luckily without
ahy inconvenience except that of breaking feven
bottles of the bed vitriol we could purchafe in
London, and three times that number of excellent
Hock, given us by Stack at the Bet/ford.
As I am determined in this account to adhere
ftriftly to truth, I fhall not take the advantage
ufually claimed by your tcrreflrial travillers of
cmbcllifiiing my narrative with the marvellous,
tliough no man had ever fo fine an opportunity,
I fhall not therefore dcfcribe thcfc people as either
giants or dwarfs in ftature, nor amufe you with
a wonderful account pf powers, which they never
poffeffed, and of cuftoms which they never prac-
tlfed. Uo, Sir, thefe people, who wear the human
form differ from ourfelves in nothing^ fo much as
in their apparelj and being peculiarly beautiful ;
their language has even lome affinity to our own,
being fo much like the ancient Saxon, that my
friend, who is a great antiquarian, and has a par-
ticular veneration for that tongue, in the courfo
of a few days, found himfelf able to converfc with
them on any topic. Unfortunately, we arrived
amongflthematatime when their whole attention
was devoted to Politics, At the very moment we
fell into the cit)', their fenate was fo deeply en-
gaged in difputes for the good of the nation, and
t}%people fo anxious to know the refult of their
proceedings, that we cfcaped the notice of almoft
every body, but a few boys, who followed and
hooted at us on account of our (Irange dreis, and
for our want of beards, which in this country are
worn, both falfc and natural, as common as wigs
and pig- tails among us.
The name of this world, of which we were
thus become unexpe6led inhabitants, vras Niatirb,
and that of the metropolis Bulla* The farm of
government nearly refembled that of ancient
Rome, when a king and fenate conducted its
affairs. The grand point then before ^e Bulians
appeared to us whimfical and ridiculous enough.
The Etanes or fenate compofed of the oldcfl man of
the
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No.L
the city and villages, having fat a confiderable
time, Rexman^ the king, out of an extreme huma-
nity, for which he was remarkable, requefled
them to renounce for a time, the cares of (late,
and employ themfelves in fuch purfuits as their
feveral inclinations fhould fuggefL But in the
fenate there was a man, who, for many years
had made it his chief fhidy to obflruft the will of
the king, and to lead others into the fame line of
conduct. The name of this man was Rtynardam.
His public charafter was fimilar to that of the
Lucius Junius who had the audacity to afTume
the adcUtional name of Brutus, and whom hif-
torians reprefent to have been << a trubulent
*^ fedidous man, who wanted neither wit nor,
« penetration; was particularly a great fpeaker,
** and fpoke freely what he thought,' With re-
fpe6l to his private charader, it was of fo fmgular
a complexion, and was compofed of fuch a vari-
ety of inconfiftent colours, that I defer copying
the portrait till fuch time as I ihall have occafion
to reveal fome of his domefUc tranfa^lions. At
prefent I fpeak of him only as one of the Etanes.
He profefTed great opennefs and candour in his
harangues, and, by the rapidity of hfs eloquence,
ind the fubtility of his fophifms, fo far milled many
of his hearers, as to induce them to join with him
in tnalicious endeavours to thwart the king. No
fooner was the fovercign's defire of relieving the
Etanes mentioned, than Reynardam, with great
vehemence, oppofed the meafure as tending to fub-
vert the governments He adduced feveral plau-
(ible pretexts to convince the Etanes of its impolicy,
and at laft even gave it as his opinion, that tlie
king had no right to put a period to their de-
liberations. This caufed great confufion in the
Etanes, which Reynardam took care to foment,
by infinuating that the king wilhed to diffolve
their tneeting for infidious purpofes, the more
fecure to carry on fome projeft of his own ; and
by this means Reynardam made each prty fuiyi.
dous of the other, while the people at large, or
more properly the mob of the people, hailed him
as iheir prote6lor, who, but a little time ago, they
^xeenitedboth for his public and private condu6t
So fickle his popular indignation and applaufe !
It was in the very midft of thefe contentions,
that my friend and I appeared amongft the Buli-
9fiMf and hoping to eicape the notice of the higher
powen^ we immediatdy drefled ourfelves in the
Bulian haUti and puxdiafed venerable beards. —
And truly, Mr. SiiicTAToa, my friend cut a
vety venerable figure, for being, likeyourfelf, be-
yond the grand climaderic of a grave afpeft,
and. ftMut deportment, he might eafily have
been Juftakea for a Bulian in Mo*
Thbse precautions, however, proved abor'*
tive ; on the tixth day after our arrival, we were
fummoned to appear before a council, in which
his Majefty was to be prcfont, theve to give an
account of ouHelves* This greatly .terrified my
friend, who now began to fufpe£l himielf as al*
ready condemned for a fpy. As be had aiade a
confiderable progrels in his acquaintance wi^i
the Bulian langui^e, we agreed chat he fhould
prepare our account and defence, and deliver k
verbally b^ore the council ; a circumflaUce tend*
ing fo much to our fafety, that my fnetvi (at a-
bout it with great diligence, and in myjndsetnent
produced a very able oration» in which- he gav«
a concife account of our world ; the objeA of our
journey to BuHa ; a curious relation of ottr ad-
ventures and observations on our paffage through
the aerial regions; and concluded with htunbly
reqelling his Majefty to grant us a (afe oonvey*-
ance to our own world, by enabling us to foroi
an Aerojlatk machine^ with proper materials, and
after the manner of the Bulians, who travti
in them wirh incredible vdocity, and dire& thdr
courfe with wonderful fecility. • Qf this fpeech
my friend is preparing an dabprate tranflation,
which he means to dedicate to Dr. Priefiley ; but
I intend to give you the heads of it in a future
epiftle to your Spi^atorjhip. Let us now return
to the little affairs of our own liulc wortd.
TU£ATR£S« ,
The accounts daily given to the world of the-
atrical affairs, are fometimes fo contradiftory to
truth, and to one another, that \ have frequently
lamented the want of a public joumsd of drama-
tic proceedings, from which fome Ju<!igment
might be formed as to the real merits and deme*
rits of plays and players ; and I truft, Friend Sfe c;
with yourpermiflion, and with your afliftance, to
render the New Spectator fubfervient to/o
laudable a delign.
Drury'-Lane.
It reflefts no (mail credit on the manager of
this houfe, to fay, that he is, if not an enemy,
at lead no friend to puffing : nor does he put Mrs.
Siddons*s name at the top of his bil}s, by way of
hooking the multitude ; a device pradifed by
the other houfe, in regard to Mrs. Crawford, in
the fame manner, and probably with as much
fuccelsas Katterfelto exhibits at the top of
his bills, the angels, devils, and the devil knows
what, of his own fublime invention I The great-
fault of the manager of Old Drury, is die giving
charafters to performers which they are tmable to
fuftain, whilft he has others in his company by
whom they would be well fupported. Egregious
infianccs
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1
No. K
THE }IEW S^ECtAfOft, Aci
Jnftances of this occur almoft every day, as I fliall
Kereafter have occafion to obfcrve.- — Mrs. Siddons
Appeared laft night in Ifabella. It were a wafte
of criticifm to fay any thing of a performance
Ivhich is acknowledged to be as near perfe£Uon
as humanity can reach. — Harlequin Junior^ by
fi-equent repetition, feems to gain, rather than lofe
on the town, and that defervedly. Variety,
hovelty, and buftle form the very effcnce of pan-
tomime, in all which this abounds fufhciently.
But, — I fpeak it with wonder— the mufic is exe-
crable, and though Mr. Linley may have com-
pofed andfcle£led it, and though he is a profefTcd
and an admired mufician, the prefcnt compofition
and feleftion, ought to be remembered as the moft
unhappy, ever offered to the public under that
celebrated name.
Cavcnt-Gardcn.
It is frequently the fate of dramatic writers
from unaccountable caufcs, to receive cenfure
when they def<irve applaufe. This has been the
cafe of Macklin, whofe comedy of the Man of the
Worlds was performed on Thuifday, before one
of the moll croudcd and refpeftable audiences, I
ever faw, and in the performance met with that
approbation which has been denied to it by thofc
critics of the day, who write to gratify fome ma-
lignant padion, rather than give the real decifion
of their judgment, for I cannot fuppofe them fo
ignorant as not to acknowledge this to be the beft
comedy, except the School for Scandal, which
has appeared for many years. They fay it wants ,
buftle, but if the attention is kept up. even to a
kind of anxiety, and a play abounds in nervous
language, and forcible inftruftion, which is the
cafe in the prefcnt inftancc, that very bufUc be-
comes impertinence, and can be wiflied for only
by thofe mafters and miffes, who go to plays fm
furiy in which number, from their judgment in
pronouncing on this play," I fliall fuppofe our
tiev^s-paper critics arc to be ranked — The pan-
tomime of Friar Bacon was revived the fame nighty
■with alterations, but thefc alterations refleft credit
only on the fcene-painters, for the fame defpicable
nonfenfe pervades the whole piece which ori-
ginally diftinguifhed it. I have not tirfie to go
into particulars, but Ihall, next week, be more
circumftantial,unlefsin the mean time this bantling
of ignorance and folly fhould depart this life. The
mufic is good.
Miss Younge, on Saturday, played janeShore^
in which (he is inferior to Mrs. Siddons, but much
fupcrior to Mrs. Crawford. Our critics fay " com-
parifons arc odious.;'* but " all excellence is com-
parative." The Alicia of Mrs. Crawford was
applauded as the news papers had dire^d it fhould;
It was indeed wdll playftd, but riot equal to Mifs
Younge's Shore. I know I am fpeaking againfl
the voice of the multitude ; but that is nothitig.
Hid Mift Younge been abfent fi5c years, (he
would have been received again with as great, at
leaft With as much deferved applauf<i aS Mrs.
Crawford.i^Laft night the felf-be-pdragT^aphed, the
felj'puffed and the felf -adoring Mothei* Abington ap-
peared in Lady Betty Modijki It is impofflble to
with-hold praife from fo excellent a performance,
and I will always give merit its due ; but when
it is faid the flagc is inanimate without her^
that fhe is the comic mufc, in propria perfanoy and
fuch rubbifh as the papers continually abound with
rcfpeftingtliis woman, who, I fhould imagine kept
half a dozen clerks for the purpofe of writing to he;"
honour and glory : an ingenuous mind cannot but
feel itfelf difgufled ; and half tempted to dcpy hcf
excellence* I wonder the manager docs not jpuf.
her name at the top of his bilb* I hope her en-
gagement is of that nature, that fhe cannot infuU
the Town by the flale trick of a Box-fever, with
which fhe ufcd to be terribly afflifted I
To WM L A D i ts«
CoNTRARV to cv«ry idea of decency and o(
policy, the public papers abound in encomiums
on fome of thefc abandoned charafters. Nay^
a morning paper of laft week gave public tiotice,
that the Perdita was quite recovrtfd from her in-
difpofition, and looked as well as ever* A va*
hiable piece of information * tmly ! I fhould
deem myfelf inexcufable to mention fuch a wo-
man in a public print, but for the purpofe of
holding her up as one whofe example fhould be
abhorred, and to point out to the female world
the fatal confequcnces'of unbounded diflipation
and illicit^ amours. This woman is faid to have
been the favourite of a prince. Indeed her con-
duft plainly evinces fhe thought herfelf fuch;
but if we may judge from the pitiful complaints
which, in fome papers, are daily urged againfl a
certain young gentleman, by way of extorting relief
from him, ihe is no longer fo ; and her conduft
may ferve to convince Others, that the capricious
fmiles of a prince are of little value, unlefs ma-
naged with prudence* Care has been taken to
inform the public of tlie fituation and ornaments
of the Perdita*s box at the opera-houfe ; this is all
very well in the way of trade ; it anfwers the pur-
pofe of advcrtifmg Lodging^or Single GentUmm*
And the Queen of France will no doubt think it
a high compliment, when fhe reads in an Englifh
news-paper, that her example in drefs, &c. is fol-
lowed by the grcateft proAitutc in England !
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9
THE NEW SPECTA TO R, SfC^
Ko, I,
Of the Bird of Paradife, ■ llic Armjlead, the
Farrcnelli^ the White Crow^ &c. I have not at
prefent time to fay any thing; and ivith refpeft
to the infeiior women of this clafs, their exfun-
pk being more confin'd, is Icfs definitive •, their
inEsuny is not publicly trumpeted as if it were a
virtue ; and fome le^iflative expedient ihould be
devifed for refcuing them from deflru^tion, and
rendering them fit members to the community.
Chancery-Lane Ghost.
I am Corry, on enquiry, to find that this Phan-
tom has ceafed to appear, but am confidently
informed that the wonderful Dr. Katterfelto
lias reduced it to inflammabU air, and that it is now
confined in an azr-balloon ; and I am further affured
that this " Devil of a Philofopher," this principal
of all modem magicians, when he lets of his Air-
Balloon means to dired its flight in fuch a manner,
as that the (aid Phantom (hall be laid in the Red--
SeOf and the peaceable inhabitants of Chancery-
Lane, no more receive no6himal greetings, from
fo terrible a vifitant !
And now, friend Spec, I mufl, for the pre-
fent, bid you adieu ; for though your paper is on
a very extenfive plan, I gefis you have Utde more
room for me. Succeis, I doubt not, will attend
your Spectatorsuip, and thepublic will re-
gard your firft number rather as the prtjaot of wb^
is to follow, that judge of your abilities by an
introdu£lory effort.
Your very faithful Deputy,
JOHN BULU
To other Correspondents.
The ways and means of Editors with the art
of conducing morning papers, next week — Htc
Ghoft of Gulliver, to Mr. O'Keeffe, is received .-^
Memoirs of Mrs. H-^ ; Anecdotes of Weltjie's club ;
and an Account of the Sophifms of Mr. Fox, are
alfo received. But I defire my correjpondents will take
notice, that party politics unllfind no place in the
New Spe&ator. An authenticated account of Mrs*
Curtis, fijler to the Kembles, is now before me, and
Jhall be attended to. The Stridures on the news-
paper politics of Mrs. R — , however jujt, are written
with too much afperity. Operatical Obfervations
are unavoidably poflponed; and for a circum/lantial
account of the Bifhop of Landaff*s excellent Difcourfe
before the Houfe of Lords on Friday laft, I with plea-
Jure, refer my readers to Mr. Ayre's Sunday Mo-
niter, ofthttfi inflant.
ip^^i
London: Printed by T. Rickaby, No. 15, Duke's-Court, Bow-Street, Covent^Garden *»:
And Sold by T. AX TELL, No. 1, Finch-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charles-Stteet, St. James's-Square ; by P. BRETT, Bookfeller and
Stationer, oppofile St. Clement's-Church in the Strand; by G. KEARSLEY, No. 46, Fleet-Street;
and by W. THISELTON, Bookfeller and Sutioner, No. 37, Goodge-Street, Rathbone-Place.
\^ CoRaESPONDBNTS are requefted to addrefs their favours to the New Spectator, to be
left at Mr. Swift's, in Charles-Street, St. James's-Square, where a Letter-Box is affixed
for their reception.
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THE
N E W S P E C T A T O R;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
^ No. 11.
TUESDAY, February lo, 1784.
Price Three-pence.
To be continued every Tuesday.
Nmirum infanus paucis videaiur^ eo quod
Maxima pars hamnum-^morbojaBatur codem.
By few, forfootb, a madman is he thought,
For hidf raankiad the fanue difesJe have caught !
Hor. Sat. 3, U 2, v. 120.
Francis.
PLATO, fpeaking of fine writers, and par-
ticularly of poets, cxprefsly affirms, that,
added to other extraordinary requifite^i, it is ne-
ceffary they (hould poffcfs, or be pofTeded by, a
certain degree of Madness; — an opinion, which,
1 am verily pcrfuadcd, has fome foundation in
truth ; for though the number of.literary maniacs
is very condderable, and that of fine writers, on
the contrary, very inconfiderable, yet, on en-
quiry, I have no doubt it will be found that at
lea ft one-tenth part of our writers are either
many degrees too mad, or, unhappily, not mad
enough. And here I might adduce, from living
examples, abundance of illuftrations in fupport
of this doftrine ; but I willingly fpare myfelf fo
invidious a tafk, and leave it to the Monthly and
Critical Reviewers, and thofe whom it more im-
mediately concerns.
Th e heroes of both ancient and modem times,
who have greatly diftinguifhed theinfclves, in
whatever profeffion, whether of arts or arms,
have becii celebrated, by their refpeftivc poets
and hiftorians, in proportion to the extent pf
their madnefs. Hence it is that the fame of
Alexander the Great,
Who the tiara tore
From kings of all the then difcoverM globe,
far furpalles that of Charles the Twelfth, who,
in fa6):, was but a humble follower of the faid
Alexander, as he was of the maniac Achilles*
But, that a touch of madnefs is neceffary for
the accompli (hment of great purpofes, cannot
be doubted when we recolle£l, that Cervantes
defcribes it to have been the main-fpring of all
the wonderful exploits performed by his hero,
Don Quixote, Knight of the woful countenance,
a man'almoft as famous as Alexander himfelf,
and the hiftory of whofe achievements has proved
more beneficial to mankind than all the boafled
a£lioBSof the fon of Philip.
It was but the other day, in the company of a
learned friend, that I was thus elucidating Platols
doftrine refpefting certain degrees of madneis,
when my friend jocularly turned my attention to
myfelf
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No. Ih
myfelf, and obferved, with a logical precifion, of
which he is completely mafter, that at any rate, I
mud certainly be a little crack-brained; for, {kid
he, " If you hold, with Plato, that a certain
" degree of madnefs is eiOcntial to tlic accom-
" pli{hmcntofgrcatpurpofc«,you nfuftncceflarily
" fuppofe ydurielf affcftcd, oiherwifc you would
•* never have commenced fuch a work as the
" Naw Spectator. On the other hand, if you
" maintain both Plato's do£lrine and the pcrfcft
*• foundnefs of your own mind, then the moon is
*' indeed at full with you, fo that you cannot be
" in any other (late than that of lunacy to a certain
<« degree, which, according to your friend
" Plato and yourfcif, is a very defirablc ftatc
** indeed!"
Just as my friend had made thb curious con-
clufion, we were joined by my fagacious deputy,
Tqhn Bull, who, being informed of the argu-
ment, became a (Irong advocate for its propriety;
and remarked, that (incc his engagement under me,
he had looked on himfelf as neither more nor Icfs
than the Sancho Panza of the lad Don Quixote
which had ftartcd up in the literary world. Now,
according to the opinion of Plato and myfelf,
this was a great compliment to me, though I
believe honcft John meant it as very good fatirc
on us both.
TiiK pofTcfTion of unabufed reafon is the mod
impudent and the mod uncommon of all human
bleflings. It is true, that there are few of man-
kind, comparatively fpeaking, who have not had
this bleffing conferred on them by the giver of all
good gifts; but the number of thofe is dill fmaller
who have not abufed and imparcd it, by difling
its operations, and rejefting its counfcis; by re-
nouncing its jurifdi6Uon, and revcrfmg its
decrees.
On lifcs'i vail ocean divcrfcly vc fait,
ReafoQ the card, but paflion is tlie gate.
Popi,
To riwD a man implicitly following, in all his
. aAions, the diftatcs of found reafon, would prove
a tafk much more difficult than that of difcovcr-
ing one perfcftty honed ; though Diogenes, we
know, deemed an honed man a very fmgular phe-
nomenon. It is a general error amongd man-
kind to feek for fame and happinefs in wrong
channels, and vainly endeavour to ** gather
** grapes off thorns, and figs offthidles.^ Men
are not fo gerierarfy deditute of genius and abi-
lities as is commonly imagined; they only mif-
apply the former, and, by that means, render
the latter ufelefs. We are ufually on our guard
againd the treachery of others, and were we
equally folicitous of avoiding the deceptiotss of
our own minds, we (hould tiot fo frequently fee
genius mided, and abilities mifapplied. An af-
fedion for fcienceis too commonly midaken for
am indication of inherent powers, and, before
we have well confidcred the nature of either, we
precipiute ourfelves into puxfuits rather to gratify^
adventitious enquiry and natural curiodiy, than*
to follow the didates of unclouded reafon, and
the dimulations of real genius. Thus inclina-
ixon^ paffion, or more trifling caufes fitquently
ufurp the authority of reafon, in the condud of
life, and, in a great meafure, tend to form that
irariety of the ridiculous which we daily difco«
ver in the charaders of mankind.
As it i& the bufinefs of human reaibn todireft
the conduft of human life, fo its vieWs fhoutd
not be confined to one obje^ or to a certain .
number of obje6b: this, however, is too geno^
rally the cafe, particulariy amongd men of ge-
nius and erudition, who, dircfting their purfuits
to the completion of one purpofe, confine their
ideas to that obje£b, and wave all confiderations
which do not, either direClly or collaterally, apply
to their immediate views.
And hence one mafler paflion in the bread,
Like Aaron's fcrpent^ fwallows up the reft.
POFf,
Aiulthis, in fome meafure, accounts for that nar«
rownefs of mind which has been difcovercd even
in fome men of gettius, and into which all that if
fingular in the lover, the coquette, the avaricious,
and the proud, is to be reduced.
To accomplidi a work of genius, it is neceQary,
however, that the mind, when employed on it,
(hould be direQed to that alone ; and it is wdl
known that intenfe application to one objeft fre-
qtienfly diforders the reafon, and, in the end, U
produftive of madneis itfelf. The intermediate
date between extreme attention and inattenUon,
is that' which produces the divine glow of genius^
the enthufiafm which Plato, who perfeftly un-
derdood the operations of the human mind, not
injudicioufly denominates a kind of madnefs,
that is, a fervor of Imagination which has ever
accompanied extraordinary genius.
For my own part, I have very liitle chance of
becoming thus divinely mad^ the multiplicity of
obje& to which, as a SrscxAToa, my attention
is nccedasily direfted, totally preclude all poflibi-
lity of fuch an event taken place ; and I know"
not whether my labours may not prove more ex-
tenfively beneficial by direfting my attention ta
many fubjefis, than by confining all my fdeas f
one objeft, however excellent in itfelf, or ple^
fing to me.
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No. IL
THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
S
To thi New Spectator.
S I R,
Thb attention of the audience at Drury-Lsme
Theatre, a few nights ago, being attr^Red by the
appearance of two ladies in a tide box, Jans hat,
<ap, or any covering, fave that which nature and
Monf. le Friicur had beftowcd; and fcveral
Tdle6Uons having been cad on the faid ladies in
confequence thereof; I beg yourS pectatorshjp
to acquaint the public, that the faad ladies having
BallooTtrhaU and lappets, weieobHgedto renounce
-them in compliance with a (landing order of the
Houfe, and were not infane as many people won-
<only reported. Yours, Ac.
A DERBY Gentliwomai^.
To the New S p e c t a t o r«
Moft worthy Spec ,
It muft' afford you no fmall pleafure to be
told that your firft effort has already accomplifhed
more than you could reafonably exped. It has
not only ' informed the public of the nature and
defign of your plan, but it has i^ally operated
in thefervice of virtue, and to the encouragement
of vice, as will appear by the Miftellaned of your
faithful deputy,
S^^UI R £ Mo ROAN 'S Nb P U £ W. ^
I Have been told that this gentleman keeps a-
diary of his time, which istifually fpent in (iich
a manner that, I think, the faid diary may, xK>t.
improperly, be called the JB^cA-ApoA^* and as one
of his intimate friends has promiicd me a fight of
it> I (hall take care to extraQ a page, or two,
ibr your amufement, from whence, probably,
you may form a better judgment of his real cha-
rafler, th^ti ftpm the caric^turp prints 4nd news*
papers cf the d*y.
Iw my laft, 1 acquainted you with the flate of
lhi& young ^ntleman's amour with Mn. H— . At
the fame timOi .1 intimated to yo^, that nothing
bad tranfpired which could affefl the reputation
of the lady V Mnd I am extremely happy to have it
in my power now to add, tha nothing is likely
to^ccur which can diminifh the luflre.of her
fame; for, in confcquencc of the reprefcntations
I before msbdc, and in coniequence of them Qply,
Uie' hulband of the lady, with a fenfe of honour
becoming a' gentleman, and with the refolution
becoming a virtuous man, abandoned the company
of Squire Morgan's Nephew, and immediately
dppaiftcd, with his lady, into Yorkftire, from
whence, I underftand, they mean to travel to the
continent ; choofing rather to leave the kingdom
ill an refide in it with exiemaliplcndour, accom*
panied by difgnce^-^But the moft agreeaUe cir*
cumftance attending this bufineis, is the willing
obedience the lady paid to her hufband's wifhes.
Tnough allured, for a moment, from domelHc
felicity, by the Mcmaling glare of tinfel frippery;
though (he was become the adnuration of men,
and the envy of women; yetnofooner was dan-
ger intimated, than the flame of nuptial love
glowed with frelh ardour in her untainted bofom,
and, quitting that road to perdition which thou«
fands of her fex are eager to travel, (he flew with
her hulband into that rettrement, which is the
feat of innocence, where fhe may ruminate, with
thankfulncOs, on tbe dangers (he has eioqped ; and
improve, with delight, the felicity which }ier
condud entitles her to expeA.
Squire Moi^n's Nephew, thus unexpe&dly
deprived of the company he was very (blicitous
to keep, was at firft a little difconcerted, and de«
tcrmin^d not to gr^e the laft mafquerade with
his prefence. Two jolly topers however, per-
fuaded him to go, and, fuch is the natural incon*
ftancy of hit ditporition, that he is faid to have
already half-forgotten the charms of the lovely
Mrs. H— in the bewitching fmiles of a HcJge-lanc
beauty !
Poetry.
Though I am ignorant as to iht author of
the following ftanzas, I am not fo as to their
merit. They contain a beautifully pi£iureiquo
defcription, fuitable to the prefent fcafon, and
which many a fon of Phoebus would have worked
into a fafhionable quarto, of no inconfiderabtt
magnitude*
The C A V X. , '
The wind up, die field is bare;~»
Some hermit led m^ to his cell.
Where Contemplation, lonely fiiir—
With bled Content, has chofe to dwell.
Behold, it opens to my fight,
Dark in the rock, befide the fiood ;
JDry (ere around obfini^ the fight;
Tbe wiiidt above it move the wood.
Refleded in die lake, I fee
The downward mountains and die flues |
The flying bird, tbe waving tree,
Tbe goats that on tbe bills arife*
The grey-cloak'd herd drives on ibe cow|
Tbe flowwpac'd fowler walks the beatb i
A fpeckled pointer fcouri tbe brow;
A mufing (bepberd flaods benettb.
Car\'c o'er the rain of an oak,
The woodman lifts hit ax on higb|
The hills re*ccbo to the firokc,—
I fee, I fee the Ouvers fly !
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4-
THE WE \V . S ? £ ,C T A T O R, Ac.
Nd. 11*'
i
- • ^SMie ftkcil aMid; v^l4i 'apro» foil,
Brifigi iucl to the faDmely flame ;
r foe the fmddky Qolfimas fqII,
4Ad. through ^ cbifikey but the beam.
Bifider a Hone, o*er*gfoi»U wrth m^fti*
Two wtli-mcft humtri talk at eafie i
Thiec panting 4ogs befide ttfok ;
. One hlecdJagikof is fife tcW on graCu
' A lake^at cHfiattce li)r«uii to fight,
- ^ - Sk'ttted Vi^ fhafdy fofefts r«und^
' In ihiiift M iAatr4'i rdcky hdg^t
Suffaisfr y nm once renovnTcl*
6(« ^ee httidi o*tr the naked valh;
'* Two bf dad-win^ eagles hover liigh— *
'^/tntetvab a ^ftgri^m &)!«»
As blows the blaft akmg the fky.
Two rough-rpun hinds the pmnace giude^
With labouring oarS) along the flood/
- An artgler, bending b*^cr the tide.
Hangs from the boat th^ infiditwkt Wood«
ficfide the flood, beneath the rocks,
, On grafiy bank two lovers lean,
Bend on' eacli other amours looks.
And feeiii to Iauj;h and klfi betweenl
The wind is niOling tn the oak,.
They fcem to hear the tread of feet;
They ftart --they "rife — look round the rock-
Again they uniTc, again they meet!
BvkX ^1 ^gwy mill from the }^e
... Afceods upon the fhady hillf i
•Dark flormt the murmuriog forelb fhake^
Rain beats— *re(biind a hundred rills. ,
To Damon's homely hut I fly,
I fee it fmoaking o'er the plain;
When fiorms are pafl,' and fair the fky,
111 oftea feck ti^ Cavb again)
, B i; L 1 A.
In recatKng your attention to the B&irs of
Bulia, it is nccefTaiy for me to remark that, ex-
dufive of the king; the Ktane^, the deputies of
the people, 'and the people fliemfelvcs, there was
a third powpr forming a kind of Senate, or af-
fembly of great men, luperior to the Etanes, dif-
tinguifbied }Sy the a({>pdlation ot^ the 2&^fc^ and
confiftihg iyt liifen bortt =to honotilr^ atid cxtenfive
property, and effcemed as the chief men of the
realm. Their tntmber amounted to about half
that of tbe.KCaiK^, ^hofe law^ atod nf«2ltfion&
were of no fotcc^nlil raltfied by the Reppu. The
Reppu had therefore ibaikling diftinA ^mthat
of the Eunes, appropriated for tiieir delibera^
tions« Such, however, was. the legiibtivc wif-
dom of the Etanes^ U^at the Rtppu (eldoiQ found
it neceffary to controvert, or tO iovalid^te ^eir
flatuteSy and, therefore,, ufually joined in irecomp
mending them lo the eodcunrenee tf the king ;.
and had they not, jufl at the time we arrived^
in Bulia,. rendered tbemfelves particularly popu*
lar amongfl the people, I fhould fcarcely hava
noticed them, of fo little importance were they
except on fuch peculiar emergencies as fcldonii
Ofcur in the government of Niatirb«
Having mentioned the popularity of the
Reppu, I cannot Defwn giving, you a. Haftx
Sketch cj the day's hufinefi^ by whichit:>^rass|c-
^ired, though I muil previoufly confult th«
hafiyjketchts vchich have already been given^ left
my jiqipixiory fail me in fo arduous an undertaking
and left I omit circumftancps cffentially neceflary
to be adverted to in all iafy^ Jketches of fuch im-
portant affiiirs: Take notice, however, that this
is my own AJ^jr^/c7i, andnoHhat of my Bal-
loon friefid, who, notwithftailding his acquaint-
tance with the Bulian language|.,ha%4kotihe fa-
cility /or which I a^i remarkable in i^eporting.le-
giflaiive proceedings*
I'Hiva alre^ly lofonftedyau, that it was Rey-
twdam's delight to obiUua the will of the King..
T^ man wsume^l oqly extremely ambitious, but
his ambition, vfircf. a very dangerous com-
plexioni and,' had' his power been :fubfervient to
his wifhes, was fuch as all good men had reafon
to fear.
By the operation of caufes, to the influence of
which limited monarchies are always fubjefl,
Reynaniam became the RafinvHi or chief fer«
vant of Rexman th« kiAgi and cOnftquently had
the management of the moft important ai^its»
This gave him Wonderful influence amongft the
EtatKS, who, though not otie of diem, the daf
before^ would have iMit hiih the loan of an air«
balloon, but on condition of his never teturaing
int6 the kingdom, tiow courted and paid more ^U
tentionto him than to the king himfelf« In order
to augment his influence, Mid to feed his ambi-
tion, -Reynardam knew it wasneceflary to pofiela
wealth; and he kndw k was no tmeommon
thing to appropriate the riches of the public to
private ufes \ a maxim retigioufly obferved by all
who had the honour to aft as Re^itinv, or chief
fervant of the king. Unluckily for Reynardam^
he became Retfmim at a time when there were
b6 fruMic riches to appropriate. Sotnethhig^
however, was to be done; the intereftcd wretches
who, againft the voice of the people, and iia
^re hatred to the king, had railed Reynardam^
to power, were anxiou(ly waiting for the rewardi
of their ferviccs, and Reynardam at length dit
<!Overed means to put them out of fufpenfe.
CsRtAiN of the inhabitants of Bulia had th*
cxcliifirc prlvifcgeof making and exporting air*
baUooa»
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Mo. a
Tlie NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
hnUoooM^d other Biilian mcrchloidHc to foreign
■plaoetft^ They were an aOociated body, and iud
^acquired great riches in ihe Bulian cOiA, bcfidcs
^;ua immenfe quantity of air-balloons, which were
-continually pafling and lepalling to and from
-ether planets, particularly Eaftwardof Niatirb, to
-a world called Jidni^ alxMinding in jewels and
{lecious ftooes*
.HAVma power inhtihaiKls adequate to hi^
defigns,. Reynafdam immediately -determmed, hy
a fudden (Iretch of that power, to eilabliOi it,
.and to enrich himfetf. He, therefore, prepares a
ibrtiite enabling a certain number of his friends,
under v^^^s.yictencofi, .to (eife the fnTOperty^of
ihjD ^ll^on-mongers^ and to apply^ it for the
tnutu^- benoftt of the right ownei^, andiof the
public, that is 0f himfol^ -for. I heve:akeady ah*
{ei^vfd thet^'tfaf^ ReUininD always. ufios. the public
money aaif it wem his. ow^i private property ; a
cuftom whkh Reynvdam, id this inftancd
would not have renounced for the whole (blar«
fyftem;. fuch was his delight in following thofe
ftate maxims which had received the fan£Uon.of
innumerable precedents !
Rkynardam having declared his intention,-
and produced his ftatute, all Bulia was in con«
^on; every man e^pe^d to be deprived of
his property by a ftatutc, >yhich cxprefsly ordain*
ed the Bal^>on-mongers to refign their riches in-
tpthe^handsof thofiiJleynardam had appointed
to receive them. This flatute gave infinite plea-)
fure to the moft mercenary, that is, to the great cfl
part of the Etanes, who began to entertain fome
hopes of reaping advantages for affifting Rcy-
nardam in his infamous defigns ; and, to obtain
them, give their voiced fdr confirming (he ftatute.
L\, this, hQwever,, they were providentially
ml(laken. The king,, who asfmc^rely loved his
people, as he hated the infidious Reyhardam,
and whofc humanity and regard to juftice were
as confpicuous as the public Vnd private bafcnefs
of his chief fcrvant, privately fent for Elpmet,
one of the Reppu, a man refpe6lcd for his public
abilities and amiable for his private chara^r.
To him Rexman communicated his ideas of
Reynardam*9 ftatute, and requefted to know the
Tcntimcnts of Elpmct, 9n the fame fubje6^« Find-
ing them fimilar to his owii, he conjured him,
hy the love he bore h:$ country, to oppose Rey-
nardam's (btute in the Reppu, as the only means
of prctcrving even the appearance of juftice, and
the lafcty of the ftarc. Elpmet accordingly op-
pofed it, and infimafing to others of the Reppu,
that it was the will of the king, as well as of the
cople, that it fliould be oppofed, the chief 'Of
the Reppu reje^ed the ftatute; Reynardam was
deprived of the office of Retfmim, and retired to
his original obfcurity, with the augmented de*
tcftation of Rexman, and the execration of the
people at large ! — Of the hatred, which he bore
to Elpmet, and to the king himfelf ; of the empty
menaces with which he threatened both of thern^
for the mutual confidence they repofed in each
etfaejr^ aed of the arts he ufed for corrupting the
moraljsa^d political principles o^Sclaw^ the king's
eldeft fon, I may have occafion to fpeak here-
afterp
SvcH was the tranfa£Uon, which, meeting
With the-hearty concurrence of the people, ac«
quiiM the Reppu more popularity than they had
pofieifed for many years: a tranfa6tion of which
ihey ase perpetually fpeaking with rapture, and
on which feveral fiulian volumes have been
written, but of which I have been obliged to
give only a Hafiy^ Sketchy by way of Chronicle, and
that, I ficar, with many imperfe£lions.
St. Cecilia,
The departure of this divine warbler from
this kingdom, is to be lamented as an event which
muft jdamp with difgrace the chara6^er of one
who has been hitherto efteemed a woman of
dlfcretion and virtue. The D of D»»»»«
feems to have a peculiar penchant for the fingers
and dancers of the other fex. BaecdU long
reigned, if not unrivalled, at leaft triumphant ;
but the charms of Sl Cecilia have overpowered
thofc of BacccUi, and the former is now in Paris,
what the latter was in London — the hofom friend
of D***** ! From this circumftance it is but
too evident, that a man poflefled of abilities to
charm (enates, and to delight theatres, may yet
want power to check the progrefs of female
vanity and female inconftancy, charm he ever fo
wifely !
Masquxrasi*
KtH^i-Thmwe.
Thc Mafquerade Ball of Thurfday was by no
means well entitled to tJte sppollation ; the
charaftqrs were very few^ and many of the domino
gentry walked the rooms without niaflts. The
French ambaifador, it Ceems, had a rout at his
houfe, at which moft of the great world were
prefent,.for not above three <»r fi9ur of the nobility
appeared, and n6t one titled dune was to be
found tttidet dm roof t{ the KingVTheatre,
though inmfk was Ae word, arnd gallantry ttic ob*
je£L The corapany^-a pfetty, witleb, inoffen-
five company as ever a&mble4togethcTw«amount«
ed to about four hundred.
The
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a
THE NEW SPECTATOR, ice.
No. in
Th« mod ftriking charafter which appeared
m the rooms was VicCy who, in the pcrfons of
fcveral impurcs, was to be difeovercd at every
turn, well arrayed, and as fKppant as ufual. I1ie
Perdita, the Bird of Paradice. White Crowj and in-
deed none of the higher order of the infernal fif-
tcrhood, except Mrs. M — and the C— «, were to
he found, though 1 am pretty cdnfidcnt they were
not at tlic French ambaflador's rout. Times we
know, are hard %Yith the Pcrdita; and two
guineas^, fomctimcs, an objeft with mod of them.
—Moihcrs Windfor, Johnfon, &c. fupplied the
tnarkct with the choiceft fruits, their hot-
houfes could afford J whiUl Mrs. M-— -affumed
the aiw aad the appeatancc of the Queen of hnpu-
rity, and was cojnpUmcwtcd as fupporting the
eharafter. wheilici' mafkcdor not, with (ingular
iucccfi !
'The maiks that claimed the mo ft favourable
tioticc, vfCic^ razor -grindery a Dutch jtw^ ^ High
land lad and M/j, ^coutitry clown; There was
alfo a Mad Tom^ who, tq be furc,. muft have
been crazy, to h4ve attempted a charaftcr which,
notwilhftanding his crazi'ncfi^ he was by no means
able to fuflain; his appearance- was rather dif-
^ufting than otherwifc. — A taU man, dreffed in
pink,, witli a fadi, repiefented a chiUy and it was
univerfally aUowcd that he was perfc£Hy in cha-
ratler, till he got diunk^ and became zfooL A
figure rcprcfenting SccrU Influence, aarafted ge-
neral notice, bearing the ribbon of the order of
thi? Templers, with an infcription, Knights of
Temple; he had on a black cloak, tied'round with
a girdle, labelled 5<rcrcf Influence-, a double face; a
wooden Temple on his head, on his back a ladder,
with the words,BflfA Staixs\ a dark lantern in his
ha|id> and a qiuch darker in his head, for of all the
mafked figures, h© was the dulleft. After re-
ceiving fome ftale news-paper repertees, probably
from the original fabricators, he was courteoufly
addreffed by a domino, who congratulated him
on his public appearance, and complimented him
asthefaviourof his county, by exerting his power
in fupport of his fbvereign, and the rights of
his fellow citizens, and aboliihing the growing
influence of a defpcratc minifter. ** You came^
faid the cbmino, like the angel to Feter in prifoH
and I truft iuch angels will never be wanting
to fupport the dignity of the king, and the
majcfty of the people^ againfl ihefecret influence^
and public impudence of hackneyed ftatefmen azid
profeffed (harpers!** This (iomitto was faid to be
an independent ele^for WeJiminfUr.
Political wit, indeed, was the only wit
that could be heard at this xnafquerade; and it
confided chiefly of thofe miferable pUM which
fill the daily prints, amufing one part of mat^
kind, and difgufting the other.
About two o'clock the company fat down ta
an elegant cold fupprr : mod of the articles, con-
fiding of chickens, hatiis» partridges, and othef
game, Iweetmeats, &c. were excellent; but the-
wines, confidered as foreign, were bad ; con*
fidered as home^madt^ they wetv not good ; and
confidered as mixed, they were villainous.
Scelus eft jugular Falcmum^
Et dare Compano toxica Jixva mero 't
Such of the company as amufed themfelves with
dancing, were perpetually interrupted by die
furrounding fpe£tators, and confequently could
not di^lay themfelves to- much advantage ; every
thing, however, was taken » good part, and it
was determined to keep up the fpirit of good
humour, which was the only fpirit that appeared
during the time I (laid in the rooms.
Masquerades have been for fome time on
the decline, and the managers of this, difcovcrcd
little judgment in rating their tickets fo high as
t%vo guineas. It is not poflible to give an enter-
tainment in this houfie worth more than half the
money ; even if they were to appoint the opera
dances to perform a ballet, by way of addition
to the pleafures of a mafquerade ; and fomething,
extraordinary fbo|dd be given for anextraor^
dinary price.
Thsatres«
Cum tM^ulis animum cenforis fumet honefti.
Hon.
«« Bold be the critic, zcalotu to bit tnifii
Like the firm judge, inexorably juft.'*
I X NOW not of any perfbn that is ipore likely
than myfelf to obferve the golden rule of Ho-
race: — becaufc| am not perfonally acquainted
with, or partial to, any one manager, aftor or
aftrefs of any theatre. I, therefore, proceed in
this department without refpcft to names, per-
fons, or any thing elfe, but tfie diftatcs of com-
XBon obfervation and common fenfe.
Kin^s-Theatre.
Twxs Theatre, after a variety of contentions
which threatened us with the total lofs of the
Italian opera, at laft opened under the aufpices of
SignorGALLiNi, with a fele£Hon of performers,,
efpccially amongft the dancers,that may well fcrve
the purpofes of a fhewy amufement.— But the
Opera rage is over. The more rational amufc-
ments of the Britifti dage, under the influence
of much novelty and fome excellence, have fu^
pcrfbded
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no.tt.
tHi NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
perfeded lialian frippery; and the public have re-
peatedly given an earned of their tafte, by leaving
I^cchierotti to fmg to empty benches,
Like Philomela warMiog all alone 1
* whild clapping theatres and fhouting crowds,"
hive hailed the Siddons and the Crawford «8
the rival queens of dramatic glory !
I AU well pleafed with an opera well fet,
for as to the language of the Italian opera it is»
ufually, execrable indeed ! Refpe^ng Saturday
t)ights*s / Rivali Dciufi, it may be faid to poflfeft
fomt degree of mufical merit. Franchi and
Tafcamet with applaufe; and Signora D'Orta
certainly improves in her firft fong. Cramer's
accompaniments are, in general, well executed;
but Cramer muft play many a folo before he
rivals Ciardini. The faouie was by no means
wanned with company; and I am convinced
that nothing but the revival of fomc favourite
piece will regain that eftimation to the Italian
opera which it experienced three years ago.-^
The Dances, indeed, merit that applau(e which
they received, and inftcad of a fccondary, are now
become the primary objedl of attention. Slingfby
and Theodore always give more than fatisf^Aion.
Vcflris,' Roffi, and Simonet are juflly admired
by thofe who have any proper conception of the
Serious in dancing. — Barthelemon^s muHc is, in
general, pleafing, and in fome paflages does him
credit.
Drufy'Lane.
Thk Provoked Hujhndy performed on Tucfday,
gave me an opportunity of feeing Smith and
Mils Farrcn as Lord and Lady Townley, and I
think them equally excellent in their refpe^ve
charaflers ; and fo long as Mils Farren continues
to play with the fprightlinefs and eafe which dif-
tinguiChed her performance of Lady Townley, I
fee no manner of rcafon for all the weeping and
wailing» the howling and crying which the daily
prints pour forth when the town is deprived of
the injinitt deiight of feeing the peacock Abington
in all the gaudy plumage of a theatric waitlrobe !
MiTs Farrcn always pleafes the audieAce; and if
{he is not (6 much puffed in the papers u the
tharming AHngton, " her ftaie is the more graci-
^\X$,**''^C/u6rmiMg Abington !--*and why not cJiarm'
ing Katierfclto ?
Mas. SioooMSf in Meafure for Mcafurt^ on
Wedneiday, played Ifabella with her accu domed
excellence. It is remarkable of this aflrefs, that
flie never «* o*cr(leps the modefty of nature.*'
Ifabella is a charader by no means calculated to
(hew her powers, though (he was, when necef-
lary^ impaffioned, and through the whole play
dlfcovered that grace and delicacy which gave her
the preeminence overall her prefent contempora-
>ries, except in the judgment of thofe who prefer
rant to nature.
I c AH NOT omit mentioning a circum{b}nce
which reflefb credit on feveral of the Kembles^
who afted as fpe£Utors of this play which was
very tliinly attended. The circumftance I al-
lude to is, that fuch of the family as were prefent^
decently fcated themfel^ in the pit, and behaved
in fuch a manner as ought to make their pro*
feffional friends blufh for thofe impudent and
fantadic airs by which they are ufually dif*
tinguifhed in the green boxes.
On Friday Mrs. Siddons played JfaneShore^
and gave the chara£ler every advantage of excel*
lence, in drefs and performance. Smithes Haft*
ings is a very indifferent piece of work, and his
drefs one of the vile(l the wardrobe can fui^
ni(h» Mils Kemble, in Alicia, was all that is
defpicabic, and the managers deferve the utmoft
reprobation for infulting the town with perry ^
when ihey are paid for champagne.
Cooent-Garden.
Mas. CowLfiY*s comedy of More Wt^s than
Ofu^ wa5 performed on Tuefday. The public
prints have already faid enough, and fomething
too much, in its favour.— ^I fhail, therefore, only
obfcrve, that the farcafm on paragraph-writers^
of which honourable profcflion I cannot but deem
myfelf, whild I aft as your Sfectatorshif's
Deputy, is a fmart rap on her own knuckles.
This play is well dreffed, well performed, and
delcrves to be, as it always ia^ well received*
On Wednefday, the Duenna. Davies, in the
abfence of Reynolds, performed Antonio, and
acquitted himfelf with cn^it. It is unneceflary
to criticife on a mttficat piece when performed at
Covent-Garden Theatre. Nothing but excellence
can be expcAed from fuch an affemblage of mals
and female nightingales, larks, and black-birds!
Th s Mourning Bfide^ on Thurfday, was decently
performed ; but the part of Almeria is not cal-
culated to exhibit the powers of Mrs. Crawfbfd.
Mifs Younge in Zara, difplayed thofe abilities
\vhich entitle her to admiration. The reft of the
play was delivered *< as weU as could beexpeded."
The Pantomime of Harlequin RamUer con-
tinucs to be run every night again ft the Harlequin
Junior of the other Houfe. This is fomething
like running a jack-afs again ft the beft horfe in
the Duke of Queenfl)eity*s ftable I
It is to be lamented that a manager of fo much
fpirit as that of Covcnt-Carden fhould fo fre-
qu:ntly
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
No. IW
quentiy put himfelf to enormous expenccs in get^
ting up tralh that is better calculated for Bartho-
lomew fair^ d»n a Theatre Royal ;
The Political Graces*
The l)uchcfs of Rijf LAN'D.
The Counfefs of Chatham.
The Counsels of Te rfp l e .
1 AM credibly informed that thdfethrcd amiable
iharaHers, having the welfare of this country,
arid the dread of a certain monftcr, called Coati-
iion before their eyes, a few days ago, aCfembled
fogcther, and being fo aflembled, deivoutly, on
their htees^ drank " Succcfe to the 'prcfent Mi-
niftry! — Of this I thought proper to inform
four Spectator SHIP, notwithflanding your In-
junftion to rejeft political obfervations in my
mifcellany ; in which injunftion I humbly con-
ceive you did not mean to include female politics^
i therefore thought proper to make this report,
and to aflurc you that the faid Three Graces have
my hearty concurrence to affemble again, and de-
voXitly, on their knees, to drink " Succefs to the
New Spectator J"-— not forgetting the Su^
SfeOtdorial welfare of
Th^ir truly devoted,
JOHN BULL,
To other CoRRESPOK&EirTs.^
I am ohliged to pofpoite the Art of conducing
morning papers, btfides corifiderably cuHaxHng tht
theatrical^ and other ohfetvatiom ^ John Bull, The
advice contained in the Utter Jigned Sawney W. is
not thrown axoay; the offiic of my Deputy is %o^^
however f to be confined to important vuUters, htt it iti
intended that his obfervations fhall extend to the
" tittle-tattle** of the day ; "/(tt by the throwing up of
a ftraxo (fays an old author, J we may fee which wa^
the wind fits" — The lines figned CdXofiould have been
addrejed to Jeffrey Dvnfian, and not to the Lord
Chancellor. The letters figned A Whig, and a Re-
volution Whig, can have no place in the l^ zw S?gc»
TAT OR ; they favour too much ofthefpirit of party ;
and though party is the bane of this kingdom, it fhalS
not be the ruin of this paper. The impudence of a
morning paper of yefterdc^, in comparing Mrs, H.
with a notorious proftitute, can be equalled only by the
falfliood contained in tht affertion that the former is
nowfecreted in PaU-malL It has ufuaUy been tht
fate of that paper to fteer on the wrong fide of
the Poft \-^The Ladies who called at the Printer's
on Saturday, may reft ajfured that their requefi
fhall be complied with.
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T HE
NEW SPECTATOR;
W 1 T H T H E
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL*
ifti" r*riJtj»1«i<i
No. in.
TUESDAY, FtBRUARV 17, 17^84.
Price Thrce-pciuJe.
in fiiin V \t9
To b€ continued every Tuesday.
■lU ,iltl^ ■a^iifiltfr
Pars nmUa natat^ modi fe£U capijjen^
InUrdum praois Umxia.
Moft otlien float along thd changing tide,
And now to virtue, now to vice they glide.
Ho RAGS,
Frangm«
IT is adifiigreeable drcumfUnce to a writer who
wiihes to render hii labours fubfervicnt to
humanity, that he is under the neceflity of ex-
poiing the vices, rather than of recommending
the virtues of mankind ; fOr fuch is the prefent
fiate of morality amongfl us, that the fear of
punifhment operates more (brongly on the minds
of men, than the hope of reward; hence fatire
has been able to efiFed at leaft apparent amend-
ment| where the imited powers of reafon and
pcrfuafion have proved abortive. But t^e im-
porfe6Hon of human nature has in all ages been
jufUy lamented. Prejudice and paflion, cuftom
and caprice, have ever held the moft tyrannical
dominion over the minds of men. Slaves to
the depravity of their nature, and, like {laves,
accuftomed, not only to obey, but to flatter the
taik-mafter, and encourage him to rivet their
chains the faftcr, mankind have been, and ftill
continue, the pupils of prejudice, rather than
the followers of reafon.
Thi prefent is an age abounding inphilofophy
and literature; and Britain may juiUy be efteemed
the Athens, and Rome of the eighteeflth ceittaty.
The recedes of philofophy were never niofe affi-
duoufly explored ; the precepts of morality , were
never more ftrongly inculcated; nor was the in*
veftigation of truth, ever more ardently purfued;
jret when will the bulk 6f matikind grow wifet,
and the multitude ceafe to do evil ?
We fee that in almoft every fcietice, truth
has its opponents, but in none more than ift
the fcience of legiflation. Were ati angel vifibtjr
to defcend from heaven, deputed by heaVen itiblf,
to govern mankind, fa^on and aflimolity would
ftill retain their influence; for, whilft mi^ are
mortal, paflion will too often fuperfede reafon 1
ambition will ftill contend for power, avarice for
riches, folly for titles, and the multitude for the
darling liberty of abufing authority, and Vi6*
lating laws with impunity.
So that, notwithftanding the world ha^ been
favoured with the promulgation of a religion^
pure and undefiled, with luminaries of fciehce,
codes of laws, and fyftems of morality, we fee
mankind ftill prejudiced in their ientiments,
ttaorrotr
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
Mo. llh
narrow in their conceptions, imperfcft in their
conduft; always endeavouring to defend their
opinions, and indulge their paflions, rather than
to re£Ufy their errors, and amend their lives.
It is an obfervation of the contemplative
Cowley, that " A learned age is always leaft
devout;" an obfervation which, I am forry to
fay, is, *by the prefent times, hut too fully juf-
tified;' for it mufl be confefled that we abound
more in learning thin in devotion; in fpeculative
divinity, than in pra6lical piety; and this will
always be the cafe, where men have the liberty
of diflcminating their fentiments, publifhing the
coi^jft^iires of fimey, laying. the foundations of
Eygothetical fyftems,, and erefting the ftrufturcs
of theory, as watch-towers to the benighted ma-
riner, and as land-marks to the pious pilgrim ; a
liberty which is the peculiar blefllng of this coun-
try, and on which alj other liberties depend.
But as kamed, partipularly fpeculative men,
feldom agree, • fo, with all the rancour of dif-
putation, and the animofity of party virulence,
fyftcm is oppofed to fyflem, theory .to theory,
and opinion to opinion; all pretending to in-
ftruft mankind, in the road to virtue and hap-
pinefs, and, in the heat of debate, forgetting to
praftife the one, and totally loofing fight of the
other; and a great part of the multitude, by no
means addifted to thinking, choofe rather to be
defUtute of fixed principles, than to acquire them
at the expencc of fo much time and contemplation
as their vocations will not pcnnit, nor their in-
clinations indulge.
From hence we may, though with tlie figh of
philofophy, fafely fubfcribe to the opinion of
Cowley; fincc the learned, by their impolitic
cavils, not only abandon piety themfelves, but
lead the vulgar to conclude that religion is the
offspring of fiftion, the contrivance of cunning,
the chimera of fancy, or fomething fo difficult to
attain, that they fhall Hand excufed^ on the plea
of ignorance, in the omiflion of duties, with
which they are as well pleafed to remain unac-
quainted. Hence they become more abandoned
in tbcir vices, more profligate in their manners ;
and nothing but the dread of temporal afflidion
can reflrain them from the indulgence of favage
ferocity, and wanton barbarity: they would " eat
the bread of wickcdnefs, and drink the wine of
violence!"
There is another and happily the more nu-
merous clafs of men, who are neither philofo-
phical enough to frame fyflcms, nor wicked
enough to dethrone confcience ; who firmly 'Re-
lieve the exiflence of the deity, and diffent only in
their modes of worfhip ; and though fome modes'
are certainly more confonant to reafon thaaothen^i
yet each of thefe has his leader in opinion, and is
fo ftrongly fettered by prejudice, as not even to
liften to arguments, that tend to the convi6^ion
of error in his leader, or impropriety in himfelf.
Thus it is, that fimilarity of fentiment is the
flrongcft cement of affection ; though many will
more readily embrace and efleem principles for
the fake of men, than love men for the fake of .
principles. And this is no late prejudice ; for even
Cicero complains, that men regarded the perfon
who fpoke, more than the thing that was fpoken.
Much more might be added in illuftration of
Cowley's fentiment. It opens a l^rgc fie^4 ^V
fpechilationi'but in one thing, at leaft, I will
imitate the poets : I will leave iomcthhig to cxet^
cife the imagination of the reader.
Several thoufand years ago, three beautiful
damfels, named Reason, Opinion, and Curio-
sity, were wanderii\g together in m cxtcnfivo
foreft, in fearch of a flower called Truth, which
had long been fought for in vain. It was deemed
fwceter than the rofe, more delicate than therlily^
and had the fingular quaLry of retaining an eter<
nal bloom. Repofing themfelves by the fide of a
fountain. Opinion difcovercd a purple violet,
and infifted that file had found tlie prize. Rea-
son Contended that k could never be the fiower
. called Truth, for wherever it grew, it was as
white as the mountain fnow, and, even in the
night, might be difcovered like the glimmering of
the evening flar in the blue expanfe of heaven*
But Opinion perfifted, and would not quit the-
contcfl, till fhe could be affurcd of the fa6l, and
requeftcd it might be left to the decifion of the
next perfon they fhould meet. Whilfl Curio-
sity was attentively examining it, a traveller,
who delighted in nothing fo much as rambling
out of the common road, and had lofl his way,
came up to the damfels to enquire where he was^
and to folicit their prefence at his dwelling, for he
was ever pleafed with the converfation of ftran-
gers. His name was Chance, and he no fooner
behdJ Opinion, than he conceived a violent
affeftion for her. Opinion, with a wining
fmile, artfully propofed the queflion refpe6Ung
the flower, and he, defirous of ingratiating him-
felf with fo fair a damfel, alTured her it was
the flower called Truth, on which Opinion
faid fhe would' proceed no further in quell of
that which fhe had already found. So that
Reason and Curiosity, never tired of walk«
ing, purfued their journey; and Chance taking
Opinion home with him, publicly efpoufed her,
and had a daughter named Prejudice ; but
her parents ncglcfting her education, fhe was de-
flowered
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No. IIL
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
fiowercd by a man called Custom, with whom
fhc continued to live as his concubine, and hy
whom he had a numerous progeny of male and
female children.
What became of Reason, hiftory does not
inform us ; but tradition fays fhe at length found
out Truth, and being thirfly with rambling in
the woods, direded her courfe to a cottage, aea^
which a young maiden, called Philosophy, was
drawing water out of a well. Curiosity
prompted Reason to peep into the well, to fee
how deep it was, when (he accidentally let the
flower Truth drop into it. Curiosity was
not at all concerned at the event ; for having ex-
amined and fmelled on the Teaves, fhe was fatis-
fied; but Reason made great lamentation; and
it is faid, that (he and Philosophy have at
times, ever (Ince, been vainly endeavouring to
recover Truth out of the well !
To the Nxw Spectator.
I tfuftthc caufe of Humanity will always
fed an advocate in the New Spectator. * A$
a ftiend to Humanity, I wifh to £tt the foOow-
ing P©em in your coUedion. It was written by
the late Rev. Dr. LAKisftORNs, whofe poedcal
todrit is wdl known amongft poetical tcadefs,
imd whofe letters of Tkeodofots and Conjtantia have
^fervedly rcndeped him a favourfte writer with
the wofid «i general, and our {ex m particular.
I am truly aftonSflied Aat fo cxccflent a com-
pofition ^ that wbhich I now fend you, is not
mwe generally known. I am. Sir,
Yours, &c.
Lichficid. " ANN S*****,
Hymn to HuM.i^NiTY,
tarcnt of virW, if thine car
Attcnsil tioi now to forrow^s bi^; -
If ttow'thc 5^ty-ftTcamifl]g tear '
ShwiW hAplf bh thy Aeek be c% ;
3n<folgi inyvOB^ Ulriiii, O fWeM Hu m a n i t y I
Come> ever welcome to nny bi^aft !
A tender, but a cheaifal ^fl. »
Nor always in the. gloomy cell
Of Hfc^confiiming forrow dwcl|;*
Fbr fetfOw, long induIgM and flow,
Is to Humanity a foe ;
And gtWf; Ai^'inakcs "ihelicart i ptty,
WeiEiffe JfeNfiWRfy flh^iy. ..
ITiedxwiies fwceiuiiyw^ 1 4li(lcttf «f Ihto^
O may that fiend be baniffied far,
Tho' paflions hold eternal war I
Nor ever let me ccafe to know
The pulfe that throbs at joy or woe :
Nor let my vacant check by dry,
When forrow fills a brother's eye |
Nor may the tear that frequent flowa
From private or from focial woes,
E'er make this plcafing fcnfc depart.—
Ye Cares, O harden not my heart I
If the fair flar of fortune fmilc,
Let not Its flattering power beguile.
Nor, borne along the fav*ring tide,
My full fails fwell widi bloating pride.
Let me from wealth but hope content^
Remembering (HU it was but lew;
To modeft merit fpread my (lore,
Unbar my hofpitahlc door ;
Nor feed, for pomp, an idle train.
While want unpidcd pines in vain.
If heaven, in every purpofe wife^
The envied lot of wealth denies ;
If doom'd to drag life's painful load
Thro* poverty's uneven road.
And, for the due bread of die day»
DeflinM to toil as well as pray ;
To thee. Humanity, fiiM trpe,
I'll wtih ihe good I cannot do ;
And give ihe wretch, diatpafictl^
A ^diii^ wonl--a tear^ fi^.
Howe*er exalted, or depreft,
Be ever mine the feeling bread.
From me rempve the ftagnant mind
Of languid indolence^ rcclin'd;'
The fotrf that one long (abbatfa kctps^
And <hfo* the fito's Whole cirelc fleept^
J>uli Peace, that'^ells in F-otly'i eye^
, And iel^irtfinding :Vanity.
'' Alike, -ihe-CcH'Kihk r«^d the v^n,
Arc firangers to the fenfe humane..
O for that fympathetic glow
tVhich teught^tfce holy tear to ^ow.
When tl>e prophetic eye furvey'd
Sion in future afhes laid !
Or, rais'd.iahcaye(i, implored fth4 bread
That thoufands in the defart fed !
Or, when the heart o'er friendfhijJ*^ giwt
Sigh'd, and forgpt its power to fevc— r-
for that (ympathetjc glow
Whith taught the holy tear Co flow*! ' '
It comes : Jt fillrmy labouring liietft;-^
1 fe<l my beetitg heart oppieft. r
Oh, hear that lately widow's wail I
See her xiim *yc.! her afpeA pale J
To heaven fhc, t^ras in deep deipair^
Her infanu wonder at her prayeiy
Aii
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
Mo. III.
And, mingling tears tkey know not why,
Lift up tbeir little hands, and cry.
O God I their moving forrow fee \
Support them, fweet rfu m a n i t y !
Life, iilPd with grief's diftrcfsful train,
For ever aflcs the tear humane.
Behold in yon unconfcious grove
The vidims of ill-fated love !
Heard you that agonizing throe ?
Sure this is not romantic woe !
The golden day of joy is o'er ;
And now they part—to meet no more.
Aflift them, hearrs from anguifli free I
Affift them, fweet Humanity!
Parent of virtue, if thine ear
Attend not now to forrow's cry ;
If now the pity-ilrcaming tear
Should haply on thy cheek be dry,
Indulge my votive fiiain, O fweet Humanity !
To the l^MMtr Spectator.
Dear Spec!
In the name of a church folio, what is to
be done ? I find you leave out fomc of the moft
choice of my opinions, and temporary remarks,
for want of room ! My opinion of coloured garters,
amd my remarks on gold-laced JlockingSi with the
romantic ftory of the Windfor Widow, and the
memoris of Mrs. Abingtorif all laid afide, for want
of room! But, my dear Spec, confider that if
you cannot find fpace enough formy mifcellanies,
I {hall never write down half the abufes I am
witnefling daily, and people wilt think I know
no more , than a dumb fortune-teller, or a
Piccadilly .conjurer. Remedy this evil, my good
friend, if you even publiih twice a week, and, for
the love of the virtues, do not be fparing of a
little paper, to expofethe vicei! — But I proceed
in my memorabilia.
Your faithful Deputy eled !
JOHN BULU
Female Dress^
The moft provoking circimiftance attending
the life of a lady of tafte, is, the impudence of
the vulgar in prefuming to adopt her drefs, and
render it common before ihe has (hewn it to half
the town. I have fometimes been amazed, that
thofe patronefles of tafte and fefhion in female
drefs, the DuchelFes of Devonfhire and Rutland,
never procured his Majejty's Royal Letters Patent,
for the exclufive privilege of wearing, appearing
in, and ex^fing to admiration certain dreffes, by
them the laid Duchefles firft invented, formed.
fafhioned, and worn; fOr in fuch words, or in
words fimilar to thofe, doubtlcfs faid Patent
would run.
Ladies of diftin£lion, have, atlaft, however,
procured a drefs, which cannot cafily be adopted
by their inferiors ; it is too cxpenfivc, and in-
deed too ftately for daily exhibition. The body
confifts of black velvet, the train of white crape,
and the petticoat of pink (attin* The head b
adorned not only with feathers, but with crimp
feathers, and it is a happy circumftance, in thefe
times of fcarcity, that a lady of fafhion may pro-
cure a cap, fit to be feen in, at the reafonable
price of four guineas !
Balloon hats now adorn the heads of fuch of
the parading impures, as can afford them ; whilft
the more inferior tribe, have invented a hat
which is, not improperly, called the Bajiard
balloon ! — ^being a humble imitation of the green-
box balloon, and dcftitutc of feathers. Thefe
balloon fafhiona, I believe, are about their zenith,
and muft foon burft, and be forgotten !
I AM forry to obferve, that the Sajh has its re-
tainers, even in the depth of winter^ but fome
ladies think they never can appear too airy, and
perhaps deem the Safh a neceCIary appendage
to the balloon hat. Be that as it may, I can-
not but look on the Safh, now, as no bad re*
femblance of a label to a phial of phyfic, con-
taining direftions how to take it. Indeed if any
thing were to be infcribed on the fafhes of. thofe
ladies who now wear them, furely nothing
could be nK)re apofite than the words. To be
leU to the btji bidder. But I belieVe the fign ia
prct^ gencr^ly undferfhxxi, without the in-
fcription !
B U L I A.
I HAVE already acquainted your Spectator-
ship, that when my friend and I, in our air bal-
loon, firft arrived in this curioiu coimtry, the
people were involved in politics, and talked and
thought of nothing eHe ; and as I wifhed to give,
you a faithful relation of every thing wc fhould
learn there, I deemed it neceffary, like all other
travellers, to give fome account of the form of
government and the ftate of the politi(!aI af&irs
as well as of the manners ^nd cuftoms, fafhions,
and amufements of the world which we thus ac-
cidentally vifited. I will, however, fpr the pre-
fent, bid adieu tP their politics, and give you
fome account of the general charaOer of the
people.
The Bulians are reprefented by their ancie^it
hiftorians, to have been at once warlike and hof^*
pitable. It was late biefore fcience made aAy pro*
greliiamoDgftthem; but iulhcadwiicedi their fe-
rocity
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No. IlL
THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
rocity gave way, and, in proccfc of time, they
became polifhed and enervated. It was their
pride to boaft of the warlike exploits of their
hardy progenitors, and of the honour they had
acquired by combating with, and conquering,
worlds of much larger extent than their own«
The Bulians particularly excelled in encounter-
ing their enemies in their air balloons, and, even
at the time we vifited them, were faid to excel
the neighbouring planjcts in their dextrous ma-
nagement of thofe curious machines. They had
juft then concluded a war in which they fingly
oppofed four enormous planets, and were willing
to affume to themfelvcs the honours of vi6lory.
To us, however, it appeared to have been a fort
of drawn battle on all fides.
BuLiA, emerged in thofe diftreflcs which war
always occaHons, and in that luxury which a
partial refinement always introduces, prefented
to our view, a people of a mixed, and almofb
heterogeneous charader : proud, and y^ vain;
infolent and yet courteous; benevolent, and yet
too often inhuman; generally capricious, yet
fometimes fleady. Their chief delight was to
command other worlds, but, alas, they wanted
the virtue to command themfelves ! They were
not defUtute of hcroifin, but deficient in rc-
(blution. They aflumcd the appearance, and the
airs of bravery,* but <* their courage was raifed
hy an affront, and died in a duel !"
Such were the men of Bulla, when we vifited
them. The chara6ler of their women was
equally mixed, and^ ifpoflible, more undefinablc.
«— But of them I ihall have enough to fay when
I give you the charafter of Selazo, the king's
jeldeft fon. — My balloon friend, has juft now
brought me a literary work, which he calls. The
fiami kmblc of R^nardam ; tranflated from the
£ulian; >a produ^ion read with infinite pleafure
by the Bulians, who ever delighted in mounte-
banks and tumblert !
Morning Papers, '
/ News-papers were perhaps never in more
4gDXKnl eftimation, than at prefent, but the chief
objefi: of them i«^ oearly loft. Intelligence,
dom«ftic and foreign, is what, properly, con-
ftitutes.a news-paper; whereas dirty abufe, il-
liberal refle6Hons, and patty malevolence, now
form the chief articles of k news-paper, and he
that throws the mo^ dirt,' and exhibits the pro-
lR*i»deft (kill in the icience of impudence, is
£u-e to iucceed the beft t Trading-orators, like
trading-jufticcs, fend dabotatc accounts of their
4i¥m honefty, and, on pi^nng their fees^ are cknh
midei^ heraldizcd, and pojted^ as the only m^ oh
whom Um fidvatii9ii of tbr country can depend !
Never were the condu6lors of thefe literary
muflirooms fo puzzled to know which fide of the
queftion to take in their political capacity, as
they have been lately* It was curious enough to
obferve the violent oppofition, which during
Lord North's adminiftration, and imm^ediately
aftenvards,' took place between thefe important
members of £he community !— how they pa-
ragraphed one man, and be-paragraphed another!
—how the Poft black-balled Charles Fox, and
the General waflied him white again ! — ^how the
Herald appointed Jladle adminiftrations, and the
PiMc overturned them! — how theZ«d(g^^ reported
certain faids, and the Gautteer contradi6led them 1
— ^how the Daily kept accumulating money by
advertifmg, and cared neither for one fide, nor
the other !-— In thefe dreadful times it required
fome ikill to condud a morning paper ; but the
cafe is quite altered now !— Mr. Fox no fooner
came into adminiftration, and propofed his India
bill, than, as if he had already thrown Indian
pearls amongft the fwine, they all grunted in one
key, and Vive U Renard! was the word ! — Hence
the very papers that for years, had been his
moft violent enemies, inftantly became his greatcfl
friends ; and the art of condu6ling a morning paper,
refpe^ng politics, is now reduced to the fimple
talk of panegyrifing Mr. Fox, and abufing his
opponents. But the grand rule with an Editp^— •
provided he is not the Editor of the Public Ad^
vertifer-^is to be a lawyer in his principles : that is,
to take fees on both fides, if it can be done with-
out difcovery ; if not, to lift under the banners of
the beft bidder, which is ufually the man whofe
caufe is the moft defperate !— »And fo much for
the art of condu£ling morning papers in political
matters!— I truft friend Spec, that I am not now
trefpaffing on your rule againft politics, but hav-
ing promifed the Art of conducing morning papers^
by way 6f opening the eyes of my countrymei^
againft news-paper impofition, I could not, with
propriety, permit fo eflential an article to efcape
animadverfton. In my next, I fhall, probably,
go into other and, to moft people, more in-
terefting matters refpe6Bng this bufiueis, and give
a few inftruftions to thofe who wifti t6 {ucceed as
writers for all, or any, of the morning papers.
Theatres.
As I have neither time nor inclination to keep
a theatrical regifter, fo I (hall only animadvert
on fuch performers and performances, as con^
fiderably merit either cenfure or applaufe*
Drury^LanC'
On Thurfday Mrs. Siddons played Lady Ran-
dolph in Douglas f a part in which Mrs. Crawford
is faid to be ynrivalUd^ In thi$ ch vafier, theft
tw#
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, *c.
Ko; III*
tvroaftrcffcs have merits of a difiercnt complexion.
Mrs. Siddons, by the delicacy and fufceptibility
of her manner, from the firft to the laft, keeps
the attention " tremblingly alive :" whilft Mrs.
Crawford is excellent only in a few marked paf-
fages in which indeed fhe " harrows up the foul."
^^JJf Brercton^s Douglas, and Benfley's Norval
the lefs that is faid the better.
The new comedy of Reparation, on Saturday,
written by Mr, Andrews, is, as was intimated
in the prologue, of the tragi-comic kind; and
might readily be converted into any fpccies of the
drama. The chara6ler of the ceremonious Sir
Gregory Glovetop, is an original in water colours^
imd was well fupportcd by Mr. Parfons. Re-
lating how he flood at Court in his younger days,
he mentions the hack-Jiairsy at which fomc hot-
headed politicians took ofFence with juft as much
reafon as if the word dcoil had been mentioned.
This conlidcrably retarded the performance, and
created an univerfal uproar in the houfe. It
Ought, however, to be obferved, that the hiflcs
were dire^d againfl thofe whofe feelings were
hurt by the cxpreflion, and not againfl the author
or performer. — It is rematkable that in this piece
there are no lefs than three chara6lers which it
would be well to omit : Capt. Swagger, Mifs P.
Zodiac and Lady Betty ; all ill written, and wdl
(upported.— Julia Harvey, by Mils Farren, is a
charafter new to the Jtage, though too much in
the heroics, and was admirably performed. In-
deed this is the only interefling charafter in thfc
piece, and there is not now on the flage any ac-
trefs who could do it that juflice it receives from
Mifs Farren. The pretty little girl that appeared
as thtfon of Julia, I am told is a daughter of the
Celebrated ZofFany, the painter, who is now in
the Eafl Indies.-^Lord Heaic and Col. Quo-
rum ate faid to be well known chara&ers ; with-
out adverting to any particular perfon, his lord-
fhip is a flrong refemblance of diffipated lords
in abundance! The Colonel too is a protot^^
of many a country juflScc, but Mr. Lewes dtef-
fed his head like One pretty well known in tOfWft.
— Mr. Dodd did juflice to Lord Heftic. Love-
lefs atod Belfdrt, by Brercton and Farren, were
in their ufual way :
Something to blame, and fomediing to commend.
They arc neceffary, but uninterefling; the fame
obfervation may be applied to Harriet Glovetop.
With rcfpeft to the p^y in general, it abounds
in many good, and fome new fentiments. It is very
thinly ftrcwed with Attic fait ; too much of the
wit being in the news-paper ftilc, and borderi^jg
on the pun.— The firft and fccon4 afts fo mtich
exhaull patience itfelf, that the fcythe, rather
than the prunihg knife, is neceffary. The ma-
nagers in getting up the play, have not fpared
expence, the new fcenes are well painted, and
the dreffes are elegant, particulaHy that of Mifs*
Farren, who, I have obferved, always dreffes
hercharafters with propriety: feldom the cafe
with a firfl-rate female performer !— The pro^
logue, fpoken by Mr. Lewes, as an old woman,
alluding to Moliere's, had fo many temporary
allufions, and was fo well pointed, as to receive
more applaufc than the play itfelf— -The fame may
be faid of the Epilogue, admirably fpoken by
Mifs Farrch.
The fame evening Thomas and Sally re-intro-
duced to the public, Mifs George, ivhofe \'Ocai
powers rival thofe of moft of our Italian vifitors.
and who is confiderably improved in her afting,
Mrs. Wrighten, In Dorcas, was admirable.
Indeed, whether in old or young charaClers, the
voice of this kdy is no fooner heard, than
chearfulncfs and good humour pervade the whole
houfe% Barrymore's Squire would be much
better, if there were no Jinging in it. Wil-
liames, in Thomas, took great pains, and is fo
far coimnendableb
Ca9eni'GMriem^
Th£ Shipwreck^ an alteration of Lillo^ F^
Curigfity^ by Mr. M'Kenzie, andior of tfc«
Prince of Tunis, Man of Feeling, and cXheriiv
tcrary produftions, was performed on Tuefday
and does credit to his jjonius. He has introducei
a new chara^r with fuccefs : a ^landToti of oM
Wilmot. The alteration, however, does tiot4>7
any means relieve the original, in reganl to th*
continued diflrefs which runs through the whold.
Some further addition is neceflary to rendbr (his^
play of five a£b| and. firetai thtt fpeciiinn^f -Mt^. ,
M^Kenzie'is abilitik% I have no ^bubt biu h^
could accompHfh {vkh jmundertakii^ with citltft
to himfelf, and fatisfa6bion to his audience, ot
readers. By the preftnt alteratbn old Wilmot't
crime is placed in a lefs horrid point of view,
and the cruelty of Agnes is rendered molcc pros-
bable. The play k well got up, and wat dbam«u
ly performed, ifewlerfonft Wiltaot indeed, i«i
moft parts, delayed his ufual excellenoe, -^rhidk
in faa fu|^rted the pieca Mrs. Bates and Mib.
Kcmble were well feteived, and Wiodig^itM
was commendable iu Youn^ Wihnot *
^ In ihtCardefs H^ni, oh Wedhe(fday, Mkkw
Abtngton di^ayed fs n^iDck of her comit ^wwi
as the part of Lady Bdtiy Modifli wifl ad»n>.
But. the rpcurrtncc to her beauty, which is per-
petually made through ihe wholfe pli^, thn»wi;«
ridicule oo her perforaanct-iivliMiilil ktf 4ib
meant
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No. UL
THE NEWSPECTATOR, ftfi.
means entitled td ; Mrs. Abirigton being a very
ordinary woman. Unfortunately for the admirers
of this play — very little worthy of admiration-^
Render fon was indifpofed, and Wroughton played
Sir Charles Elafy, which, it is io be hoped he will
not be under the necefiity of performing again fpee-
dily, Mrs. Mattocks in lady Eafy, gave much fatif-
fa£lion, andwas^wcfldreffed, which is more than
can be faid of Mrs. Abington, who was fo bc-
fprinkled with tinfcl, as to be a filter repite^
fentativc 6f the dreffed dol of a toy Ihop, than-
of a lady of quality. The audience was crouded^
and brilliant; for an ififipid, merctricknis comedy
will always bring infipid, and meretricious
people together !
The comedy .of the Capricious Lady^ on Fri-
day, and again laft night, was performed before
falhionablc audiences. This pla^y wai revived lafl
year, at the requeft of Mrs. Abington ; and her
performance of the capricious lady docs great
credit to her abilities, and fhews that ftie knows
the nature and^ftrength of her own powers; a
fpecies of knowledge in which theatrical perform-
ers are generally very deficient. — Mr. Wrough-
ton, in the elder Lovelefs, appears to more ad-
vantage than in any other comic charafter he
has performed lately. Lewis makes as much of
the younger Lovelefs, as it will admit ; whilft
^Juick and Wilfon arc tolerably laughable.
S t • C E c 1 t I A«
I recommend it to the zoag who favored me
with the abfurd and extravagant joke under this
title in my laft Mifcellany, not to make the New
Spectator the fport of his wit in future. I fay
the tvag^ becaufe I cannot fuppofc it to have pro-
ceeded from nudice^ which is generally difcreet
enough to faften on charaders within the reach
of calumny.— It would be an infult to my read-
ers, as well as to the lady, whom I have fince
learned was meant to be alluded to, to attempt
apology or contradiftion.
Scandal.
It is remarkable how this word is daily abufcd.
The moft authentic accounts of the moft infamous
tranfadions arc called fcandalous— by thofe who
are interefted in their contradiftion. Even I, who
make it a rule to adhere to truth have been accuf-
ed of committing fcandal! If people will expofc
their vices, am not I, moft worthy Spec, deputed
by you to reveal their offences, and, in their per-
fons, toexpofc viceitfclf ? Isnotthattobc thechief
objea, the butt-end, as I may fay, of my mifcella-
ncouscnquirics ? To rail, in general terras, againft
the vices of the age, is no mqre Ihan writing fef-
mons, and will the incorrigible regard a fermon ?
That cannot be called fcandal Which has truth '
for its foundation ; and it is tlie bufmefs of the
guilty to reform, or to concdd their crimes, and
not for me to fpare the lafh, when vicious ex-
ample daily ruins its thoufands, and infamy tri*
umphs over Virtue !
Low WaiTiktf*
You may think it ftrange, friend Spec, but
notwithftanding-the admirable fatircs we have on
the bombaftln writing, many of your, or rather
. my readers, have ftill an affeftion for' what they
call a Jint jiilc^ in ail fpecies af compofition I A
vcryfagacious friend of mine loudly complains
that the cxpreflfions, in my laft, " Hedge-lane beaii.
ty," and *• 2l jack-afs,*' dire very low, arid unworthy
even of John Bull ! — But, Sir, my friend does
not refleft that the fidjeHs on which thofe words
were employed, arc, perhaps, as arUufublimc as
any in the univerfe : Squire Morgan's Nephew,
and Harlequin Rambler !*—TK<x moft defpicable
images require the moft defpicable terms ; and I
have no notion of writing about Squire Morgan's
Nephew as if he were a gentleman, or about Har-
lequin Rambler as if it were 2ifarxc I
Due
u
The unfortunate duel which was fought on
Friday, between a Captain Moftyn and a Captain
Clarke, near Little Chelfea, in which the former
loft his life, is another call on the legiflaturc to
do (bmething refpefUng this prevaling cuftonu*-^
I am forry to read in the accounts already given
of it, that they were obfcrvcd by feveral fpcc-
tators, as well as their feconds, and yet that none
interfered with the arm of juftice, to prevent the
fatal effefts of their frenzy. •
It is faid that one of them was deaf to all le-
monftrance ; and if the other had not given him
the fatisfaftion he required, he would have been
branded as a coward, and have loft the appellation
of a gentleman ! — It is a hard thing to abolifti evil
cuftoms, but I truft the Bill which a right reve-
rend Prelate is faid to have ill contemplation will
effed the abolition of the moft barbarous cuftom
remaining to difgrace this country. And it were
to be wifhed that in the new regulations it maybe
fo ordained that the great ax may fall with re-
doubled weight on thofe of the miUtary who may,
in this refpeft, tranfgrefs the laws of the land,
and the diftates of humanity !
n
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XH i, NEW Sf ECTATO R,. .i8b^
No. III.
Hti SOLEMNITr, ^
I obfervcd yo«^— I «m confident I am not
mift^Jctn— the other night at Covent^Gardcn
Theatre^ in one corner of the upper iide-l^xesy
neitf the gallery, fnugly ereft^ like an Egyptian
snnmmy in a packing-cafe, making your fage re-
vuxks through a pair of prepofterous green fpec-
Udes, and, by the turn of ypur optics, I have
reafpn to fuppofe you were criticifing fome liitU
freedoms that paffcd between me and the divine
little creature, my companion. But, mum !— no
fcandal— -as you dread the refentment of
Youn, as you merit,
Bedford Coffee-HoHfe, DAN DANGLE!
Friday*
To other CoYa>Sf on dsmtk
Ju'VENis complains that I am not an impartial ,
Spectator. / hope there is no fuck being in the
toorUy as an impartial SpeQator: hemufi U deftHutt
of all feeling J and <f all fittfe^ tuho can view with
impartiality^ the good and hadt which daily pr^enb
them/ehes^'^Ttoo of my correjpondents remind me that
I have nothing to do wUh politics* In my tum^ I kg
leave t0 remind them^ that relating the of airs of ano-
ther worlds has nothing to do with the politics of this*
-*-£xploratio Jhall be attended to^^^When Horatio
can perfuade people to ad confidently ^ their fcelingt
zM never be hurt by the New SrBCTAToa^—
Modelbis has my thanks for his good wifhes: the
matter he complains of cannot at prtfent be remedied^
and is indeed generally adndred^^^As to Sawney W.
he deals fo much in the myJleriouSi that his loft epifile
foars b^ond my comprehenfion.
London: Printed by T. Rickabt, No. 15, DukeVCourt, Bow-Strcct, Covcnt-Gardcn ;
And Sold by T. AXTELL, No. 1, Finch-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, BookfeUCT, Chi^rles-Street, St. James's-Square ; by P. BRETT, Bookfeller and
Sutioner, oppofite St. Qen^entVChurch in the Strand; by G. KEARSLEY, No. 46, Fleet-Strect ;
and by W. THISELTON, BookfcUcr and Sutioner, No. 37, Goodge-Street, Rathbone-Place.
\* ConaispoNDENTi aie rcqueftcd to addrefs their favours to the New S^ECTAToa, to W
^ left at Mt. Swift's, in Charfcs-Strcct, St. Jamc5*s-S<iuare, where a L^ttek-Box is aflwc*
for then- icception.
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\ tAiif\sf\M
aga^iq6ag6aig6.iaiCaqC^ AiMB/C>i> ( iV"^tirV i >>r^^
THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. IV.
TUESDAY, February 24, 1784.
Price Three-pence.
To be continued every Tuesday.
N<m ignara malty miferis fuccurrtrc difcok
VikC. Mn. lib* X. V. 630.
IN literature^ as in every thing elfe, faftiioii
has its votaries, and example commands its
followers. When fuccefs attends the literary ef-
forts of one man, the tribe of writers, as if pof-
felTed of the fame genius, immediately turn their
attention to the fame obje£t, and prefcntly furnifh
the world with a multiplicity of books on the
fame fubje^.
For fomc years pad the attention of the re-
public of letters has been chiefly devoted to a
fpecies of compofition, called fentimental writing;
and from the vaft number of books we have lately
had recommending the moral graces, and the
beauty.of virtue, it might naturally be fuppofed
that, amongft us, virtue and the moral graces
were in the higheft efltmation.
But it is one thing to praife, and another to
pra6Ufe. l>Jotwithflanding this inundation of
literary morality, I do not find that the virtues, in
general, are more countenanced, or that knavery
and folly have lefs influence, than ufual^ Sen-
timent feems to have gained poffefllon of the head
only; whilft the heart remains expofed to the
rude attacks of paflion.
It would, however, have been unfortunate
indeed, if the united labours of our fehtimental
writers had not effe£bd fome good^ If they
have not been able to flop the progrefs of vice,
they have at lead, in fome meafure, and in fome
bofoms extended the influence of Humanity;
they have rqidered their readers fufceptible of
the finer feelings*, and fometimes charmed tlie
mind with a tranfient view of virtue herfclf*
But their efforts have been generally too feeble,
and their materials too flimfy, to make any lafHng
impreflton on the heart. They have recommend-
ed, rather thari enforced the practice of virtue,
tndy in too many inflances, have painted, in
fafcinating colours, the alluring advantages of
vice.
It ha§ thus fcecn the fafhion to tecommend
humanity rather as an accomplifhmeht thati as ah
obligation ; and hence the pradice of benevo-
lence has been circumfcribed by inclination ra-
ther than by duty* To do urlto others as we wifh
they fhould do unto us, is, however, a precept
which admits of no evaflon ; and though the ex-
tent of our benevolence may be left to our own
determination^ a time will come when we fhall
be obliged to render an account of the juftice of
all our tranfadtions with the poor, as well as the
rich ; with the mendicant, as well as the mer-
chant.
The poflcfTion of wealth, it has often been
remarked, has evils and duties peculiar to itfelf ;
evils which extend in proportion to the encrcafe
of riches ; and duties which become the more
irkfome to perform as the means to perform them
are augmented. He whofe heart is fet on the
acquifition of wealth thinks he zEts nobly if he
fatisfles all legal demands ; and referves his bene-
volence till he makes his will, bequeathing what
is, properly, then the right of another. Thus be-
ncVoIcnce, with him, becomes a kind of pofthu^
mous
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
No. IV.
mous work in which he has but little (hare, and
from which he can derive but little advantage.
Extravagance, on the other handj is another,
and a more alarming enemy to benevolence.
Avarice and extravagance arife from the fame
condnd: ah improper difpofition of the means,
wherewith providence hat cntruftcd us for the ac-
conapliihment of certain purpofes. As avarice
will not, fo extravagance cannot perform die
duties of humanity. Extravagance, it is true,
fomctimes throws wealth into the lap of indigence*
and bread into the mouth of the hungr>'*, but
then it as frequently happens, that he who thus
profufely and adventitioufly fcatters the bounty
of providence, is prefently reduced to feek that
afliftance which he might have bcftowed on
others, and to crave that compaflion to which
his conduft is by no means entitled. And it
were well if the evils of extravagance ter-
minated here ; but alas ! the innocent too often
{hare the fate of the guilty : families are daily
reduced to penur)^ by the fuperflubus cxpences
of individuals, without theexercife of one noble
a£Uon, or the accomplilhment of one humane
duty.
From the influence of avarice on age, and
of extravagance on youth, it appears that the
number of thofe is confidcrable who do not vo^
luntaiily contribute to the relief of the poor. But
I trufl the number of thco is much more confi-
derable who, aduated by the pure principles of
benevolence, appropriate fpecific charities to the
relief of the indigent and unfortunate, and, in
this bitter feafon, refle£l with commiiTeration on
the (late of fuch as are deilitute not only of the
comforts, but even the necefiaries of life.
It is not my intention here to appeal to the
feelings of my readers, on a fubjeft which fur-
nifhcs the mod extenfive field for exciting fympa-
thetic emotion and tender fcnfibility. Enough
has been faid and written for that purpofe, and I
have already intimated that our fentlmcntal wri-
ters have, in this refpeft, done fome fervicc. That
benevolence which has been fo repeatedly praifed
and recommended as graceful and excellent, it is
my wiih to enforce as a duty, neceffary to be per-
formed, and for the omiflion of which no ade-
quate reafon can be afligned.
O pity human woe 1
*TSs what die happy to the unhappy owe :
was the language of Homer ; and, «« Give to him
that afkcth of thee ; and from him that would
borrow of thee turn not thou away ;" are the
words of one that fpakeas never man fpakcl
The moralifl, the poet, and the divine never
more forcibly affeft fenfibility than in the relation
of fome aft of benevolence. There is fomething
in gencrofity fo congenial to the human heart
that a good a£lion alwiiys meets with the applaufe
even of the vicious. Thus an humane fentiment •
delivered with propriety on the ftage,, never falls
to excite the indantaneous approbation of the bad
as well as of the good. The heart, how great a '
ftranger foever to merit in itfelf, by the abufe of
a felfifh poffeflbr, will, on all fuch occadons, af-
fcrt its nature, and, deflitute of caufe to rejoice
in its own excellence, will exult in that of ano-
ther. That f)Tnpathetic feeling which nature has
implanted in the breaft, and from which the great-
ed pleafures are derived, religion has commanded
us to indulge, and rendered that our duty which
encrcafes our felicity.
Let me then recommend to the attention of
the opulent the annual cuftom of one of the
greatefl charafters in this kingdom, who appro-
priates a certain, and no incondderable, fum for
the relief of thofe indigent creatures whofe in«
duftxy will fcarcely I'upply their wants, and who
are unwilling to become burthenfome to the
community. This clafs of people contains many
worthy charafters^ who deferve every relief which
benevolence can bellow, and it mufl afford the
Duke ofNoRTHUMBERLAND a fatisfa£uon which
I am little able to defcribe, when he rcfic6ls that
his humanity may have refcued from pining mi-
fery many a didreffed family, and laved fiom de-
ftruftion many a channing infant. Thus even
after ages may reap the good cffc6ts of his Grace's
bounty, and the name of Percy will defceod to
poilerity with additional luftre !
To the New Spectator.
Sir,
You have applauded the playing and the
drcfs of Mife Farren in the new comedy— I ntean
dramatic hermaphrodite— «f Reparation* Permit
me to enter an exception againft each.
As to playing : if MiCs Farren would not doop
quite fo much, and (b continually, it would be all
the better. She does wtfjl to avoid die contrary
extreme of a drawing-room formality ; but there
is a medium in all things, and ihe may be cafy
without flooping, and (lately without ftiffnefs.
As to drefs: the flounce trimmings are too nu-
merous, too heavy, and too flat ; and the muflin
on the (leeves (b difycMi as to make the anna ap-
pear longer than could be wiflied. The head-
dreis is by hr the mofl excellent, and I know not
any thing wherein a woman's ufte can be better
difplayed than in a hoad-drefs*
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Kb* IV.
TH£ N£W SffiCTATOR, Aa
The drcfs of Mifs Pope is of a piece with her
performance — almoft unexceptionable ; whilft
that of MrSi Brercton is in a contrary extreme.
I am, Sir, Yours, &C4
CHARLOTTE CURIOUS*
I AM afraid Mifs Charlotte Curious is " more
" nice than wife." However, I leave her and
my deputy John Bull to fettle thefe points as well
as they can. For my own part, I am not critical
in drefs ; but if I were afked which is the beft
drefled charaftcr in the new play, I fhould give
my voice for Sir Gregory Glovctop /
P o E T R V.
I HAVE two rcafons for prefenting you with the
following fonnet ; (irfl, becaufe it is fhort, and
you, I know, have little room to fpare ; and fe-
condly, becaufe it merits a place in the New
Spectator^
S O N IJ E tj
€n a Jlormy Sea-projpe^,
By Mr. Bampfylde^
How fearful *tis to walk the founding (horc,
When low'rs the Iky, and winds ate piping loud t
And ;x>und the beech the tearful maidens croud,
Scar'd at the fwelling furge and thunder's roan
High o'er the cliflFs the fcreaming fea-mews foar,
Loft is the adventurous bark in ftormy cloud,'
The flirill blaft whittles thro* the fluttering fhroud ;
And, lo ! the gallant crew, that ti^ before
Secure rode tilting o'er the placid wavcj
Scarce know to Hem the black and boiOerous main^
And view, with tyts agaft, their watery grave.
So fares it with the breaft of him, the Swain,
Who quiu Content for mad Ambition's lore,
Short are his days, and diftant far the fliore!
To the N E w Spectator*
Friend Spec !
Whilst you arc amufing yourfelf with
Plato, and Ariftotle, and « the more illuftrlous
«« dead ;** I am amfing myfelf with the more
illuflrious living. You are contemplating the
wifdom, and 1 the follies of mankind* Our ob-
jeft, however, is the fame : you are willing to
recommend their virtues, and I to expofe their
vices. Your tafk is the more agreeable of the two ;
but mine is more likely to anfwer our purpofe.
Little children may be perfuaded to quit the path
of danger; but grown-up children niutt; be lafhed
ere they will leave their follies ; they are too in-
corrigible to be laug^ied out of them, and there
arc fomc on whom even public fhame has no in-
fluence. I arti happy to think that in this me*
tropolis, there are not many of the latter dcfcrip-
tions", whild Bulia,-^ill fated city ! — abounds in
them.
, B U L X A;
The following is abflraflcd from the tranflation
of the Bulian pamphlet entitled
The second tumhU of Reynafdann ! i2mo.
'^ — " Such, however, was the difpdfition of our
hero, that the fcom of his fovereign, and the
contempt of all good ihen, afFefted not him — He
well knew that amongft the Bulians, the number
of the bad far ekceeded thkt of the good ; and he
concluded that having the majority Of the Etanes
on his fide, Rexrnah would comply With their
requeft, and take Reynardam into his fcrvice
again. In this they were wofully deceived, Be-
fldes the antipathy which Rexman had to any
fuch meafure, he was \Vamed againflr it by the
fage difpenfer of^ equity, the great Wolruth^ a man
whom the king loved, and the people regarded :
whofe counfcls might be telied On j whofe honour
was unblcmiflied, whofe integrity was inflexible,
and who had the Angular charafter; (ihgular indeed
amongd the Bulisins — of being an equal friend to
the king and to the people. To him Rexman
liftened with attention, and his Counfcls he de-
termined to follow.
" Reynardam, aware of the irlfluence of
Wolruth, failed not to declaim againfthim in the
Etanes, and to recommend hinifelf to its atten-
tion by pretending that his difgrace affeftcd the
honour of the Etanes itfelf ; arid his arts fo far
prevailed, that the greateft part of that body be-
gan to be of the fame opinion, and to efpoule the
caufe of the dcfperate Reynardam; .
" The Retfmim, or chief fervant of the king^
who had now the confidence of the fovereign, the
good wifties of the Reppu (in which Wolruth
was a chief), and the friendilhp of the people,
was Tz^ryiY/jayoung man whofe abilities had never
been impaired by diflipation, aiid who added to
them the virtiie of integrity in his public and
private dealings, and Was at once ah ornament to
Bulia and to nalure. The only fault that his ene-
mies, — the mod; virtuous charaftcrs have always
their oppofites, and confe.quently their enemies —
The only fault that his enemies could find in hini
was, that he had not acquired what they deemed
the neceflar)' arts of a Retfihim ; that he was
not inroUcd amongfl thofc
Calm, thinking villains, ^vhom no faith caii fix,
Of crooked counfels, and dark politics 1
No ! Tipwill was of a'nobler fchool. In his father
he had beheld the lovclinefs of public as well as
of
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No. IV.
of private virtue, and he determined not to tar-
nifli the luftre ©f a name rendered immortal
amongft the Bulians ! Hence his condu6l was di-
ametrically ©ppofite to that of Reynardam, and
he was at once the faitliful fcrvant of Rcxman
and of his people.
*' It is a principle in the Bulian government,
that the Etanes ihall be removable at certain pe-
riods, and others appointed in their flead; if the
villajes which fent them approve not of their
condu£l. Thus the Etanes were but the fcrvants
of the public at larjge ; and Reynardam, during
his popularity, always contended that their fenfe
of legiflative meafures could never be collcftedbut
from their own mouths ; that the fcntiments of
the Etanes and of the public might be widely dif-
ferent : and that, in fuch cafe, the Etanes ought
to conform to the public, and not the public to
the Etanes. This opinion greatly endeared Rey-
nardam to the people, and they regarded him as
their chief friend ; as a tower of flrength againft
thofe who might be induced to trample on their li-
berties, and, as fuch, they chearfully fupported
him in all his attempts to gain power. But the
patriots of Bulia, like thole of this country, on a
change of fituation, could change fentiments too ;
and when Reynardam became Retfmim, and pro-
pofed his ftatute refpefting the balloon merchants
of Aidni, which he well knew the people could
not approve, then he vehemently contended that
the Etanes fpoke the fenfe of the people, or, that
if tliey did not, the people knew nothing at all
about the matter !
« The meafure refpefting the balloon merchants
having been rcjefted by the virtue of the Reppu,
and by the particular exertions of Elpmet and
Wolruth ; and Reynardam having been difcarded
from the Retfinimfliip, and Tip will appointed
in his (lead, thofe of the Etanes who favoured the
views of Reyaardam were greatly exafperatcd,
and determined to fupport him in regaining his
power, and depriving Tipwill of the Retfinimfhip,
But Reynardam, whofe fortunes were defperate,
and who dreaded the rifing virtues and fplendid
abilities of his opponent, rather than lofe all hopes
of fuccefs, was prepofteroys enough to propofe
fharing the Rctfmimfliip with Tipwill. Rexman
could by no means approve of fuch an union,
and Tipwill would not hurt his own feelings, nor
diftrcfs thofe of his mafler by having commu-
nion with a man fo defpicable in the eyes of the
worthy and the difpaflionate part of ihe Bulians.
This created great confufion in the Etanes, and
many of the villages in Niatitb adembled their
people, and framed letters to the king, in which
they requcfted him to continue Tipwill his chief
fervant ; fo that the people, who formerly fup-
ported Reynardum, were now enra^sd againft
him. Reynardam, however, had it propofed in
the Etanes, that Tipwill fhould be removed from
the king's prefence, and applied to his own villa-
gers to meet and write to the king, reguefting him
to difmifs Tipwill. On the day appointed ten
thoufand air balloons were feen floating over* the
village, which was called Retfnimfew, and
Reynardam took his flat ion, fur rounded by his
friends, in a kind of forum, where jufUce was
adminiftered. Many friends of Tipwill were alfp
prefcnt. Here Reynardam intended to have har- •
rangucd the people, but he had fcarce began when
the burfting of an air balloon, filled with a nau-
feous and fuffocating inflammable air, deprived
him of utterance, and at the fame moment
the flage on which he was placed, like a moun-
tebank, gave way, and down came Reynardam,
amid ft the (houts and hifles of the multitude ;
many fuperflitious people auguring from thence
that his political fame, like the explofion of the
balloon, was " vaniihed into air, into thin air!"
Thus far from the tranflation of the Second
tuTtihU of Reynardam, I have felefted the more
ferious paflagcs in it, becaufe the wit difplayed in
the reft of the pamphlet is not fufficicntly delicate
for an Englifh ear.
Naked Truth.
There is nothing like obliging the Ladies;
I therefore recommend to your Spectator-
ship to difmount your emblematical fronti/piece
retaining it only in your firft number. Truly,
Sir, feveral gentlemen, as well as ladies, have
been fhocked at feeing naked Truth at the head
of your paper. It is an objeft that few people
are fond of. Let her Jigure, therefore, be ba-
niflied ; but let her facred influence pervade
your writings, as it certainly fliall my obfer-
vations.
MoR N I N c Pap E R s.
Faciunt nee intelligendo, vt nihil intdligant*
Ter.
While they pretend to know ihorc than others they
know nothing in reality.
Pursuant to my promife in my laft, I (hall
now proceed to give a few inftruftions to any gen-
deman, that may choofe to become a profeflcd
writer for a news-paper. — In the firft place, then,
he muft have no political principles of his own;
he muft in that refpeft be a kind of non-entity in'
the community; becaufe, though virtue and vice
never change their natures, the Editor may mif-
take
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No. IV.
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
take the one for the other, as has lalely been
evinced by the conduft of feveral fagacious con-
du£lors of morning prints, who for fome years
paft without a (hadow of reafon, perhaps, have
been vehemently abufing characters, which they
now difcoverto be little lefs than angelic ! Ex-
cellent cafuifts ! — In the next place, a writer for
a news-paper, if he has the intcrefl of his em-
ployer at heart, will make himfelf acquainted
with the private concerns of families, and by in-
timating in a paragraph, that certain fecrets will
be revealed, which probably he knows little of,
induce the parties to bribe handfomely for the
fuppr&flion of that mixture of truth and fiftion,
which thcfe hackers and hewers of reputation deal
out fo lavifhly on thofe who will not come down !
-^Another imporfent branch in this traffic, is the
Cyprian Jijlerhood, who, when they can afford it^
pay well for having thofe praifes beftowed on them,
which are due only to illuftrious charaftcrs ; thus
doing the dirty work of a proflitute, and recom-
mending vice to the admiration of young girls,
and publicly contributing to the ruin of the rifmg
generation. It is fhocking to refleft that there are
women who rejoice in being pofled for proftitutes,
and men who facrifice what little talents they have
in a fervicc fo difgraceful to human nature ! — In
the third place, the writer muft adopt fomething
of the manne^:, or the ftile, us it is called, of the
Editor, in whofe paper he means to fhew his abi-
lities. But here I (hall give him a few examples,
by writing fuch paragraphs for each paper, as I
fancy would well fuit them.
For tkt Daily Advertisbk.
Ycfterday two military gentlemen in a poft-chaife were
robbed on Hounnow-heath, by a fingle highwayman we.'l
mounted. The gentlemen were armed, but unfortunately
both their piftolt mifled fire j the villain therefore got off'with
a confiderabte booty.
The fnow having rendered the roads impaflabic in feveral
parts of the kingdom, the general poft letters were not deli-
vered till late laft night.
For the Public Lbdgei.
It is impoifible to wlth-hold praife from Mr. Pitt : though
perhaps his abilities arc not fo tranfcendant as thofe of Mr.
Fox. Refpeaing prcfcnt appearances in the political hemif-
phere, much is to be faid on both fides ; and, after matters
have been adjufted, wc ihall declare our principles, by efpoufing
the xaufe of the prevailing party. At prefent the Public
Ledger it «< open to all parties j infiuenctd bj nontr^
Yefterday a gentleman had his pocket picked near CharWig-
crofs, of a gold watch. It were to be wiihed that gentlemen
would keep a (briber watch over their gold I
The late coalition it beyond example I We may nttl tt^€t.
to fee the GuikihaU giants dancing the hays on Temple- bar !
For tbt Gbreral AovbrtIsib.
Mr. Fax is the grtateft orator, and the moft upright cha-
rafter of the ptcfeot $gt : witnefi his ladhi bill, and his fptcches
thereon I
Nothing can equal the abilities and the honcfty of Mr.
Fox. The falvation of this county depends on his having the
fway in the cabinet. It is true, we deferted him when he
rcfigned ; but we are fjnce convinced that it was not only a
prudential, but an honourable meafure, and Mr. Fox was
always a man of honour.
Mr. Fox*& India bill was a roafter-piece, and had it been
carried int^ execution, would have produced the moft happy
eSeOs both abroad and at h^mie.
We recommend it to the afpiringfon of Chatham to itad
the ftory of Phaeton with che attention it defervet.
Yefterday it was reported that a podr t»omau fell out of a
two pair of ftairs window, and was killed on the fpot. The
coroner's inqueft fat on the body laft night, and brought in
their vcrdift, «<2/iflaughter.
For the Gaskttzbi.
Mr. Fot is the greateft orator, and the moft upright cha-
radler of the prefent age. Witnefs his India bill, and'hia
fpceches thereon !— Though wc have for feveral years con-
dufted our paper on principles nearly impartiil, we have at
length found the abilities of Mr. Fox fo peculiarly excellent,
that we cannot but wifli he were at the head of affairs, and
that the union of his talents, with thofe of liit right honour-
able and coalefcing friend, might be rendered fubfcrvient tm
the moft falutary purpofes.
Tuefday, a whole barrow of oranges belonging to a woman
in Water-lane, were taken by a fudden guft of wind into the
Thames; the poor woman, ^n^attempting to recover fome of
them, difcovered a dead corpfe near the ihore, which proved
to be her own fon, who had been miffing fome days. The
fituation of the poor woman may be better cdnceived than
defcribsd.
Erratum In our yefterd ay's paper: for the bon^ of Mr.
Pitt ; read the bonejiy of Mt. Fox.
For the Morning, alias the Midnight Crroniclx.
Mr. Fox is the greateft orator, and the moft uptight cha-
racter of the prefent age : witneft his India bil^ and faia
fpceches thereon !
After feveral years dofe attendance in, or rather on Par-
liament y and after having repeatedly exprefiTed ourfelves inimi-
cal to the above opinion, we have now the ampleft reafon to
fubfcribe to it, and fiiall feize every opportunity of evincing '
its truth, by giving the fpeeches of Mr. Fox In asfuU a mao»
ner as pofiible.
It is impoffible for us to give more than » Hsfy /kttehof
yefterdafs hujinefs \ we will therefore content ourfelves with
cutting the matter fiiort, and prefent our readers with onXf
fifteen columns of a debate which employed the attention of
the Houfe nearly u many hours*
In prefumption, at leaft, young Pitt is a << chip of the
old block j" but alas! his abilities, compared "with thofe of
Mr. Fox, arc very flender indeed.
Yederday a Court of Aldermen was held, at w^ch nothiBf
mater! al was tranfa Aed.
For the Morning Post.
Mr. Fox is the greateft orator, and the moft upright cha-
rader of the prefent age. Witnefs his India bill, and his
fpeeches thereoa 1
Though we have for no lefs than twtlve years been of an
opinion diametrically oppofite to the abave, yet we are happy
in thit golden opportumty of fubfcribing our aflcnt to it.
The voice of the people is with Mr. Fox, and it will be in
vain for the friends of the beardlcff Pht to thiak of retaining
him in his prefent ficuation.
The
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8
THE NEW S P £ C T A T P R, &c.
No. IV.
Op VErot Cxntjt thus much may be faid that it
is more abundant in good fongs than any opera
which has been performed this year. Pao-
chierotti's firft air was beautiful ; but that in which
he added peculiar brilliancy to a divine pathos
was his RtfftrcnA il vago d^io: andjof his Tyio,
with Lufmi and Franchi too much cannot be faid,
Thb cooipofer Rauzzipi is worthy of the lau-
rel. There is xK>t a fingle (ong in ithis opera
which has not foroething to recommend it« A
rare circumilance indeed !
■ Cramer, Tacet, Baumgarten difplayed a fpirit
and ataftcwell becoming the fird theatric ban4
in the kingdom. Vcftris improves daily, whilft
Sling{by and Theodore reign the king and queen
of EngUfh .hearts I
JOHN BULL.
To other CORRESPONDJIKTS.
The Poem, as the author has mifialUd t/, <m
Lady Weflmoreland, has neither rhrme nor rtafan
to recommend it, — J. B. A. willjnd a ffnaU parcel
left for him at Mr. Sunft*s — Thefcheme mentioned by
Hint cannot y for ohioiis reafons, be adopted: it would
be well if it could.^^If Benjamin Sarcafm converts
his inveBives againjt ofeEiation into a rational effay^
it JkalL have a place in the New Spectator. The
gentleman who figns himfdj a Young widow, will
find the poems of Mr, Pope, &c, in -any Book/eller's
^fhop in London,* — A Gentlewoman fh>m Jerico nu^
depend on being treated asjke rf^i/w.— ^Sawney W.'s
^friend Jeems* io be as crack-brained as himfdf^ and
ihdr reJpeBUve tpijlks havefuffered viartyrdom in the
fa^nes, - - .. .
London:- Printed by T.Rickaby, No» 15, liuke's-Court, 'Bow-Street, Covent-Garderi ;
And Sold by T. AX TELL, No. 1, Finch-La;ie, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charles-Street, St. James VSquare ; -by P. BRETT, BookXeller and
Stationer, oppofite St Clement's-Church in the Strand; by^G. KEARSLEY, No. 46, Fleet-Street ;
and by W. THISELTON, Bookfeller and Stationer, No. 37, Gpodgc-Street, Rathbonc-Place.
' %• Correspondents are reqaefted to addrefs their favours to the New Spectator, to be
left at Mr. Swift's, in Charles^trect, St. James's-Squarc, where a Letter-Box is affixed
for their reception.
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THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. V.
TUESDAY, March 2, 1784.
Price Three-pence.
^ito be continued every Tuesday.
■ f \ % ! ' '■ lli f t' ■ m il i»i
Vox FopuU vox Deo /
AMONGST other maxims which moral
philofophy has revealed, and which mo-
ral writers have rendered common, is that which
fays, every age has virtues and vices pectdiar to
itfelf. It is equally true, that amongft thofe vir-
tues and vices, there is ufually one which has
the predominance, and if I were aiked, which is
the poft prevailing vice of the prefent day, I
fliQuld (ay, contonpt of reputation.
When men are inclined to give criminal in-
dulgence to their pafltons, and to refift the
ftfuggles of confcience, the fear of public fhame
fometimes operates more ftrongly than the voice
of duty, and prevents the commiflion of crimes,
prompted by paflion, and feconded by inclina-
tion ; and this aftuating fear will always be pro-
portionable to the public virtue of the times -, for
when vice has gained the afcendant, and ufurped
the authority of virtue, the fear of public fhame
will be annihilated ; and thofe men who always
a£t in conformity to prevailing principles, and
who always bow to the deity of the day, will
readily fubfcribe to the pre-eminence of vice over
virtue, and to opinions which flatter their incli-
nations.
Thus duellings though a crime of the highefl
magnitude, has, time immemorial, been meta.
morphofed into heroifin ; and there are, compa-
ratively, few men who would not be more
afhamed of refuting a challenge than of killing
^man,
There was a time when a contempt of repu*
tation pervaded only fuch of the nobility as held
the doftrinc, that the poflcflion of riches is a li-
cence for all things ; and the influence of their
example was confined to a few. I remember
fome years ago adultery was deemed infamous,
and the feducer of female innocence was branded
as a villain ; whereas thefe are no longer crimes
in the eflimation of men whofe example influ-
ences the million ; and compliments rather than
reproaches are beflowed on chara^rs, which
formerly would have been hooted out of fociety.
Thus, the corruption which once defomed the
body politic by fpots, now pervades the whole
mafs, and not a fmgle limb elcapes contagion.
This univerfal change of fentiment and of
manners is, ultimately, to be attributed to a dere-
li^on of thofe religious principles which, here-
tofore, regulated the eondud of hutnan life, and
forry I am to fay that the caufe of that dereliflion
is to be afcribed to men who, in forae refpeft?,
were ornaments to fociety : to the cloud of infi-
del writers which of late years has darkened the
horizon of literature, and endeavoured to ob-
ilru^ that light which was ordained to illumine
the world. The labours of a fioLiNCBROOxe
andaHuMs; of a Voltaire and his literary
mimics, have accomplifhcd this mighty change.
By endeavouring to abolifh all ideas of future re-
wards and puniflunents, as the fuggeflions of hu-
man policy, of religious fiienz)% or of poetical
fiftion, thefe men, and their followers, have la-
l^urcd
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No. V.
boured to fap the foundations of all religion, and,
by d^roying its obligations, to render men ac-
countable to thcmfelves only for their moral con-
dua.
pRI^fCIPLEs fo flattering to mankind, could
not fail of having many adherents, and were
eagerly adopted by men >Nrhofc hearts were prone
to evil, and who were ready to embrace any
fyftem which apparently prefcnted freedom from
the reftraints of religion, and the reproaches of
confcience. Freedom of enquiiy was the watch-
word of infidel enthufiafm ; but freedom of ac-
tion was the objeftof purfuit ; and thcfe modem
philofophers were not fo anxious to recommend
good conduft to others, as to find metaphyfical
excufes for their own; or tD condemn the judg-
ment which religion and rcafon fliould pronounce
againft them, as the offspring of fuperflition, or
the error of vulgarity. To deride, with fuperci-
lious vivacity, the opinion of others, is one of the
chief arts of a modern free-thinker, and was
pra6Hfed with wonderful fuccefs by Voltaire,
whofe witticifms have.been received as cogent ar-
^[umcnts, and whofe arguments have been receiv-
ed as found do6lrine. I can only wifh that his
readers were as well acquainted with the fpirit of
the facred Mrri tings as they are with the genius of
Shakespeare and Milton: they would then
difcover that his criticifms refpeding the former
arc of a piece with his dogmas refpe£Ung the lat-
ter, uncandid, ungenerous, futile and ignorant:
the crude eifufions of envy and malice, and all
uncharitablenefe !
But who will not follow leaders that promifc
the rewards of viftory without the toils of battle ?
The offer of an exemption from labours, efpcci-
ally the labours of religion, is not cafily to be rc-
fifled ; and the confcience being foothed with the
pcrverfions of rcafon, there remains nothing to
be dreaded but the ccnfure of the world, which
the example of others deprives of its fling, and
which, therefore, is derided by all who can reap
immediate gratification from their vices, without
rendering thcmfelves amenable to the laws of the
land.
A CONTEMPT of religious inflitutions is foon
followed by a negleft of the moral . duties, and
that negle£l by a difdain of public opinion. Thus
all the barriers which heaven and earth had fet
up to defend us againft the inroads of vice, have,,
by the exertions of a few bad-hearted men, been
undermined; and the filver cord which bound
focicty together is cut in two.
A DISREGARD of public Opinion can be ex-
cufable in fuchonly as have refolution enougli to
be eminently virtuous. Wlicn Augustus was
determined to avoid the T^icious conduft of for-
mer emperors, and to build his fame on another
bafis, he was at fir ft fo much afhamed of his vir-
tues, and fo fearful left the people fhould miflake
them for afpecies of pufillanimity, that MitCE-
NAs found it neceffary to, advife him, "never
to be concerned at what was fpokcn of him;"
and I am confident that if his prefcnt Majefty
would follow the noble di£lates of his own
heart, which pants only for the welfare of his
people, and the fafety of the conftitution ; if he
would difregard the voice of an abandoned fac-
tion, and liften only to tliat of the public at large,
his refolution and pcrfeverance would be follow-
ed by more than Augustan glory to himfelf, and
happinefs to his fubjefts.
I HAVE faid that a contempt of reputation is
the prevailing vice of the times, and I have en-
deavoured to (hew whence it originated : I fhall
take fome future opportunity to point out its
baneful effefts on common life, audits influence
on the manners of the times.
PROCLAMATION.
By the New Spectator,
Whereas certain men calling thcmfelves Edi-
tors, not having the fear of ccnfure before their
eyes, and inftigated by a certain heathen deity
called Mercury, the god of thieves, have lately
entered our dominions, and committed the high
crime of Plagiarism, to the great prejudice, &c.
Now we do hereby ftriftly enjoin and command
all Editors, Writers, Printers, and Printers devils,
and all others whom it may concern, from hence-
forth to defift from fuch unlawful feizure of our
property on pain of our high difpleafure. And
forafmuch as it hath been rcprefented to us, that
the faid offenders have committed the faid crime
in confequencc of extreme poverty, we are wil-
ling, in confideration of the fame, to grant our
Spectatorial pardon for the faid offence, on
condition of this our Proclamation being ftri£bly
complied with. — An d w h e r e as it hath alfo been
reprefented to us, that certain malicious and evi(
minded perfons have reported that thefc our
fpeculations, lucubrations, mcditationis, reprefcn-
tations, communications, confiderations, expof-
tulations, and vindications would fhortly termi-
nate, and be no more. Now we do hereby de-
clare, that our faid fpeculations, lucubrations,
meditations, rcprefentalions, communications,
confiderations,. cxpoftulalions, and vindications,
fhall
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No. V.
THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
(hall continue to be iflued every Tuesday, till
our (aid labours (hall form a fuf&cient quantity to
complete Fifteen handfome volumes in fmall folio,
fuch being the will of the public, and of our
pnnten Given at our Siectatorial Court,
this 2d day of March, in the firft year of our
Reign.
By his Spectator ship's Command.
JOHN BULL.
7i the New Spectator,
.*5 I R,
You herewith receive the firft eflfortsofa
youthful mufe. The following poem was written
by a young gentleman to a lady, favoured by the
mufes, in confcquencc of a rcqucft, that the for-
mer would write a charity hymn which (he de-
clined. It is far from being perfcft, but, nevcr-
thelefs, difplays a dawn of genius, which ought
lo be encouraged. I am.
Sir, Yours, &c.
L. G****.
ODE.
To Mifs C— — ; rtqueJHng her to write in favour
of Charity.
O thou, on whom the liberal powers divine,
Their choiceft influence have (hed,
And tun'd they foul to harmony,
Sweet daughter of ai^ronomy !
And twinM their laurels round thy head:
Proceed, fair maid,
To call the mufes' aid.
And let thy name ift fature aonaU (kine !
Then firike the founding lyre,
Higher, and yet higher,'
Till all the charms of melody rcfound ;
And let fmagination tait her round
in fai«y fields that glowing fiuicy Ibrmt :
Now let her walk the grove,
In maiden n^jefty ;
Or join the fongs of rural love.
In heavenly extafy ;
Then fweep tranfported through the azure ikies.
Overtake the rapid lightning as it flies.
Or mark the grandeur of the ratling florms !
Thefe are. the fcene^ Sophia, diac impvt
A pleafipg wonder to the human, heart.
And ftrike, with fond furprize.
Our week, our mortal tyts,
T90 much accudomed to behold the ways
Of evcr»erring man, unworthy praiie*
But yet one fcene (Urpafleth thefe,
Though greats though noble, and divine:
Befiold the man of mtferies,
Oa whom die heavens itldom (htne !
With careful toil, through many many years.
Bears the fad load of poverty.
Unknown to fwcet profperity I
Bears the fad load ! — his children all in tears !
Beneath pale Cynthia's glimmering ligl\t.
See him hafliag home at night,
All adown the dufky dale,
Heeding not the nightingale :
His little children nieet him on the way,
And tell the fuflerings of the long, long day 1
Whilft be, with nature's Ample guile,
Ufes many a borrowed fmile.
With kifles flops the tale he bears.
And, to difpel their inhat fears.
With many foothing words their little hearti he chears !
O fweet Sophia! may we ever have
A will divine, if not a power to fave !
The 6rphan in&nt that unhouf 'd doth lie;
Expof'd to fcorcking funs, or winter's freefing fkf^
May well demand a wifli, a tear, a fi^ I
Then fweep the firings
The virtues fing
Of hea>^nly Charity ;
And fiace that tender bofom knawt
What mental ^leafure from k flows,
Who ib meet to fing as thee ?
Men fliall admire thy foftly flowing ftrain ;
Ai the fweet warblers of the feather'd train,
I^ llfien to their Philomel,
'* When her fadfong flie moumethwdl,"
What ttrne the rifing aioon
The cheequer^d grove difplays.
And lovers 'gin to wander forth
Beneath her filver rays
The fliady woods among :
O far more mute mankind.
When thou, to harmony indin'd,
Shalt fing thy Toothing fongt
To the'^tvr Sprctator.
De^rSp£c!
I SHOULD very much have wondered if
my animadverfions in general, hut on a^r$ and
aftrefles in particular, had not met with fbme
oppoHtion, from thofe who are hired to praife,
and to abufe, as their employers think proper.-^
The voice of truth, my dear friend, is foldom to
hie heard, and when it is, never fails to be
drowned in the clamours of falfhood. My ob-
fer vations have generally the bad, or rather the
good fortunp to vary coniiderably from thoie of
the daily prints, which^ by a ftrange kind of
acddaUf agree unanimoufly in matters of opinion,
as well as of faft !
I AM led into thefe remarks by the conduft of
your correfpoodent, Sawney JV. over trhofe myt-
terious
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, *c.
Uo. V.
terious cpiftfcs we had a hearty laugh ; and who
threatened you with publifhing his rhapfodics
clfewhcre, if you rejeftcd his fublimc cor-
Tcfyondencc^^awney has been as good as his
word: throwing off his Scotch-plaid, diflipating
the Scotch-^Jl which enveloped his meaning,
and affaming the tremendous air of a Dublin
Volunteer, under the appellation of Paddy Whack,
he flourifhes away in a young Magazine, and,
truly, I am glad to fee him cut fo refpcdable
a figure.
His chief charge againft: me, is with refpc£l to
Mrs. Abington. 1 have faid that it might be
fuppofcd (he kept at leaft half a dozen clerks,
(and probably this fame Sazoney alias Paddy, is
one of them) to write panegyrics on her in the
news-papers, they were fo numerous and fo
fulfomc. To convince the world, however,
that the cafe is not fo, he informs us that fhc has
a heart " tremblingly alive" to the moft diftant
calamity, and that Mifs Younge has not. This,
you fee, is a piece of Iri/h logic, to prove that
Mrs. Abington is not a woman of extreme vanity,
and you will readily grant it to be very con-
clufive, and the rcfleftion on Mifs YOunge to be
very liberal.
He alfo informs us, that St. Cecilia is now
in Paris, and that 1 knou^ her to be there. It is
true I have his word for it, and the ocUk of a gen-
tleman, that (he is at this time in London : now
whether his word, or the oath of the (aid gentle-
man is entitled to the moft credit, 1 am utterly at
a lofs to determine ! — Leaving this modem Jacob
Behmen to his reveries,
I on my journey, all alone, proceed I
Cocking.
Yesterday this drverfion commenced for
the week at the , Cockpit Royal : Twenty
Guineas a battle, and one thoufand the odd battle,
between Sir John Lade and Thomas Bullock
Efq. — I remember it was the obfervation of fome-
body, that he conceived a Cockpit, in the midft
of a battle, to be as complete a rcprefentation of
Hell, as it was pofl[ible for human bafencfs to pro-
duce. I have often wondered that fome mortal
entmy to fwcaring does not atjtend thefe infernal
meetings^ and employ a fufficient number of
people to count the oaths of the gentlemen who
bett their money. I (hould fuppofe, that, at a
crown an oath, a gambler might lofe double his
wagers in the (imple article of fwearing !
This diuerjion, as it is called, is a good deal
forfaken by the lower ranks of the people, and it
is to be lamented, that it is not entirely (lopped
xmongH; all ranks. Let gentlemen keep as many
game-cocks as they pleafe, but let it be rendered
highly penal to fight them : there are ways enough
to gamble away their acres, without offending
humanity. If, however, gentlemen arc deter-
mined to retain the fport, I (hould ^dvife them
to arm their fingers with filverj or rather with
ftecl fangs, and claw each other for the diverfion
of their fellow-brutes, and the mutual enter-
tainment of each other.
B 9 L I A.
My fagacious friend who accompanied me in my
aerial flight to Niatirb, has not yet finifhed the,
£ngli(h tranflation of our fpeech to the BuliSin
king ; for as we were anxious toconftruft an Air-
Balloon on the fame principles as thofe of Bulia,
in which, I have obfervcd, the inhabitants travel
with incredible velocity, and as we were defirous
of knowing what palled in Bulia, fubfequent to
our departure thence; we mutually employed
ourfelves in preparing the balloon, and, having
^ccom|^(hed our purpofe, my friend undcrtc>ok
folely to vifit Bulia, and arrived from thence
yefterday morning, without any thing material
occurring on his journey, except the lo(s of a pair
oiJaJhionahU buckles intended as a prefent to Selaw,
the king's eldeft fon.
My friend, it feems, found the Bulians in
greater confulion than ever. The friends of Rcy-
nardam finding that he could not recover the Rct-
fmimftiip, and having propofcd that he (hould
(hare it with Tipwill ; with great form and folem-
nity, addre(red themselves to Rcxman, rcquefting
' he would receive Reynardam to his favour, and
permit him to fliare the honours of the Rctfinlm-
(hip. Great expefiations were formed on this re-
queft. Many faid that Rcxman, notwithllanding
his known averfion to Reynardam, would iiot
refufe the requeft of what tbby called fo refpe£bi-
ble a body of his fubje6b; and fome went (Jb.fzr,
as to fay that he dare net. But Rexman well
knew that the moft tefpcftable body of his tub-
jeds was the people at large ; and he alio well
knew, that their fentiments rcfpeffing Reynardam
coincided with his own. He, therefore, natly
refufcd this requeft. Nothing could eqiial the
joy of the Bulians on this occafion. 1 hey loved
the king more than ever, and looked ori Tipwill
as one fent from heaven to guard them againft <hc
ambitious attempts of other men ; and to (hew
their refpeft for him, they determined to confer
on him certain civil honours peculiar to the Bu-
lians, and, for that purpofe, invited him to a
magnificent entertaiimient. He was accompanied
by his brother, and by Elpmet, and by a mime-
rous cav^ade of the nobility^ and the moft re-
fpeaablc
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No.V*
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
fpc£bblc citizens. All Bulia rejoiced ; favc Rcy-
nardam and his abaibed adherents : they flood
envious fpcftators of feftivities, which they could
not fhare, whilft
Rage gnawM the lip, and wonder chain'd the tongue I
In (he evening thcBulians difplayed their regard
for Tipwill, by innumerable illuminations, fo •
that Bulia, at a diftance, feemed like a clufter of
brilliant ftars; the laft mark of refpeft they can
pay to thofe they cfteem.
During thefe rejoicings a council was held by
the enemies of Tipwill, and it was determined to
infult him on his return from the banquet. Up-
wards of three hundred weapons were immedi-
ately procured, and put into the hands of ruffians
to each of whom it was whifpcred what ufe fliould
be made of them. Such is the violence of party
in Bulia, that a Bulian, in other refpc£ls, an ho-
nourable man, will facrifice every principle of
juilice, every particle of humanity, and affocialc
witli ruffians and aflaffins, for the accomplifhcnt
of any infernal purpofe, wherein the intcrefl of
his leader is concerned. Tipwill, on his return
at midnight, accompanied by many friends, was
accordingly ailaultedby this banditti, who ruJhed
upon the unarmed nobles and citizens, and com-
mitted outrages, (hocking to humanity. |iea-
ven, however, prevailed agajnft hell, and Tip-
will cfcapcd witb his life !
Such were the tranfa6Uons to which my frieqt^
was an cye-witncfs during his laft vifit to Bulia.
He is DPW deeply engaged in the tranflation of
our fpcech delivered before Rexnvan and the
council ; and in a little time, means to revifit
Bulia, wijh choice prdenls to the Queen of that
country.
Mrs. H*****.
One of the morning papers ofyefterday in-
forms us, that " for more than ten days paft Mrs.
" H — has not enraptured the fcenes of C — n
*< Houfet A Iktlc miff, thenati ral confequence
" of extreme love, isfaid to have thus driven the
" fair enamorata from the gay metropolis: (he is
«* however, hourly cxpeftcd to return more
<* beautiful, vid fandly bemtching than ever!"—
Nothing can equal the infamy of this paragraph.
I before dated to your Spectatorship, the
whole of this lady^s condu^ and informed you
that (he, a confiderable time (ince, went with Mr.
H — into Yttrkftiire, from whence they intend
to depart, or arc already daparted, for the con-
tinent. • We arc'ndw told that " for more than
TEN DAYS, (he has not ENtAPtuRBD the fcenes
of C n Houfe /" There is a double inlinaation
conveyed in this fentence, fo totally void of truth
and decency, that the author of it deferve« to
have Mr.H — *s horfe-whip broke about his bones ;
and I would — as a friend — advife him to confine
his italics and notes of admiration! to the charm-
ing Perdita ! the beautiful Mrs. M 's ! and
thofe whofe proftitution has rendered them fit iub-
je6b of his panegyric ! Mean time he may reft
afTured, that Mrs.' H — never will " enrapture
« the fcenes of C— n Hovje !"
It is thus my dear Spec, that female reputa-
tion is fullicd. And what (hall guard it againft
attacks like thefe ? It is the height of cruelty to
impute guilt where there is none : it is robbing
virtue of its immediate reward, the good opinion
of mankind ; and the man who is bafe enough,
by inuendo and infmuation, thus to attack a lady*!
fame, deferves the dcteftation of every virtuous
woman, and the contempt of every hbneft man.
Morning Papers.
How weary, fiak, flat, and unprofitable!-^
Hamlet.
I AM under the nccelTity of once more recur-
ring to the daily prints. I find that great fault
has been found vvith the paragraphs in my laft r
it has been faid that they confift ondy of fulfome
panegyric, ill-founded abufc, aiid a miferable fet
of puns. Now, thisisexadly my. opinion too,
and I am happy to End the pubhc judgment
coinciding with my pwn. Of fuch like materiids,
however, it is allowed, the morning papers arc .
conftruftcd. They are fit only for vitiated
palates.
Occidit miseros crambe repetitor^^ ' '
Juv.
** The fame (ble viands, ferv'd up o'er and o'er»
The (lomach naufeates" —
From what I have faid, and the examples I have
given, the reader will readily perceive the nature
and complexioaof each morning paper. For my
own part, I always regard the Daily as a foot*
man enquiring after a place, or an( au£kiopeer
with a catalogue in his hand.
The Ledger as a dem<ara3ere : half a citizen
and half a wit, with a bundle of news in one
hand, and of modern bpn mots and profe epigrams
in the other*
The Gazette BE, before Mr. Fox's India bill
came on the tapis^ I .always regarded as a. city
merchant of tolerable credit ; but now it appears
to me like a fellow with a blue cockade in his
hat, (houting Fox /or ever!
The General is an Ifraelite, who. after quit-
ting one of the flelh-pots of politics, . could not
avoid returning to it, and found, it morcfavoury
than before I . ...
The
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c
No. V.
The Morning, aUas the Midnight Chro-
nicle is a meiTcngcr of parliament^ carrying out
copies of rcfolutions, with, his mouth full of
Ha/fy Skttches^ like a taylor %^rith a fuit of cloaths,
and a pocket full of fhreds and patches !
Of the Post it can only be faid that it
is a poji indeed ! — a finger-pojl^ pointing only
one way— the way to OppoJUion CaJlU^ kept
by Giant Talkative^ who lives by the breath
of his mouth) and is lately gone mad for an //i-
dian princcfs of immenfe fortune and exquifue
beauty !
Tlie Herald i% like a political clergyman
with his coat turned wrong-fide outwards,
or a Fox-Jkin to defend him from the weather.—
It is a kind of literary Proteus : fometimes it af-
fumes the (hape of a Bazody recommending profti-
tutes to princes, and is as good a {tickler for price^
as any in King's place. At other times, it
walks the town in the form of a folio conundrum
book, with a choice coUeftion of punsy and double
dUendrCf as keen as a leaden fwordi
The Public Advertiser refembles Ithuriel
witii his fpear, dete£Ung falfhood, expofing
cahamny to flume, and warning the public
againft political treachery, and the more
ibominabk vices of the times!
Such arc my ideas of the morning papers ;
whether they arc juft or not, let their leaders
determine i
Black Contract.
The Coatra6t between Giant TailuUive and the
Head-caters, for deluding the public, and for
mifieprefenting political men and mealures, it
is generally underftood, expires this day ; and it
IS (uppofed, that the faid Head^eaters-^unlch
they Deceive anoti^r retaining fee &om the friends
of the faid Giants-will renouiKe their temporary
fnendihip ifX him, and voluniarily Jaa about to
the RiCHT !
Theatres.
Opera.
Vestr IS* benefit on Thurfday did not bring to-
gether fo much company as might have been cx-
pe^ed. It would be well to ihut up this houfe
for a feafon or two, by way of creating novdty.
We know every note of Pacchierotti, and every
ftcp of Vellris; and there is nothing left to excite
curiolity but Novofielfki's new fcencs of which,
for obvious reafons, there have been but few this
feafon.^-The decline of the Italian opera is not
however to be attributed to the want of capital
performers. The Buffa opera went off well, and
the new dance with fmgular eclat. Vcftris and
Theodore, difcovcred unufual abilities, or, to
fpcak in the news-paper phrafe, *< out-did all their
former out-doings;" their minuet was the moft
exquifite performance exhibited on this ftage this
feafon ; whilft Slingfby, Rofli^ and Simonct
did all that was required of them. The band
did ample juftice to the opera and the dances;
but — the opera rage is over I
Drury-Lant.
Nothing, finccmy laft, has occurred at this
theatre, on which criticifm has not been cxhauft-
ed, except Friday's
Oratorio
of L*AlUg;ro it Penforofo, commanded by their
MajefUes, which went off with fuch applaufe
that it will no doubt be frequently repeated be-
fere the conclufion of Lent. The admirers of
Mifs George — and all her hearers are admirers —
will now have opportunities of hearing her to
advantage. She fung the firft treble, and acquit-
ted hcrfelf with fmgular fucceft. To the air of
« Sweet bird, that ilhunn'ft the noifc of folly,"
which admits of all the powers and graces a fing*
er can bellow, ihc did more julHce than any
dteatrical performer I have heard for many years,
and I do not recolleft any of her predeceffors ac-
quitting themfelves to more advantage. Hexein
I differ from the opinion of fome, who imagine
they fhew a fupcriority of judgment by finding
fault with what gives general fatisfaftion ; but it
is cruel that a performer fhould fuffer from tkt
coxcomical afie£bition of pfeudo critics !
Or Mrs. Kennedy it is needlefs to fay any
thing : her powers arc well known ; fhe never
fings to an unfeeling audience ; for were it com«
pofed, as, in part, it too frequently is, of brutes,
fhe, above all others, poffeffes the Orphean fkill
to footh them into humanity. — Meflrs. Norris
and Reinhold received the applaufe due to their
extraordinary tidents. The latter in ^' Mirth ad«
vol me of diy crew," was peculiarly animated.
The performance of the evening concluded
wid% the Coronation Anthem^ and it gave me the
moft heart-felt pleafure to hear Godjavt the King I
twice encored in honour of the Royal vifiton.
The fatififaftion of his Majelly was vifible in his
countenance; and the plaudits he received on
his entering and departing from the theatre are
the moft convincing proofs that no fovereign
was ever mpre beloved by his peiople, and no
people ever more happy in a fovereign. Teaiv
of joy ffood tn the eyes of many, and the Cora-
nation of 1761 was remembered with delight !
Ar
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No. V.
THE' NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
Cavtnt Garden*
* At thU theatre, nothing material has prefen ted
itfclf, fmcc my laft, except a tepetition of that
farago of nonfenfe, Harlequin Rambler, with im-
provements, that is, improvements on the non-
fenfe, making it more nonfcnfical ; and laft
night's performance of Thomfon*s Tancred and
Sigijinunda, of which I (hall only fay, that it
might have been caft belter. Mr. Wroughton
would have fuftaincd TaiKred better than Mr.
Lewis, who certainly wants weight in all the
firft-rate charaAers he plays in tragedy. If Mrs.
Kemble, Mifs Younge, or in Ihort, almoft any
tragic heroine younger than Mrs. Crawford had
reprefented Sigifmunda, the play would have
fared the better. Mrs. Crawford, however, did
the part every juftice it required from great abi-
lities, and received the applaufe which was due
to her fifteen years ago — Of Scffridi, it is nced-
lefs to obferve that Mr. Hull reprefented hitn
with great propriety ; and with refpeft to
Ofmond, Mr. Aickin fhould have performed it,
and not Mr. Whitfield. Credit is due to the ma-
nager for his attention in getting up this play.
Town Ladies.
Su c H is the prefent fcarcity of cafli amongft the
higher orders of the frail fifterhood, that the
public is not fo frequently infultcd with their me-
retricious appearance and behaviour, as it was
laft winter. Their admirers, en militaire^ from
the colonel down to the more worthy private^
beffin to repent of connexions, which, in a fhort
time, have deprived them of the hard-earned wa-
ges of a fcven ycafs war.
The Mifs W s and Mrs. M s now af-
pire to the eminent diftinftion of public ap-
plaufe in their private profeflion, wifhing, it
fcems, to eclipfc the Perdita herfelf in the noto*
ricty of their behaviour. Of the fame Perdita^ the
Black Crow, the White Swan, and the reft of the
fifterhood, who are ambitious of popularity in
infamy, little has been lately faid ; the fubjeft,
like themfelves, is grown ftale, and " in the
« noftril fmells horrible,"
It is to be lamented that chara6ler$ fo preju-
dicial, ftiould be permitted to join fociety in an
admiflion to public places. The contagion of
example has ruined many ; and if the legiflature
could devife means for effefting the exclufion of
this part of the fcx from the reft, they would do
infinitely more good than by framing ftatutes for
the limitation of marriage, and eiia6Ung laws for
theprefervation of game.
At prefent the influence of vicious example
has full fcope, and I know but of one antidote
againft its cfiefb, which I very carrteftly recom*
mend to my female readers I I mean a ferious
contemplation of the, latter end of thofe unhappy
wretches who have heretofore (hone in all the
fplendour of proftitution. The mifery they
ufually fuffer by a tranfition from unbounded
diflipation to extreme indigence, may ht more
eafily conceived than defcribed ; and the con-
templatiop of it will naturally fuggeft this re-
fle6Uon, that death is far better than fuch a
life!
LlTEfcATUR
I.
Of literary produftions of excellence, this
winter has been remarkably fcarce ; a fure fign
that the next will abound more abundantly*
This obfervation does not extend to learned men
only, but, what is more remarkable^ to learned
women alfo : neither Mifs More, Mrs. Brooke,
nor Mifs SewarJ having produced any thing,
• though remarkable for a quick fucceflion of
ideas, and fpeedy communications to the public*
A fecond volume of Efays from the inimitable
pen of Mifs More, would be peculiarly ac-
ceptable, unlefs flie is employed in the more
r arduous purfuits of the mufe, and adding dra-
matic charms to fcriptural fimplicily. The pro-
duftions of Mrs. Brooke and of Mifs Seward
are more adapted to the times, and are, confe-
quentiy, more generally known.
Speaking of female writers, it is to be re-
marked, that the purfuits of literature have been
greatly on the decline amongft the fair fex within
thefe few years pa ft; which 1 cannot help at-
tributing to the univerfal prevalence of that dif-
fipation which has ruined half our nobility, and
greatly corrupted the public tafte. Woihen are
chiefly fwayed by example ; and it is incredible
to fay how much they will facri$ce to faftiion-
rather than be thought fingular« Men becoming
effeminate, and affe6ling to defpife
The man to books confin'd,
Who from his ftudy nils at human kind ;
the ladies had great reafon to fuppofe that they
ihould fuiFer fimilar difgrace, by fimilar purfuits,
and, therefore, to avoid fharing the contempt of
the majority, willingly facrificed the amulive
branche* of fcience to the tafte of the times !
Walking Jockies,
Notwithstanding the dryrtefs of the wea-
ther, the lobbies of the Theatres were, laft night,
as crouded as ever with this fpecies of public nui-
lance. Thefe figures who are ufually Irifh
fortune-hunters, Scotch bludej, Engliftimen mis-
-bredj or pretended officersj are a real terror to all
peaceable
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8
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
Nb. V.
peaceabk people. With a flouched hat, 4 grisat
ftick, a monftrous club, and a down look, they
parade all public places, particularly the Theatro$>
and fccm in fc?rch of whoip they may devour.
Nothing can equal the infolence and ^^fTumed airs
thefc fellows give themfel ves ; and their behaviour
is generally fuch, that I have frequently fufpeded
them £or diiguifed chairmen and porters, I am
vaftly pleafed when two or three of thefc gentle-
vifin quarrel ; they have ufually madnefs enough
to fnap piftols at each other, which always affords
the comfortable profpeft, as Dean Swift fayb, of
ridding the worid of a couple of fcoundrels.
I CANNOT but think it equitable, and I recom-
mend it to the attention of the managers of our
dieatres, that as they will not permit ladies to
wear balloon-hats, evtn in the green boxes, they
ought to oblige thefe fame Walking Jockics to
pull off their boots and leave them with perfons
appointed for the purpofe, or with their dear
friends the fruit-women, before they are permitted
to enter the boxes.
I AM now in poflefllon of the memorandum
book pf Squire M^g^m'sNephotf, and ihall fpecdily
fend you a few extra^b from it. In the me<Mi
time, I am,
Dear Spec!
Your faithful Depiuy,
JOHN BULL.
To ether CoaaEsvoNOENTs.
If every one had t!ic abhorrence to vice which
Exploratio profeffes to have^ the publication fie al»
ludes to would not long infult the town, Modeflus
may rejt ajfured that his wijhes will be complied with^
except zoith reJpeEl to the Firft Number, which is
this day reprinted. Attention has been put into tfie
hands of the Printer^ and he has attended to it ac*
cordingly. I am Jorry to rejuje a lady any things
but the Lines on Mrs, Crawford are too imperJeB for
publication. Probably any of the morning prints -wilt
admit them.
Lqhoqh: Printed by T.I^icka^y^ No. 15, DukeVCourt, Bow-Street, Covent-Gslrden ;
And Sold by T, AX TELL, No. 1, Finch-Lanc, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charles-Street, St. James's-Squarc -, by P. BRETT, BookfcUer and
Station^if, oppofue St. Clement's-Church in the Strand ; by G. KEARSLEY, No. 46, Fleet-Street ;
and by W, THISELTON, Bookfeller and Sutioner, No. 37, Goodge-Strect, Rathbonc-Placc.
%< Correspondents are requefted to addrds their favours to the New Spectator, to be
toft at Mr. Swift'Si in Charles-Street, St. JamesVSquaFe, where a Letter-Box is affixed
for their ii6eeption«
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THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL-
No. VI.
TUESDAY, March 9, 1784.
Price Thrc^-pencei
To be continued ez\ery Tuesday,
All this they fpcak in print.
SuAk*£SPEARC,
HAVING pronrifed an early unfcrtion of
flush favours of my correfpondcnts, as, 1
trudy will nierit public attention, I fhall dedi-
cate this paper to their fervioc.
To the New Spectator^; ^
Mr. Spectator,
Y o V have commenced an undertaking
highly proper for the prefent era of periodical
publications; and fuch -as, I doubt not, will meet
with public approbation. It is true, you have
had many predeccflbrs, who have extrcifcd their
genius on almoft every ftibjeft ; but one of them
rery judicioufly remarks, that as the works of
nature will always afford matter for endlefs con-
templation, andasvice and folly perpetually vary
their appearances^ fo frelh fources of animadvcr-
fion arc perpetually difcovcred, and the enquirer
always finds iiovelty fufficient to avoid the foot-*
Heps of thofe who have gone before him. Thus,
in countries where the fciences have made confi-
derabljQ progrcfs, and learning and ingenuity have
ereQed the ilandard of truth, the human mind,
pevcr fatiated with enquiry, purfues, with all the
Ardour of avidity, frefti trafts of knowledge ; and
afber having gratified its ciiriofity in. the contem-
pUtion of ike material world, and external ob-
je£ls, ceaies al length t0 wander in queft of exer-
ciie, and finds an ine^hauflible fountain of ratio-
cinatioain the contemplation of itfelf.
So when the liberty of communication accom-
panies the liberty of inveftigation^ the progrefs
of litenktare is proportionably rapid ; for litera-
ture is notHing more than the revdations of rea-
ibn, the public tranfcripts of private Opinion, or
thfe decifions of combined enquiry. Nothmg
can bi more regular than the advancement of fo-
ciefyfroiti baAarifm to refinement. After the
formation of laws, for the ^rote^tion of fociety
atui individuals, men begin to' turn their atten-
tion to the fciences which, by expanding their
ideas, prefently introduce inoral enquiries, refixwd
fpeculations, and elegant manners*
It has been very often, and very juftlyobferv-
ed, that liberty and literature accompany each
other ; that the latter cannot exifl, but under the
immediate proteftion of the former ; and that
a country dcftitute of freedom, can never be exu-
berant in knowledge. Tyranny is a Medufian
head to the fciences ; it congeals, it petrifies ; it
blafts the bud of knowledge, and we look for
. the flower in va:in.
There is no one country in which this truth
is more fuUy evinced th^n in our own ; for fuch
have been the flu6hiations of power, fometimes
in favour of freedom, and' fometimes of tyranny,
that I think a flight attention may difcover, by the
literature of the times, which have had the pre.
dominance at different periods. It opens a field
of ufcful Ipeculationi which would terminate in
the
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
No. VI.
the delightful contemplution of that felicity which
\vc enjoy, but which, to other nations, is only
an ideal happincfs. The fpeculations of the
thinking part o£ mankind, in fuch kingdoms,
would turn -on the nature of freedom, and iporc
perfeft forms of govcrraent; but Oiat freedom
being fecured to us, we may indulge our minds
in all the luxury of fpcculaiivc dift]uiiuions, and
tnetaphyfical enquiries. Thus, it is obvious that
under the cfbtblifhment of freedom, the mind
ncceffarily expands itfelf ; but the want of freedom
contra£b it in fomc degree toone contemplation :
and that is the contemplation of that liberty of
which it i^xlcprivcd.
Indeed, wc are not only indebted to liberty
for the enjoyment of all thofe advantages to
which, as men and as free agents we arc na-
turally entitled ; but to its influence we mud alfo
afcribc the produftion of all our more refined
pleafures. But for the influence of this prin-
ciple, we had been deprived of the fentiments of
men, whofc works have inftrufted, reformed,
and amufed mankind. To this influence we arc
indebted not only for the more voluminous pro-
- duftions of learned men, but alfo for the b^au-
tifuKentimcnts of an Addison, and a Steele,
aJoHusoN, andaMoRE; and I am aj>t to think
that the nature of the climate and of the people,
has not had fo large a (hare )s the freedom of
enquiry, in forming the charafteriftic pf the
^ Englifti, and entitling them to the appellation of
*• a nation of philoibphers." The qualities of
the climate may, in a degree, have contributed
fomething to natural difpofition, and rendered
them a thinking people ; but diough thought and
.meditation may go far towards forming an indi-
vidual philofopher; yet to give a philolophical turn
to people, communication mud be unrc drained,
the mind perfeAly at liberty, and cnquir)' aug-
mented by encQuragcment, and rewarded by au-
thority.
If then, as a people wc are doubly bicflcd
with liberty and philofophy ; with freedom of
enquiry, and capacity to enquire : let us make
a full, but a pleafing are of our acquifitions. Let
the moments of amufement contribute to our in-
telleftual pleafures *, and I cannot conclude this
letter better than by thanking you, Mr. Spec-
tator, for commencing a paper conduced on li-
beral principles, and which may tend to the re-
vival of a fpecies of literature, highly advanta-
geous to the community, in ridiculing, if not
checking, the follies of the times* •
I am Sir,
Your's, &c.
EDGAR.
To the New Spectator.
Mr, Spectator,
The public having been recently infulted at
the Haymarket Theatre, by being invited to fee
a colleAion of proditutes of the fird order, who,
however, never appeared ; and Mn Colman, as
proprietor of ^e houfe, having had fome reflec-
tions cad on him in confequence ; I • have no
doubt but your candour and impartiality will
permit mc.publidy to obfervc that fuch ccnfure is
by np means applicable to him. It is tnie, that
Mr. Colman is proprietor of the houfe, but it
docs not thence follow that he is to be ahfwcrablc
to the public' for whatever may be performed in
it, except during his own management. If he
Ictts the Theatre for Angle nights to temporar)'
managers, and fuch 1 underdand is frequently tliC
cafe, in the winter feafon, I cannot fee what he
has to do with the performers or performances
which that manager may think proper to bring
forward. If the audience are infulted, the re-
drcls lies with themfelvcs, A virtuous pubhc
would have crowded the houfe on this infamous
occafion, and by their cenfures have put proditu-
tion to the blufh, and corrc6led the impudence of
him who could thus think of c^tivating the
town widi the exhibition of chara6bcrs which
ought to be hid from the public eye, or hooted
from focicty.
I am, Sir,
Yours, &c,
CHARLES L.
To ifLt New Spectator.
; Normchy Murch tjt 1 784.
Mr. Spectator,
• As you have declared an intention of rcfuftng
every thing in the form of poetr}', which has not
marks of genius to recommend it, ^'ou will, of
courfe, feldom admit any of thofe compofitions
called Prologues and Epilogues. TTie following,
however, is one exception againd tlic vilcnefs
which ufually pcr\'adcs thofe wretched icffufions.
It was fpoken at our Theatre oh Saturday the 7th
of lad month, when the comedy of As you like ii^
was performed for the benefit of the poor. You
win regard it as a proof of genius, when I in-
form you that on the preceding Wcdncfday
night, about twelve o'clock, Mr. Walker, ont
of the Minor Canons was requeded to prepare
an occafional Prolog4ie to be delivered to the
pcrfon who was to fpcak it the nc-\t morning.
On
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^% VI,
THE N, B W S. ? E C T A T O R, 4c,
Qn tius ft^H and 9^bnipl noUce^ He ftt^ 4pw«»
zskA toiihed it before ho wtnt tq^bf^. Wlw»
you have penifol it, ycju \^iU Toadily oOBchicU
tha* i^ was lAUich aypl*wi©4» Iwa^ Si»,
. Your's, &ۥ .
: \. . ■ ..B-
OcCASlONAt PftOLOCUE,
Bj ike Retftrend Jq»n Walrer,
Spbkin by Mrsi Murray.
As var^uog (cafons maiY the circling yeaiy
Tbu«iaoar piimic worl4 by lums appear
Succcffivc changeful fccnes.-^Lo! Comedy
like thc'young Spring, with laughter-loving ey<e,
Brightens ^ull thought, and bids th* enlivenM brcaft
Glow with pure wft, chaftc humour and fair jeft.
rtferctdo, with dkcful ftorm, Ae Tragic train'
In glotmiy triumph fix pale Terror's reign ;
Emblem of Winter wiJd I— Hark ! ihc fierce bjaft
Shakes the dark air, aQd.ho>Ml»o^er die nidc wafie.
,Q, kayeyour foub Dc'cr vcpt wbea aged L» ar
Tue^b^s l^i^ath the Aorm, and (bikes yqur ear ..
Withfonnds of woe? Say^ what the acted grief
To ibat i^ o w claimi your, pity, now implpres relief?
PcVchance within this city's ancie^it wall
Swells fome fiich haplcfs father^ <:a{l from all
His heart holds dear; all Tad in midnight florm
With'no Cordelia his cold heart to warm,
No friend; no fafithful Edgar by his fide,—
Ah-! fee, he finks, and freezes life's. red tide,
lliisnigbt, byftatcdnile, |he Comic mufe
Takes hex alternate reign ; glad to diffbfe
Tatfais barighf circle henenchasiting fmile^
To fm^tk &x^^ thought, or foften honed tpil. ]
What then, no laughing Prologue to the play ?
Mid no fmart couplet glitters wit's fiiir ray ?—
Sir, Critic, ho: For ev'n our comic mufc
Than laughter merely has far noWer views :
This Night (he fmiles, as ufual, to be fure;
But then (he fmiles, like angels, on the Po o r !
To ths New S p e c t at o r.
Friend Spec,
Tiis Theatres have^ fince my lafl, engaged fo
much of my attention, that I h?.ve not been sJsle.
to vi£t «thcr places of public amufement ; and
indeed there are few others worthy of noticel
The DoMmg Bo^^ I havenot yet fecn, and of
the Qther dancing puppets, I (aid enough laft
week, therefore bpgin my mifcellanea, with a
Private Anecdote, '
^i$s L****, a young lady at the weft end
of the town, whbfe fortune and accomplifliments
arc fuch as to attraft many hearts, received the
addre(&s €>f an officer of the guards, and, it
wa3 faid, (He had ptomifed him her hand.
Amongft ^i$ fpecics of gentry, it has been long
temarked^ ^^ there are individuals who, though
appan^ntly nccomplifiied, are dcftitute of every
priofciple of humanity; and the moft dread&i
thing whi^h can happen to a worthy priva^^ is
to incur the difpleafure of a coxcomb of the
Quards, Our heroine's difpofition was of the
tendered kind ; and ihe ffoquently lamented the
hard fate of the fun-burnt foldier obliged to Dub^
imt to the )iarfli<^rre£iion of unfeeling wretches
whofe fervices were confinedto the parks aiid iQai^
palaces of ihe metroppUs ; but Aie had no .idea
of her loyi^r being one of thofe fona^ of iahuma-f
nity. It happened, however, a littie tixne ago^
that accidentally feeing him on duty'ifi Hyde
Park, (bey with fome &iends, came up at the
very movient he was caning an old foldier, and^
Qn (^nquury, finding it was more to indulge aii ioi
human prppenfity, thim from any ncal fauk conm
mittedby the poor fellow who was obliged to fubf
mic to the barbarity, ihe renounced all conneftioti
with his officer ; and the intreatiesc^ her friend^
the protcftatiohs of her lover, .and indeed her
own prcpoiTeflion in his favour, have not ht^n
able to. induce her to think ^f entering ihematn^
mo^ial ftate with a wretch ft> ii^nmian ais to: pes*
Jbn^lly chaftife where no chalHfement is waatingt
being tvell convinced *thatif -age andtgOOd fervicxi
peceiv^i fuch treatment at his hands, a bruldr.in'*
huinanity muft bjc the ,prevtiHng paffion of his
brcaft; and (he h^ thextfore, emphatically de^
clarcd that <« (he will not link herfelf t6 a cock-
^ded beadle, though he.Wcrc fure of. a'ftafF;" juft-
ly concluding that as fuch a man advances in pow*
er his barb^ty increafes.
I AM much delightied with the coaduft of; this
young, lady, and wi(h I had her authority for
publiihing the name of her quondam lover ; but
Die, with the fpifit of genuine charity, << fparetb
" hiqdth^tipajceih not another! '•' ^
Je MALE Dress,
This (ubje& is inexhauftable. The ladieft vary,
their (hapes fo frequently, and wjlth fuch rapidity^
that, were I conilantly to attend to their traipefor-
mations, I (hould every week trouble your
Spectator SHIP with , frelh ob(ervation» pa-
modes of female «dre(s and decoration.
• » i' ", - ■ . ■ NUJiut unquam
Sic dijparjibi -i-*-- HoR .
Sure (iich a various creature ne'er was known !
Fran'CIs-
Thc Balloon hat is confiderably cncreafed'in its
dimcnfxons, and the decorations over the crown.
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
No. vi:
being fphcriodical, give it a better title to the
appellation : to give a brilliancy to thcfe decora-
tions, diamond pins are added, and the figns of
the Zodiac are now (een to glitter on the heads
of the ladies, in emulation of the twin ftars
that give animation to a beautiful form !
The party-coloured ftocking has fomctimes
made its appearance, but has been gencrally^(?M^-
ed^ as having too mafculine an appearance : it
had the difadvantage too of being introduced by
impurcs, who ufually exhibited it in a manner
calculated to excite difgufl rather than admira-
tion. That the (ale may not be entirely loft,
the frail fiftcrhood, on the rcquifitipnof ccruin
hofiers, have promiied to fport it as a fpring
faihion ; but it is to be hoped the falhion will be
confitied to their own order, and not contaminate
the delicate limbs of elegant innocence ! — The
gold and fdver worked chevaux-de-frife, — if 1
may fo call it— is liable to the fame objeQions.
Nothing can equal pure white for a lady's
flocking, and hence, in fome countries, it has
received the elegant appellation of thcfnow drop
of drefs I
I AM aftoniflicd that though her Majefty's vir-
tues areib little emulated among the higher ranks
of the female world, an imitation of the elegant
neatneOi of her drefs (hould be equally negle^ed.
Indeed all thofe of the Royal Family who ho-
noured the Oratorio with their prefence on
Friday evening, if I except the Princels Royal,
were well and elegantly drefled. Her Majcfty
wore a flight fatin drefs, Saxon blue, richly trim-
med with filver crape. The head^refs confifted
of a piece of plain crape gauze, pinned before,
and thrown back, with great neatnefs and tafte :
on the left fide, a black velvet crefccnt adorned
•wi|h brilliant pins, terminating with a black bow,
ornamented with a diamond flar. Her ear-rings
wore fingularly beautiful, each confifting of tranf^^
parent brilliants. The head-dreffes of both the'
Princeffes, were in every refpcft tlic fame, ex-
cept that they had each of them an elegant plume
of white feathers. The Princefs Royal had on
a pink and filver ftripe tiffue, with breaft-bows
and fleeve-knots of the fame, and trimmed like
her Majefty's, but by no means well put on ;
her flays came remarkably high, and, with an
enormous pifturc, hid every part of her bofom.
The PrinccfsAugufla wore a drefs of the fame co^
lour as her Majefty's, and trimmed in the fame
manner, and loolccd extremely elegant.
B u L I A.
Th£ Bulians are remarkable for a grave and
philofophic wayijf thinking; and, if they were
not fo much i^&ed to politics, would excel the
univerfe in fcience ; but politics arc at once their
bane, and their delight. Even the priefls, for-
getting Uie nature of their profeflion, will, in
the facred temples, read— as well as they can— <
certain political pamphlets which they call
Ncmra^ fignifying pulpit difcourfes. Hence, it
may naturally be fuppofqd, that the literati of
Bulia are chiefly politicians; too many of them
indeed, arc fo ; as they have no lefs than fixteen
thoufand books a day publifhed on that lubje^
in Bulia only : one half in the morning, and the
other in the evening ; in which the politicians
write againft each other with all the rancour of
animofity, and the virulence of party. In thefe
books they alfo give daily accounts of what paflf-
es in the Reppu and the Etanes, which the peo-
ple read with the utmoft avidity. Several of
them will fometimes aflbciate together, when one
flroking his beard with great gravity, and, taking
up one of thefe books, will read to the refl*
Nothing can be more rifible to a fbranger than
to hear the curious comments each of them will
beftow on what is reading to them: it might
naturally be concluded, that there is no fuch
thing as virtue or vice in Bulia. At the time I
vifited them, you will recoUeft, that difputes ran
very high refpefling R^nardam. On the one-
liand, I have heard men obftinately contend that-
nothing could equal his virtues; and, on the
other, that his vices are as numerous and as gla-
ring as fun beams. But, the Bulians have a very
fingular way of arguing, ^and difcover extreme
ignorance or extreme turpitude; for rather
than give up the hero of their praife, they
will dcfcend fo low as to endeavour to prove
that his vices arc virtues, and defend him in the
commifTion of the moft deteftable crimes. The
fubtilty of their fophifms is, fometimes, amazing^
and fhews of what exertions the mind is capable
in defence of its prejudices.
In Bulia they fpeak very freely of the fuprcme
authority, and, in plain terms, exprefs their
opinions of legiflative meafures. One thing \txy
much excited our admiration : that as the vices
of fome were maintained to be virtues, fo the
virtues of others were held to be vices. Rexman
the king, than whom none had a more amiable
chara6ler, frequently fuffercd grofs infuhs from
the multitude, by the mifreprefentations of poll- '
tical defperadoes ; and, what is almoft incredible,
by the very men whofe fole ambition it was to
(hare his confidence I Thefe men had the fingular
addrcfs, by their oratorical arts, to perfuade the
Bulians, that the motives to every aftion of the
foveieign, and the confequences rcfulting from
it, muft inevitably prove detrimental to the in«^
tcrcfts.
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No. VI.
THE N E W S PE C T A TO R, Ac.
terfts of the people at large. But in all his afiions
die king was fuppofed to be aflviiedby the Retfinim
or his chief Servant, who^ of courfe,. was deemed
anfwerahle for the coniequences : for the Buiians
held a do^lrine, that the head of the legiflature had
no political free-agency ! In the affair of Rey-
nardam's flatute refpeding the balloon merchants^
Rexman, however, made it appear that his
voice had fomo^ influence in the legiflature, by
rcfcutng the government ^m the impending
danger, with which it was threatned by that
ftatute ; and yet Reynardam and his friends had
the audacity to contend that the flatute \i^ fram-
ed for the public good ! In this tninla£Uon, the
opinion which Rexman entertained of Reynar-
dam was verified to the world; and the king's
love of his fubje&, and regard to their welfare
were fo clearly manifefted, that from thence
Reynardam was held in deriflon, and Rexman
efleemed and honoured as the faviour, as well as
the father of his people.
This formed a grand era in the reign of Rex-
man; the royal authority afliimed its due weight
and importance in the (late, and the perfon of
the fovereign received additional refpe6l and
xeverence. Nothing reitiained to difturb the
public tranquillity, but the vain attempts of Rey*
nardam to recover the power he had fo juflly for-
fei^d by attempting to deprive the balloon mer-
chants of their peculiar privileges ^ the Buiians
naturally concluding that he who aims at the
defSeat of right in a partial degree, wants only
power to extend the influence of his princ^les
to the deftxu£lioa of every thing tending to coun-
lerafthis own ambitious views.
Though Reynardam was artful, and penetrat-
ing, he was impatient of contfoul, and his thirfb
after power was exceflive. Reynardam was well
verfed in the chara^rs of men : he %^ras, there-
fore, advetfe to veiling Reynardam with any^
of thofe powers which could feed his ambition*
and enable him to ufurp improper authority. As
the public, however, feemed defirous of the Rct-
finimihip being confered on him, the king, will-
ing to gratify his people, nominated Reynardam
his chief (ervant* Of his behaviour in that fta-
tion, and his diflnif&on from it, I have ali^ady
informed you. The conjeftures of Rexman were
formed in trudi, and the eyes of the pe<^le were
at length opened to the real chara£ler, and the
deep defigns of Reynardam. It was ncceflary to*
4ay thus much eefpeAing the political principles of
the Hulians, previous to the relation of fome cu-
rious circumflances, which will form the fub-
ja&ofmy folure animadverflons on the political'
iituatioD of the Buiians* In my next letter, I
intend giving you a tranflationof a very Ihort
woric, which has lately been read with great avi*
dity in Niatrib, entided the BuUan Lovers^ found*
ed on fads, which have lately occurred in a Bu^
lian family of diflin£Uon.
Theatres.
ihury Lant*
This theatre, flnce my lad, has abounded in
excellence of entertainment. On Tuefday Ifabcl'
la ; Wednefday, MeJ/iah ; Friday, by comftiand,
Acts and Galatea^ in which Mifs George appear^*
ed to much advantage. , She was particularly ex-
cellent in the delightful air of << As when the
Dove." Mifs George has the Angular quality of
giving to Englifh mufic all the delicacy of the
Italian. A boy, from the King's chapel, was
much applauded in every thing he fung, particu-
larly in " Shepherd, what art thou purfuing?'*
Mrs. Kennedy was not fo happy as ufual in her
exertions, none of the muilc which fell to her
lot being of that kind in which fhe excels. Meflrs.
Rcinhold and Korris acquitted themfclves with
great approbation. Crofdill played a concerto on
i the violinccllo, with peculiar tafle apd execution.
The compofition Mras of a kind calculated to fhew
his abilities, and he did (hew them. .
Besides the prefence of their MajefUes, the
performance was honoured with that of the
Prince of Wales, the Princefs Royal, and the
Princefs Augufla. On his Royal Highnefs enter-
ing his box a partial hi fling of — about^ to one-^
prevailed in the houfe, which prefently fubflded,
and reminded me of the old privilege claimed bythe
good people of thefe realms, of abuting their t>etters
when they think proper. — ^Thcir Majcflies were
received with three cheers, as were the Priacefles^
and appeared well entertained with the perfor-
mance. The King and Queen were particularly
chearful, and retired amidfl the united plaudits of
one of the moft crowded audiences I have ever
feen at an Oratorio.
The tragedy of the CounUfs of Salijbury was
revived at this ho6fe on Saturday, and is likely to
become a prevailing piece« No play has, this
feafon, been honoured with a more refpe6bble
audience, or more deferved applaufe.— Mr.
Smith, in Alwin, acquitted himfelf with great
fuccefs. His fcene with Raymond was particular-
ly excellent, and gained him Angular approba*
don.v^In Raymond, Mr. Paliner gave evident
proofs that he is honoured with the favours of
Melpomene, as well as Thalia. — Aickin and Far-
ren made as much of Grey and Morton as they
could ; whilfl Mifs Kemble made me regret that
there was any Aich charaftqi^ as .Elfanor in the.
dramatis
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c
No. VL
dranuUis per/brut of diu plaly, or that the managen
could be pet^iaded to make ufe of a little common
fenfis, and not eaft their plays as if they did not
know dietr i^t hand from their kft«->-The Coun««
te(s was performed by Mrs, Siddons* with that
correftnefis, chaftity, and delicacy, and was,
throughout the whole, marked with fuch pe-
culiar excellencies, that I can fpeak of it only in
general terms of applaufe, except in the fcene
where fhe is on the point of lofing her child, in
which Mrsj Siddons was equal io the late Mr.
Garrick in any one of his mo ft diftinguiflied^
paffages. I remember this tragedy was performed
fome years ago, in which Mr. aqd Mrs. 3arry,,
now MrS.Crawford, play edAl win and the Coun-
tefs : but Mrs. Cj^wford, though then in the
zenith of her glory, did not difplay thofe powers
nor that general excellence which marks the per-
formance of Mrs. Siddons. 1 have before remark-
ed, that the difference between tKofe two ex-
cellent aftreffes confifts in the one exciting the
warmeft attention through the whole performanccV
and the other only in cdrtain marked paffages, in
which (hcy perhaps, excels the former. — Mrs.
Siddons ma4c fo much of the Countefs, that
though the tragedy is but dramatic diofs, ihe
(lamps it with the value of refined ^old, and the
au<iience at the conclufion called loudly for its
repetition on Mon<ibiy, and when Mr. Smith
gave it out for Tuefday, he received threfe thun-
dering plaudits.
After the tragedy the D^trter was performed
in which Mils Philips attra!6ted evnery auditor,.
Befides a vexy beautiful perlbn, this young lady
poffeffes" all ^e cliarms of mufic ; an uodon by
no means common, and, therefore^ contemplated
with delighc. It isnecdlcls to add, that (he fung.
her airs with cxqnifite t^fte and delicacy. Mrs.
V/righten was alfo excellent; Henry was decent;
and the reft of the chara6ter» were played witji
general propriety.
After the tr^edy of HaTnUt^ Uft nighty a
new mufical piece called the DahtbU Difgutfe was
prcfented ; the plot of which turns chiefly ori a
fervant aiTuming the title and pretenfions of his
lord> ^vho, on going to pay his addreflcs to a lady,
leaves his lervants at an inn» and, under pretence
of returning to London, purfues his journey, and«.
under a dil^uife, gains the af!e£tion of the kidy.
His fervant then arrives, and creates « a whimA-
cal confulion in the family," which is at length
cleared up by his confeffion. This is fimplylhe
outline of the plot, whidi is well fuit^ to convey
fome fprightly dialogue, awmated with fiwae-of the
plealkntcft fotigs, and moft argreeable raufic 1-
karve heard for fome time. Mifs Philips, wids^
that delicacy and grace peculiar to heifidf, gave,
all her fongs in the moil captivating manner— p
Kin. Wnghten repre£ented an In& gtrl^ and wa»
particularly arch in the dialogue, whilft her fongs
wertl chara&eriftkally written and £et, and moft
eMceUently ituig.^^Mr. Barrymore in the Lord,
and Mr. Dodd in the fervant,' weie very well at
home, particularly the latter.^^aribns, in the
&dKr of the young ladyv was as comical as ever ;
and Mrs. Hopkins quite refpe^blb as an old
. Mr. HooKi, incompofing the imiflc tothi»
pretty uifle, has attended to a circumfttnce very
little attended to amongft modem muficai com-
pofers: that ballad fmiplicity which never £iils
to charm the moft refined, as wdl as die moft
unpoUfhed laftc* Every one of the airs are kib
in this ftile ; light, airy, Bmcifbl, charming ;
and indeed the overture prepared the audience
to expeft fuch ; for it is one of the moft pleafmc
of that kind Of coknp<>(ition whiohhas gcaced the
orcheftra for a long time. The badboit and the
^utboy are principab in it ; snd tkem are fe-
veral folo and oiiZitottvaiiovementsforeadiof thofe
inftrumentSi which charm every hearer, and do
g!?eat credit to the pecfbnners as weU ^ the
c^ianpofer*. . :
This opera has been got wf with great caie^
tafte, andeiegance; and has beep decorated wittv
feveral new ^enes, particularly a gandm fcene,
exquiHtely rich and wdl fancied. It w»re^
ceived with unremitted applaufe thnxigkeut, and
I am much miftaken, if it does not Ibecome one
of the moft popular muHcal piccct which has
been brou^t ft>rward for many years, andfe-
veral of the fongs will foon be warfafed in the
ftreets of this metropolis, partkuhniy Mrs»
Wrighten's humorous ifong of the h%Jk4$df
— ^The audience, Plough not veiy bxiliont, wns
uncommonly crouded.
CooeiU Gardetu
On Thurfday Aaron HilLV lidcewarm tnmflft*
tion of. Voltaire's lukewarm tngedyoflZaca, iwan
performed at this liouie. . Lufignan by Mr. Hen*^
derfon, was equal ta Gprrick's, but inficcior to
the late Mr. Barry's, though the fcttie in-
which he discovers Zara to be his daughter, was^
perhaps never better played«— rMr» Wrong^itoa
ihould not have been pennitted to^fyout.Ofifnav
andif Mn Whitfield. would pocolleft thatZam^
is a tragedy, and not an oper^ it woukl he lU
the better.-*^n. Gt»wfbrd's Zara is a hig^-
finiihed piece o£ a£Ung, and it were a wafteof
words to attempt praifmg a pecfiMsnanon tduoh
h above all pcaife ! . .
Iir
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No. VI.
THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
In the comedy of Rule a Wife and have a Wife^
Mrs, Abington played Eflifania, for the fir ft thne,
on Saturday, and acquitted herfclf with her uTual
fpirit, and certainly with more dramatic fuccefs.
Eftifania is evidently her line of playing, and is
much to be preferred Iq her Lady Betty ModiOi,
and other modifli trifles, about which a great deal
more has been faid than they merited.— -Mr. Hen-
dcrfon, in Leon, was little, if any thing, infe-
rior to Garrick, though it is the Jajhion to call
him a copy only.— Mr. Lewis in the Copper Cap-
tain was eafy and fpirited % and the play, on the
whole, went off with eclat.
The evening's entertainment concluded with
the agreeable trifle called the Sultan^ which being
a produdion of Mrs. Abington, it is ncedlcfs to
fay, fhc played with the vivacity and gaiety for
which Hie is remarkable.
Opera.
Pacchierotti's Benefit on Thurfday, brought
together a confiderabie audience <it the King's
Theatre ; and was one of the bed entertainments
of the kind, I ever attended. I'he mufic was
excellent, and if Pacchierotti had a good benefit, he
(hewed his gratitude by performing in a manner
highly gratifying to his auditors. No eflbrtsof the
human voice can excel his fecond air ; and his
laft had peculiar merit : merit worthy of Pacchi-
erotti. Repetitions of this opera may therefore be
cxpefted during the reft of the feafon.
OFLufini, andFranchi, Bartolini, and Tafca,
I can only fay that they feconded the great maf-
ter of melody and pathos with all their powers,
and the whole of the opera received, as it ought,
abundant applaufe.
The dances went off with ufual eclat^ and gave
a very brilliant condufion to the evening's
entertainment.
TiiEATHiCAL Orchestras.
Th e ** th rummers of wire and fcrapers of cat-
gut," who arc engaged at the Theatres to enter-
tain the audience previous to, and during the
performance, fcem to have an infuperable objec-
tion to the former part of the bufinefs. They by
no means relifh wafting their rofm before the
curtain draws up. It is not, therefore, till
after a vaft deal of thumping with (licks, (lamp-
ing with feet, hooting andfhouting, that the mu-
fical gentry, who are thus the authors of difcord
itiftead of harmony, choofe to make their ap-
pearance ; and then they have fcarcely put their
inftfuments in tune, but— whifk! — aWay they
go through the little dbor, like a duck under wa-
ter, and arc irivifiblc in i, moment ! Then recom-
mences the mufic of ^hc iritated Gods, conjpirito:
after that comes the tinkling of the prompt bell ;
and then opon flies the little door, ^nd-^Da Capo t
—Rofm away— -whi(k| and dive again I
W ON D E R s.
The moft wonderful philofopher of the prefent
age, the redoubted Katterfelto, whofc phi-
lofophy confifts in the black aft and the black cat^
has communicated to me a plan for difcovcring
who isthegreateft philofopher in the prefent age:
and his fcheme is fo curious, that I (hall, here-
after, with your permiffion, lay it before the pub-
lic. At prefent I can only fay, that Katterfietto's
is the moft innocent and diverting philofophy
which can be ftudied ; for though it be cur-
rently reported, that he and his black cat are devils ,
he never fails to convince his auditors that they
are each of them as harmlefs as any houfe lambs in
chriftendom. After all the noife this philofopher
and his philofophy have made, his Solar MI-
crofcope is the moft worthy of obfervation and
applaufe. It is indeed, one of the beft I have
ever feen, and his colle£lion of micrcfcopici^
objeds are well chofen, curious, and, what is
more, inftru£live. Rattcrfelto, however, has
the misfortune to be fometimes vifited in the
night for the exhibition of that which can gnly
befcen by the light of the fan I
BOX-LOB&Y NulSAHCE,
The Box-lobby nuifance is a nuifance only :
a very harmlefs, but a very impertipent animal.
It is fometimes a thing of fafhion ; but more fre-
quently a would-be thing of fafhion : each is,
however, equally troublefome. It fometimes
dreffes in the extreme of fafhion, and then it re-
fembles Shakefpeare's flower,
That fmiles on every one.
To fliew its teedi.
At other times it a(rumes the form of a walking"
jockey f and being juft arrived from Cheapjide^ ex-
patiates very largely on the pleafures of travelling,
and the delights of the country ! It joftles every
gentleman from the box-book, and, with an in-
credible buftle, examines the book, and exprelTes
its furprife that no more of its acquaintance are
in die houfe. It then difcovers that public bufi-
nefs may have detained them^ — ^that is, their bufi-
nefs on the public roads — and that pofllibly its
dear friend ♦ • ♦ ♦ may ftay the divifion — that is,
the divifion of the booty — and it cannot think of
(laying the play when there is no company in
the houfe ; and, therefore, having in the buftle
of its importance,-.eafed fomc of its gazing ad-
, mirers
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T41E NEW SPECTAXpR, Ac.
No. Vt
mirc^s of their watches and money,. Ijt <jyits the
Iwufe abruptly, to be alii? prcfent at the divi-
fion l^^^^
Akother Nuisance,
A MORE alarming nuifancc than the former, is
tlie Adverlifing Money Lender / This is a public
Tiuifance that, under the mafk of friendfhip,
plants a dagger in many a bread. He riots in
the diftreffes of his fellow creatures ; and, in-
flead of removing their miferies, plunges them
in ten-fold ruin ! It is impoflible to conceive
the variety of wretchednefs to which families are
daily reduced by thefc villains and their con-
federates, who thus Openly, and in the fecc of
day, under a (hew of philanthrophy, prey upon
the ignorance, the fimplicity, and the neceflities
of mankind. The gentry of this vocation have
greatly incrcafed in their number lately; and
fomc of them are fo honourable as to inform you
in their advertifements, that they will not give
you a proof of their villainy under two, or per-
haps five hundred pounds, as " nothing under
** that fum will be advanced." Various arc
the modes of defraud praftifed by them for the
acquifition of goods and iccuritics^ whict being
oi)CC in their cullody, are feldom recovered, nor
any thing equivalent to their value. I would,
therefore, much fooncr p.ut my life into the hands
of a quack, than entruft my property wltli an ad*
vertifinf mfiney-Under I
You will excufe my having dwelt fo long op
theat^ipal affairs, bu^ the ficfount^ given in th^
daily prints being ufually f4b]:icated by (he par*
tial and the intcrcfted, it is neccflary, occa-
fionally, to point out thp (ruth.
Faithfidly Your's,
JOHN BULL.
To oihfr CORHESPOMDICNTS.
Stakzas on a Smnmer Morning, and Igno-
ratus urt received. — The requeft of Modeftus, re-
JpedUng the moUos, and the reprinting of the numkrs
already pubUJhed^ will be complied xtnth.^y-The tetter
finned A. B. and the manner in tohich it was fent^
are proofs of a very polite taftc and manners: the
letter will appear next week, with the r4al name of the
author.
London: Printed by T» Ricxaby, No. 15, DukeVGourt, Bow-Street, Covcnt-Gardcn ;
And Sold fey T. AXTE^L, No, 1, Finch-Lane, Comhill, and* at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, PooWellcr, Charies-Strcc^ St. James's-Squarc ; by P. BRETT, BookfeUcr and
Sutioner, oppofitc St. Clement's-Church in the Strand; by G. KEARSLEY, No. 463 Fleet-Street 5
and by W. THISELTON, Bookfeller and Stationer, No. 37, Goodge-Street, Rathbonc-Place.
*^* Correspondents are requefted to addrefji their favours to the New Spectator, to be
left at Mr. Swift's, in Charges-Street ^ St. JamesVSquarCi where a LsTTSR»Boi^ is affixed
for their reception.
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rurv . /\jrvAiA/Vy>tAg'\'A!/>eAJ>jAiA<VjA3<V
THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. vn.
TUESDAY. March i6, 1784.
Price Three-pence.
To be continued every Tuesday.
Quern res plus niwio dcUBavcre fccunda,
Mutatct quatknt. Si quid miraberey pones
Invitus,
Horace.
They who in Fortune's fmiles too much delight,
Shall tremble when the goddel^ takes her Hight;
For if her gifu our fonder paflioos gain.
The frail pofleiEon we refign with pain.
Francis.
OF the various kinds of knowledge, rcquifite
to conduft human life with propriety, there
fecms none lc(s underftood, or at leaft Icfs prac-
tifed, than that which fiiould teach us how to
fupport our charaftcrs under, the different cir-
cumflances of profperity and adverfity. It has,
however, been univerfally acknowledged, that
the duties to which we are rendered liable, and
the temptations to which we arc expofed, by
profperity, are the moft numerous and the mofl
difficult to encounter ; for fuch is the perverfe-
nefs, and fuch the weaknefs of human nature,
that its moft falutary bleflings are too frequently
converted into the moft poifonous evils; and
the profperous are more generally remarked for
their follies rather than their virtues. Adverfity,
on the other hand, has been called the fchool of
wifdom ; but'the difcipline, like that of all other
fchools, has di^rent efiefb on different tempers
and difpofitions ; and there are fcholars as fro-
ward,pervcxfe,and intra£bable in the one as in the
other. The confequences of difobedience and
non-compliance in thefe feminaries arc indeed
widely different ; in one, we incur the difplea-
furc of an authorized tutor, and fruftratc the care
of indulgent parents ; in the other, we bid a
kind of defiance to the laws of providence, and
excite the anger of heaven.
The perpetual fluctuation of human affairs,
and the viciflitudes to which every one is fubje6^
have taught mankind the neceffity of providing
againft future contingencies, by unremitted in-
dufby, and the previous exercife of that charity
which feldom faib to infure the real efteem of
the world and the approving fmile of heaven.
To the influence of fuch rational motives, arc the
poor indebted for thofe noble afylums from
want and deftruftion, which, in this country,
have, of late yearS) rifen like thofe exhalatioiw
of the evening that, defcending in bcncHcial
dews, form the luftre of a vernal morning.
Such, however, is the imperfeftion of all
human inftitutions, and fiich the irrefiftibility of
all human paflions, that the intentions of good-
nefs are too often defeated by the intervention of
folly, or the fubtiliiy of wickednefs. Hence it
is, that inftitutions calculated for public benefit,
do fomctimcs more abundantly redound to private
emolument ; and the principle that formed the
bafis, being abandoned in the fuperftrufture,
what
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
Ko. Vlf .
what was meant for univcrfal advantage, pro-
duces but a partial good, »nd fometixiics givei
rife to an extenfive evil.
Previously informed of the nature of our
laws, and of the provjfion made for our poor, a
ftranger is not a little aftonifhed to find his cha-
rity (blicited in our ilrcets, and our highways
mbounding with beggars. And he cannot but
b)nclude that we take more delight in extolling,
than in executing our laws ; that we form medi-
cines, but negleft to apply them ; at once ex-
hibiting our wifdom and our folly.
Every well-wifher to order and economy,
entertained fanguinc cxpeflations of feeing this
grievance redreflcd, by the enading of a flatute
framed for that particular purpofc ; but the whole
attention of the legiflaturc having been dircfted
to objcfts apparently of more immediate concern,
and which could be terminated only by the te-
dious operations of fleets and armies, or the
improbable union of heterogeneous principles,
the defign was, if not defeated, at leaft deferred.
How it happens that an attention to internal
polity, and the cxcrcife of foreign dominions,
arc incompatible, I have not fagacity enough to
difcover ; and I am afraid the prefent contefl for
power amongft the different fadionsof the day,
will totally preclude all thoughts of the country**
benefit in the amendment or the framing of laws
refpcding the poor, which is matter of furprixc'
to me, as thew are fevcral members of the lower
Houie of Parliament that, fhould they fail in
their views, might hereafter reap advantage
ffom thofc very laws :
The cup goes round,
And who fo artful as to pafs it by ?
Many perfons have Uvcd to enjoy the benefit of
thofc charities which they have cftablifhed for
the relief of indigence.
B^T whatever inftitutions maybe formed^ there
will always remain objca* to whom they will be
of no fervicc; objc£U who have fallen from
• elevated fituations, ftill contending with the ele-
msnt^ of affliftion, and diCdaning to feck fhelter,
whilft there is a poflibility of braving the ftorm ;
and others, who, from a certain delicacy of dif-
pofttion, languifh in obfcurity, and are more
willing to indulge ^e moll diHant hope, than
eager to folicit immediate redrefs ; a kind of liv-
ing monuments of mifcry and modcfty, Thefc
would then be the objefts of all peculiar charity ;
and to their lupport might be appropriated thole
cafual effuiioas of benevolence, which are at prc<-
ient laviihed on undeferving objeds, and too
frequently tend to the encouiagementof idlencfs^
4hd the ftimulation of impudence.
Adversity tries the temper of all thofewho
bow under its influence, and nothing fo(»ier ex-
pofes their predominant paiHons. I have often
obfervlKl that they who by unjufl means^ have
accumulated wealth, and have afterwards been
reduced to poverty, generally difcover the moft
violent impatience ; and, rejefting tha£ univeHal
proteftion of providence, from which they ima*
gine themfelves fecluded, pb^e their future de-^
pendence on the fuccefs of new ftratagems of vice^
and frefh fchemes of more complicated wick-^
ednefs*
Ok. the other hand, the wealth acquired by
honefl induftry, and fuccefiifiil ingenuity is often
refigned with patient fubmiflion and religious re-
fignation; with thanks of providence for paft
enjoyment, and firm dependence for future fup-
port« But it is, in all things, difficult to avoid
extremes ; and if fomc men place too much con-
fidence in themfelves, and negled to implore
the afliftance of heaven ; there are others who,
imploring the alfiflance of heaven, lofe the ne-
cefiary confidence in their own abilities ; and by
neglcfting to co-operate with benignant provi-
dence, become examples of the little eifeft of
pious ejaculations without hearty exertions ; and
afford matter of triiunph to the votaries of vice^
who wanton in luxury, and hold in derifion the
expe6lations of dependent piety.
A DECENT, and a becoming behaviour is dif-
ficult to fuflain under the preflures of adv€rfity«
Hence fome are unfeafonably importunate^ and
fome unmeafurably deje£bed : it is, therelbre^ the
peculiar excellence of unaffeded goodnefs^ to
reflet on the imperfections of hum^ nature^
and patiently to attend to the former, and affidu-
ouHy to feek out the latter ; omitting n^ oj^r"
tunity, under the condud of prudence and pto^
priety, of tefUfying that rcg^d for the wel£ireof
others, which we would wiih, in fimllar c>r<*
cumdances, were extended to ourowa.
The difEcultxes to which vrt are expofed by
the poflefiion of riches, and the depreflton of
poverty, and which every rational man views in
the fame light, have rendered the gulden mtmH the
general ch)cGt of purfuit. In holy writ we find
one wifhii^ foir << neither ipovtttf net riches^''
^thehappiefl (late of hwnanity ; and.HoKAci,
no unikilful judge of human kUcityf klas left hi*
tcftimony to die fame eSc&. ; t
■■ ' Bene eft^ cni Deuj okuHt
Pmcoj fmdfoHs e/t mam*
Tbcn happy he whom heaven hath fed
With fnigal, but fufficient bread. *
Francis.
Un-
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No. VU.
THE KEW SP"ECTATOR, &c
3
Unfortuaately, however, few people know when
they do poffcfs the golden mean ; for that is one
of thofe teaUers on which we permit inclination
to decide rather than reafon ; and almoft every
vian applies the term to a different quantity of
wealth. But i«a(bn and confcienec cannot al-
ways be ftifled ; and no man ever yet made an
addition to his trcafures, that did not immediately
feel his mind filled with ideas of additional duties,
^ough he may have rcjefted the performance.
It cannot, therefore, 1)e too often, or too ferioufly
recommended to a mercantile people to recoUeft,
that on every acceffion of wealth, it is their duty,
avid coitfcquently their intereft, to attend to the
^ diftnsffes of thofe ki advcrfity, and to rdieve tfceir
neeelltties, rather than to emulate thofe nume-
fous -follies of the prodigally profperous, which
ftndcr them contemptible, inftead of ornamental
to human nature.
7>M«N«W S^lbCTATOR,
Mr. Sf ECTATOR,
The greateft of your predcceffors made it
a rule to give accountsof the various clubs which,
in his time, were formed in th€ metropolis j and
fome of the papers which contain his dcfcriptions
of them, are the mofl entertaining to be met with,
and at the lame ^me, throw no fmall light on the
iiuxed cbaraftcr of pur fclWw fubjefts; tixhibiting
the feripus aod the ri&ble in majr^y pounts of view.
I ho^ thai ie this, at Jeaft, you wiU foUow hk
example, and glv«eu5fc4mehum<M'0»usdeicriptiQns
ftf the clubs p{ tbeifc days, which will be very
acceptable m
Your's tp <a>mmand,
Tke KxrNG if Clubs.
I HAVE not the leaft doubt but that his majefty
the KiT^ of Clubs is a man of tafle, and was 1 fo
happy as to be perfonally acquainted with him,
probably I might be enabled to fulfil his wifhes.
At prcfcnt, however, I know not of a finglc
club in this metropolis which admits of defci;ip-
tion. Times arc confiderably changed fiiice the
days of Ad D ISO N, and our amCifements ^xc wide-
ly different. Though fociety is more refined, it
is Icfs fociable ; and men carry their difcriminat*
ing ideas much further than they formerly did.
Hence, clubs are confined to .villages, whence
trade by the introduftion of wealth, and artificial
manners, has not baniflied equality, and tlie na-
tural defire of alTociating for mutual entertainment.
I hear but of few clubs in the metropolis that
arc not appropriated to gaming and drinking: to
fortune and Bacchus; imlefs indeed I include
l^e political club at the St Albany's Tavern,
which may be called tlie Labow in vain Club.
For the iatis^i£tion of his majefty, the King of
Clu6s, and fuch others of my correfpondents and
readers as wifh to be acquainted with the ftate of
clubs in this metropolis, i (faali dire£^ my Deputy,
John Bull, to make a report of them and their
proceedings, to be laid before the public.
To the New Spectator.
Copy.
You Speftor
Beeing a grate Hadmyror of the Hould
^>eftor 1 was meetdy pleifed to fe the Hadvere-
tyzmunt inn the Mourning Yearould for a Nue
Sped:or and bote em weth grate gle but haylack
thaer flarke noute but bawderdafhe and notin-
fens about Mafkreds and Pleighs and Harbyloones
and Squre Mawlgins Neffcy and hall mannur of
fbleries and nounfens to pleife wimmin and 1 kan
maik noe mannur of fens inn it and I ham fhure
it wil never cum to nout taik;ni WMrd I hundur-
ftand gud riteing tho I ham noe grate ikollar and
ham fhure yure Speftor wil doe no gudl>ecafc why
why becafe ther his-fiout int abought SrRodgurding
Coblerey and Mefter Hunneycumb and the Hug^
ley clubb and hall that and wats a Spe£lor gud for
weout hall that and foe I hav fent the nummbers
bak inn defye/ that yue wil putt inn fummet
abought Sr Rodgur and hall tho^ haffares Uiat I
menfhend and 1 wud hadvice yue to ia Aimmet
hanfum of the Prins of Wails and Chris Phocks
that is nixnaimcd the Mann of the peeplc and the
grate Hqrridors that fpekes lofige fpeaohers inn
the Nufepaypurs abought hour hafiares and the
Coolifhon and younge Pit and hall that and then
yue (hud nte abought Miftrifs Robbefon and her
FifTyfce and nott abought Catterfclltoes Filhof-
fify and hall that but abought Seekrit Hinflewens
and nott the Mades of Honer and the Dutchaffes
that dres foe at the kurt that is menOiund irm the
Nufe and leve hout hall thoas grate liae abought
the flrainge nafhon weth longc. Beerds and Har-
byloones innfted of Hoffcs I hop yue wil taik mi
hadvice and I ihal rcckiuneucKl yiwe Nue Speftor
to hall mi Friends.
A.B.
Berry Sunt Hedmunt.
The above literary curiofuy with three num-
bers of the New Spectator, was received by
the Printer lafl week, who, by a ftngular accident,
inftantly difcovercd the writer, whofe name I
intended to have inferted at the foot of it (as I
promifed in my laft}, had he not, in another very
curious epifUe, couched in terms of the mod
pro-
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &e.
No. VIL
profound fupplication, rcqucfled mc to omit the
only two words in which he difcovcrcd any
knowledge of common orthography. I thought
it but jufl: to infert his cpiftle, and to exprcfs my
fatisfaftion, that the New Spectator is con-
demned, and 1 truft always will be condemned
by fuch critics as my good friend A. B !
Tq the New Spectator.
Mr. Spectator,
A MANUSCRIPT copy of the following
llanzas, being in my pofleflion, and not knowing
wether they have yet been publifhcd, I trufl
you will think them worthy of a place in your
elegant paper.
I am, Sir,
Your's, &c.
P.M.
Adieu to Avon.
Adieu f weet Avon ! gende flream !
That in majcfiic filence flows,
Where oft the mufc has chofe a theme
That forrov's deepcft dnu difclofe.
Adieu, fwcet Avon ! gentle Oreaqi!
Where trees protra^ed form a (hade,
Excluding Sol's intenfeft beam,
When o'er thy banks my feet have ftray'd.
Adieu, fwect Avon I gentle ftream !
Where many a fragrant flow'rct blows.
Where oft fome vifionary fchcme
Hath luird my forrows to repofc!
Ah ! who can tell the fweets that bloom
Along thy margin's verdant fide P
Or count the rofes that perfume
The gale that blows o'er Avon's tide ?
Yc hills, ye vales, with umbrage crown'd,
So far beyond my view outfprcad,
Where many a graceful villa's found,
And many a turret rears its head:
'Twas not from you affliction found
Relief in forrow*s pcnfive hour,
But in the lilent fcenei around,
That deck fweet Avon's lovely bower !
Adieu fweet Avon I gentle ftream !
Accept the mufe's grateful lays ;
For many a foft enchanting dream
From thee dcriv'd, deferves my praifc I
To the New Spectator.
Friend Spec,
I AM by no m^iis pleafed with your cxtrethe
gravity, and I wifh you would alTume a little
fprightlinefs, if it were only to divert the ladies,
who, let me tell you, from the chief part of your
readers, and who, in general, prefer a little ro-
ras^nce to a great deal of morality. As to the gen-
tlemen, it is the full moon with them, and they
are politically mad, at leaft fixteen hours of the
four and twenty; and confequently have few
lucid intervals to beflow on the trifling concerns
of morals, philofophy, or even bon ton, Befides
the good people of thefe days are too wife to
need inftruftion, and defirc nothing of a peri-
odical writer but amufement, and if you feafon it
with a little Kyan of Scandal, it would fuit the
public tafle much better, and your lucubrations
become as relilhing as a fricafee of half a dozen
morning papers. But I know that to attempt
peifuading you from wliat you deem the right
path, and the duty of a periodical writer, were
vanity and vexation of fpirit. And in my Mif-
ceUany I have determiried to adhere fo finely to
truth, that I have not an opportunity, if I were fo
inclined, of gratifying the public ufte in a few
ebullitions of the extravaganza, comme U gazette
• Anglois !
Carleton House, Pall-mall,
His Royal Highnefs the Prince of Wales hav-
ing decorated this Houfe in the ftile of Eaflem
magnificence, it was opened with a kind of
Houfc warmings on Wednefday lafL
It is unneceffary, and would be tedious, to
give you a particular defcription of the principal
rooms, and of the mouldings^ cornices^ ff^^i p^'
dimtnts^ and all the ct ceteras of architefturc em-
ployed in their conftru6Uon and ornament. 1 will
fimply inform you, that the principal rooms in the
houfe are a Dining room, a State room, a Ball room,
and a Saloon ; and that fome ingenuity and fome
tafle have given them a brilliant and a fanciful,
rather than an elegant appearance.
The entertainment given by his Highnefs, is
denominated, by fome a Fetc^ and was highly
relifhed by all parties, efpecially the ladies, great
part of whom did not quit this terreflrial Elyfium
before eight the next morning. — ^To attempt a
defcription of the fupper would be ufclcfs to you,
unlefs you was defirous of following his High-
nefs*s example, or of inflrufting your houfekfcc-
per in the art of fetting out a table to the beft
advantage.
The company was very numerous and very
brilliant, particularly the ladies, who emulated
each
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No. VIL
THE NEW SPECTATOR^ Ac.
each other in their perfonal tlecorations, atid
their attentions to his Highnefs. — Contrary to the
report of fome papers Mrs. H— , though long
fmcc invited, being in the country, did not add
to the beauty of the affembly by her prcfence.
The BuLiAN Lovers.
A true Story*
Literally tranflatcd from the Bulian languagCi
Lv the fair city of Bulia there dweh a man,
whofe name was Edart^ remarkable for his riches,
and who had feveral daughters ; one of which
was exceedingly beautiful, and was called Aidniy
fignifying brilliant and alluring. When his chil-
dren arrived at a certain age, Edart gave them
portions, and left them to their own difpofal ;
for he entertained an opinion that the happincfs
of children confifted in the difpofal of thcmfelves,
and that the interference of parents more fre-
quently rendered them miferable than otherwife.
The beautiful Aidni having received her por-
tion, condfting of five thoufand balloons, fifteen
villages, and an immenfe quantity of jewels, and
being folicited in marriage by fome of the fir ft
families in Bulia, at length liftened to the ad-
dreffes of Lahnedael, a man whofe riches and
family honours were nearly equal to her father's.
Articles, with feals dangling at ihtni^ were pre-
pared, and the good people of Bulia began to
rejoice on the approaching union of Lahnedael
and Aidni, for they were both beloved by the
whole city.
Unfortunately for our lovers, Aidni, foon
after (he had eftablifhed her own houfhold, and
had the entire command of herfelf, was met at
Court by one of thofe deteftable women who
make a pra£tice of enfnaring the innocent, and
reducing them to all poflible diftrefs for the moft
inhuman purpofes. The name of this woman
was Carolo^ and her defign was to proftitute the
beautiful Aidni to no lefs than ftxteen gentlemen
of Bulia, who had all declared themfelves capti-
vated by her charms, and impatient to poflefs
her!
Innocence is feldom fufpicious. A friendly
intercourfe foon took place between Carolo and
Aidni ; for the bawd was fo kind and fo officious,
and ufed to give her fo much grave advice, that
it is no wonder Aidni grew fond of her company
and converfation. The old hag — [I beg the
reader will remember that this is a lUtral tranfla-
tion,]— The old hag contrived to get into all her
fecrets, learned all her movements, once hired
all herfervants, and, it isfaid, by certain corrupt
prafticesi fecretly gained over almoft all the peo-
ple in her houfe.
Aidni, though a charming woman, was not
deftitute of female faults : (he was a little expen-
five, and Carolo perceiving it, would freely offer
to lend her as much money as Ihe wanted — for
Carolo, though poor herfelf, knew how to pro-
cure money on fuch occafions^— Aidni would
fometimes accept her offer, and, as the fortune
of Aidni was prodigious, Carolo!* demands were
regularly difcharged as Aidni's rents came in*
Previous to- her contraft with Lahnedael,
Aidni borrowed a very large fum of Carolo, who
no fooner heard of the intended marriage, but fhe
immediately demanded the repayment of her mo-
ney, which Aidni found herfelf unable to fatisfy.
Whether it arofe from the real poverty of her
tenants, who had certainly been at rack*rcnti
for fome years ; whether fhe was defrauded by
her ftcwards, or what elfe could be the caufe,
none could tell. Be that as it might, this fhame«
ful, this deteftable wretch infifled on inftant pay-,
ment, unlefs the fweet girl, the charming Aidni,
would yield herfelf up to the abominable purpofes
of Carolo, by profHtuting herfelf to the fixteen
Bulians, who had declared themfelves the captir
vated (laves of the beautiful Aidni !
More aftonifhed than alarmed at the infemal
purpofes of Carolo, Aidni treated her menaces
with contempt, and to avoid immediate diftre(%
appealed to the Etanes for juftice. But many
of the Etanes were privately attached to Carolo,
and were alfo defirous of polTcfling the charms of
Aidni; her fuit, therefore, was rcjefted. She
then appealed to the Rcppu, who, taking her
cafe into confideration, ordered her debts to be
paid by proper inftalments ; her marriage con-
contrad with Lahnedael to be ratified ; her fix-
teen admirers to be publicly whipped ; and Caro-
lo to be branded as a difgrace to her fex, to Bulia,
and to the univerfe !
Nothing could equal the joy of the lovers on
this dccifion of the Reppu ; and Rexman the king,
being made acquainted with the virtues of Lah-
nedael and Aidni, honoured their union with
his approbation, and all Bulia rejoiced that the
wickednefs of Carolo was fruftrated, and the
lovers made perpetually happy.
<* This flory has a meaning, and no doubt
" You all have fcnfc enough to find it out."
Air Balloon.
Amongst other public amufements of this
week, that of letting off an air balloon took
place on Friday, in St* GeorgeVfields* Mr.
AfUey having previoufly informed the public,
that<* a large aeroftatic globe, together with*a
tri-
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No. VII.
triumphal car," were to make the grand aerial
tour, the concourfe of people was prodigious.
Two very fmall globes were fenl into the air, to
the'fmall diverfiott of the fpeftators, Who im-
patiently waited the appearance of the triumphal
car ; at length the major balloon afcends ; but no
car appearing fufpended, it was permitted to go
fans acclamation, and was quickly out of fight.
•—Many people ilaid in hopes of feeing the
triutnphal car; but the focicty of pick -pockets
were obfezved to make a precipitate retreat to-
wards Field lane; leaving one of their brethren
to the futy of the populace who gave him a terri-
ble duckii^. I could not help lamenting that
this poor ragged wretch, was unaccompanied
tn hit punitibment by any of the genteel (harpers
who icfeAed the place r as Mr. B. and Co. were
obferved to be actively afliduous about tli^ per-
fefls of the ladies, feveral of whom loft their
watches andoioney.
With refpc^ to the balloon itfclf, it went
ofF very well, and looked very handfomc ; and
had notthe poblic been taught to expe6l feeing it
•ttBoded by a triumphal coTy would have given
general fatisfa^oiu
SiKTH was the magical effe^ of this aeroflatic
Iflobe, that, in variioii» part3 of the metropolisi
the price of pocket handkerchiefs was redMced
fxily per cent, the fame day ; and watichcs «ibout
thirty!
T U £ A T ^ £ s.
Drury Lane*
On Tuefday, Every Man in his Humour^ inftead
of the Countels of Salifbury, which was poft-
poned on account of the indifpofition of Mrs.
Siddons, was performed at a fhort notice, and
was very well received. Mr. Palmer was parti-
cularly excellent in Bobadil. — The DouhU Dip
guife was performed, for the fccond time, the
fame evening, and was received with repeated
plaudits, and having been performed every even-
ing iince, except on Wcdncfday and Friday, fully
juftifies the opinion 1 ^ave oFit in my laft. The
news-paper critics, however, conceiving that the
piece was written l?y one of their own profefTion,
^have JTpoken as Ill-naturedly of it as they poffibly
could. But merit bears down all oppofition, and
both the words and' the mufic of the Double Dif-
guife codtinue to meet with the mod abundant
applaufe. I am told that the words arc by Mrs.
Hooke ; be that as it may, they do credit to the
writer, and the piece is already fo well eftablifli-
ed in the public opinion, that all the nralevolcnt
cflbrts of pfeudo-crftics fhall not prevail againft it I
Ttt£ Oratorio of Sam/on, on Wednc(yay,went
off With fuecels, and was honoured with a hrge
audience*
The author of the comedy of Rgparaiismf
which was performed on 'Qiurfday, Saturday,
and lafl night, is much inddited to the inimitable
performance of Mifs Farren for the fupport of
his comedy, which is Hkely, on that account, to
run much longer than could have been expefted
from the merit of the peicc itfclf.
On Friday, by Command, the Oratorio of
Alexander's Feaji was performed. Tlic mufic,
vocal and inftrumental, went off with great ap-
plaufe, exceeded only by that with which his
Majefly was received on entering his box,
teftifying the moft cordial unanimity between
the fovereign and the people. The plaudit on his
appearance was — as is ufual new— thrice encored /
Miss G FORCE and Mrs. Kennedy, Mr, Rein-
hold and Mr. Norris, acquitted themfelves with
their ufual excellence ; and particular praifc is
due to thofe little fons of harmony, Gucfl and
Binns, belonging to the King's Chapel. Their
exertions do them great credit, and reflefl np
fmall honour on the gentleman by whom they
are inftrufted : Mr. Ayrton, of the King's
Chapel."
Covent Garden,
On Tuefday Mr. Macklin's Man of the World
was performed to a brilliant audience, and re-
ceived with every mark of approbation. The
more frequently this play is iccn the better it is
liked ; and Macklin is juflly regarded as a good
writer, and a theatrical phenomenon! — Th^Poor
Soldier^ though defpicable in itfelf, never fails to
pleafe, by the exertions of Mrs. Kennedy.
Their Majeflies, onThurfday, honoured this
Houfe, with their prefence to fee the comedy of
Rule a Wife and Have a Wife, and the farce of the
Sultan ; in both which pieces Mrs. Abington
played with more than ufual fpirit. — ^Four of the
Princefles were alfo prefcnt; but his Royal High-,
ncfs the Prince of Wales not intending to honour
the theatre with his prefence, his box was not
fitted up,
The mufic of acclamation with which his 'Ma-
jefly was received, drowned the harmony of all
other founds; and the Queen and Princefles
received fimilar applaufe.
The Caftleof Andalujia, performed on Saturday,
for Signora SefUni's benefit, was honoured with
one of the mofl crouded and brilliant audiences I
ever beheld. Edwin and Quick, were very
chara£fcreftic, and it ought to be remarked, that
this piece owes its fupport entirely to their exer-
tions, forinjpoint 6f compoTition, it is, perhaps,
as wretched an attempt at writing as ever ifliicd
from the pen of Mr. O'KcefFc. ^eflini, Mrs.
Ket^ledy, andMrs.Banmlter; MeOcs.Banniller
Hcin-
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THfiMfiW SPEcTAtOft» ^
ft^inkold and Brett tung their fongs with their
accuftomed excellence.*^In Ro/trta, iSeftini played
Phcbc, and what with her broken Ertglifh, and
the arch manner of finging the celebrated duet
Vith William, kept the Hode ih perpetual laugh-
ter and goiod hnmour.
The Hz RO llEVERSElJ.
The gallant Colonel—who knows not the
gallant Colonel ?-^whofc boaft was to haVc
- «« killed more men, and to have ruined more
« women than any man in England,*' has
thought fit to make a precipitate fdlrcatj afraid
of a criminal profecution, and of (hewing himfelf
in the metropolis.^*i*Thc celebrated courtezan,
whofc charms have fubdued iftany heroes, is
highly enraged at the man of wa^ for paying fo
ill a compliment to her beauties. She is now on
the leok out for a frefh fupply of faihionable folly,
in order to recover her wonted fplendour in tlic
Cylherean hemifpherc; but it is to be hoped that
Ibc is become too hackneyed to attra£k any atten-
tion, but that of general difguft!
Thus it is, that infamy and ruin accompany
each other 5 and the all-accomplilhed foldier and
his Dulcinea are examples to their rcfpeftive pro-
fcflions, that external fplendour can never fliield
private vice from public difgrace !
Town Gentlemen*
Whilst many writers have exetted their
talents in the argumentative and the declamatory,
refpefting Town Ladies, a numerous clafs of
beings equally refpe6bble, and who may juftly
be called Town Gentlemen^ feem t» efcapc nbtice^
as if they were not a nuiCance equally dangerous
with Om {harpers of the otbei' fe*. ' A great deal
has been (aid of the numbers of proftitutes infcft.
i*ig our ftfceis; aad whteH if iA doAfidired, thai
the number of ^yncfters^ fWiodlcrsy motiey len-
ders, and black-legs, is perhaps fuperior, it may
juftly excite our wonder, that honeft induftry can
ftiake ayiy p^ogrefs, thi^ be-ifer wiA eVefyfpccrcs
of viBalhy. A Towft'Oentfenrtn is one who,
having no vifiblc means of fubfiftcncc, runs the
round of diflipated folly, and is always to be dif-
covered in every place of public amufement,
which he frequents on the fame principle as
Town Ladies—for the fake of reimburfmg his
cxpences, and picking up a decent livelihood.
He is generally fupported by his fuccefs at the
gaming table, which he conftantly attends, in
tjrder to uke in every unwary vifuant. A pub-
lic proceffion forms a kind of field day for him,
and he generally retires well paid for his extra'
duty.—Sometimes he affociates with a houfe of
mercantile thieves, who, after having procured
?
iatge quititities of itterchandizc, on die credit
of their houfe, ufually divide the fpoil, and ab-
fcond^In fhort, it is impoffible to trace him in
his various fi^rms; and nothing but the moft vigi-
lant attention can fecurc the public ftt)m the effefts
of his artificesi
Now, though ihcans may be dcvHcd for putting
a ftop to the baneful ekcrtions of Town ladies, 1
am quite at a lofs what to fay refpefting thefc
l^own gendemeni and xhuft leave them to the cor-
refting hand of that providence, which feldom
pcnnits fuch wretches to efcape the halter many
years together. I only v^fh I might be per-
mitted to warn the public againft them indi-
vidually, as well as generally; I would then
prefcnt a lift of fuch names, as at ptefent figure
In the fafhlonable world, xvhich, if thihgs Went
right, would figure in the Iflack lift of Mr. Akerman \
As it isj I can only advife my readers to beWare of
the Box-lobby, the horft-racing, ih ftort of all
thofe gentryj who aflume thti impudent aits of a
tnan of quality, when nobody knows toho they a:re ;
and in that kind of gentry this metropolis does
abundantly abound I
il A k ri E Li
Th e intended commemoration of this immortal
mufician, is likely to prove one of the moft fplen-
did mufical feftivals ever known in this coun-
tiyj and that under the imme d ia te proteftion of
his Majefty, who by this mark of his attention to
one of the moft enchanting fciences, in the aft of
conferring, receives immortal honour. Indeed
nothing has been wanting on the part of his
Majefty, fince his acceflion to the throne,
for the utmoft, eticooragemc^ of the a&ts' add
fciencGS \ and j® there ^^ few better Judg» of
compofition than Im Ms^efty, it,i§iK> Woiftler
that he wiftteft to pay pwtCtttor JroAOUra <o the
memory of Handel.
A GALLERY, peculiarly magnificent and beau-
tilrrf, xtf faitf tt'h^pf^iparing fW Ae R^at Famt
ly, i^ 1?fe irM^mv ; ahd dfffeflteh* af^ given
to prepare Weftminfter Abbey' ftfr tfte^ ration
of a more numerous and fplendid congregation
than have appeared \vithin its walls fmcc the co-
ronation of our illuftrious Sovereign.
Whilst the fine arts are thus countenanced
by Royalty, we may entertain the moft lively
hopes that Britain fhall more than emulate Athens
and Rome in the excellence of her produftions,
and the happinefs of her people !
I am, Dear Spec,
Your upright Deputy,
JOHN BULL.
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B
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No. VII.
To the IJtw Spectator.
Mr. Spectator,
We wifh to be informed, through the chan-
nel of your entertaining paper, what advantages
would refult to the mathematics from a difcovery
offquaring the circle; and whether the /lifcovercr
might expcft a pecuniary reward for making it
public ?
We arc, Sir, yours, &c.
SQUARE AND CIRCLE.
To tJue New Spectator.
Mr. Spectator,
Don't you think that fmce the invention of
balloon carriages it, will greatly increafe the num-
ber of cajilebuilders ? If fo, we may hope to fee
Reynarduvif that great architefl, Mafler of .Arts,
and Fellow of Brooke* s College^ at the head of the
City caftlc, near the Deuily Temple-Bar, where
nought but wind can make his beard to wag !
Yours, &c.
POLLY TICK.
To other Correspondents.
The writer who ftgns himfelj Blaze, has my
thanks for his friendly hints ; but he Jhould recolleB
tliat the Opinions of John Bull, are introduced
purpofely to animadvert on Juch temporary matters as
are either negleded^ or mifreprefentedy in the daily
prints. The Eflay is what properly Jomu the New
Spe£Utor ; and is appropriated to that [pedes of com-
pojition^ which I am happy tojind meets with the ap-
probation of Blaze, whofe literary favours would
be very acceptable^ — The requefl of the Gen-
tlewoman from Jerico can be complied with on no
other condition than that of her fetting the example
fhe wifkes me to follow* As I have no manner of ac-
quaintance with the gerdUmenfhe alludes to, her com-
pliments reft mth myfelf, — The reprefentations of one
of the Goldfmith's company may be very juf, but
his favours would probably prove more acceptable to
a morning paper, — / am obliged to the gentleman who
fends me the complimentary verfcs on the Duchefs oF
Devonfhire, but he will find the^n already printed in a
certain colledion of Sonnets entitled the Bevy of
Beauties.
London: Printed by T. Rickabt, No. 15, Doke's-Court, Bow-Street, Covent-Carden ;
And Sold by T. AX TELL, No. 1, Finch-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchangfc; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charles-Street, St. James's-Square ; by P. BRETT, Bookfeller and
Stationer, oppofite St. Clement's-Church in the Strand; by G. KEARSLEY, No. 46, Fleet-Street;
and by W. THISELTON, Bookfeller and Stationer, No. 37, Goodge-Strect, Rathbone-Place.
%* CoRRBSPONDENTS aie lequeftcd to addrefs their favours to the Nzw Spectator, to be
left at Mr. Swift's, in Charles-Street, St. JamesVSquare, where a .L£tt£R-Box n affixed
for their reception.
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/>u^>yv>VAJ^Vj'>i » ^uA;Aiy>y>tA!/>AA a fttAy^^
THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
W I T n T H E
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. Via.
TUESDAY, March 23, 1784.
Price Three-pence.
To be continued every Tuesday.
Ad populum phaleraSf tgo U irUus^ et in cute novi.
Such pageantry be to the people (hown;
There boafi thy horfe's trapping* and thy own:
I know thee from thy bottom; from within
Thy (hallow centre, to thy utmoft fkln.
Pbrsius,
AMONGST thofc who afpirc to the praifc of
leading fafhions and adjufting ceremonies,
it is obfcrvable that their whole conduft may ge-
nerally may be reduced to a kind of fcience, in
which aiSeftation, either fcrious, comic, or dtmi"
caraSlerCf is the main fpring of adion. It is
therefore no wonder, that of all common attain-
ments there does not feem to be any thing lefs
underftood than politenefs, or that attention to
the eafe and pleafure of others, by which people
of refined manners wifh to be didinguifhed.
And it is remarkable that the poflhumous docu
ments of a late noble Earl have rather contributed
to miflead the judgment, than to correft the man-
ners, of his readers. He has laid down a fyflem
the obfervation of which involves them in a
thoufand abfurdities, gives them falfe ideas of
tafle, and renders them liable to that ridicule
which always accompanies the extravagancies of
afFeftation, and the aflumption of airs foreign to
natural habits and manners.
I THINK I can perceive a wonderful change in
the common behaviour of fuch of my acquain-
tance as are defirous of eftablifhing a reputation
ibr this enchanting accomplifhment of politenefsi
upon his Lordfliip's principles. Without the
Drypen.
abilities and addrefs which didinguifhed the
noble Lord whofe precepts they endeavour to
follow, they, on every occafion, wifli to adopt his
finefle ; and, however incompatible with their
natural difpofitions, to put on that malk of dif-
fimulation, that air of deception, which is the
grand comer-ftone of his Lord(hip*s fuperflruc*
ture of politenefs, but which is veiy apt to give
way, and expofe the weaknefs of the whole
building.
The fyftem of manners which his lordfhip has
fo warmly endeavoured to recommend to his
pupil, and thofe graces by which he was defirous
that pupil fhould be diftinguifhed, may perhaps
be of fome fervice in courts, where diflimulation
and the outward (hows of virtue are praftifed ;
but are of the mofi: pernicious confequence in the
fcale of general life, where they tend to break the
bond of civil compa£l, to put virtue out of coun-
tenance, to abolifh common honedy, and render
every man fufpicious even of the friendly deeds
of his neighbour.
Since the publication of this much-admired
fyflem, it has afforded no fmall deg^ of en*
tertainment to me, to obfer\'e the gracelefs man-
ner in which many have attempted, and " fpite
«of
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• T H E N E W SPECTATOR, Ac.
No. VIIL
« of nature, and of common fenfc," ftill do at-
tempt to praftifc thofe graces which, in their ideas,
conftitute the very effcncc of politencfs and gen-
tility. They do nothing like other people. They
are fo attentive to the manner^ that they cannot
deliver a news-paper, a(k a common queflion, or
walk a^ofs » room^ without imprelling on the
Ihinci a ftrotig idea of that afifcftaiion which they
ihiltake for elegance, and wjiich, infload of
infuring the refpeft, never fails to excite the dc-
rifion and contempt of men of fcnfe.
This can never be properly called politenefs.
Genuine politenefs is incompatoWe with hypo-
crify and affcdation ; and h^ who* pra6iifcs the
arts of the latter, can never poflefs the former,
which is a flower fpringing from the goodnefs of
the heart, rather than of the head ; an internal
perfeftion, rather than an external accomplifti-
ment ; a pliability of difpofition, which (hews
itfelf in the performance of thofe innumerable
litde kindneffes, which apparently confer no ob-
ligation, but which neverthelcfs conflitutc the
chief cement of fociety, and endear mankind to
each Other.
I AM well aware that the performance of thefc
fociable aftions, this minutia: of friendly intcr-
courfc, is not confidered as the objcft of polite-
nefs ; but that its gi-and conflituent is the manner
in which thcfe kindnelTes are expreflcd ; and this
idea is the very fountain-head whence flow thofe
innumerable flreams of affeftation and fupercili-
oufncfs which fo abundantly water the fields of
politeneCs and good breeding as to render them
more fruitful in the rank weeds of folly, than
the flowers of elegant gentility.
That fome favours acquire a double value
from the manner in which they are conferred,
the experience of every man can tcftify. But
that this manner requires very Angular addrefs,
and is fo difficult of attainment as the fons of
politenefs would have us believe, is not quite fo
obvious. In the a6lion or manner of him who
is heartily defirous of ferving us, we fhall never
difcover either aukwardnefs or afieftation : the
benevolence of his intention gives a life and a
manner to his aftion indefcribably pleafing, and
which fafhionable politenefs vainly endeavours
to imitate, and can never acquire. In this adion,
and in this manner confifls that genuine polite-
ncfs which fo widely differs from the politenefs
of courts, and which courts can never teach :
becaule the former is the produftof benevo-
lence; the latter of diflimulation ; the one is the
offisprrng of that focial kindnefs implanted in the
bofom by the hand of nature; the other, the
bungling eflbrt of art: die wretched fubftitute
for fmothered fociablenefs and brotherly kindnefs«
And hence arifes the difficulty of being what the
world caljs polite; for the politenefs of the
world confifls in impoflng on mankind ; in fub-'
flituting fpecious profeffions for generous ac-
tions, and endeavouring, to .pafs current the ^nijpl
of art,' as the bullion of nature. Tilts arti&rial
conduft of thofe who afliimd to theiraelveS prtf^
cedency in politenefs, gave occafion to the beft
of all moral writers to remark, that « he had not
" found among any part of mankind, lefs real and
** rational complaifance, than amonj thofe who
** have paiTed thcii^ titne in paying and receiving
" vifits, in frequenting public entertainn^nts, in
<< fludying the exadmeafures of ceremony, and in
^' watching all the variations of fafhionable
« courtety.*'
The fcience of true politenefs contains hut
few rules, and thofe very fimple. I believe
they may be reduced to two : Firfl, always to
give that preference to others which arrogance
would alTume to itfelf; and, fecondly, on all
occafions, to adopt that golden rule, fo often
praifedy fo feldoai pra£Hfcd, and fo unmeritedly
rejefted in all modern fyflems of politenefiSy
which advifes men, " to do unto others as
" themfelves would wifh to be done unto ;" a
rule totally fubverfivc of the noble Earl's fyflem^
which h built on a profeded violation of duties
incumbent on every human being who has any
regard for the good-will of good men, or the ap-
probation of heaven. Of a fyflcm thus vitiated
and depraved, it is no wonder that the follower*
and admirers were numerous. We always lend
a willing ear to him that promifes to render us
amiable in the eyes of others, more efpecially if
his inftru6lions, at the fame time, tend to liberate
us from the reflraints of morality, and the duties
of religion.
There are few men, particularly young men,
without the dcfirc of external accomplifhments.
Previous to the labour of acquifition, I fhould
wifh them always to confidcr the real value of
that which they are folicitous to obtain: can*
didly to weigh its advantages with its inconve-
niencies ; and if it cannot be acquired but with
the facrifice of principle, to reject it altogether,
not only as contemptible, but as deflruftivc of
its own purpofes. He that makes himfelf ac-
quainted with external accomplifhments, But
with a view of laudably recommending himfelf
and of rendering his fervices the more accepta-
ble to his fellow-creatures, has learned only that
which he will foon find it neceffary to unlearn ?
and
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No, VIII.
T.H E NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
and if in the purfuit of fbch narrow fame, he faaa
injured his innocence, will the applaufe of va-
nity and of folly, of the icfle and of the fafhiona-
ble, afford any recompcnce for the lofs of that
which can never be regained ? He can never
err, who in the purfuit of accomplifhments, can
aflure himfelf that he fhall not repent of his ac-
quifitions ; and who fhall have fo ufbd them, as
to bear their remembrance in that hour when
*« vanity is divefted of her robes, power de-
** prived of her fceptre, and hypocrify drops her
•* mafk."
To the New Sfeptator.
Fri^ Sfec,
I MAVE an exlieniive acquaintavice, kxpw every
bod^, and tbcir concerm ; an4 a &w anecdotes pf
my companions, whpfc original, ch^^l^ftcs »^ay
merit yKW aMcfttipo, wili m 4pwJ>t ^c^^tcrtain
ypMTI'C^dcn. Y4)urs, ^.
EDGAR HORATIUS.
T«E BEVY OP ORIGINALS.
[No. I,
Timothy Aktist,
^^ thdfyit mim^ tmM^r tiHr
FvNifiMO is a fpodiee of ^unuTcment too com-
«ion -with Qjor modem petit -maitres, wlio have
«ot fenfe'ful&etent^to VAV. ba^ an h«ur rationalr
ly without punmng on evevy lenience and word
«^^ is vepeated. Running refembles a general
^flying over 'lO'the enemy, and enflaving his coun-
^Tf. Though we approve pf the trtafm^ .we de-
<fpi(e*the4raitor. The -pun We may admire, but
*the -punlkr is always treated w4th contempty from
a pr^umption that we arc, ourfelves the fubje^
of his Tidiculc.
TmfOTHY Artist is, as moll /t^^/^ people .'
are, vaki to a proverb, and very t^n^cioiLis of his
own abilities, which, if we €Tedit4iis otm ;w<>nis,
Jwrpi^s-natmre! Sgotifm ishts Pegaftis, on- which
;he «ides inobfeurity. Lmot him the other even-
' ing accidentally, at thchqufe of a frie^id, where I
-wa& invited 4o a fmall aaid |^rty. * On-my .enter-
Mg ihc room, before- the ufujil camplimeMs of po-
iitenelshad enfued, he Jazed my hai»d,-gavc«e
H'PimmtuUus ^ftdkf, and' with an almofl udiatel-
.ii^biovoke dked me howl did? Then — ^without
-waitong^for-ananfwer— *r«peat«d a whole Aring
^ dMliJk'good^pMnsy as^Ac called them, -which he
vha d m«d b *(ince be £a^¥-melail,~and which / could
-not ^(ibly Mtnd- to, :^m. my- auk ward painfid !
. iitiflition. \My inattention n^her chagrined him ;
however hcpenoiued-mci at laft, io fit down. •
An Englifh pauje enAied— a paute which inter'
venes in all cpq^ip^ni^s \vben th(e gendemen are
picking their teeth^ looking at their watches, or
loft in the admiration of a (fcUcate white hand
which the company muft rwt be ignorant of: the
ladies, on the other fide, viewing each other
with infigniftcant fmik$.r^This Jiknct remained
for the fpace of five minutes, which my friend
Timpthy pbferving, was willing to remove ; and
— to the furprize of the ladies, whole Uujka zvixk-
ced their ailonifhment-»he put his hand, as if in-*
advertently, on a critical part of the gentleman's
kruchcs who fat next to him ; perceiving his pur^
pojkd qrror, he afked if they wore not iattin?
The gentleman, with a farcaftic referve, replied
No ! — that they were nankten. The words were
fi;:arcely ffiid, when my friend Timothy exclaim*
cd~I beg your pardon. Sir, a^hreecha vejatiat
— He then burft out into an immoder^ fit of
laughter, which /(?rcri the laug^ of the compa-
ny at i^ folly, inftead of the pun. Tea was
fenred round. The lady of the Houfe afked my
friend if he chofe Bohca ? he replied in the nega-
tive, that he pre&rred BulU-Jhe f Another peal of
laughter fucoecded — from himfelf-— with a con-
ftant repetition of ^ That's very good I very good
indeed !''-^tie tf^oioyj places himfelf at the comer
ofa table, and will nattaty which 4he company
naturally c^ferving, he then ecchoes their fuif-
^prifewith " Not eat ! blefs mel I am amazed at
-*^ that; for I am Jharp j^ /'t— alluding to jthe
comer of the table againft his breaft.
This is a true copy of Tiicothy Artist,
•Mdio is an exa£l imfge of Sancho Panca*
:Uad he but the proverbs— 'inftead of his
puns— there is fuch a ftriking rcfemblance, that
1 ihould certainly have miftaken him for an
illegitimate oaring Qf that famed hero. Yhis
Original, friend Spec, will reflelb on a fenfible
■mind, the cmUmpt^ which it muftbe fubjeftto,
•by repeating a ftring of ftale, tpte jokes, without
time or j>lace to recommend them !
{To be continued. 1
■ ' i..J tf' JHlU ' J..,. ■■
To /A^ N S W 'S]^g C T AT O R«
Dear Spec,
Not to be awed hy a^ffun^ed au^ipri]^,
nor to fpare follies in compliipent to the man iiiat
commits them, is ihc chief charaftciiftic of John
Bull. I fruft, therefore, you will not ifcieft
fuch pf Vfy animadverjions .as may Ijave tlje ao-
p^arance .pf^fevcrity, wjien they arc r^con^-
meqdedby.ti^uth.
Truly Your's,
JOHN BULL.
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No. VIIL
B U L I A«
Another Jiory^ too trot I
'* Learn to be wife from others* harm,
And you (hall do full well."
In Bulla, as in London, there arc many
public amufemenU, and, amongfl the reft, thea.
trical exhibitions ; but not to be compared with
thofe of London. The performers arc, in gene-
ral, idle and diflipated*, the men peculiarly
irreligious, and the women peculiarly frail. In
this charafter, however, they are not all to be
included. The Bulian ftage boafts of fome men
morally good, and of fome women pioufly
chafte.
. Amongst other aftreffcs whofe beauty of
perfon and theatrical merit excited particular
notice, and the applaufe of the Bulian audience,
was Ligrac ; and fuch was the peculiarity of her
fortune, that it dcferves commemoration. A
London aftrels may not be aftiamed of receiving
inft!ru6Uon from the example of . a Buban he-
roinc«
LriGRAC was the daughter of a Bulian tradef-
man< ., She had no other than a common edu-
cation ; but the fwectnds of her voice determined
her to embrace the profeffion of an a£kre(6 ; and
indeed it would have been cruel to have de-
prived the Bulians of a harmlefs pleafure by
concealing fo excellent a talent. Ligvac was
engaged, and captivated all who faw, and aH
who heard her.
The HE is perhaps no ftation wherein the
fair fex are fo much expofed to temptation as on
the ftage. Ligrac, of courfe, had many admirers;
and, amongft the reft, one whofe offers Ihe
thought it prudent to accept, for they were fuch
as promifcdthe tranquillity of retirement, and the
-enjoyment of affluence.
EoALi was one of thofe men who, without
any of the accomplifhments which render riches
refpefUble, vr9S ambitious of public regard, and
the applaufe of an ignorant multitude ; and thefe
he endeavoured to obtain by emerging into difll-
pation, by purchafhig large quantities of balloons,
and by contributing to fudi of the public fports
and diverfions as delight the <' great vulgar, and
the little ;" for of elegant amufement or mental
recreation, Edali had no more conception than
a Bulian joint-ftool.
Against the charms of beauty, however,
neither ignorance nor dulnels can make any for-
cible refiftance ; and as it is a principle of folly
to be difcontented without the pofFefRon of that
which ha& the admiration of multitudes, Edali
lacrificed a part of his wealth for the company of
Ligrac ; and agreed to fupport her for life, on
condition that fhe formed no new connexions,
and attached herfelf folely to him.
But it was never yet in the power of beauty
to render its influence perpetual. Though it may
retain its qualities, and even grow more lovely, ^
it can feldom conquer the oppofition of novelty,
or infure a lafting attachment of the human
heart. Cuflom renders it familiar, and familiari-
ty produces indifference. Then it is that mental
accomplifhments, fweetnefs of difpofition, and
propriety of conduft are to preferve that aficftioa
which beauty created, but which beauty can no
longer infure. But qualities like thefe have litde
efFeft on the heart of him who feeki only the
gratification of brutal paflions. If, therefore,
Ligrac pofTefTed them, fhe poflfefFed them in
vain ; for befides the natural infenfibility of Eda-
li, he was not only tired of Ligrac, but he was
avaricious, and confequently defirous not only of
quitting her arms, but of annulling the contraft
by which he was bound to fupport her for life.
Ignorance and cunning are often afIociated«
Edali confidered how the latter fcheme might be
accomplifhed, and at length found that confede-
racy Was necedary, and therefore imparted hisde«
fign to a man of little or no property, and who,
like himfelf, would " circumvent heaven" fot
Intereft.* It was now the chief bufmcfs of thefe
two to find out means for. depriving a harmless
girl of her livelibdod, and to complete the. ruia
which Edali had begun.
To which of them the honour. oi the invention
is due, I have not been able to difcover, but they
at lengt}i adopted a plan which had the defired
ef£e6l ; and fhews to what baienefs human nature
can defcend, and how foon << the wicked find fit
inflruments of ill." , It was propofed that the con-
federate, putting on the habit of ^ Bulian noble-
man, and appearing as dhe pofleffed of more ex-
tenfive property than Edali, fhould pay his court
to Ligrac, and offer her his hand in marriage,
which, as Edali had quitted her, it was not likely
fhe would refufe. Thus Edali would be freed
from ^e performance of his contra6^ and hit
confederate would gain a wife from whofe thea-
trical talents he expeded to derive confiderable
emolument.
Ligrac received the addredes of the confede-
rate, and the nuptials were celebrated. He had
recominended himfelf more particularly by an
affurance that fhe fhould always have at her com-
mand an aerofbtic globe of peculiar magniftcence
and which fhould tranfport her with peculiar ra-
pidity to whatever quarter fhe dire£M its courfe«
A few days after their marriage Ligrac called for
the
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No. VIII.
THENEW SPECTATOR^ Ae,,
the globe ; but no globe was to be found ; and
on enquiring into the reafon, her hufband calmly
informed her of the whole deception. I (hall
not attempt to dcfcribe the feelings of the unfor-
tunate Ligrac. No pen can defcribe them ;*«-and
yet fuch was the goocjnefs of her difpofition, that
had fhe fadlen into other hands^ fhe had been re-
conciled and happy. But alas ! what happinefs
could fhe expe6l in the arms of one capable of
thus deceiving her? She not only abandoned
him, but her country, her father, and her friends.
Thoufands of leagues did fhe go, and at length
found herfelf in Aidni, breathing perfumes, and
living in the luxuries peculiar to that country.
He&k fhe formed a new connexion, and was
bleffed with an infant. Having acquired riches,
and defirousof rcvifiting her native country, with
her lovely infant in her arms, fhe, with many
others, entered a balloon deflined for Bulia, and
with a panting heart bade adieu to Aidni ! It was
a journey of many months ; a, journey which
the haplcfs Ligrac never accomplifhed ; for the
travelling machine had not been many days
launched into the air, before it came over an im-
menfe confluence of waters, and, fomc of its ma*
terials giving way, made a rapid defcent into the
midfl of the waves where Ligrac, her infant, and
all her companions perifhed.
Such was the end of the lovely, the unfortu-
nate Ligrac ! — Her body was afterwards found by
fome Bulian ipariners, and what is remarkable,
her infant was clafped in her arms. The fight
touched even the hard hearts of mariners ; with
tears in their eyes, they committed the bodies to
the earth, and a Bulian poet infcribed this verfe
over Ligrac 's grave :
** Let coxcombs flatter, and let fools adore,
Here learn the leflbn to be vain no more I**
Poetry.
The following flanzas were written by theim-
morul Sir Philip Sidney^ a lover, and a hero in
the glorious reign of Elizabeth ; and are commu-
nicated to me by a lady who probably thought
the inflruftions they contain neceffary for my
conduft in the article of
Wooing!
Faikt amorift !— what, doft thou think
To taflc Lovc*s honey, and not drink
One dram of gall ?— Or to devour
A world of fwcct, and uftc no four ?
Doft thou over think to enter
Th' £lyGan fields, that dar'ft not vcnnire
In Charon's barge ?— A lover's mind
Muft life to fail with every wind.
He that loves, and feah to tryi
Learns his miftrefs to deny.
Dodi (he chide? 'Tis to fhcw it,
That thy coldncfs makes her dolt.
Is fhe filent ? Is fhe mute P
Silence fully grants thy fuit.
Doth fhe pout, aud leave the.n)om?
Then fhe goes to bid diee come.
Isfbefick? Why then, be furc,
She invites thee to the cure*
Doth fhe crofs thy fuit with No ?
Tufh ! fhe loves to hear thee woo.
Doth fhe call the faith of men
In queftion? Nay underfoot, fhe Idves ^etheni
And if e'er fhe make a blot,
She's lofl if diat thou hit'fl her not*
He that after ten denials,
Dares attempt no further trials,
Hath no warrant to acquire
The dainties of kis chafte defire I
The following truly poetical efiiifion ref!c£U
honour on the author, and confequcntly needs
no apology for infer tion.
iNVOCATtOW.
Addrejed to Mrs. M a r t V a.
Anteros fwift thy fecret arrow aim I
To which Creufa fell Mccjca's prey,
And pierce die heart my eager foul wou'd claim,
Prevent the danger of a Syren's fwayl
Then wou'd ftem Ate, on her Cnmfon throne,
Arife and fmile amid her bloody crew |
Lcander, own that love widi jufUce ihone,
Idalia then her tempting light renew]
E» CAR H
Theatres^
Whilst, in the daily prints, priufc and cert-
furc are fo partially bcftowed on publie pci^
formances, I cannot refrain fayihg fomediin^
to counteraa the prevalence of mifreprdentation';
and though I fhould not trouble myfilf with k
perpetual review of theatrical afUn from aa
idea of their importance, yet I aim excited by
the love of truth, and flimulated by indignation
at its continual abufe, to remarit on fuch exhi-
bitions as I find thus mifreprefentcd by the artt-
fice of avarice, the partiality of fnendfhfp, the
real of ignorance, or the heat of refcntmcnt, •
Drury Latu*
For this fortnight paa this theatre has beeti
di%raced by a dance which is ufually introduced
between the play and the fiwce, atod is called the
SpcrtJmatCs ROvm, in which a man £re$ a gun to
the
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THE *r E W S P E C T A T O R, &c.
Noi VIIL
the great terror of th^ ladks^ arid to ^e feme
colour to the name of the dance*. It is tediously
long and difgufting ; and tfiough Mr. Hamoir c&f-
plays fome merit in his performance, the ^portf-
man's Return is a mif^tiMfe eststhple erf hh ikill in
compofition* I have lifevef Be€i» prefeirt ^vrhen
it has not completely* tt^earied ttik pad^nce of (he
audience, except fuch of tneni as thighl htvtr
have feen a (Uge dante before^
But indeed, whilfb the dpera houfe isop^n,
it is not to be exp(£{ed that danciilg fhould Aic-
ceed on the En^ifh ^gb. Th«* fs no Veftigc
' of comparifon.
Judas Maccabeus, by command, on Friday,
brought a polite audiencci and went off with
great fpirit.— His MajeOy was received, as ufUal,
with reiterated marks of loyalty. The Queen
and Princefles never fail of fimilar tokens of po-
pular afiedion and edecm.
The Double D^guifc continues to increafe in
reputation, and verifies my prcdi^ons concern-
ing te fucceft.
Covent Garden.
In kitteaif^ and Have a Wifc^ Mrs, Abington
has received fo much news-paper appl^fe, 'thak
It is needlefs to fay any thing of her excellence.
The extravaganza of puffing, however, conflde-
rably hurts her ; bccaufe, after reading fuch ac-
counts, (he ^!ways Ms fhdn of eicj^cfdUAion,
even in EffifiWri*, =the only 'ehVrtiAcr fn which
{heckn*prt:tcTia t64n6rc £han ^heral txcellettce.
Her forte is 16'^ cdmcdy, l^ut fhe is fb ambitious
of repreleitting affine hidy, Utat fhe grows giddy
with drefs, fluttdrs 6ti theibge, is^ogledlyy cox.
combs — aswsry woman in, that putfs for it —
and then is tttlled k fliie ^fefs !— Excellent
criticifm! — Iflialln^t exped to fee her ftiled
a beauty !
That praife is felddtn well grounded which is
exaggerated; and I (houldwifh to rcfcuethc'rc-
roputation of Mrs. Abington out of the hands of
her xriticB, who in{l<ad of (hewing her in deli-
cate colours, bedaub her in fuch' a manner with
fuifome .panegyric, and artificial compliments,
that ihe refembles nothing in the (hape of huma-
nity.
Mrs. Cowxxy's comedy called Hliich is the
Man ^ was .performed on Tucfday to a crouded
audience. ^I he ^comedy itfelf is intitled to very
ilender praife ; and nothing could have faved it
from "oblivion, but the comic powers of Mr.
Quick and Mrs. Mattocks, who, in the outre
Pendragons, ufoally excitfi^much laughter. The
fable exhibits no (kill,* for we very early difcover
tuhich is the man ; an i of the principal female
chara£ter, Lady Bell ' fo much L faid previous
to hLor appearance, and expeOation raifed fo
Afgfc, that' we are dMkppcfetci Lady Bell by
ik>' ftWatts irtfwers her ddcription; her perforr
tni nftmn^r, r&pTdeilted i by Mife Younge, arc
indeed chaMiiig; but the promifed exxxberance
6f Wit, attd (]pHghtKrtcfs of diategue ate feWom
(6 be difdbvetcd. Mbft dramatie writers have po-
licy enough to afford unexpcfted gratification ;
but, rh this inftancc, Mrs. Cowley has reverfed
the rule. The performers are not wanting, on
their parts, to dd the comedy ample jufHec.
O^ thiirtdzYi the Merchant of Venice. Enough,
yet not too touch, has been faid of Macklin's
Shylock. There may be many Shylocks in the
world ; but on the ftage it will probably be many
years befbw we fee another.— Mifs Younge's
Portia has been equalled, but never excelled.
— ^JfeflTita Was peribnated by Mifs Wheeler of
Drury-Lahe Theatre, in fuch a manner as to
make me rcgtrt that fhe is not brought forward
as (he iherits.^tt may be faid of Mifs Wheelcf,
thit when her theatrical abilities (hall equal^the
exfcdkncfe trf her private chara6lcr, fhe will be
thfe bed tL&xe[$ this kingdoln ever produced.
IsABtLLA, by Mrs. Crawford, on Saturday,
has completely eftabliihed the reputation of Mrs.
Sidiiotts. It were invidious to make comparifens ;
and ft ouglht to become confolation to the friends
of Mrs. Crawford that fhe plays Dabellaiio mot^.
-^HendeifOh^s Biron, like the Dnny-lane Ifa-
t)ella, foars above aH praffe.^ — The inferior cha-
ratftcrs merited the applatzfc they received.
The Epithalamium, inftead of decorKting, dif-
igracfed the whole.
The QtJ*EEN <?/ GOLCOKDA.
King*s Theatre*
To the new entertainment of 'La ^iegina di
Gokonda, "The Queen of' Golconda," performed
on Thurfday, it is difficult to aflign an appella-
tion : in the bills it is mifcalled an opera. It is a
kind of dramatic hodge-podge : it is not an opera,
for the better part of it confifts of dancing ; it is
not a ballet, for it is intermixed with finging..
"We are told it is after the French ftyle, and I
Iruft it is, for it is by no means worthy of any
other ftage.
The fable, likcmoftof the Italian fables, is
trifling and foolilh. Indeed any thing, in that
rcfpef^ conceived by genius, or diflated by ele-
gance, is, I believe, never expcfted in thefo re-
gions. I have always regarded the Poet x>f the
Italian opera, as the maker of a naufeous pill,
which another is obliged to gild, before it can be
adminiftertJd to the patient. The fable and the
language of LalRegina di Golconda haSjgivenjne
no occafioQ to alter my opinion*
Of
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No. VIIL
THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac*
Op the Mufic, rcfpe6Hng which no fmall fum
has been fpcnl in pufing it in the news-papers, it
may be faid in general to be pretty, and would
have done Rauzzini credit had it been his own.
But the pretticft parts of the pretty have been
borrowed : neither of the ducts, whith excited
general applaufc,.^though I cannot fay they
fb fingularty merited it — neither of the ducts are
f>riginally from Rauzzini. Still there was fome-
tliing to commend.
Thk want of principal lingers was a <fifagreeab!'e
circumftance, and might have been* avoided.
Rauzzini heretofore, may have fung well : at
prcfent he fcarcelyboafts of mediocrity, and yet he
fung— for it was firtging^ — that which (hould have
!)een better fung by Pacchierotti ! Signora Car-
nevale, might pafs well enough for the Queen of
"Golcohda; if We fuppofe her Msrjefly no C3f-
quifite finger. Cartievale was pleafmg in one
Air ; but Cramer's Violin, in the accompaniment
and paTticuferly the fyntphorties, got, a^it de-
fcrved, all the applaufe. Camcvale's powers
arc very limited.
You will perhaps little regard' the opinion of
John Bull, rcfpefbing an Italian openu How-
ever, I will venture to deliver an opinion, in
which I doubt not but that three- fourths of the
audience on Thurfday night would agree with me,
were they honed enough to let truth take place
of afFe6lation. Know then, good Mr. Specta-
tor, that Mifs Philips wottld have fong Rat>
zzini's airs as much better than Rauzzini as he
than Barrymorc! And Mifs George as much
fuperior to Carnevale, as AUegranti to Mifs
George. I mean in the opera before us: let
Mifs Philips reprcfent Albert, and Mifs George
.the Queen of Colconda, and if they do not fmg
the airs with more taftc^ and be flow on them
additional graces, I will be' content to be toflcd
in a blanket! I know that every one will pulf.
licly pronounce this opinion high treafon againft
tafte; and privately confefs it is the truth and
nothing but the fruth !
If any partictilaF pralfe is due, the fccne-pain-
ter defer ves it. The firft fcene in the fccond aft,
and the lad in the piece, are particularly
beautifql.
O F the dances which, in this piece, are
ftrangely jumbled with the finging — ^after the
French ftile though, remember that — Of the dan-
ces, need I fay any more than that they were
performed by Le Picq, Vcftris, Slingfby; The-
odore Simonet, and her two daughters, Rofli,
&c ?— The names of the performers are the bcfl
recommendation of the dances, which are com-
pofcd by Monficur D'Auberval -, but have very
little in them of the excellence of Novcrrc.—
D' Auberval is not a good daac^c, and is a worfe
compofer.
Contrary to moft of the public prints^
whofe accounts, like thofe of the other Thcp
atrcs, are fupplied by the interefted and the
prejudiced, thus, much for the entertainment.
It remains next to fpeak of
Ths Au D I B N c I.
And of the Audience it may be faid that it was
as numerous and brilliant as any the Opera Houfe
can boad fmcc the famous benefit night of the
famous Vcftris. The whole houfe, however,
was in mourning ; and the head-drcflcs of the
ladies were" pretty equally divided between
the Balloon-hat and white feathers; and the
diminutive fancy cap.— Of the frail fiflerhood,
the Bird of Paradije and the J0iite Crow were moll
confpicuous ; for the houfe was not contaminat-
ed with the more influencing example of the
Perdila, or her equally attraftive admirer.— That
the houfe might not, however, be deftitule of
fomcthing particularly offenfive, the performers
were obftru6led in their entrances and exits,
and the effeft of fome fcenes entirely deranged
by fome forty or fifty of the gentry who ought to
have been feated in the Pit, and where there was
room enough to have ftowed double the quantity.
But we are told in the Bills that. By thdr Ma-
jcjlies Command no ptrfon can be admitted behind the
fcenes ; which at once accounts for the nuifance ;
for a coxcomb is never in his element, but when
he is violating fome command. It were to be
wifhed, that the managers would render their
Majf/lies Commands a Httle more efficacious by
fhewing thefe gentry into their proper feats, and
not permit them to exKiWit their rodehef* l»y
a difagt^eabte inHemiptton e#the performers^ and
exdting the difgutl of tfce m^tt tepAn p«rt of
theaudichc^.
I SHOULD not have dwelt fo long on the fub-
jeft of this Theatre, but that the entertainment
has been repriefehted in the daily prints, with
fuch exaggeration of pariegyric as it by no means
merits, and that I might give my voice againft
fuch accumulated falfhoods.
School for Scandal.
Beware of counterfeits^ for fuch are abroad !
Mr. Sheridan has not yet publifhed this
matchlefs comedy. Some years ago, a wretched
political thing made its appearance under the
title of the Duenna^ by way of cxtrafting gold
from drofs ; and the like miferable attempt has
lately been made with rcfpeft to the School for
Scandal ! — Verbumfapientia,
Mrs.
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c;
No. VIIL
Mrs. Hodges.
It has been faid in fome of the morning prints,
that this lady is retired to Weybridgc, for the k-
nefit of her health. I am happy to affure you,
that (he is by no means indifpofed. Mr. Hodges
has an cftate in the neighbourhood of, and a
houfe at, Wcybridge. — Peace Viper !
Squire Morgan's Nephew.
This young gentleman has lately taken one of
the beft houfes near that of his uncle, who is yet
abroad. He has a numerous train of fervants ;
and being good-natured and affable, lets them
have too much of their own way. Hence their
charaders are naturally diverflfied, and confe-
quently eafily difcriminated. The mofl impor-
tant amongft them is M after Jelly y who may be
called chief amongft the chief ; for a more con-
fequential man fcarce ever exifted. He is one of
thofe who are unwilling to let their importai^e
efcape notice; and if every body does not tell
him that h e is a great man^ he takes care to tell
every body himfelf. As he ranks high in the
eftimation of his mafter, he expe£ls fervility
from thofe beneath him. But it is the curfe of
arrogance to be frequently reminded of former
obfcurity.
Jelly, one morning, walked through his
matter's court-yard, and pafling a bricklayer,
who, intent on his biifmefs, paid no regard to
Jelly, he, with all « the infolence of office,"
exclaims, " Don^ you know mi ?'"— " Yes, fays
" the bricklayer, I remember when you ufed to
«* lie naked a bed, whilft your fliirt was wafhing,"
— Finding the man's memory better than his
manners. Jelly, like a lion, fnuffing the rifing
ftorm, « grumbling to his den retum'd 1"^
To other Correspondents.
Th e letter fgned Ignoratus is laid before a BuU*
an fage^ eminent for his knowledge of the conftitution
of Niatirb, — Emma, a Sentimental Tale, in my
next. — Edgar H. zmU find a line addreffed to him
as he direBcd. — Tht critique on the Haymarkct Ora-
torios came too late for infcrtion ; but the Chorufes
de/erve infinitely more than the critic has exprefed.^^
The lines on Mifs Farren are inadmijible ; as are
thofe on Mr. Packer, tohofe private charaBer is
irreproachable*
London: Printed by T. RicKAsr, No. 15, Dukc's-Court, Bow-Street, Covent-Garden ;
And Sold by T. AX TELL, No. 1, Finch-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charles-Street, St. James's-Square ; by P. BRETT, Bookfeller and
Stationer, oppofite St. Clcment's-Church in the Strand; by G. KEARSLEY, No. 46, Fleet-Street;
and by W. THISELTON, Bookfeller and Stationer, No. 37, Goodge-Street, Rathbone-PlaCe.
*^* Corrbspondents are requefted to addrefs their favours to the New Spectator, to be
left at Mr. SwirT*S| in Charles-Street, St. James^Square, where a Letter-Box is affixed
for their reception*
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r\/\/viy>^i/V>/V'V>yXjrVif\/VTw^\/V\A/ i!S
THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. IX.
TUESDAY, March 30, 1784.
Price Three-pence.
7*0 be continued every Tuesday.
Terra fdutifcras htrhas^ eadmqui noccntts^
, Nutrit: ^ urtica proxima fxpc rofa\^^
Ovi
Our bane and phyfic the fame earth beftows,
And near the noifome nettle blooms the rofe.**
ENQUIRING after the reception of my
lucubrations amongft my friends, I find
they are deemed deficient in a requifite very ef-
fential to aH fpecies of compofition : namely,
jpiriti and out of fixty-nine letters I have already
received, I find forty-four harp upon one firing,
I IhiU publilh a few for the infpe£tion of the ca-
rious in modem literature.
To the New Spectator.
Mr. New Spectator,
Your writings would do well enough, if
they were not quite fo grave. Merry and Wifry is
my motto ; and if you give us a droll ftory now
and then, you may depend upon it your re*
putation would increafe.
Your's, as you're merry,
Timothy Merryman.
To the New Sfectator.
Mr. Spec,
I BELIEVE you may be a well-meaning
man, and your deputy, John Bull, right honed,
but you neither of you go the right way to have
your works read. You fall foul on the fafhiona-
ble amufements of the times, and give no fort
of countenance to the harmlcfs recreations of the
BofiTon^ If you would yourfelf affociatc witli
that order of people, and transfufe into your
manner of writing fomething of the fmartnefs
that prevails in every thing which they do,
you would be much better relifhcd.
Your partial admirer,
Sampson Smart,
To the New S p e c t at o r.
Mr. Gravity Ditlness,
You, and your bluff Deputy, are two
fplenetic, pfalm-finging, fermonifing writers, I
mean fcriblers ; and the fooner you have done
the better. What bufinefs had you to vilify
Squire Morgan* s Nephezo and the divine PerdUa ?
Keep a good tongue in your head.
Colonel Renown.
Card.
Miss N**** prefents compliments to the New
Spectator, and to his (agacious Deputy, Mr.
Bull, and as (he is obliged, by the command of
parents, to read their joint produ6lions before the
whole family, begs they will let brevity mark the
future numbers, for however the old folks may
relifh them, they never fail to give her the
vapours.
Grofvtnor Square*
Svcfl
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I^HE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
No. IX.
9t^CH is the general coiUplaint againfl: the
N«w SvtcrA^ofC and Go. thrt unlefe 1^ aker
my mode of writing, I am likely to reap little
benefit from the favours of my correfpondents.
No lefs than eight formally addrefs me with Rs-
verend Sir^ apprehending, from my gravity, I
fupsofe^ th^ i^imftngh^ly orders, r And l^ %ne
lar^l hatje rJfeiveJ from PoftmankSqu^re Al^d, '
the neighbourhood oT St. James's, I find fcvcral
ladies of high rank have enjoined their daugh-
ters not to read a line of fuch an old-fajkioited
moraliji as I am ; and have been cruel enough
to infmuate ffiaf I ai!i 4n c4d lladhiktdr, paft aU
manner of miTchref ; a charge fufficient to fct all
the young ladies in the world again ft me.
To ^MM^ the gay and th« lovely part of the
fea againft ait is'a very mortifying circumftance;
Jf9l I cannot bring myfelf te ufe that fpccies of
writing, which is now fo generally adopted by,
and. received amongft neA from whom better
things might naturally be expefted. I muft con-
fefs I have no knack at doubk entendre^ by which
fome periodical writers amongft us, get wonder-
ful applaufe. Nor have I a^ propcnfity to bc-
ftow thofe encomiums on folly ?i^ <iii|ip^ipn
which are due only to fenfe atid ded^ney. ■ \
cannot think of praifing the Royal Family of
England, and tt the fame time (peaking well of
the JEnglifh nobility; for can light ai>4 darkijefs be
more oppofite than the general copduft a^d cha-
rafters of each ? When the pnblic tafte is become
vitiated with immoral produftions and loofc wit,
the writer has little ^h^^nce who endeavours to
fl^ that torrent of corruption with which fuch
literature, by its general difTemination, deluges
the land* Though his obfcrv^tions, and his fame
may be confined to fmall circles, ha wiU have
tiM c^olstbn of reflie£Hng that his works will
never Hib in judgment a^inflihiai.
The moA dangerotis member of any comtmi^
mty is aa immooral wxiter ; he not only corrupts
hit coiiitetiiporaJrie^ blit, if he is a man ofgcniusj
the bai^iL iafiuenec of his works (xlcnd to pof-
tority. Xho «oUiplicity of obfcenc and indeli-
cate books and printt daily obtruded on the
pu)dic» is to beeijualbdonly by the avidity with
>*ach thoy arc purchafed. Their eJfefts on
maaaers «m vifiWe and obvious* Private con*
ver&tioa ia perpctualiy tm6hjired with dmSk
0ikmke^ t^ wWeh 6iii- women arc now fomuch
accuflgattd^as to Hften to thia moft contemptible
^;aH wit, not only without difcdveting the in.
dignation of infulted virtue, but even without
the leaft fymptom of difapprobation ; whttft, in
^ubHc, they vie with each other in affuming all
thofe inlpudent and meretricious airs by which
the common proftkute endeavour^ to atttaft
attention. I fhould be forry if there were not
many undeferving of this cenfune: I fpeak
generally.
Such of my contemporaries as have meanly
foiiak^en the flandard ^ M«RAi.iT)V<-ri am aet
fangujne enough to lode £6r QAMSTiMmi'tr
amongft themr-and by their writings feed thx»
flame of diffipation, meet with a fhort-lived praife^
flattering their vanity, which foars not to future
applaufe, unlefs future infamy may be called ap-
plaufe, and earn thtir daily br^d by fhewing
that cduntcnance' to vice which may give encou-
ragement to its votaries, and afford a kind of li-
terary ian£Uonto the moft dia b o l ica l crimes.
NoyttSj originally intended as pifturcs of
life, and incentives to virtue, have now juft the
contrary cfcft ; for though fome common moral
i& generally aimed at in the cataftrophe^ yet vice
throughout the tale is moftly reprefented in fuch
pleafmg colours as cannot but excite the admira-
tion, rather than t}ie deteflation of the youthful
reader, whofe principles are as commonly under-
piined by this pernicious amufement, as by the
inftuence of e:iai^ple. Of this kind of tnixed
compofition it may jufHy be faid that " the de-
praved difpofition of m^kind is pretty fure to
drop die morality and carry away the ribaldjy."
Wa^GH^N^ tfeerefpre, all that caikbe giidfor
a^ againft the mode of writing &» Dvuch tetuniA
»(^Bde^ by i^y ccurrefj^tHieirt$, I wm in«lin^ l^
pe^(9vejro ia my preTent uafaihion^bl^ rou^
turning neitlMt (O the fig^t hawfMi n<ili 10 th0 left ;
though I will chearfully give fhc^ W ^^fnurt
produ6Uon I may be favoured with, provided the
wit be ifioffenfive and the fatire wholelbme ; but
may the labours of the New SfrECTATO!( never
be read if tikey faife One blufh on the cheek of
modcfty, or «ln indelicate thought in the bofom of
innocence!
To the Hrw Spectator.
Mr, SjrictATOA,
As you, appear lo he. ^tc int^partial in
your Theatrical obfervations, and not to be in-
fluenced, as you have exprcfled it, by the « the ar-
" tifice of avarice, the partiality of friendfhip,
" the zeal of ignorance or the heat of refen.t-r
« mcnt;*' I truft y^u will give me leave to ob-,
ftrve, that the conduft of the managers of. QW
hrury is not only inexplicable in itfclf, but in-
Riltihg to the Town, in giving the parts oi Alicia^
Almeria, Portia^ Imoinda, Imo^tn^ Eleanor, ^c. &c.
to
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac»
3
to Ac Mifs Kcmblcs, who are univcrfelly al-
lowed to be very incompetent to the fuftaining
liny, of thofc charaacrs, when there are fevcral
. ladies in the fame company by whom they would
be fupportcd, at lead with decency.
I WILL at prefent mention only a few names
in confirmation of what I have advanced; and
!hall be glad to know by what fccrd influence,
• w wretched fyftem in dramatic politics, we are
• tlebarred the pleafurc of feeing the incomparable
•Biddbns fecondcd fey Yitr ifuatrical, iiiftcad of
•licr natural fitters ?
Previous to the engagement of the MiFs
Kembles, Mifs Farten was making a confiderable
jrogrefs in the Tragic line, and filled fcveral
charafters with honour to herfelf, and pleafurc.
lo her auditors.-^Mrs. BulkUy is, no doubt, re-
membered to have been feen with great fatisfac-
tion in both tragedy and comedy ; and there is
wanting nothing but praftice and encouragement
lo render Mrs* Wells a refpeaable fervant of
Melpomene, as well as of Thalia* It may be
remembered that, at the latter end of laft fcafon,
this lady played Jane Share with fuch .propriety
as to gain a thundering plaudit, thrice repeated,
at the end of the performance. If, therefore,
the and Mifs Farren, and Mrs. Bulklcy play
' lirft-rate charafters dccentfy^ might it not be fup-
j)ofed they would fupport inferior charaaers
reputably ? And if fo, why is the Town to be
as you once faid, ferved with Perry inftead of
Champaignt ?
lam, Sir,
Your's, &c*
THEATRICUS.
. The bevy of originals*
[Ko. lU
Mifs Verjuice Leada^e.
Pltu vident ocuU quam octUus»>
This Original, Mr. Spectator, is a lady
who has pafled the meridian of beauty, and whofe
irride overbalances the precepts of nature. So
much is her averjion to that kind benefaftrefs,
becaufe it is natural to wear one*8 own hair, fhe
had her head fhaved, and fports an enormous
wig, which being elajiic^ and by conflant wear*
iig has !b contracted the fcull as io force the brain
to iorfake its habitation. She exclaims again (I
nature as a rebelKous ufurper, as a deflroyer of
politenefs and good manners, and as a nuifunce to
R civiliaed nation ! — A natural blooming healthy
colour is as execrable zsitoo eyes !— Mifs Verjuicd
having but wie-^the confequence of an overbear-
ing difpofiiion in her youth. White teeth have
a mafculine appearance, which \^ Jhe pofleffed, a
perfon would be employed to disfigure them*
How horrid to have vthite teeth \
Whatever the fafhion is, this unnatural lady
is juft the reverfcv When fhort ftays are worn,
ftie admires the reign of our Elizabeth, when ftays
— extended from the chin to the knce*-*werc
the fsle defenders of Virtue I
Wh E N a long petticbat is the ion^ fo avcrfc* is
my dear Mifs Verjuice to fajbion and nature that
on a windy day, with attentive fpeculation, the
pious inotto on her garter may be eafily penifed*
•* Fix your thoughts on things above!"
The converfation of this Original is equally
abfurd with her drefs* She is the true offspring
of Eve* Contradiftion is her only food. How-
ever ftrange, Mr. Spectator, ihhfood may ap-
pear to you, I really know a family oi ffteen
fifters. Who exifl entirely on that delicious food.
Why not ?— ^It was the ambrofia of the gods ! —
It was this food alone that gave immortality to
Jupiter^ Juno, Vulcan, Venus, &c. I knew a
lady that died fuddenly in an affembly room, be-
caufe one evening (he had her own way ! Mifs
Verfuice Leadape is the moft complete virgin of
ffty-ftx, that 1 784 can boaft of. Her knowledge
is extenfive : there is not a rape, murder, or rob-
bery committed in the metropolis that ihe is igno-
rant of!
I met her the ether day in Pall Mall, and
went up St. JamesVftreet to avoid her. No
fooncr had I reached Piccadilly, but I found her
ready to receive me. I haftily croffed the way,
went into George's, ftaid fomc time, but on going
down the Hay*market, to my furprize and mor-
tification, who {hould I meet, full butt-^^uoting
her oWn phrafe«— but Mi/s Verjuice Leadape !•— .
She feized my arm-^-the impreffion remains ftill
-^and forced me to accompany her. At laft we
arrived at the auftion, whele after being the fub-
jed of the whole room, I took a convenient op-
portunity and left hen
Miss Verjuice receives company every
Thurfday to tea and cards. All Weftminfter is
invited^ fave the refpeElable men and ladies of
ckaraEler, She keeps the pool at Quadrille to a
ffh^ and 3s never better pleafed than in a party of
tabbies whofe unfeeling fouls are fteeled with in-
fenfibility, and whok fatisfoEHon is to hear of the
dotonfal of their acquaintance* To make any
more reflexions on this Original would be need-
lefs,
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No^fX*
Ids, I (hall therefore conclude with a friendly
admonition to the JemaU beauties of the creation.
—Let their pride be as a conveyance to Jupport
them above condefcenfion and meannefs, and ne-
ver to anbracejalfc delicacy as it is a total deftroy-
cr of every union !
\^To be continued, ]
To the New Spectator.
Dear Spec,
Though you have very properly excluded
from the New Spectator all political fubje£ls;
yet furely it would be a difficult thing for John
Bull to forbear faying a word on fo important a
fubjeft as a diffolution of Parliament. Our
family ever delighted in politics. On this oc-
^afion, however, great as it is, 1 wifli only to re-
commend lo the ferious attention of every eleftor
in Great Britain the following fpecch of a certain
Knight Errant^ who happening to pafs through a
Borough Town at a general ele£lion, by the
oddity of his appearance, prefcntly attra6ledthe
notice of the elcAioncering mob, and being ele-
vated above the reft, fpoke as follows.
*' Countrymen^ Friends^ and Fdlow-Citizcnj !
"You arc this day affemblcd to deter-
mine a point of the utmoft confcquence to your-
felves and your poflcrity ; a point that ought to be
determined by far other weapons than brutal force
and fa&ious clamour. You, the freemen of Eng-
land, are the bafis of that excellent conflitution
which hath long flourifhed the objeft of envy and
, admiration. 'J o you belongs the ineftimable
privilege of choofmg a delegate, properly qua-
lified, to reprefent you in the higli court of Par-
liament. This is your birth -right, inherited
from your anceftors, obtained by their courage,
and fealed with their blood. It is not only your
birth-right which you (hould maintain in defiance
of all danger, butalfoa^rf</^rM^, to be executed
with the mod fcrupulous care and fidelity. The
perfon whom you truft ought not only to be en-
dued with the mod inJlexibU integrity^ but (hould
jikewife podefs a fund of knowledge that may
enable him to a^ as a part of the legiflature.
He muft be well acquainted with the hiftory,
the conflitution, and the laws of his country ;
he mufl underfland the forms of bufinefs, the
extent of the royal prerogative, privilege of
parliament, the detail of government, the nature
and regulation of the finances, the different
branches of commerce, the politics that prevail,
and the connexions that fubfid amongd the dif-
ferent powers of Europe; for on all thefe fubjeds
the deliberations of a Houfe Of Commons Oc-
cafionally turn. But thefe great purpofes will
never be anfwered by elefting an Uliterattfaxfage^
fcarce qualified, in point of underdanding, to
aft as a country judicc of peace; a man who
fcarce ever travelled beyond the cxcurfion of a
fox-chace; whofe converfation never nunbles
further than his dable, his kennel, and his barn-
yard ; who rejefts decorum as degeneracy ; mif-
takcs rudicity for independence ; afcertains his
courage by leaping over gates and ditches, and
founds his triumph on feats of drinking ; who
holds his edate by a faflious tenure ; profedes
himfelf the blind JUme oj a party y without know-
ing the principles that gave it birth, or the mo-
tives by which it is actuated, and thinks that ^a-
triotifm confijls in railing indifcriminatdy at mi"
nijicrs, and objiinatdy oppofing every meafure oj the
adminijlration. Such a man, with no evil inten-
tions of his own, might be ufed as a dangerous
tool in the hands of a defperate faftion, by feat*
tering the feeds of difaffeftion, embarrafling the
wheels of government, and reducing the whole
kip.gdom to anarchy. Such a man may be dan-
gerous from ignorance; but is neither fo mit
chievous nor fo deteflable as the wretch whd
knowingly betrays his truji^ and fues to be the
hireling and proditute of a weak and worthlcfs
minider; a fordid knave without honour or
principle ; who belongs to no family, whofe
example can reproach him with degeneracy ;
who has no country to command his refpc6l, no
friends to engage his a^eftion, no religion to
regulate his morals, no confcience to reflrain
his iniquity, and who worfhips no god, but
mammon ; an infinuating mifcreant, who un-
dertakes for the dirtied work of the vilcd ad-
mini drat ion ; who praftifes national ufury,
receiving by wholefale the rewards of venalit/
and didributing the wages of corruption by re-
tail. When fuch a caitiff prefents himfelf to you,
like the devil, with a temptation in his hand,
avoid him as if he were in faft the devil — it is
not the offering of difintereded love ; for what
fhould induce him, who has no affeftions, to
love you, to whofe perfons he is an utter draiv-
ger ? Alas ! it is not a benevolence, but a bribe.
He wants to buy you at ane market^ that he way feU
you at another. Without doubt his intention is
to make an advantage of his purchafe, and this
aim he cannot accompli fh but by iacrificing, is
fome fort, your intered, your independency, t»
the wicked defigns of a minidcr, as he can ex-
pcft no gratification for the faithful difchaiije of
his duty. But even if he fhould not find an op-
portunity
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No. 13i.
tHE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
portunity of fclUtigyouto advantage, the crime,
the fhamc, the infamy will ftill be the fame in
you, who, bafer than the moft abandoned prof-
titutes, have fold yourfelves and youf pofterity
for hire, for a paultry price, to be refunded with
intereft by fome minifter, who will indemnify
himfelf out of your own pockets; for after all,
you are bought and fold with your own money;
— 4he miferable pittance you may now receive
is no more than a pitcher full of water thrown
in to moiften the fucker of that pump which will
drain you to the bottom ! Let me, therefore,
advifc and exhort you, my countrymen, to avoid
the oppofite extremes of the ignorant clown and
defigning courtier, and choofe a man of honefty,
intelligence and moderation, who will" ^
Cetera defunt.
Poetry*
A Sentimental Tate^
Thf. orient Sun had funk beneath the weft,
And lovely Nature feemM inclinM to reft,
Stillnefs prcvailM: except the gentle breeze,
Which fann'd in fportive gales the verdant trees,
l-una's pale rays rcfleaed in the ftream,
Where Sol before, hid fhot his fcorching beam |
Sad Phil'mcl's note rc-eccho'd thro' the wood,
And beauteous Naiades rofe above the flood ;
The bubbling brook in fofteft murmurs flow*d,
And Flora all her various fwects difclos'd :
When lovely Emma from her cottage firay*d,
To taftc die fweet receflcs of the fliade,
To hear die turtle's melancholy moan.
And fympadiife with forrows like her own*
Sweet peace of mind ne*cr with young Emma dwelt,
Nor foft rcpofc her haplefs bofom felt ;
The god of love had piercM her tender breaft,
Difturb'd her joys, and robb'd her foul of reft.
She came— of cruel fortune to complain,
Edgar fhc lov'd— but lov'd, alas, in vain I
Her auburn hair, difhevcll'd widi die wind,
Flew like her garments, loofc, and unconfin'd;
From her bright eyes foft roli'd the cryftal tear,
While on her face fat grief, and ftcra defpair.
At length the fair in a deep fhade reclin'd,
Thus in foft accents fpoke the anguifli of her mind:
In vain for me, ye fragrant zcyhyrs, blow,
For me, in vain, ye limpid rivMets flow;
In vain fweet bird of night ! you tune your throat.
And fweetly raife that foft melodious note;
In vain, dcluCvc hope! you chacc my fears,'
And tiy to flop the current of my tears;
Tears that will flow in fpite of cv'ry art
To calm my mind, or heal my wounded heart I
In all the many charms of earth combin'd,
Plcafurc, nor peace can wretched Emma find/
Only can Edgar diflipate my grief,
Sootli my deep woe, and grant me wifliM relief;
But, ah ! the perjur'd youth forfakes my arms,
NcgleOs my love, and flights my fadirtg charms;
Forgetful of his broken vows, and fighs
Regardlefs of my tears— he diflaat flics 1
For once lov»d Emma now no more he cares.
But from his breaft her long-loathM image tears ;
Some other nymph, more lovely and more kind.
Hath fix'd his heart, inconftant as the wind.
What do I fay ?-alas !-~Shc cannot te
More kind than Emma, or more lov'd than he!
How oft when featcd in yon flow'ry vale,
Lift'ning attentive to my Edgar's ulc,
He'd fwear by all the mighty powers above,
That nought on earth fliould e'er decreafc his love I
Then to his bofom Was 1 fondly preft I
How fweetly flat ter'd !— how fupremely blefti,
The peaceful hills did with our lays refound,
And bright-eyMjoydiff'us'd itfelf around:
But now alas ! die dear delufion's o*er.
And love's foft voice falutes my ear no more.
The flow'ry meads no longer charm my view,—
All charms are fled fincc Edgar is untrue!
Confliaing paflions tear my troubled foul.
The flowing tears in liquid torrents roll.
Oh!— that a draught of Lethe I could take,
Or drown my forrows in the Stygian lake \
Then fliould I ceafc for ever to complain,
And murmurto the winds incrcafing pain.
She flop'd ;--nor could proceed— but rofe to go,
And trembling funk, beneath her weight of woe.
Alas! at length the icy hand of Death, •
Had fciz'd her foul, and grafp'd her fleering httzth.
Adieu, ye nymphs, ye woods, and groves, flic cried t
Then fainting h\\, clos'd her bright cyea and died I
All nature feem'd to mourn the haplefs maid;
Sweet Phil'mel ceas'd her fong, each flowret dioop»d
its head!
E n c A R H
Morning Papers.
It is impoffiblc to fpeak of thcfc diimial rhap.
fodies without involving onc's-felf in politics.
The diflfolution of Parliament, and the confcqutnt
eflabli/hment of the prcfcnt minillry will en-
tirely blaft the hopes of thofe wretched tools of
party, whoffc profpeft of gain was founded on the
probability of ihf, great charaaci^ returning into
office who, on the profpca of official emoluments,
were mean and defpicable enough to evade news-
paper indignation, and to infure ncws-papcr
applaufe, by the facrificc of fome pelf, the ad^
miniftcring of a plentiful potion of promifcs,
and faving the Editors a great deal of trouble by
writing panegyrics on thcmfelves and their
friends, in firings of paragraphs, which the rea-
ders
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
J40..US.
crs little imagine arc written by^ the immaculate
chara,6lers themfelves, or fuch of their depen-
dents as have a knack at that fpecies of compo-
fition, and the reputation of being far better em-
ployed. But, to the honour of the people, they
were not to be thus deceived. Judging for them-
felves, the paragraphs written even by mem-
bers of parliament, and notorious wits were of
no avail. Truth is immutable; and men know
a zoolf from an elephant.
The JVhirling Pojl, finding nothing more to be
had under the banners of the Coalition, or from
the profpef): of Indian munificence^ has given
another proof of its propenfity to tergiverfation
(a moft delightful word), by a declaration that
it is to be an impartial paper, that is, a paper of
no principles at all — and with great violence
direfcily efpoufes the caufc of the prefent mi-
niflry! So much for news-paper confiflency!
Op the other papers I have not time to fpeak.
Their tergiverfations^ reciprocities and coatitions
deferve fome notice, and (hall have it«
B u
L I A.
My fagaqious friend, who accompanied me
in my aerial tour to Bulia, is now, I trufl, in
that capital. On his return I make no doubt
but that he will communicate fome curious in-
telligence refpefting (he political concerns of
that ftrangc people.— I pj^rticularly requefled
him to bring fome Bulian ,books, tfpecially a
\'olume of their lUtutcs, which are I'eplete with
great wifdom, and remarkable for their brevity.
• Having on our firft vilit, left behind us a few
news-papers, fome of the Bulian literati had
tranflatcd them, and on his fecond vifix, the
tranfjation \vas prcfented to my friend, requefting
him to anfwer the Queries that were fubjoined to
it; Of thefe queries and of my friend's an-
fwers, I here fend you an extraft.
To the learned Seer from a certain world
called the Earth, the Bulian Houfe of
Science, Sendeth Greeting.
Whereas toe have employed four of the moft
learned of our Houfe to tranjlate into the Bulian
Tongue certain Earthly pieces of literature^ left in
OUT metropolis by you and your friend bearing the
name of John BuU. And whereas there are certain
pjireifes contained therein, which our faid learned
men cannot comprehend; and which, therefore, we
requeft your Seerfliip to explain in fuch a manner
as that we may give an account thereof in our next
edition of the tranflation herewith prefented. For
that purpofi we eamefily befceech you to anfwer the
following Queries^
Signed by order of the Houfe of Science,
Lancam, Secretary.
Bulian Queries, andENCLUHJftEPLJEs.
What is the meaning of the xoord Coalition ?— •
Union. The very found of this word has a won.
derful eflfeft on Engli(hmen. Several fenatori
have foamed at the mouth in attempting to explain
its confequences. Some have faid that it ruined^
and fome that it favcd the Britifh nation. The
faft is, that it did neither.
IVhat is tfie meaning of the phrafe -Modern Pa-
triot ?— A man who, under pretence of rcn-^
Bering ferviccs to his country, is aiming at the ac-
quifition of power to. gratify his ambition or his
avarice. The moft dangerous man in the
.ftate.
What is the meaning of a Hasty SKEtCH P-— -It
fomctimes means a tedious and dull account of
long fpecches, without the anfwers; and fome-
times of anfwers without the fpcechcs. At other
tirties, it implies a fcleftion horn the breakfafl ma-
terials of others, to form a kind of literary hafiy-
pudding for grofs fi^eders and vpatient politici-
ans !
What is the meaning of Boa To n ?--4Di{^pa-
tion in the extreme, a^d atotal difrcg^rd pf every
thing facred. A violent attachment to trifles*
To be one of .the Son 7\)n is to be envied by
beaux, protcfted by belles, admired by folly, and
condemned by common fcnfe.
What is the meaning of the word Perdita?— r
Perdita, is the advertifing name of a notorious
proflstute.
What is the meaning of the phrafe Political
consistency? — Afting direftly ^n contradic-
tion to flrong profcflions ^d promifSas. Speak-
ing one thing to day, and contradifling it to-mor-
row.
What is the rn^cining of the phrafe Secret In-
fluence ? — 'It is a political bugbear ufcd by fome
men to alarm others : as we frighten children by
crying raw-head and Uoody.hones /—So when a
man attempts to do any thing for the public
good, and to fave his country from the ruin irt
which others wifh to involve it, they ende^^vouf
to frighten him by fhouting Secret Influence I
What is an Alderman ?— A voracious ani-
mal, in the human form, that devours ftfh, flcfh
and fowl, and pofTefllng fome degree of human
reafon. He is generally chained.
What is an amia»le woman ?— One who by
unbounded diflipation,and the apparent contempt
of all religious order, renders herfelf confpicu-
ous. By an amiable woman (in news-papers) 19
more generally underftood an extravagant profti-
tute.
What is a Man of the people ?-<^A good
Houfe-Dog, of the Fox breed*
}Vhat
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No. IX.
THE NEW SPECTAt^R, Ac,
JVhat is a Lo^ High Chm^bliox P^-— Except
one^ tho greatefl man in Great Britain, if his
name happens to be Th u k t o w .
WhU is 4 Lord ?— A Lord is a Temple which
the people decorate with laurels.
What is the crime of youtk ? — ^To be emi-
nently virtuous^ and to poflefs the wifdom of old
age. To refufcv adociating with public plunder*
crs, black l4!gs, and fharpers.
Thus far, dear Spec, I have extrafled for
your amufeihcnt ; and {hall hereafter give you
ibme account of the flrange notions the Bulians
entertain of this world, and particularly of this
countiy,
THeATRSS.
Dfufy JLtuHi,
. Ma ». Sf »i»o KS) after an iUneTs which confined
liar a eonfiderable time^ on Tinirtday appeared in
IfMiAf and £b<imed t« be ^cfeflly recovered
from an indifpoTitioa which deprived the: public
of the chief attradion of tlii^ Houfe*
.Their Majeftics honoured the theatre with
their prefence on Friday, having commanded the
Oratorio of Judas Maccabats, which went off
with eonfiderable applaufe. — His Majefty, hav-
ing lately paid the people the grcateft compli-
ment ever paid them by an £figl»A» mofwreh-, wa9
received with more heartfelt applaufe than ever !
Covent GardcTu
Nothing material has occurred at this theatre
fmce my laft, except Mr. Hcnderfon playing
Comtis^ and giving the town a proper idea of
Milton^s powers and his own.
if<^ Markets
Eliza.
It muft afford no fmall pleafure to the admirers
of the late Dr. Arne, that this popular ferenata
is revived at the Haymarket Theatre, and per-
formed with good fuccefs. Eliza muft always be
a favouxite with an Engliihinan^ Th« poctjry is
greatly Gipcriar to mail pieces of th« kind, and
the mufic fo nicely adapted that he muft have no
car who cannot difcover its excellence.
To Meffrs. Arne and Barthelemon, names
pretty well known in the mufical world, I under-
iland the public is indebted for the perfonnance
of oratorios at play-houfc prices. To render an
entertainment of this kind more common, is to
be a friend to the community. The moral effefts
of mufic are much greater than is generally ima-
gined, and to extend thofc effefts by thus re-
ducing the prices, is a circumflance that demands
public approbation, and merits public fupport.
Op Eliza I can only fay that it was performed
throughout with fmgular happinefs of exprcfTion
and peculiar delicacy of execution. Mrs. Bar-
" theleaWh?* powoCrft dft% W^cll knowiij and the
fongs given to Mr$. Ante were received ivith
ranch approbation* Mr* Arrewfaiith \a confi-
derably improved. Mr. Wilfon'a voice ia h Kte
Mrs. Kennedy's th«i in the higher iv}«f(i diry ale
hardly to be dtflii^fbed ; kis voic<^ i$ of frcQ^
extent and fweeinofe ; ami Mr. Angictr it i^mMh^
a rapid advancement} in tbe.ljJi^ ia£JReitib«M^^
The choruflfes received every ^Qi|^<tfb.f<ippokt»
and went off with lingular «rf«^i-.p^f Mt. Anrn's
Organ Concert^ ifc \s necdlefe ^ fey aoy tUt% ;
his taflfi, fancy^ and execution ar* too. y^ltawwA
to receive any additionai 094aaieiid0fti€it Ansvcsy
pen.--.The fam» may.be faid. of! Mfi. Bftttbel6-
mon*s concerto on tlk« violiuv tliaa^^kXnMh
ver heard a morp fioifhed) pelrfeiviafi^fu*^ fiUft
that this fpiritcd fondua of tho manager^ in ^
ing fuch exquifite performances at play-hgufc
prices, will me^t witb the. fuccefs it merits ! '
N A T I o n A,L lu t m L-fc ft b E. K d i;;
Mrs, CcYtER's benefit it the Haymartet
Theatre was honoured by the prefence of the
Perditay who having been previouQy indilpofed,
as it is generally underflood, by the adminiftra-
tion of white lead and mercury, and being per-
fe6Uy recovered, was received with evident
marks of envy and chagrin by thofe of the fifter-
hood who happened to be prefent ; and with
warm applaufe by the refpedable fociety of petit
maitres then in the houfc. An event of fuch fm-
gular importance to the community, it was highly
nacWflaiy to render public^ an^adv^rdfeftUnt, in
the form of a paragragh, accordingly appeared
tn a morning paper of laft wetk, in which the
Edifdi* kindly informs us, that ftit is ih excellent
condition to fee compahy ; that fhfe is a very
Ibvely creature ; that fhe is r lady* of exqui!ite
fenfibility and delicate fentimcnts ; and, in fhort,
that fhe i& the moft amiable woman iu th« firi>
ti(h dominions.
f BIG, friend Spec, that I may be permitted
to corroborate every word of this account. I was
alfo prefent, and faw the Petdita ; and if white
and red paint can make her look beautiful, fhe
is indeed beautiful, for fhe was '^ psunted an'
" inch thick." If exquifite fenfibility and de-
licate fentiments confift in a perpetual frown,
and can refide in a bofom rendered callous by
public proflitution, fhe is indeed a truly amiable
woman ; and it reflefts no fmall credit on the
Editor of the paper in queftion to fingle out this
immaculate piece of purity, as one worthy of pe-
culiar commendations and of public fupport in
her profeffion. And furely fome attention fhould
be paid to the IVcman^ as well as to the Man of
the People! Yours, in haftc,
JOHN BULL.
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8
tHE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
No. IXt
Advertisement E^^teaordinary*
J. S. Plagiary ukes this opportunity of ac-
quainting authors and writers in general, that
his Paper is on an entire ntw plan, which will
deferve the encouragement of the public » As a
jptninen look at Wcdnefday's Morning Herald^
Mafich a4th, Poet's corner, and you will find an
Invocation addreffed to Mifs Philips, and figned
fiifimt|io— That identical Invocation Jirjl appeared
un the New S?sctator, No. VIII, Tuefday,
;I)f aiach aj, . addreffcd to Mrs. Martyr, figncd
£doar H The change of the name to whom
"ft was addreflod, and the alteration of i\n^/tgnaiurc
•hiud thrown it into fuch a different light that the
•suthor wa» at a loft to know his ottm Invocation.
This example will be fufficient to convey to the
public the utility of the prefent fchcme.
N.B. No efFufions, but what pofTefs true po-
etical ment^ will find admifTion in the manner
defcnbed. Pope, and the red ' of the Englifh
poets, will appear, foon under Jdilious x^ames.
To other CoRREStONDENTS.
I HAVE received a liji of the f urns paid to the Editors
ofjix of the morning papers for the paragraphical
fupport of a certain unpopular meafure, hut I have
reafvn to think it erroneous in more inflancls than
one. I believe the fourth paper mentioned in the lift
received Three hundred guinea^, and not Five
hundred pounds. If a Detefler of Corruption
can procure a lifty which may be relied on^ I mtl
certainly publifh it, — The religious obfervations of
J. C. do credit to his heart ; but they are too inaccu^
rate for publication, — Brutus is received.-^Thc
lines on Mrs. Bannifler^s inanimation are to0
inftgnificant for infertion — Bob Ouzel's remarks
fhould be confined to, his Counti%g'h$ufe. — The Merry
Companions is under confderation. — 7%«Piccadilly
Beauty fiall be attended to. — TJie letter ^gned a
Dancing Dog if written by a fad dog indeed.-^The
Scandalous Anecdotes by Tom Crazy, are inad-
mifible; and the Private Memoirsof Lady R
apparently by a waiting-maid, are unintelligible.
London: Printed by T. Rickaby, No, 15, Duke's-Court, Bow-Street, Covcnt-Garden ;
And Sold by T. AX TELL, No. 1, Finch-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charles-Street, St. James's-Square ; by P. BRETT, Bookfellcr and
Stationer, oppofitc St. Clcmcnt's-Church in the Strand; by G. KEARSLEY, No. 46, Fleet-Street}
and by W. THISELTON, Bookfeller and Sutioncr, No. 37, Goodgc-Street, Rathbone-Place.
♦^* CoRRBSPONDENTs aTC rcqueflcd to addrefs their favours to the New Spectator, to be
left at Mr. Swift's, in Charles-Street, St. James's-Square^ where a Lietter-Box is 9&xcd
for their reception.
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VAAAA|
THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH T H £
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. X.
TUESDAY, April 6, 1784.
Price Three-pence.
To he continued every Tuesday.
Et quando ubctiot vitiortitn copia? Quando
Major avaritiet patuit Jtnus f Alea quand9
Hqs
What age fo large a crop of ^tti bore ;
Or wbeA was avarice extended more ?
When were the dice with more profufion thrown ?
Jt^VEHAL.
IRYD£N.
THE accumulation of knowledge is vain if
it doe$ not reform the manners and amend
the hearf. The education of that man is but
half accompliflied} who, " though he undcr-
" ftand all languages and all fciences," ihould
yet harbour principles definitive of thofe mo.
ral duties, the obfervance of which confUtutes
the individual and general h^ppinefs of mankind.
It is, therefore, the chief bulinels of letters to
recommend virtue, and to expofe vice*, and I
believe no language can boafl of fo many pro-
dudions as the Englifli, written folely with that
view, * and which, I doubt not, make proper
impreflions. But it is a hard thing to eradicate
a favourite paflion ; and there is, perhaps, no
vice againft which literature has levelled the
injunQions of morality and the fallies of ridicule,
with lefs fucceis than thofe fhe has employed
again 11 Gam inc. To whatever caufes it may be
afcribed, certain it is, that this paflion, of all
Others, is the mod difficult to eradicate from the
mind. It is, therefore, extremely dangerous to
indulge a propenfity to play, even by way of
paftime: the paffion gradually gains ground, and
fteals imperceptibly on the heart ; it raifes emo-
tions to which the mind has not been accuftomed,
and feldom fails to afFcft the temper. But it \i
not my intention in this eflay to point out the
natural effcds of gaming. They have been abun>*
dantly exemplified by lively, and by moral writers,
and with great fuccefs exhibited on the (tage.
Gaming feems to have had the greateft in^^
flueiKe, and to have been carried to the higheft
pitch of extravagance, in an age and in a country
one could lead have expend to hear of it.
Many centuries ago, in the woods of Germany,
Tacitus informs us, this paflion produced the
mofl fatal effe£ls* The ancient German would
play away his perfonal property, his cattle, his
houfes, his lands, and at laft (lake even his
liberty, and voluntarily become the flave of his
more fuccefsful adverfary. He was, one day,
the happy mailer of a happy home ; had flocks
grazing around him, and a fionily finiling in do-
medic tranquility. The next day (aw him a
flave, laborioufly cultivating, for another, the
land which a few hours before entitled him to
independence. Thefe are circumdances which,
but to refled on, excite indefcribable ienfations ;
what then mud have been the feelings of the
poor gameder at the moment he was about to
barter liberty for flavery !
WatTHir
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
i((f. X.
Whether the Germans of thefe days are parti-
cularly addifted to this vice I know not; it
certainly is not, like forac other crimes, peculiar
to any country ; it may, however, be remarked,
that its baneful influence has, of late years, been
confiderably extended in this kingdom ; and its
fatal ieffiffts .j^e>|cveiy day cdwfeffed to be ns^
ti^^YJind ii^d^duaUy alarming.
Various caufes have concurred to produce
this effcft, amongft the foremoft of which w/e
may rank the confequent luxury of an unbounded
commerce ; anfl a^uMequent war, ^1^ f xpences
of which hiiVc t)bligcd us, unwiHingly,. to fa-
crifice fome of thofe luxuries which, from long
cnjf^mcnt, ^we began to confider as neceiTaries.
That ridiculous vanity which prompts people
ixi Ihe midting'aiid lower ranks of life to imitate
their fuperiors in external parade, and the gra-
tification of dcffires that ought to be repreffcd,
urges them to fupport an idle diftin£Uon at the
cxpence of their own peace, and the welfare of
their families, by having recourfe tA other means
than induftry arid frugality, the only lawful
means by which wealth can accrue to gc^iplp ix^ *
dependent ftations.
But it is difficult to exterminate habit, and
irkfome to baniih enjoyment. Hence it too fre-
quently ^appcias. that he >vhQ has c^fpericficcd the
fcu|es of fortune in trade, without laying up
agi^nfl. the day wherein the fickle god(k;fs fhall
tj4Y^ her wh^fl, has recourfe to the gamixig table ;
choofuig lather to d^ez^d qn, chance than in-
duftry, on hopc^ rather thap frugality, on un-
certainty rather than certaiaty for thpfe fuppl^es
which arc nec^flary to fupport hifn in the en-
jpyn^^ptof a fancicflan4 ridicu^pus p^p-f min^ncc,
or thp gratification qf paf^ons which oi^f aever
to. If^yp bepi indulgpd. To this cairfe I cannot
^t ajttribute, )n a gr^ meafure, the alarming
jrogrdk \Yhich gamit^g has m^d^ of l^e years,
apfl pjrti^cularVy fubffquent to t^ic comn\ence-
^(^t of the lat^ vfar.
. The encouragement given to gaming by
State Lotteries is another evil that ought not to be
overkiol^ed. A licence to game, by parliamentary
authority, excludes the idea of criminality ; and
weak minds, not d^ply impreflied with the im-
portance of moral duties, and incapable of judg-
ing for themfclves, . no longer confider that as a
yice which kas a Icgiflative fandion. . Much
indeed, has been iaid for and agaioft State Lot-
teries^ They, have heea found convenient in
governments for raifing money; ap obje^ to
^h^ ^ other conlidcrations arc too frequently
facf ificed ; they have therefore been too generally
adopted, and have given die people a tafte foi'
gaming more fatal in its confcquences to the ilate
itfelf than the money raifed by it ever proved
advantageous ; for, however little it may no^
be attended to, certain it is, that its morality is of
ififin^e more confequev^e to i^* il^te^hanr it*
riches. • t •
It cannot indeed be fuppofed that parliament
could forefee thofe effefts which lotteries have
produced, and towards which the mere difpofal
pf ticket$ C91J4 . c,0|itribute , but little. The
Iffgiflature .was not aware of the complicated evils
of Infurance, which, by enabling the lower
cbflbs to fporl their IDQney, at length rendered
gaming fo umverfi|l, and its confcquences {qr
alarming as to call lav ILq ^id of par liament in
tjie f^ppreflipn of ^n evil fo extenfively preju-
dicial. Surely the fountain head cannot be clear
whence originate fuch llreams of corruption as
pollute the w}^le ^nd through which they
floif, , ,;
Th e man who vAutures to fport that money
in a lottery v^hich pxtaht to be appropriated to
Oliver ufc5, is, k\it \o^ apt to fly to the private
gjUping Uh\c^ ijpi .i^TO9^ to regain the property
he has loft, by frefh facrifices at the altar of
chance. He is then on the brink of deftruftion^
for he is then on the point of becoming a profeffed '
gamefter ; and though he may fometimes float in
a fea of wealth, yet he never knows 'that peace of
mind, that fweet trknquflTrty which conft^ntly at-
tend the enjoyment of the comparatively' fmall
wcahh acquired by itiduftry and integrity ; and
perhaps the mere turn oPa wheel, or the plucking
of a ftraw, deprives hltn bf his gold in a mbment,
and leaves him as wretched, as fricndlefs, and as
pennylefs as ever i
The inftjmt a man commences gamefter^. hq
lofes a great Ihare of his i^oral reftitjude* ijc
may ^)e faid to be under. the. immefjiate in^uencQ
of a demon ; he is no, logger his o\vrn m^fter ; he
is b^ap^y,prmiferaWe, richor ppprj,juTt as ^hanc^
dii;c6U. To d^v he wallo>vsin extrfvagan?c;..t<?-
morrpwheis thc]j>,oo^eft ofbc^afs^ fqr, ^i^opgft,
hi^ other wants, he wants that contcntn^ept for
yhi^h common beg^^^s have ip^n^^mos ^een
envied. Havin|r pc^erte4 to tj>^ vjfQrft of yfcst
j the goods committed lo^ Proyidepce tp.his c?i^
ip this world, he di^s. wJtJ^PH^ ^ 0X94p>v. ojf hqp^
Cor the -enjoyment pf thofe bteflingfj prpjcftiiS^A
to temperanf>e,^ p?Uf QW;,, ?n4 ^W^qjifPfC^ ia
th9, ^pf;ld tp, qoj^X. „.
The
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Mo. ^.
tHE Ml^WS?ECifAt(Jft^ id
The bevy of ORIGINALS.
£n«. III.
Mifs Dinah AMazOn Primrose.
Vera rtiit faciui dtfimulaiapefit, • .
P*Arb.
This Original is of that fed of Diffetiters,
which firft gave rife to the important decifion of
aye and no. — Her whole life is one fcene of gaiety
and diflipalion; la^f vff^hlicmujlic "Bufmefs
claims l^er .attcntipn, fgch as cleatiing th«!L rooms,
fcouring the flairs, wafhing, ironing, and A
thoufand. other family employments, whi^h our
modem females arc ^entire flrangcrs lo^ She-
changes her appearance aa often as a camelion
does its colour. At nine fhe rifes, and is the
howfe-m^id till twelve ; then affumes the Cook-
anaid till three* At fburj as if by magic infpira-.
tion, (he is mctamorphofed into the miftrefe of
the houfc ! At five, the hairdreffer is waiting
for commands. At eight, fuch a fudden change
appears in her whole frame, that occular demon-
(Iration is doubtful. Her drefs is equal to the
firft duchcfe's in the metropolis. Such are the
contrajls exhibited by Mifs Dinah Amazon Prim-
rofe !
She knows every body, that is, cVcry body
knows her — She gains her acquaintance as other
people generally lofe them — fey fcandal.-i-Out'
jirft interview was at a concert. Being alone,
and feeing her with a number of ladies, without
a gentleman, I wilhed to join her : \vrith that in-
tent I moved forward, and fate next to her.
Five minutes had fcarce clapfed, when (he, with
Kjmpering fmile, and an affeEUd blufh, afked me
how my friend Frank Tattle did ? I declared
my ignorance of his acquaintance*— Ifet ktibw
Frank Tattle!— vociferated Mifs Dinah-^^Blefs
me ! Is it poffible ? He is very cohfpicuous.
Sir, and you muft certainly have feen hitti.-^My
fiftcr ttnll have it that he refcmblcs a toad ;«— only
think, Sir, a toad! He is tiick-named the
iSpy ; and can give you thd life, charafter, and
behaviour of every family iti Weftminfter. It
isfome confolation, however, to the wofldj that
whatever he repeats is treated with contempt,
the natural confequence of deviatitig from truth«^
Not know Frank Tatde !-^If you will/xtf(mr' mc
with your company next Wednefday, Sir, I
rccehrd company that dVfcning, and Tattle will be
prefent. A card was then drawn out of a red
morocco pocket-book, and prcfented me with-*^
I (hall depend on feeing you, Sir..--A gentleman
then approached, with whom, after feveral far-
caftic reficAions on the fingers and company,
&e lefiE tho room* •
The adventure was fo fudden, that it ^to*
vented a ferious inveftigation. What could I
think ? However, at the time appointed, atfter'
traverfmg Gracechurch-ftrept half an hour, I
arrived at the houfe. The fcrvant announced
my prefence, which Mifs Dinah repeated to the
company, with the Jlrong recommendation of
! being her friend; Tlic rufi of politencfs did not
wear ofF for fome time.-^JScandal being th?
word of command^ given by Polly Demure, as if
by inJ^inEl, every body fpoke at once; but
; Frankey Tattle's voice foon over-powered the
• reft, and tlie w^ole produced fuch a " cornpli-
catiop o^fwcet founds" as could be equalled only
by the fagacious builders of the Tower of Babel;
Frankey's voice being predominant, he was at
length indulged in.2Lfolc, aiid did rtolceafe till He
was treated -with the filcnt cmte^pt of three-
fourths of thfe company^ His modejly on the
' dccafion 6bljged him to retire. The door was
Ihuti Poor Ftankey Tattle was the JhuUU-cock
of fixteen ladies, and as many gentlemen. What
a fituation'!- Every pcrfon, ifter they made
their exit, was a fubjea of fcandal for a quarter
of an houri-i— Knowing thay by rotation it
would be my turn next, I bowed rcfpcftfully to
the remaining party, ^ndicutup myfejf in theyj-
verejl manner I could, and quitted the houfe
with a determination never to enter it again !
This, Spec, is a fketch of Mils Dinah Ama-
zon Primrofe, whofc only pleafure is to hear^
and to repeat fcandal.
Her houfc is the retort of tnfi'ing charafters
of dl denominations; and her acquaintance— fuch
of them as ftie does not kjiow herfelf— a fet of the
moft contemptible wretches that ever nature
formed !-*-^ThJs Original ttiuft cOnvcy to thofc
ladiesj who poffefs too much levity, an idea of
the confequences which generally arife from
inviting ftrangets, forming conhexions, and
diffemihating Opinions, which they often i-epent
ever aftet-, either frotri the duplicity of the men^
or the doubtftil chatafter of the wonicm
[^ To be continued. ]
fo the New Spectator*
Mr. Spectator,
As I ani fully peifuided it is the ofajeft
nearcft the heart of «ivery one polRflcd of thofc
truly noble fentiiticnts. which your writings
evince you to be, at all times to impart know-
ledge to the uniformed ; permit me to rcqueft
your opinion on a fubjcftj with which I muft
corifefsj. I am fo wholly unacquainted, that the
confideration of it, has always led mc into a
|;reater
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THE UtW SPECTATOR, Ac
N«. X^
greater Ubyrinih, than I have erec been ^le
to txtricate myfelf from. What I mean to refer
to iSf refpeOinj the ButiAN Goverament.
Pa AY, good Sir, did you or your friend ever un-
dcrfland, that it was a prerogative of RexTnan's to
create an individual one of the Reppu, if contrary
to his inclination? 1 have heard many argu-
ments made ufc of in fupport of this right ; but
the impropriety of it ftrikes me in fuch a forcible
manner, and on the contrary, my friends
opinions create in my mind fo. many doubts,
that I (hall think myfelf highly honoured by your
reply to this quellion, as I am confident there
is no one I can apply to, who is better verfed in
the conftitution of Bulia than yourfelf.
To apologiife for this liberty. Sir, would, I am
ienfible, with a gentleman of your candour and
poUtencfs, he but to raifc an ijupediment to your
ac.quie£cenfe With my rcqucft, and therefore I
beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf, with the grealefl:
refpeft,
Si R J Your moll obedient,
humble Servant,
IGNORATUS.
The Balloon friend of my dcpUt)', John Bull,
\s daily cxpeftcd to return from Bulla, and to
bring with him, inter alia^ an anfvycr to the above
letter, figned by a Bulian fagc of diftinftion,
and whofc determination may be relied on,
as fpcaking the language of the Bulian con-
llitution.
T9 the New Spsctatqju
Mr. SPECTATOR,
Though I do not pretend to be a
poet, I have fomc trifles by me which I wiih to
fee in your elegant rcpofitory. The following
flanzas were written fomc years ago, when I was
a young man,
On receiving a Breast Buckle,
from a Lady,
Pretty (pangler! welcome hiih«r,
Welcome to this faithful bread ;
Glowing emblem of my pa(Eon !
Here for ever ever reft I
Whilft I gaze upon thee fparkling,
Food to feed my flame 1 find ;
Thy delicacy — Laura's frame;
fieaxning cbryflaU-Laiua's mind I
Whilft I wander lar from Laura,
My companion thou flialt be ;
* Of her merit and her beauty,
Sweet difcQurfe V\\ hold with thee !
So to ^ .cro& tbe pilgriai piow
Tunis a fupplicating eye,
And, in fancy'4 fweet iUtiflon,
ComoMmes with tm dei^y I
EDWARtr.
To Mtf K £ w Sp £ G T at O 1I«
Dear Sp£c^
As I have heard little for many days paft^
but certain cledioneering phrafes and exclama-
tions, it cannot be fuppofed that, tefpe£ting
die piibKc, I Ihould have much to fay, unlels I
were to indulge the family propenfity to po-
litres. But as politics are your abhorrence, I
fhall avoid them a& much as poflible ; though
I cannot prevail on myfeif^to omit faying a word
or two refpefUng
The PoLiTicAi, Duch£ss*
This lady has long beipn diftingwifc^d as an
Qraannent to her fej^, ai^d ccl^braxcd for her
domeftic virtues. Wc are now to contemplate
her as a female poUticiaa ; divefting herfelf of jfe*
male delicacy fo far as to run round tbe town^
with a parcel of hot-h^ied fellows, (houting.
No Secret Influence / The vsLonk (^ tk p^U for
ever I — and, by her prefence, fearing her fellow-
labourers from thofe tUEUoneering fawfu^s 'vyhich
canvaifers (bme times receive again ft their will ;
fpr who can be brutal cjiov^h to abuie a woman
and not only a woman, but a Duchcfs, and
not only a Duchefs, but the Duchcfs of •♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ?
To cart y a h an d fo mc woman about, by way
of fccuring the fupport of xku^ who are in-
fluenced by the momentary condefcenfion of
greatneis^ is an artifice that I have known to be
praflifcd with fucccfs. It is an artifice (unilartQ
that of placing a handfome girl in the bar of a
CofFee-lioufe; it generally infures the fupport of
a certain number of coxcombs who, otherwifc,
would never come near the houfc. And though
I think neither of the fituations becoming ^
woman, many excufes fuggefl themfelves in
favpur of this lady at the Air, wbich will not
hold with refped to the lady who has nothing t»
do but to render herfelf refped:able iq her con*
dud as well as her fuuation ; which however,
can never be done by parading the (beets with
a -mah 9f gentkmsn, and violating the dignity and
delicacy of the female charafter, and making
herfelf bufy in thofe things ia which^ of all otbew^
women have the Icaft concern, . fi^tb^Wv^.o^
fame^
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McuX.
T ^'E M je W $ B E C * A t t, ^e.
s
fmn% vA the affit&n^n of (uigul^rity htv^
powerful eft>ft«pntbc f(Wi4i!«nin4* MylifUr,
i4<»i«4 iC#nA J3I4/4 contQods tiM^t ik iim l^y> l^k^
th« Kii^ OWif^ n^ wrcngi mi Ihsit it vo\d4 be
a very hai4 thing if a D.MjQhQ(ii Q0v)4 not 4f> is
[he likes. To be fuFQ «oy wom4i> may 4o 49 (he
likes; but her (ituation, however exalted, can
never confer propriety on ihofe aftions which
WDt incongnibtts; and a woman in tho charaBcr
of a vat^Jatwiat^ previous to an ela^on, is is
Hdiculous as Hercules with the diftaff, orta
Ducbefe ridlipg cinders l*-X am, .therefore, hap-
py to .find that the exampli; 9^ the. Puchefc ifi
qucftion, though of great ii^flypific^ has not |?pqi
openly fpljowed in th? metropolis, except 1^
Who, J am to]d, at th^ requefl; of the Platonic
£arly was (:ontent to devote her eloquence fin4
perfopal ajtraftions to the fame worthy caufe, an4
in conjunftion with the ami»ble Duchefs, to
(hew that the Man of the People, however averfe
to Secret, is rio enemy to Petticoat tnjluenct I
Every one knows that it is a breach of pri-
vilege in a peer to interfere 10 an elcftion for a
commoner. But ^a peer's, wife is not a peer,
though ^e l^2is probably more .influence than his
lordfhip. The moft faJkioTiable^ and J am toltj,
the moft fucccfsful way, 1^ for his lordfhip to
take a favourite aftrefs pf one of the theatres,
and, accompanied by her, to vifit the fhops of
fuch tradefmen as have votes and intercft ; buy
fomething at each to a confiderable amount, and
when it is padced up, let the aftrefs fpcak thus :
«« Mr. — , tell me the amount of the goods,
** and I will pay you ready numey for them, on
«< condition that you vote for Mr. •♦•: if
'w you do not think fit to comply with the con-
••* dition, you may replace the goods in your
^ (hop.** ^This 1 am told is a recipe frobgtum
tjt. For further particulars^ 1 refer the curipus
to the Jilvefpniths and linen-drapers,
TiUoxTGH this may be the (alhionable mode of
qarocurtng teropoi^ry friends, I can ^y no means
irecommeiid.tke pra^oe of it to a^re(fes, who,
above all people, ought to avoid politics and
j>»rty, and} like 'the inimitable Farren^ canvas
^nify for public approbation!
T^.MP4^,E of Taste.
One of the morping papers has fported an
idea, .that a Tcmple.confecrated to Tafte is build-
ing in one of the gardens of a certain Royal Per-
Jonage, and that a ftatue is .to be placed in the^
centre of it, Npw if I were to afk you, what ele-
gant perfbnage, peculiarly diftinguifhed by Tafte,
ti^t ftatyd W4% t% pcjrtfc^. y^ y^^ ^»f%
teply, th^ Qi^exi. Put yw ^Mi hf. Wfts*W*
The Princcfj.Rpyri?t-No| Xh^ f ri^cefc ^>
a^hcth ?-^No ! The J>W^W^ «! O^fW^^frirc ?^
No I Qf|{.ittl4n4?— NqI ApypfthefnfOJt^lit-
ing W?44^g?^VCs?r-rNol Thf g^^449& Qf th^
i;it^4e4 F^n«b
I* tieatit hotybflarsi
And thou, pate mqoii, turn pei^ptt the f^mnd !^^
The goddefs of this intended Fancf, is Mother
'AHnpon /-—Would you defire abcttct Saltre oh
Taste? ' ' -
• '. ^* li A V E 1 if* r
. Th^ moft inhmhah of all traffic ii that of Slsfc*
very,' and tWe*mo(t inhuman of all wretches arfe
thofe who en^ouVage it. Nothingj indeed, hard-
ens the heart like the luft of gairu The Queen of
Portugal hbs rendered her name immortal by abcU
■H(hing in het* dominions, this infernal traffic ;
and I have hopes that her exaMpfle will be rol-
lowed by every nation that is guilty of this crime^
except Britain, for of Britain I have no hope*.
Reafon^ c^riftianity,confciencCj eycry thing pleads
in vain with a Br iti(h Merchatit^ when his intereft
is at ftake« Ht is at on c^ one of the greateft
and one of the meaneft charafteri inekiftence'l
Though hi* miiid is enlarged^ his* principles
hOneft; his religion, as he fiiMefly imagines^
<:h4riftian, in ftiort, though he prides himfelf oh
his charafterj and lives itt the eighteenth century^
he traffics in bloody ahd lioafts Of thoie richer
which are acquired by means* too horrible t^
mention, and which but to thihk of makes hu-^
canity ^m^der ! ■ ■'
If 4he 'New Pariiament wiih to do one zEtlcm
^worthy of t^iijcmfcratioe, let them give liberty
io t^e (lavei dnd s^lifti a traffic which difgracei
«the realm ; isacurfe to thdfe that follow it;
Xht greateftbar to ;the progrefs of chriftianity;
■^e greateft fcandal to human nature* If inftead
of the ridicidous Tcfts propoTed 10 candidate^,
ihdy were fworn to fupport- particular bills for
the redrefs of notorious grievances, the meeting
of a New f*arliament would become an objeft dF
univerfal good) and the falutary regulations of a
Brittfti Houfc of Commons be felt in the remoteft
^arts of the world !
B u L I A.
Tl^ Cxmte^!
During our.refidence in^v\li4,-my.fri^o^^^
J were wi^n<fli;&of a <;pnteft between tW0:Qf {^
Bulians, for the honour of a feftt in t}ic F.tjnc^
J^c^cmau, infpitc.pf the menaces of Rqy^^^J^up^
who hadinipud^ntly iofinuat^^ *^*^ ij^^ Soy^
reign dared not to diflblve the meeting of the
Etanes
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THE NEW SPEC TAT O^; Ac.
No4 X«
\Etjncs, ifiiied his. fiat, amd put an end to their
diffentions, blading all the hopes Rcynardam had
entertained of becoming Retftnim.
As no iTiaii can fit in the Etanes without the
concurrence of the people, they arc ufually fo-
licitcd pievioufly to the day of determination, to
fupport particular perfons. It was the fate of
Reynardam to be oppofed by a man of fingular
probity, and wHofe talents, though not fplendid,
were refpeaabk; and, what is better, were
never perverted to accomplifti finifter views.
His name was Sefiira,
No arts were left untried by Reynardam for
pcrfuading ^he Bulians to elcft him, amongft
others, to rcprefcot them in the. Etanes ; and the
Bulian mob, admiring his talcnLB^gaye him every
mark of- their approbation, by bellowing oppro-
bious epithets on his opponent. In this they
were affiftcd by the conduftors of the political
papers tof the Bulians. Reynardam, or rather
his friends, had prcfcnted a fum of money to
every one of thefe paper gentry, to induce them
;to fupport his prctenfionsby crying up his talents,
and mifrcprcfenting his chara6lcr. Audit was
cvrious cfiough to read the egregious falfhoods
fand . wretched . nonlenfe that were fabricated.
But the prctenfions of Rcynardam were too well
known,; and his enmity to Tipwill, the favourite
,of t^c people, too. much refented by the Bulians,
for the hipiUpgs of Reynardam to.effeft any pur-
pofc but tihat^pfjcxpofrng him and thcmfelves to
.public contempt. .
As Reynardam deemed his fu«;^efs on this oo-
cafion, the criterion of his future hopes, every
,inftrument was put in motion fpr^hcaccompliih-
jsent of his wifhes« To rend^f his opponent
xkUous in the opinion of the Bulians,- he was re-
prefcntcd a^ having. forfeited. the friendfcip of
JR^ynardam, w^ich he once polTefied, .becaufe he
would not give his fupport to meafiires calculat-
ed for the oppreffioD of the people, nor abet
thofe defigns by which Re)'nardaia. hoped to ren-
der himCelf fupcrior in power to Rexman himr
(elf ; for the ambition of Reynardam knew no
bounds.
In the neighbourhood of Bulia, there (lands
a famous building, facred to Valour^ inhabited
by thofe who have diftinguiflied thcmfelves in
the defence of their country, and who, by age
or infirmities, are rendered incapable of future
ferviccs ; who can only wifh that good they are
"tio longer able to perform. The inflitutfon is
noble, Ac building elegant, and the inhabitants
numerous. But the defign is abufed. Amongft
the bees ai^ many drones, who, in idlcncfs, de-
vour that which was m«mt for the fupport of the
. retiring hero ♦, the panders, parafites, lacquies^
and time-'ferving Haves of higher (laves, who have
waded through infamy to profits and diftinAions.
Hence many a Bulian, Well entitled to the com-
forts of this refuge J was left
To beg his bread thro* lands his valour fav'd f
whilft thefe imps were rioting in luxury on die
hard earned property of the unfortunate fugt.
tives.
Abuses fo abominable could not fail of attra6l-
ting the attention of an humane heart, and Se-
fiira complained of them to the Etanes ^ demoti-
llrating that by abolKhing the inftitutioh, dipprb^
priating with propriety the fiims £|uandered on
the worth lefs, and adopting new regula^ons, the
prefent inhabitants would not only live infinitely
better, but double the number mignt enjoy the
fame benefits, at that time kept from them by the
cormorants of office.
Bur the art and impudence of Reynardam
were matchlefs ; and it was openly declared, that
Scfilra meant to turn out the fuperannuated he**
roes, and expofe them to the diffrefles experienced
by their unfortunate brethren ! — A report, dilat-
ed by the heart of malice, and propagated by the
tongue of ilander. It alienated the affe^ions of
many from Scfilra ; but, indeed they were of the
ignorant mob, who, fo far from thinking for
thcmfelves, are incapable of thinking at all.
Another arti"fice employed by Reynardam to
undermine the intercft of Scfilra will fhew in
flill more flriking colours the complexion of his
c.ondu6l, and to what bafenefs ambition will de-
(icend to accompjifh its purpofes. To render his
opponent unpopular, he orders a certain number
of his own friends perfonally to abufe each othert
and to reprefent thcmfelves as having been injur-
ed by the adherents of Sefiira, and prevented
teflifying their regard for Reynardam.
Thus Reynardam contrived to difgrace hisad-
verfary, and it was once thought that he would
have accomplifhed his ends* The thoughdefe
BuHans wavered in (heir opinions ; when in the
midft of the confufion, a balloon merchant arofe,
and with great gravity demanded a hearing ; being
elevated above the reft, and the people filcnt,
with reverence he addrcfled himfelf as follows :
" O Bulians, renowned foryi£loryin war, and
" fkilful in the arts of peace I Rejc6l the fuggcf-
<- tions of pafOion, and attend to the voice of
*' reafon. Reynarda;n folicits from you a truft:
« of importance j he foliciis to be the protcflor
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Mo. X.
tMt MfiW StfiCtAtdft, &6
«« of your property, your liberty, and your rights ;
" he folicits that which fhould be conferred only
^< on intcgnty of heart and rectitude of manners.
« The 3^J^ilit^cs of Reynardam arc known in
*< other regions ; his fame is extended f*r beyohd
'< the limits of Bulia. But in contemplating bis
^' abilities, forget not his defpftsi RccoUeft that
^< eloquence cannot accomplifh all things ; and
« th^t it is mor^ frequently ekcrted in thq fup-
" port of felfifti principles than the public good.
«' Remember wlfat is rcquirc4 of him that
" afpires to join the Etancs, and try Reynardam
•• on the teft' of other qualities than that of
*« cloqucncei *• — -^ —
« It isFcqui«odofovcryon«of theEt»neS| that
«• h# Up ppff«fife4 of w«4^h fuftciei^t to kc^p
*f him Independent. Of yfW \vie?ltb i3 Rcy-
« BarW p^flcflW ? l* he pojrcjred of wcp^lth
«. fuflfiQimtlo^ ^TiiJkgk^aliponwi^h inflamma*.
« Weait?rT-No4 Can it l^fup^M that he will
« bd A coroi^Wl^t gv?*i4ian: <tf . ^ prqp«rty of
<« others who has non^ of hif own ?
« With refpeft to your rights and liberties,
<« can they find a prote£lor in any man whofe
«' fole aim is to become Rctfinim, and fo to exert
« his authority as to violate the conftitution by
« rendering one branch of it impotent ? And
*« has not a bofom friend of Reynardam declared,
*< that when Reynardam is Retfinim again, One branch
** of the BuUan conftitution would be fo trammelled
*• and hampered as that the people Jhould not know it
" were in exijlence ? And can any man be a
« friend to the people who is an enemy to the
*< conftitution?
<' Ip Rcyniirdam is deflfous of A^Wing Ws
« public virtuj;, ^cm^d pf hiip to fc.<;k redfefs
« for yoi^r w^onfi^, to f^pp^prt yoiir king, and
«< not ^ fa£)jpn, and tp urj^e ifi. the cpd^avo^r ]to
« difcover, yvho it w^ that einployed a banditti
" to murder Tipwill ; who it was that'*
The laft words were fcarcely uttered when an
univdrfal Ofy of execration' prevented the mer-
chant from |yvocoeding ; aiid the dulians became-
fo outrageous, that my friend and I made a pre-
cipitate retreat to our place of rcfidcncc..
Brookes' 8.
** No game at dice or chance has been played
** in this Houfe this winter." Thus fays a
morning paper, and if it is not a mere attempt
to wajh the blackmo^r tohite^ that is, if there is any
truth in the aflertion, it is to be attributed to a
want of money, which is laid to have been very
(carce in that quarter for fome time paft.
Squire MoROAN'sNEPHEWi
This hero improves daily. He is become 4
Bon Vivanty only fome what too much addifted
to Bacchus. I met him laft Wednefday at a
mufic meeting, fo glorioujly drank^ that the
Frenchman who accompanied him, was obliged
to call for additional fuppoit. Nevcrthdefs h^
behaved with great decorum, 4tid fccmcd higWy
delighted with fome paflage$ on the Baflbgn.
which he iwftflpk for the VioliwM^ /
I HAVE V«*ry great hopes of his being ati oi^
nament to the family^ for he is lately become a- -
great economift. In conjun£lion with Mafter
' J^^y^ ^^ ^^^ contrived ah excellent fcheme for
; faving his beft witves-. When his company
! amounts to ttbov^'Qx, the tommofi Wine is pufhed
! about. But no fooncr is the ww;mV^ gone, thiirt'
t the favou¥ite pa^tjt is* regaled with ' the beft win^^
* and To aU eur[ni^le Jtlves f is ll4e u^rd! — O*, I •
: have great hopes of Squire Mbi^Ws Nephew I
I He has got'^a very curious way'ot judging of
the goodnefs of Candles and' Shoe'sl ' He one day *
laft week, fent for a Tallow-chandler, ani afked
him, whether he did not think a Fox preferable
to a RabitP No, fays the chandler. " Why
" then you fliall make no candles for me !*' was
his Worftiip's reply. O he's wonderfully faga-
cious !
Crispi,n was afked thd fame ,queftionj and
after fome confideration, confeiTed that he
thought a Rabit infinitely preferable to a Fox»
"Why thenj fays the Squire's Nephew, you know
no more how to make a pair of (hoes than I do^
and fo bring in your bill. — ^Why here's Jfelly
fwears that even die tongue ^f- aTox is pre-
ferable to a haunjh of venif9n !'' O^ tti^t Jelly's
a fine fellpw ] **
PoLltlCAL ThEATI^X* 'I
Coveni-Garien " Church^
Lord Hood, Sir Cecil Wray, and Mr. Fox
wereyeftcrday l>onour«d i^th:« very fiUmerou^'
audicBee at -iKu theMro* - At tKe 't^i4kig eir the
piece — ^which, like the gnci^tt-:^Jl^^i, •con-
tinues for feveral days— the principal performers
were received with repeated burfts of applaufe ;
whilft the fecond-ratc charaftcrs exhibited them-
fclves to wonderful advantage !
The female chara£lers were reprefented by
feveral ladies of diftin£iion, and impures of ton^
particularly the famous Perdita^ who was ad-
mirably painted and dreilcd for public exhi-
bition!
The
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8
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No. X.
The performance laded till four in the after-
noon, when the public applaufe was decidedly
in favour of Lord Hood and Sir Cecil Wray, in
the following proportion :
Huzzas for Lord Hood 3262
Huzzas for Sir Cecil Wray 2985
Huzzas for Mr. Fox ...- « 2868
This deciiion having taken place, and the
Society of Pickpockets who honored the ITieatre
with their prcfence, having withdrawn, the com-
pany retired highly delighted with the entertain-
ment they had received.
Scandalous Reports.
Various fcandalous reports having lately
been propagated in this metropolis, it is but juft
^at they be refuted.
1. It is not true that Mr« Fox is an enemy to
to the King. But there is no perfuading the
people to the contrary.
2. It is not true thai the Duchcfs of Devonfliire
canvafTcd for Mr. Fox. She was much better
engaged.
3. It is not true that the Prince of Wales .
canvaflcd, in a jacket andtrowfers, for Mr. Fox ;
his R6yal Highnels knows that he has no buHncfs
to interfere in ele£Uons.
4. It is not true that Mr, Fox bribed the
editors of all the morning papers to fupport his
India Bill. The Editors, feeing the error of
their ways, became fuddenly converted to prin- -
ciples which they had long execrated.
5. It is not true that thefe vile reports have
any truth in them.
Yours, in the fpirit of truth,
JOHN BULL.
To other Correspondents.
CuRiosiTATiBus ts referred to the Firfi Number'
of the New Spectator. — The poem addrefed to
R. B. Sheridan Efq ; on his bang re-deStd Jor
Stafford^ is libellous.*^ Anna. Maria Bull's c^-
pUnnt aganjt her brother John is receixfed*^^The
Pupil of LucifeFy or the Private Life of Perdita,
is too indecent for publication.
London: Printed by T. Rickaby, No. 15, Duke's-Court, Bow-Street, Covent-Gardea ;
And Sold by T. AX TELL, No. 1, Finch-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charles-Street, St. James's-Square ; by P. BRETT, Bookfcller and
Stationer, oppofite St. Clement's-Church in the Strand; by G. KEARSLEY, No. 46, Fleet-Street;
and by W. THISELTON, Bookfeller and Stationer, No. 37, Goodge-Street, Rathbone-Place.
%* CoRRBSPONDSNTs ate requeued to addrefs their favours to the New Spbctatori to be
left at Mr. Swift'Si in Charles-Street, St. James's-Square, where a Lsttbr«Box is affixed
for their receplioii*
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. . . li- • '* ' ' ' T H E^ ' '■ ' *■ '' '' ' '" ■-'•''
NEW S P M <i TAT OR;
, V. Fi T (>
,_W i T H THE
SAGE OPINIONS' ioJF JOHN BULL.
No. XL
T U E S-D A^V; Anwid igf^ ^784.
Price Three-pence*
To be ioMnied tviky TtfESDk'y.
'ij .a;! J/ rri-.r:
ill' *')*>»-to<V >
Nonjccus acftumen .•-itofiie ««tw conjijlerc Jlumm^
Ncc levis hora p&Ufiy^fsd' ut: unda vrnpttUttir undai
UrgttirqwtfHot WiefW^/ krgttpte ptiorem,
Temp&ra jkJug&Li^fafUWi pariterque fequuntur.
Ovi
With c<(nftam motJoli ak Ac moihents glide.
Behold ID running llfe^the it>lling tide !
' Fdr-none can ftem by art,' or 4bp hy po^iry
The fldwing oceanj M the fioecfaig fa)>Ur ; u 1
Bill wivCvby vaveif uHu'djUturcs on flxvre^*
And eachimpePd'AMllind.ipEkpflls before:
So time oj|k tiiBe'rei!p}yin^i«^ de(c^;'
'^ w^Ut^ follow* and fo mijaiUes ffy.
-:i'l/
EtPHINSTON.
TO contemplate the natural. iBifHtneb^ofi:.
human life, and the innumttmble acoir /
dents by which it is frequently rendered -ftatt »
ihorter, feldom fails to excite diligence^ Hud-:.
Simulate refolution. But if we look aieoui^:u«|
we fhall be apt to conclude th^ m^t; &11oim4 /
creatures are feldom aauated by contemf^ladm.! 1 . ftequttit contemplation of death becomes a duty
fuch as thefe* We fhall fee the yoi^if^^ppafeiuly^
defUtute of all thought, and t]ke-!fig^{»(Miuing: >■
plans of life, fit only for the contempla^ioniOf ,
youth. ' , f I;/
Life maybe compared to a wave of the fea
which, impelled by gentle gales, may Ml ftldUgf •
the fur&ce of the deep till it reach the^hore^'af^ -
calmly expire. But how frequently^^iHldl its
courfe be obilrufted by rifing tempefts and impe-^ '
tuous whirlwinds; and how exceeding im^
probable that it ihould efcape the hidden ro^k»
^;5mth'\Yhicb'4ie deep aboimds, and the various
acxjideiits.of time and chance !
*^ A WAVE of the fea, or a bubble of the air, is
-not more liable to be broken, than life is likely
< to be loft,v ere we have feen half the allotted
time of <« AirMcore years and ten." Thus the
inxmabent on youth as well as on age, and unlels
it'bei iiKh^jod^'j libjeds us to much immediate
uh^aftndis, and the more dreadful idea of future
lUiMifcfyC
ti A PERPETUAL, or at leaft an habitual con«
'^iM||S^0ti of the hour which, fooner or later,
> 4Atfft coihe, affords a kind of tranquillity to the
'•Qiifid' w^lkli'can be equalled only by the con«
fi^oufneis of being well prepared to meet it, and
by whi^h a young lady I knew was once par-
tkttbuiy diftinguifhed. She was of a difpofition
,.:./ exceed-
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, 4cc
No, XI.
exceei&igly ckiiarful, «nd wouU jcm with pica-
l^ra in ^ amoctnl amiifamfgnts of thg gay ; and
yet I believe (he never laid her head on her
pillow, but that fhe could fafcly (ay, (he was
prepared, (hould her (Iccp prove the flecp of
death. She died upwards of four years ago ; and
I am iopy t^uU my.aftquaintapce with the fex^is
fit copftped is thiit 1 know not: one whofe cl^-
/^ L.
rafter exli&its h many virtues, mtennueed widi
.to {cwblcmifhn; &r perfe3»0A U not the lot of
human nature. She deferved a lading monument
to record her virtues, not fo much in honour of
h^rfelf, as a memento to the youth of her o%im
fex, to teach them how, like her, to live and to
die, happy and beloved. If I were aflced to in-
fcribc her T^mb, I woujld fhrile ^bts • ' .
O T H o u,
Whom contemplation or curiofity (hall excite
To pcrufc this U\fcription» ,- ^ ,
*" Believe. wliiiAhoU Ibah ^ttfad^ ^
For know,
That fimpk truth will rrflrft the highr.ft praiffi
And h«ft hfCQwe a Tvah mudc ;
Sacrad to the in ^*T**'*r y of
. ,M A a T .».♦♦♦*• .^ . .
fi p^yfj^ri iy hi>j<» finmilay
Goodneft of heart,
Exeelkncy of i^irferifamdinf^.
tnd
Pioprie^ oC coodufi,
EattOtdber to theinoft frioodly cOmat
Of the worid in eaoe^*
And the moft fincere affe&ion
Of ibofe whQ |icj;f<wJly l^i^yi Im^r
jAim-ngc
When vice And kixvry hvl tplcratefl fa^ levity,
And diOahneocA of RUmicn was n^^ffiim
She prefeivad tkb native dignky of hei &x ;
Before H«r
Vice ilood aba(hed, and
Virtue became more enaHiot»ed of lierfelf.
In her per(bn (he refembled the myrtle»
Never iplendSd, bu(ev«r ekgattt.-
Her mind was; adomadwkh
The beauty of koUn^fc,
AnddiiP bqatiiudes of
Humilky and mackaefe ^
And the yiilMS which odierspvail^
Sl»«U*ncittopfaflafe
in bar attKhai^nti (he was finecsti
f or dacy w»r» foBlmed by pnideDCt^ anA
SattAifird|>y virtiit^
InlmrpriVatclife,
anci .
Ir l«r fMblicj de|0Cl9i^Qt
Sko WMrafarkaU^ ftwr »
J^tmMAfimflic^y of «amac< s
Andiwaa
WttlKHKK levity^ eajf ;
WUl9i]fc»fliaa^09|, iMdcfti
Without pridcjpmdcntly reJtrvcd.
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«o.^.
T,^,E ,tJ«W StP-E'C T AT aA, ftiu
tl^lMer dontcaTaiigt^
AAddtfcQyettd
. ^ 4oHe»cy< of icnftiteeol»
SfiJMfly of jvvi«tocnfr
BlUi too (Mom cultivated fBMngjk H^t ftx»
Jtt^ philoft^ol aAerence to^the
Fi«eccpt8 ^f morality ;
Her knowl«l9B arid flje^iy &ith 3n4ke
SuVtoe doArines of chfiftiaiiky ;
JBut above ati,
Hisr Sim Rnd coinft^ niiaBCecrb
; Tkt prnvide^icc^ luutvon,
Wem ttualen^y coofpicixMis V
And M of ce<««>iiMd
..TtefoiMkie(s iof IteredMCatioit/
And he^ftat1|lraldifpofitAotl-
To the |nve{li(;atidaof TVudi.
Ify her. aid picQr, imd-fintcrtial alMBM'
. ^he^vai^W^^fsenddttiedto
Hi?r,.p^wnm huftrothen, and h«^ (U^fs,
,Tbl«>'to fiich ai wore
. Wibi«ffN» byhcrexanipkv
; .. .^' HiOw^ifvcetadiingitiaf
., To: ,hf)nour! the 'Irarmef)
, ' * amd. -
Tf» liv^ ^itmitjr with the latter*
. :Th©wgb.hofcviJtutewei«'iii4ny, '
-> A^dfut^ M yTdUld hjive honoored old n^
J n^ey wfitc ac^uioed ii the mortiitii^ ^f ^fe^
.: ^ • ' And TOtdeccdlthat life happy^
. ^VJ^ch waf Jle«nttnated;by a'Confumpekm,^
. Ai^ agerof TWe«iy-fit<fc ye4t«,
, .. [ i 0tt tfaff ifth 4^7 of OQobcr^
InrtheTea^ofoiflr^tKHd '
- '» 'i' - NiNcih^xik. ■"■\
Utmil lit mUM
The BAVY op
Originals.
[No. IV.
ittlhi ii
Syi j9H#c eoR#i,^ri
Plus apud me ra{0 pMHtk ^^^^ vulgi opinio.
H4.! ta4vha4-^Ydu AiiA-rcfrfliy^cjccufe ntc,
friend Spec, for 1 iiluftigl*re;'^nt to my mirth,
at the ignoranc;e of my c^^mj^^ipi^s whPh ^ill
have it that Ja<pHy, Cordi4 iS' a ;gB^'0i^0i\9n*
try! .- .\ ^ , .:' : ■ • ''
Gallantry, if/ Vf dktv the: tefrteio«^ from our
forefathers, is bravery, gpnerofity^ ^c.*— and^iot
duplicity^ which^ >vhcneyar exxAcacc^i dwqgatcs
the name of man. How bae^i wds^Mn^ttvtte a
fiew centuries a|i}; and itf 'h99^£ttld vsdn^ if vre
judg^ by ap p ^ dtfaaet g, doe&'!fJfeMh6w ; Whqi
lefiebiiiiacy 13 thb" predbmihsLnt^psTflfiohl How
*|ii«cb faither tli^ (mc^ fupport^fs may ^generate,
trpaft tny-lbrtfight; 'but at pi^ftnt two flurds of
'owmec&i^ then, cotivey t6 our ideais,' that laSC
idifcovered JfkUsx^tA i£<?im-fcmalcs. " '
JacX'V ddkriiAiis a young fellow who ha9
^•dquircd kiWwledgie1)y the experience of hii own
viUait^ ^fo* ftich l^uft CiJt it whfefi \z can fa-
ctdfiner hdti^r and Antef hy f6r the fteetiQg grat](*
-ficatiotioiFfpOllittfhg"ihti6cfcncct whlcli has reti"
'deflidlftan^a-W^t^^y'finlity wr^chcd for ever.
Jiff mud (s <^xftiiminar^'^ith'di(fipatbn, and
Ida fold wiftyutlillknimity: 'it renders his com-
pany and cdtivetfacioil dii^grdbablean^odioui: the
former
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T.HE NEW SPECTATOR, Ae.
No. XI*
fonner, becaufe his affeOation diiguftsyou, and
the latter, as he can only boaft of deflroying unr '•
proteAed virtue. No lefs than fourteen youn^i
beautiful females are now flourifliing.in' the ze-
nith of Cyprian pleafures by his initialiotu Why
will inexperienced females embrace credulity,
when they may behold fuch true chara^rs of
villainy difplayed every hoiir ? Jacky Cordial
is— but I will give you 9LJuJt idea of him in re-
lating the following f aft :
Charlotte £••♦**• was about nineteen
when (he was doomed by advcrfity to quit her
parents and enter into fome bufinefs. A finall
fum of money was given her for the encounter,
with which ihe bought articles of perfumery,
took a ihop at the weft end of the town, and
{etded there for fome time. Every advantageous
expe&ation that (he had formed was realiaed*
Innocence was her guide, and the atiaiiUnent of
a future competency to fupport her .aged parent!
was her only wifh. Every Qower in the field,
however tender, is open to the danger of the
rude laft, fo is every woman open to the wiles
of dcfigning man. Jacky was pafling by the
(hop one evening, and feeing a youQg girl,, juft
entered into the meridian of her beauty, with a
dazling complexion, and well (hapedt he was
determined to begin his ufual attack and claim an
acquaintance. He knew the gcfura( failing of the
fex, and talked love to one to l^ introduced
to another. Thus far he fucceedoJL But now
«— -the peffon that introduced him was his onfy ob-
fbicle, and which he muft remove at all events.
Theie was no fcheme but what his villainy could,
bring about i nor any condefcenfion, however
nuan^ but he would embrace to fupport the de-
ception. Accordingly he obUged a quarrel to en*
fue between the two females, and divided their
intimacy that he might urge his padion without a
podibility of interruption. Every thing was now
ripe for the intended declaration. Many of her
acquaintance, perceiving what would in future
happen, inftead of adviiing, forfook her, and her
friends were too far off to proteft her. Jadcy
' foon frarned her inind as he wifhed. He ren-
dered her blind to his fcheme, by attention, and
feigning an efteem which ^only true honor could
have been, fufceptible of. When in her company
he afeOed dulnefs, which (he obferving, with her
natural fympathy and ur^fpeding fimplicity,
afked the reafon of fuch a fudden cban^ in his
fpirits ? That was the criterion which he inftant-
ly embraced. Wi^h all the diftrefs of apparent
Sincerity, he declared what had bfen fo long in
exnbryo. Charlotte, being a (banger to fudb
complicated artificei foon believed what proved
her deftruOion, A j^rmnj/i of marriage (bon fbrm*
ed a anmexian which proved btal to Chariotte
and her hunily. After living with her lover ten
mondiSi (he proved pregnant by him, and claim-
ed his prmfojc of marriage, which Jacky, as hm
intended^ denied, and left her. Such was the (i-
tuation of poor Chariotte ! forfaken by the man
who feduced her, and n^lefted by all the world*
She was brought to bed, and produced a livir^
emblem of her (hame. Her parenU came and
beheld her with tears and commiferation : But,
fuch was their chriftianity and noUe difpo-
fitions, that they difdained reproackt and gene*
roufly admintftered every comfort in their power,
She rdated the circumflances of her folly, with
the promifi of marriage. The joy of her Parei^
at the laft fentence was inconceivable. They
were determined that Charlotte (hould have
every iaiishlEdon that law and equity could give.
A WARM profecution was then commenced
againft Jacky, and he immediately abfconded to
France. His flight produced many evils; the
profecution was delayed. Charlotte, refleftin^
on his duplicity, (bon gave way to defpair. A
(evere fit of illnefs, created by conibnt fretting,
eiifued, and (he died.
Jacky, on hearing this agreeabU news, re-
turned from the Continent, on the wings of
impatience, and laughed off the circumftance^
' as the natural confequence of female weaknefs.
Though Jacky Cordial, friend Spec, may
not be quite fo original a charader, as fome of
my Bevies, yet I think, he is a proper obje6l to
convey to your readers, how contanftiUi fuch a
perfon appears.
.. Can there be a more iiJpicabU wretch, than a
mui wlio is always enfnaring unprotcded inno-
cence ? Such is the jujt defcription of Jacky
Cordial, who defervedly merits the deteftation of
. the virtuma female part of the workL
[^To be continued. 3
POETRY.
Thx Visioif.
A Rhapfo^.
Addrejed to Mrs. Marty a, \m hekrOg of icr
Oifiand's Jk4th.
Lost in the maze of dark fufpcnfe,
Somiius, fats fable curtain drew;
Harmooious founds my fenfes charm'd,
TTbe mufes* god appear'd in view.
A laurel crowft adom'd his bead ;
Hit left hand bore the harp' of Fame ;
A vdbnenc azure carelefs hung.
He graceful f|K>ke, and nearer came.
Arife
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Ko.XL
tut NEW SPfiCtAtOft, Ac.
Anfe, dull ycmiht and follow xne ;
I rofe with extacy, and bow'd;
Thio' fcenet of bli&, and pleafure led|
My Ibnl with myfiic tranfpoits glowMi
Ambrolial fweeul aromatic (hrabsl
And Flora's beantiet form the fcene ;
One view of joy, my thoughts infpir'di
^was paradife !— illufive dream 1
fiut, fbtther led— the Harry lights.
Trembling like leares, when zephyr* play^
The fickly moon with head half raisM,
Throws here, and there, a glimmtrbg ray»
The difmal landfcape^s horrid view|
A pale, (ad, influence teignM around ;
Saving, when fpecks of light dawn forth.
Which chear*d the (able filent ground.
£re£l above the verdant green,
A grafly pedcflal arofe,
It bore an urn — a form ftood by :
A widow weeping o^er her woes I
A radiant luftre in her tycMf
With filent melancholy flione!
Her panting bofom rais'd defirc,
While pity fmil'd, and heard her moan )
My Ibul on wonder*i hinges bung !
My fenfes loft in deep furprife ;
I caoght the fympathetic tear 1
The ciyftal drops bedtwM my eyci«
Diftrefs prefided o*er her mind |
Loft in the labyrinth of grief !
With plaintive looks to heav*n Oie figh*d|
With hands united, aflced relief I
Then as the diftant gurgling rill.
Meanders haHh o*er pebbles flow,
Whole gliding noife, feigns mufic's founds
While Uftnii^ fwains wtt^ rapture ^W t
Or as the warbling bird of eve,
With pleafing carol joys refign ;
She rais'd her voice— my foul indamcd,
Amd long an elegy divine I
Sweet echo heard the tender (bng,
And told the fofteft tale of love 1
Exprelfive found !— enchanting fair.
Away I— from this dull (cene remove t "
Sheceas'd— and with attentke loott,
As if her mind had known no care.
Propitious fmil'd !->-my bo(bm beat:
I eager ran— embraced the fair j
Who, gentle at afuimner mom,
Kindly ietiim»d the loft embrace ;
Sweet as Aoion» Unflang viewa
The daws, and rides her wonted race.
Hie fcene was changed ; no urn appear^
1*0 claim the fympathetic (igh t
But, rapid flowed forgetful ftreams,
Whete mdrtak e^er firofti ouleiy fly*
Tranfported with twotts of blil^ !
Arriv'd at Plealiire's telnptii^ fleqii
We bowM fubmiflive to her will,
And inftant plung'din Lethe's deep*
Sottntts, his magic fpell withdrew.
No more the dazzling beauty^s feeh ;— &
O I Venus aid a fuppliant's prayer.
And realize thy votary's dream,
£DCAIt HORATlUt*
T0 iht New SrEctAtdft*
The laft we^ \icvtigPaffion Wtek^ and eveiy
place of public araufement (hut up, except the
Political Theatre in Covent Garden, the atten-
tion of tht metropolis has been wholly direfied
to the eKcrtions of Lord Hood, Sir Cecil Wray
and Mr. tox, the contending candidates for the
honour of reprefenting the city of Weibninfter
in Parliament* Party fpirit never appealed ix^
more odious colours* The mob were not a
jpt more diilinguifhed by Blackpuordijm than
fcvcral gentUmiti who appeared on the Huflings^
and exerted themlelves like fo many bullies, en*
dcavouring, like fome wretched, butneVerthelefs
popular counfel at the bar^ to confound the dec-*
tors, and make them vote for Black inftead of
JVhiU^ Yet when I confider what a wretched
tool a dependent on party is, I am not a(toni(hed
at the condu^b of men who are ambitioiu of figur«
ing in tht Red Book, and whofe biead, perhaps^
depends on the return of a particular member*
Nor is their conduft fo culpable, or at lead fo
abfurd as that of a
Female C a m v a s s e a^
Who laying alide the decorum due to her iex^
(ticks at nothing to gain a vote I— -Laudable am-
bitiori of fettuJe patriottfin !«^Who is there
amongft the admirers of the Ibft, the gende, an^
the ddicate fex, that k not eiuraptured at die
iovcfy anule/UnJioli of a Duchels (aluting a ChSte^
market Butdier ?*«-Who^ but muft adore a lad/
of exquifiu fou fitUngs^ and an ornament of tho"
court, exerting her dwine in/fuence on an Irilh
Chairman for the honour of his vote?«^Is not
thdpe fomething peculiarly grtai in fuch amiable
conde(cen(ion ?-^You will fay perhaps that fuch
gnatnefs is incompatible with ondiMaufs. But
then I muft tell you, that you are a breadl^s
young
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THE NEW
SPECTATOR, &c
Np. XX.
young man^ an enemy to the fair fex,* an4f abpve
all, no true patript^ for true patriotilm cpnfids
an bedowing your tigie ^nd ^afii Qfi. ungufili^ed
candidates, b%>y]ing.fQr /^^^ .^wi-ppra^tting
ypur wife or your fiftcr to go through the dirty
drudgery of an eld6kion.fioit tlie honour of a party I
i— There is (bmetjiing <b dcMeate, fo feminine, fo
fafcinating in a IFtmait Oarwajftr^ decked with
the proper eiiligns, bidding defiance to all vulgar
decency t and afliduous -only ip ferv'ing her friend,
that it is no .wp?i^r the ph^rafter ba? bc*n fo
lavifhly praifed 4^ fyfqc jqw^fniag pi^pcr^s 1
Impudejtt Old Fellows.
Befides a confounded fight of impudent young
fellows, (evend- of my female friends inform
me, that this, metropolis ahouncU in po fmall
quantity of impudent old fellows, who are pe^.-
petually dangling after young girls in the vicinity
of the Hay-market, andarefaid to "have brought
t)n die Town, as Ae phrafe is, moft of thofc
pool* creatures that arc feen paradirig thdfe parts
icvery evening. I have the names of two' or three
bid goats which I pi'omifc to publilh very fpcedily,
\inlefe they dcfift their attackls on the fait milliner,
jtift" «omfe ' from ' ttmcafhire, whofc bafinefe fre-
tjtiently calls her fnto Pall Mall, * 1 partkularly
iffare the geiitlchian in the zJhite wig, that the next
time he drags the faid milliner towards an ih-
ftSfious houfe in James-ftt-eet, his behaviour,
liable, and connexions, all now Vfell* known,
itiaR- find a" jpJlace' in the New' 'SKtctAroR.
Thcte is -nothlrfg'fiife (b Odious' as the libidinous
tj^rfiiits of- old"; men. When ige Jndul^e^ itfcif
In the follicis of youth it lofes all reverence, and i
Jtreet -walking old goat is the mod dcteftable "of all
puUic nuifances } He knows no' bounds *, but
is ' in perpetual purfuTt of 'his* OWh' difgracc.
Hence Shakfpearo has Well remarked thit
** The blood of youth bums no^ in fi^:h cjqccfi,
" As gravity's revolt to wantoimefs."
.. , . . . »
B U L I A. .
. Uf (ni^^:lwmP«s.nQta:iklfoch|igriHttlat
t#.. ^fik ^' ^ mbi^yiUd^ ^ttMse mMmtpttd
<be. W h m ^^hm^ 4nd preyimted u&lkariiig
tlm ^gnglvfipn 9f » igl^siki . wbioh hti^kA to vuou
wi4t pop<4«r.^^. . The-fdntfiflv howavci^
^POt^m^ ji^Liihis i}dmi» pf lUynw^am ^m^ki to
lpfo:#lUope»pf hk fucc^ft. T^ofwUicvoicjo
yffm dccich4ty^ i^gidiAft him*. Thcai|[uiumu ha
ufffi ^ainil hi^ opi^qnem bec»in^ ^< ftalc^ iat,
". WBr<?4trt4f," ai|d Uik. He-p<arprtmdlf vil,
liitolth^AuUlNiLCQuns but(hfsauluncot|xths4
lately faved the publi^; from tvils of aa exte^ve
magnitude. The,intefqft, therefoi;c^ of the court
and of the pc^gl^ w^ pne*, HUdtilQ ^pg^^tnce
of ReynarcJam Cpuld «0t di«i4c Ut Xq.^^ vir-
ulently againft the higher powers, and to flatter
the people ; to point out kntgtnary gncvanceS|
and to foment difunion, were artifices fo hack-
neyed, that even the meaneft of the people def-
pifed them ; and began to develope the cliaraden
that ufed them. Thcrrifane, wIka B^nfU^am
attempte4 tp fyul^ fcis yoip« vas^ lirowned in
ihouts of intcrtuptioQ «Bithifles.Qf.oKecniiioe.
FiNofj«Q hiapopi^trity in tiie mtan^ and that
he was likely to prove unfuccefsful in his ogpo«
(ition to Scfilfa, Reynardaun. ha4 rccourfe to
another fcheme.
Selaw, the eld«ft fon of At iUng, eapth^ted
by the eloquence and external accompl|fliincnt$,
though a flranger to the heart pf Reyns^dam,
aflbciated with him, anfl delighted in his Qpn-
vcrfation. Thp ihflueace.of Selaw was confide-
rable; his friends were, therefore, the friends of
Reynardam; and ampogft them was a My of
diftinftion, whofe name was Novedoy who had
rendered herfelf popular by an affeftttion of afft-
bility, and having a pleafing perfon and much
wealth, was a fu^jeft of pjipcgyric for thofc who
always difcover pfici4i4r graces in parade and
fplendour. Her accompliibmen^ weitf Aip«fficial,
and the comp^py^pf JeUv wa^ not e^lcuhted to
improve them ; for he had the cncomiupis pijly
of the gay and the diflipated ; and .his attachment
to Reynarcjapi h^d rer^dcred him unpopijar
amongft the people.
To a lady of fuch general eftim^Uon^as Novi;da,
Reynardam concludecl tjie Bul^ns wpiild. refufc
nothing. He knew that
AndNovedawas readily perfuadcd to fqlicitAc
Bulians in behalf of Reyn^rd^m,*: fli«^,/alas,
fuch was his charaflief, ?iriilfu<J) ^f(ffi^pfi^e
Bulians, that Noveda. frpq^^ently. mot wbkgrofs
infults, indecent liberties were taken with her,
and fhe was fcvertd times otliged to flieltc? her-
felf from the fury of thbfe of the Syli^jii >vho
regarded neither her fiivles nojr hfr frp>v^. who
knew that fuch affairs belonged not to women,
and who detefte4 Roynaisbm;
Some particiiUi^ frietids of Reynir^ xott
every night during' thfe' conteft, in order to give
their opinions on the fucccfs of the ^ay, and to
arrange plans for tl^Wp,^i;Qil^fi, Tc^yw«,Hw*U
communicated hei:^^4«E»to«(i^ j»4' Aiding. that
her reception wa% ^vtryrtmgiicioii^ thfyudrttr-
'•'''"• ' ■ imned
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No. XL
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
mined that H was proper for Re^rnardam to drop
the contcft. Ihis, however, he flatly rcfufcd,
and thus addrefTed himfelf to his friends :
** Centlemen of the Sclcft AfTcmhly,
*' Though the popular voide is evidentiy againft
inc, and though the krvely Movcda has exerted
her influence to little purpofe, yet I ho!d it nc-
ceflary to continue the contcil for the mccotn-
plilhmcnt of another -objcft which I have in con-
templation.
*• ^T is well known that many Bulians have
given their voices onbgjjjj^des^who have no right
fo to do; and my friends chiefly confiding of the
lowed elafs' of people, the uHauthorifed names
jrhi<^ ^VPG^ ^^ ""^y behalf arc much mpre nu-
jmerQui thao tbofe (m the ^ ether fide* Should \
fiicoeed, my opponei^^wiU dc^nwid redrcl^ of the
Stones; the ^xpcncc attending fwhkh kUI
n^axly involve himin xuin; a cir^ni&aacp
irhicb cpuld not hut aibrd ix^nite pkafure to the
jgendei^ieKi of this {cleQ ajTembi^f ; and iu order
to. «ccompliJ3i it, * we x^^ cp»tinuc the c^nte^^
and folicit the fupport of all ranliLSof ft^oph^
whether they have authprity to give thcii: fuffjagp
or not.
" For this purpofc, I muft requefl you to
exert yourfelvcs with fpirit, for your intereft in
this determination is more deeply concerned than
mine. You will not only have fpent an immenfc
ftun of money in fupporting me, for you know I
have none myf elf, hut we ihall become fubj^'fts
of ridicule to all Niatirb-*The influence of
greatnefs combined with beauty, is aflonifhing ;
and I have no doubt but that if the charming
Noveda will condefcend to vilit the dregs of the
people, we fhall exceed our opponent in num-
bers ; to which he mdft fubmit ; or otherwlfe in-
wlyc himfelf in ruin, to^cc^nteraft tbe.W)cifition
ofthatdcipifion." . , ; . .. .V '
. Tfii$ {pctcb was, recciye4 with woyn^crfulap-^
plairfe, and the ncxtJnpming Novcjia, in viola-
tion of all female delicacy, again faUiedTorth the
championefs of Reynardam !
The Ta|;acious condu6(eh 6f thefe dally rhap-
Ibdies are terribly alarmed at feeing the tide of
popularity run againft Mr. Fox, whofe ele^on
for Weftminfter feems beyond all probability, the
numbers, laft night, ftanding thus :
For Lord Hood 5464
Sir Cecil Wray..^ «.. 4995
Mr. Fox ..,....,.....*....«.„. 4677
I believe fome of the new»-paper genty are neariy
as much interefted in the event of this cleftion as
the candidates themfdvcs. They, however,
who are always boaftinf ^f their imfiartMity^
never ^il to worfhip the rifmg fun ; and another
paper, lafl week, has given broad fymptoms of
rejecting their principles, and reaflfttming foma
degree of decsncy towards the Throne. I ex-
pea in kfsthana month the rdl of the Terginir^
fatim C/^ will foUow the exam^ of tbaMoro^
ing PofL
The papers which coniintte in the pay of ihf
expiring ikaioQ^ abound in Uttfc n^re ihm
ridiculous panegyric on perfqns who have long
had " no chara6ler at ajl," and On others w"ho
are driving, Jchu-likc, into the fame predicamfPt,
G o V a ii t C A a o < y»
It U jatiiar junhickf that ihe Waftoiiiifter
elc6Hon (houUl happen to rah into the Kafter
holidays. = Thou^ 1 doubt not but that khc
peace of Covcnt Garden, and its envirom wfll be
kept fVee* from any outrageous moleftation by the
aftive viligance of Sir Sampifon Wright, whpis,
happily, refident in the neighbourhood. The
hami of iaikMs, I underftaad, it pedty well 49^-
perfed, and ai the mch are naw headed i^ ^f few
ladies of diftindion, J am jm ^pes it will not b^
neccQary ^q ^cad the Riot ad again ; a chapter on
Female Decency^ inftead erf it, would come with
peculiar grace from the Duke of Devonfhire,
who is faid to be a capital orator on that fubjed t
Personali.ty,
I FXKD feveral readers obje&to my opinions^
becaufe they are too perfonal. But that is a
ftrange kind Of reafoning. Example, it has
often been repeated, has more influence than
precept ; in order, therefore, to (hew the beauty
of virtue and the deformity of vice in more lively
colours, the heft way is to adduce examples. It
is true, that in doing Ais, you are wptii^ pane-
gyric or cenfure on fome particular charafters,
Sut lei itbe remembereil, . ^that it ia efnally itnie,
tChofejcfaftraficis nxeiut tibM panegyric pr ih^i^en*
fi«r. :If an]r haam toaJkiafMt io laciMy,* by
h^h^im^fimal. XflMuldwft iwpi^«a|Mm-
plaints againft perfonality. The contrary, how-
ever, is the cafe. If any one fuflfers, it b the
party ; ' and does not the party deferve itf^ And
if any one is ft«^pcd'in Ac career off folly, or
prevented purfuing falhnnwftile vices, by ^y ex-
pofmg the principles or perfons of thofe that fet
the example, my purpofe is anfwered. Therefore,
notwithftanding all that has been, or may be faid
againft perfonality ^ you may reft aflured that, No
reJpeEt of perfons^ being my motto, and vice and
impropriety being fair game, whether in a
prince or a peafant, whether in a duchefs or a
ftreet-walker, they fhall not efcape the cenfure,
nor (hall modeft merit want the fupport of
Your faithful Reporter,
JOHN BULL.
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No, XI.
To the New Spectator.
Mr. Spectator,
There is a certain gentleman in this kingdom
nick-named Oliver Cfomwcll. I beg you will
recommend to his attention, in particular, and to
the attentioti of all men who wifh to diflinguifh
themfelves ii'^true patriots and good mat, the fol-
lowing lines of the beft poet Europe eVqr faw.
Cromwell,! charge thee, fling away ambition;
By that fin fcli the angels; how can man then,
The image of his maker, hope to winby't ?
Love diyfelf lad ; die^fli thofe hekttft* th&t hate thee ;
iCoJtRUPTrotf wins not more than, uoime^ty.
I Stin in thy ri^t hand carjry gentle peace [ .:
To-.filence envfQi,is tongues. Be just and {ear not.
Let all the ends thou aimCl at be thy Country's,
Tbjr God's and Truth's; then if thonfeirft, O
\ Cromwell^
Thou fall'ft a blcffcd martyr !
Thgfeare the fentiments^ and this the langua^of
Sbaf^rif Truth, and ChrifHanity!
Yours, &c,
WOLt<UTH.
To tlu New Spectator.
Good Mr. Spectator,
Not being much converfant y^ih the
Buliap language, I canpqt underfland the n^ean-
ing of the celebrated word Perdxla\ pray is it not
PerditioJi in plain Engli/h f-r-Put me right if I am
wrppg, and you will qblige, . . . , ^
Youi: conftant lieader.
Good Friday. BOB SHpi^T.
. To other Cor 11E9 ponds, nts..
A PRIVATE Utter is left at Mr. Smjt^s fiir
R. B.—Th£ requeft of G.J. is complied toith^T^
lines on the Ducheft of Devonfhikie, Jiptei
ATox'Tafl, haoefimjiviii^ but are indecent, — tke
Ufi of "To^n Authors, tdith an ejtimate of the
oHlities ' offome modem dfo/matic writers^ are under
tonfideration^^Thc fianzai on Katteifelto's Black
Caty OT'e ft only for the perufal of the faid Cat.-^
Thi French verfesfent by a lady^ tuho iefres a tranf
lotion, Jkall appear in my next*
London: Printed by T, Rickaby, No. 15, DuJccVCpurt, Bow-Street, Covent-Garden.;. ..
And Sold by T. AXTELL, No. 1, Fmch^Lahe, Cornhill, and at the Royal Exchange; By
W. SWIFT, BookfcUcr, Charles^treet, St. James VSquare; by P. BRETT, BookfcUer and
Stationer, oppofite St. Clcmenf^-Chiilfcbiii the Strand; by G. KEARSLEY, No. 46, Flcct^trcft;
and by W. THISELTON, Bookfeller and Statbner, No. 37, Goodge-Street, Rathbone-Plac^J
%* CoRi.JiSPOND£NT8 arc requefted to addreft their favours to the New Spsctator, to be
left at Mr. Swipt'S| in Chades-Strect, St. James-'s^Squarc, where a LsTTEa-fiox is afiibced
for their leceptiozu
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THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. XII.
TUESDAY, April 20, 1784.
Price Three-pcfice.
To be continued every Tuesday.
Aliena negoUa centum
Per caputs ^ circa faiiunt lotus —
An hundred men's afTain confound
My fenfes, and befiege me round.
Horace.
Francis.
THOUGH I am daily honoured with the
favours of numerous corrcfpondcnts, they
have of late, turned fo much on elcftioneering,
that I am obliged to rejeft many, on 'account of
their relating folely to politics. It is true that
the politics of thefe days by exhibiting fome cha-
rafters in dife^nt points of view, and fhcwing,
by ftriking examples, the influence of ambition
in one,* and meannefs in another, afford am-
ple fcopc for the moraliftj. and to fuch letters
of my corrcfpondcnts as are likely to have any
influence on the manners as well as the politic^
of my readers, I ihall give place ; and fhall
therefore make no further apology for infcrtir^g
the following cpiftle from a gentleman who tells
me that its contents are grounded on truth.
To the New Spectator.
Mr. Spectator, ^
My wife is gone mad {—-and, w)ut is
worfe, politically mad ! Now, of all madnefs,
I hate your political madnefs. Ever fmce the
commencement of the Weftminftcr cleftion, my
Wife has been intoxicated with politics, my
fcrvants with ftrong beer, myfelf with vexation,
and my houfe has refounded with nothing but
Fox for ever I It would have been fomc con-
folation had (he confined her folly to her own
houfe, but alas ! (he has been making a fool of
herfelf all over the town ! She has been can-
vafling, with a vengeance! And what with
palming one fellow, ki fling another, and coax-r
ing with thoulands, has driven me almofl hoiji-
mad!
Previous to her marriage, my wife was re-
markable for delicacy of fentiment and elegance of
manners ; and afterwards was looked up to as
the arbitrefs of fafhion, and a leader of female
taftc. She then plunged into excels of dillipa-
tion and of drefs ; by the former (he drained my
purfe, and by the latter deprived me of an heir*
I have been a coniiderable time in lopping thefe
follies, and had broiight her mind to tafl» the
fweets of domeftic tranquillity^ and now (be is
ele£Uoneering mad!
It is true that an eleftion cannot laft for ever ;
but that is a finall confolation for the lofsof that
delicacy and of thofe graces which rendered "her.
amiable in the eyes of others, and doubly dear
to me. Her reputation is indeed unimpeached,
and I believe her prefcnt conduft arifes folely
from that fingularity flie alwaiys alTumed^ and
which-
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THE N B ^ S P E C T A T .0 Ifc *c.'
No. XII,
wHich is her chief, if not hcr.only feuh. But *
{he {hould femember Aat female reputation is of
flender contcfcturc ; and that
" tV> her tilongl
Tlie care to flfun the Blaft of fland*rous tongues.'* -
This, however, it impof^)>le fo long as (he in-
torlcrc* in matters whicji, }gf no mcansg coticern
her or her fex. ^^
When 1 read, !n the daily prints, of the
mcanneflcs to which fhe (loops ; ofthe wagers ftie
ii perpetually betting, in the ftyle of *' New-
market jockfty ; of the lA*es fhe rcd^ivcs from
tU moderate fpcftators ; when I think on the pbu-
dits bedoWed On her in common with fome of
the moft infamous women of the age, in fuch of
(he morning papers as are famous for extolling
the meretricious airs and purfuits o f what they
ten© the typrian carps: when I fee her return
home befpattered with dirt, frowning wi^
vexation at public infult, and biting, in anger^
thofe lips which once were facred to nuptial love
and me, the equanimity of my temper almoft
forfakes me : I fland aidoniflied at the havoc
curfed politics have made, and am almofl tempt-
ed to challenge the mch Of voters^ for feducing
the attention of my wife to the very objc6t which
mjift render her defpicable in the eyes of all
judicious men, and women of common fienfe.
Such, goo4 Mr. Sfectatok,. is my fituation.
I have rcafoned with her in vain. She is en- .
couraged by the idle and the worthlefs in all her
purfuits. She reads your paper, and probably
your animadverfions may t^nd to (hew her how
deformed (he is become, and induce her to retire
injx> the country with me, and learn once more
to feek her chief happinels in the attention of a
fond hufband, and the fafctaating tmiles of a
lovely infant.
lam, Mr*SpECTATOR4
Piccadilfy. ♦♦•♦•
This gentlem«n very juilly calls kimfelf zfond
Imfband : he is indeed too' fidnd and too indulgent
in permitting his wife to (Jhgrace bcrfel^ by a
coifdud £b highly reprehenftble. tic fays he baf
« leafoned with her in vain." IfceafoningfaiU,
he (hould have rocourfe to remonffaance; and
' ihould that alfo &il, he (hould hurry her into the
country and by taking her from the Areuc of ailiop»
endeavour to reclaimiier.
It has, of Isfte years, been too much the -vogue
amongft the Miionable fait lo imitate in every
'thing the exaiRplc ofihe other fex ; ptrticularl/
in modes of dre(Sy and matters of amufcment*
Thefe ciycumftances have been fuflicicntly fc*
probated and ridiculefl by writcrt of every cl<cft$
but, unluckily,' without any vidble efFe£b« Ther#
i^fe fome women who have a peculiar veneration
for the maxim, that it is as well h ic^oictof
the warldf as out of tkc/qfliion, and\«hq, therefore,
/^ catc];i the manncn living 98 they rife,'^ and
, however^ abfurd, immediately ^dopt thcm4
The wijf% of my correfpondent indeed fificms-
not to be content with following the fa(hiohs of
others^ but is ambitioul of leading the Van of
' female fi^lly I and boldly commences a (emale
; canMafler on a conleded ele&ion. This is a cha-
rader §b totally repugnant to all ' ideas of deccnc\v
that file who a(fumes it imift have no.fmall (hare
of impudence t^ continue it. The bufibonery
and obfcenity of the vulgar, to which fhe is per^
pctually expofed, let the party (he efpoufes be
what it maf , muft at the very onfet ftiock her in
a high degree. If (he continues the ptirfuit, (he
bids defiance to decency, and to every thing
feminine in the female charafter. She becomes
. tiie pity of her friends, the reproach of her
enemies, the fcom of the moderate, and the
admiration of a mob*
To conclude. I cannot but think it a duty iiu
cumbent on my correfponacnt, if has wife be, as
? he lays, a leader of fafhions, to put an immediate
ftop to her clcftionceringpei^arabulations, left her
example (hould influence others to follow th^
fame ungracioos purfuits.
To the New S p e c t a t o r»
Friend Spjic, >
. fARTicvLAR praife is due to Lady
M-
., La^y W , Lady G-
-, and
the indefatigable Duchels for their late patriotic
exertions in which, I,undcrftand, tjwy have re-
ceived no fmall help from the influence of the,
Perdit% ^i two other ladies who having palFed
for Duche(reS|^ have J>een eflentially fer-
vvceable to the* good caufe. I . de(ire there^rc
that you wiU dedicate a nuipbdr or two of your
entertaining paper to ^tttk fcmele patriots, to
whom the pubHc ace daily inddMcd for fiiigular
favours. •
I * -r Your humbk Servant,
CavciU-Garthu BQN TOK.
Tub
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Kg. Xllf
TH« NE^ SPECT A TO R, ftc
8
tH« BEVY OF ORIGINALS.
-• Ba r It a leiP E A.S y.
Famtiarite enga^dir mepris. *
FoRTtTuDE generally arriles from a libcrat
^ducttion, or jmilofophic principle, imbibed at
a|i' early age, but Mils Barbara Eajy is always in
pofleffioaoiFtraii^juillity, fliough aftrihgcrto the •
lattef^y ant in want of the former. Her foul is
cofy fufccptible of one paffion, Indificrenoe is
her hobby-horfe, which always goes ^«tf pace an4
iync voaic She never OKperienced theoeffgft of for-
row, or the fatisfaftiort -Of joy. The iihg»Iar
cQnduft of thi« original^ Iftncerely tUnK, trifcs
from Ihi e$trmity of aflfeftation, ^hich is an at-
'tendant friend on ou( modem females. Chance
led me Into the company of Mils Barbara On
m)^cntering the room there was a general mov- ^
ing to jnwcive the caftbmary falutations which
are tiaturaSy ufed when A ftrangcr filft enters into
any (bcicty; but Barbara inJiJUd that every
one Ihould fit down and. not make fuch a//^}
about nothing. This refle£lion, from a lady .
whom I had never iecn, excited my furprize,
which was foon annihilated by tea minutes coqe
verfation.
Aftkr the company were re-feated Mi&. Bar-
bara began with — ** I'ma^uzed that people will
« give themfclves fo much trouble as to lacrififtf
<< tranquillity for politenefa. How hornd to ufe
** ceremony !— Blefs me f— I Wivp left my watch
« at home !— WJhat (hall I do !— Dear Siiw— ,"
at that inftant takinf mi by the hand with as
much |rce(k>m as. if (he had known me from my
infancy — ^ if you.w.ill ftcp to my houfc the fer-
<* vant will give it yoB-^I hate formality, Sir; it
** is freedom alone that ct^ate« wf aAihiration."
That politcnefs whKb'fhe defpifcci, Obliged
tne to be wet to the (kin, as it rained the whole
period of my going Ryt Mi& Barbara's watch. So
loft in indiference is thii Original, that fht will
employ a whole company merely out of freedom J
Her afFe6lation even extends fo far al to permit
her to fit * whole comedy, or opera, wliiout
aufingthcleaft admiration at the pajomuakt of
an Abiifgtoto, or ^^ finding of )i Martyr.
Though infenfible to the paHIons of nature,
y«jb, to the aftonilhrnent of her a^^ainUncc, (hfc
has hftr gallant !-*-This very circumftance pioves
that our ancient authors knew nothing of that
fublimc pafllon Love ; as they rcprefente^it to be
created by beauty, youth, and fenfc. • Now, Mifs
BaxiMtfa, though on the verge of fix-and-tbirty,
pitted with the (mall pox, and pofleiTing iK>t the '
leaft (have of beau^, has her loyav and indeed
(he inwardly glories in die conqueft of Tomnrj^
Sapwellf though, to appearances his attachment
only merits her iiy^fierenc^ When in company,
Toinjny is treated as ah attendant, apd obliged
to obey her orders, however abfurd. If he de-
clares his pallion, Barbara takes lialf an hour on
th<fW>je6b of fcfrmsftijy |* prdtefting Uiat a decla-
ration of love is almoft as execrable as gomg to
be manied. Such are the ei)b£b of a(fe&atioii
and freedom.
Lait fummer (he was invited to fpend thrM
inont|is- 9ut of tow^ to which (he joadily ac-
quiefcei When (hd arrived at the place of in-
vitation, <he toti{hefs of the houfc received her
with friendlhip, but (eemed rather fuipriied at
hpr coaning to remain threp months, wkhqut bring-
i^gjirm^ baggage with herj^to which Mifs Barba-
ra replied — *« Iknoztf you hate formaiity, - tbore-
" fore I will make free, and what I wapt, during
« jHy ftay, a(k yob for, A ^cnd of mine is
" cbmxng down to (liy a month with me, but I
" rfcced not make an apology ; you know ai^ ; 1
« hate ceremony.** The refult of hating cere-
mony \Yas — ^that Mifs Barbara^ during her refi-
dence in the country, was the miflreft^ of the
hoijc, and had every thing in her owa way |
drank tlic bcft wine«| wore the bed dpthejfc, bc-
caufe " you know I hate ceremony I"
Th£ confequence which muft ari(c from fuch
an affe£led mean conduft isy that difecond inviu-
tion never enfues. If the vifit is attempted to
be repaid, and Mifs Barbara's friends call to fee
her, (he is very forry that (he is engaged, but an
apology is unneceflkry, as th^ know (he hates ce-
remony. Thcfc are the uuo outlines of Mifs
Barbara £afy, who was once in pofTei&otl of a
fet of worthy and agreoabld friends, but which
* (he haa loft By difdainiitg ceremony. When
freedom extends beyond its compafs, it is difguft-
ing, and only creates derifiom
' £ Td fe continued. ^
T<^ tke New S;»ECTA'^oiu
Mr. SfrcTATOR,
Pray is the liberty of the prcfs in danger ?
I fee by the Irifh papers that fuch an idea ia
entertained on that fide the water. But fo long
m I fee the pnnt-Jhops in Lpndon, I (hall never
defpairof the liberty of one kindof prc(s, h6W-
cvcr. But the praifo they merit in one refpedl
iiey lofe in ano^her^ Let them baHi(h ^bJUnityy
and receive the thanks of the comi^mnity.
Yours, &c.
L.A,
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T«E NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
No. Xtl.
To the Nr-w Spe€t*ator.
Mr. Spectator,
There is fomcthing fo very pretty in
the following Stanzas, that I (hall be glad to fee
them in the New Spectator, in hopes that
fome of ynir correfpondcnts will favour the
public with a poetical tranflation which may
amufe fome, and will particularly oblige
Yours, ScCi
MARIA.
A U X jf EU N E S A M A N T E S.
Par M, CoiNET D'Orbeii-.
JEUNES beautes, la vie eft pcu de chofe :
Ah ! de cc peu tachez done de jouir,
Nc cratgnez point ^ue la fagefle en glofe,
Elle fe tait a la voix du plaifir.
Mais gardcz-vous fuccomber fans glo^c ;
Fuyez plutot I'amant qui voiis pourfuit,
Avant I'inftant marque pour la viftoirc,
Si vous ccdez, votre empire eft dctruit.
L'amour n*eft rien fans la dclicatcffe ;
N'cpuifez point Ics traits de (on carquois ;
Qu'un feul amant flatic votre tendrefle :
Ne lancez point deux flechcs a la fois.
SONNET,
To the Red-Breast.
By Mr. Bampfvi.de.
Whe n that the fields put on tbcir gay attire,
Thou filcnt fit'ft n«ar brake or river's brim,
WhilQ the gay Thnifh ijngs loud from covert dim;
Bufr v^hen pale winter lights the focial fire,
And meads ^th flime are fprent and ways with mire,
Tliou charm'tt us with thy foft and folcmn fymn '
From battlement, or bam, or bay-ftacktrtm ;'
And now not fcldom tun'ft, as if for hire.
Thy thrilling pipe to me, waiting to catch
The pittance due to thy wcll-warbled fong ;
Sweet bird 1 fing on ; for oft near lonely hatch,
Like thee, myfclf have pleasM the ruflic throng,
And oft for entrance, 'neath the peaceful thatch,
Full may a ule have told and ditty long.
EXTEMPORE,
On feeing a Print of a Young Gentleman as a
Spartan Boy,
By Fo X the Spartan Boy with honour flampM his name;
And thou by Fo x art " damnM to everlafting fame !" '
To the New Spectator.
Dear Spec,
I BELIEVE there will be no end of thb
fame eleftioneering. Every artifice is ufcd to
procure votes, and the minds of the people con-
tinue agitated by two m<^nofyll^bles : Wray and
Fox. With refpeft to the conteil, the Black-kgs
of Covcnt Garden, bet " Ten Guineas to Ten
Shillings, that Mr. Fox will not be a fitting mem-
ber for WcllminCler.'* For my own part, I
intereft myfclf only in contemplating the moral
cffcfts of ■ this cleftion ; and am truly fhocked
when I hear of the grcj^t number of perjuries which
it has produced, and is likely fUll to produce.
The adminiflcringof an oath, is now Ijecomc
fo common, that many regard it as a matter of
forniy and would do much more than take a falic
oath to ferve a party. Ignorant wretches in
abundance, influenced by violent zeal, or unlawful
interference, have, I undcrftand, been giving
their voices at Covent Garden, totally deftitutc
of any right fo to do. Thefe tranfaftions have
a vifiblc cffcft on the moral charafter of the
people. Guilty of perjury in their public tranf-
aftions, villainous principles will foon pervade
their private dealings, I truft, therefore, that if
any enquiry b made into the legality of voles,
every perjured man will be made to fuffcr the pu-
nifhment due to his offence, and that a crime
which fome of the favage Indians punifh with
death, will not efcape with impunity in a country
which boalls of the purity of its religion, and
the excellence of its laws.
Theatres.' •
J^rury-Lane.
On Thurfday the Countefs of SiUfhury was
performed to an uncommonly crouded audience^
It is indeed a dcfpicable play, but ncverthclefs
exhibits Mrs. Siddons to peculiar advantage.
There are tranfitions in the character of the
Countefs wonderfully adapted to Mrs. Siddons's
mode of playing; and I Hnow not of any cha.
rafter in which fhe appears to more advantage.
Mr. Kemble appeared for the firft time, in
Salifbury, and rendered that charaftcr interofUng
which, in thp hands of Mr. Smith, has nothing
in the world to recommend it, but its being
effcntial to the piece. This you will naturally
conceive whftn 1 tell you that it require fome
feding^ and of Smith you may as well require the
pathos of Pacchierotti ! Palmer did all he or any
body ^tlfe could do with Raymond. He ought
to be doubly paid for his trouble ; for the cha-
rafter is fo vilely written, that it is up-hill work,
all
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No. XII.
THE NEA7 SPECTATOR, Ac.
all the way, and I would advifb htm to ti^sfcr '
it as foon as pofliblc.— -Mifs Kcmblc was as
f^ as ufual !
Robin Ho^o.
Covtnt'Gardtn.
A KEw comic opera under this title, could
not but attraft general notice, and accordingly
this Thcatie, on Saturday evening, was filled
with company, at a very early hour.
The fcenc lines in Sherwood foreft, and the
plot is taken from Goldfmith's beautiful ballad of
Edwin and Angelina, Turn gentle hermit of the dale.
Vide the Vicar of Wakefield. Robin Hood and
Clorinda, Scarlet and Stella, Allen a Dale and
Margaret, are all lovers in whom there is nothing
interefting. Edwin and Angelina arc drawn in
water-colours, or at lead they appear fuch after
the admirable portraits of Goldfmith ; and the
dicovery'of Edwin is not managed fo as to raifc
any ol thofe emotions which accompany the
reading of the ballad. Indeed there cannot be a
more difficult tafk than giving ftage animation,
if I may fo call it, to charaftcrs which have been
iinifhcd by the mufcs. The ballads from which
Shakfpeare borrowed many of his plots were
fuch as admitted of amplification and refinement ;
hut Edwin and Angelina admit of neither. To
amplify is to fpoil it ; to refine it, is to burn pa-
per. It admits of nothing but mufic, and perhaps
there is no mufician living capable to do it
juflicc.
THis.opcra is faid to be written by Mr. Mac
Nally, the author of Retaliation, a dramatic after-
piece which does him much credit. I am forry
I cannot fay fo much of Robin Hood. The Vit
is thinly fcaitered, and is too frequently coufin-'
german to the pun. It is very remarkable that
Mr. Mac Nally, who, I am told, is called to the
Bar, never omits an opportimity to. la{h the
gentlemen of the law ; his redeflions on judges
4hd juries, in the jrefcnt performance, arc,
however, illiberal and vulgar. Of fentiments
he is very fparing. In faying that virtue flou-.
riihes more in England than any where elfe, I
am afraid he is flattering his audience ', the ex-
clamation againil bull-baiting w^ well conceived ;
and I do not rccoUeft any other fentiments
worth, notice.
The new mufic is by Shield; and, except in the
opening, and one movement of the overture, adds
nothing to: his reputation. It is plcafing, . but
wants variety and novelty. I do not recolle£l a
fingle air that is likely to become popular. The
duet between Robin and Edwin (Bannifter and
Johnftone) gave the moft general fatisfaftion, be-
caufe melody and fimplicity were happily unit-
ed. The mufic is Harrington's. I wonder the
old fong of << As blithe as the linnet," with the
old mufic, was not introduced.
The chara6lcrs were well fupported, and well
drefied. Mrs. Martyr,' as Clorinda, looked and
fung charmingly, and merited a brifker lover than
Mr. Bannifter, who looked and is drawn too fc-
rious to give an idea of the honny Robin Ho6d.
Mrs. Kemblc played the artfully fimplt Stella to
advantage. Quick, in Little John, and Edwin,
in the Tinker, were as comical as ufual.
B
U L I A.
The Contejl continued !
Samot and Iram.
Notwithstanding the artifices of Rcynar-
dam, and the infamous interference of Noveda,
Sefilra continued to have the advantage, and the
friends of his opponents were nearly driven to
defperation. Reynardam harangued the Bulian
mob ; Noveda diftributed her favors with a libe-
ral hand; but all would not do. Reynardam
was beheld with deteftation ; and Noveda *re-
garded as an unexampkd inftance of female
folly.
The public and private evils attending \his
conteft were innumerable. Amongft the chief
of the latter may be reckoned the misfortunes of
Samot and Iram.
Iram, beloved by Samot, was the youngefl:
daughter of a man of fortune. Samot was the
rerhaining branch of an honourable family. She
was chafte and he was valiant. The day was
fixed on for their union. Unfortunately the Bu-
lian conteft intervened. The father of Iram had
long been the declared enemy of Reynardam,
Such-, however, were the revolutions in Bulian
politics, that he was tu)W become his firm friend.
Samot, who had hitherto agreed with the father
of Iram, in a determined oppofition to the prin-
ciples of Reynardam, could not be prcivailed
upon to regard him as worthy of his attachment
who fo well merited the oppofition he had met
with. Tliis fo exafperated Oram's father, that he
refufed to give the hand of his daughter to Sa-
mot.
The ctiflrefs of the lovers may readily be con-
ceived. Saaiot would have been unworthy
of the heart of Iram, had he facrificed his
' principles to his afTcftion. He would have
facrificed any thing but principle? In proportion
as Sefdra advanced in the conteft, and as Reynar-
dam became more execrated, the (ather of Iram
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THE NE^SPEC T a tor, &c.
No. XII.
was more cxafperatcd againft Samot, though he
did not at all interfere in any thing relative to
the conteft.
It is a hard thing for a man of fortune in
Bulla to efc^ipe the imputation of being a partizan.
The friends of Rcynardara like himfelf, the out-
cafts of fortune, conceiving that Samot was his
enemy, took every ppportunity to infult him.
Indeed many of the friends of Rcynardam de-
pended much on his fuccefs. Thofe idle and
diflipated young fellows, who had fquandcrcd
their patrimony in the excefles for which Rcy-
nardam had rendered himfelf famous, ©r rather
infamous ; thofe defpicable tools of fa6Hon, who
proftituted the little wit wherewith heaven, in
in its anger, had curfed them, in vile endeavours
to miflead the public opinion ; thofe abandoned
women with whom thcfc men affociated, and
who mutually ruined each other ; all thefe de-
pended on the good fortune of Rcynardam, for
fhture honours, and fome of them for future fub-
liftence; and all theiewcrc, of courfe, the ene-
mies of Samot.
,Aca;nst fuch complicated vices, what virtue
c^ ftand fecure? They not only leagncd
^cnafclves againft the beft and grcateft of the
Buliiin people, but fowed divifien in families,
and fproad difcord throughout BuHa.. Such
wretches live only in confufion, and, enemies to
Ribordination, trample undcr-footall order and
4ecency« It was well known that Scunot loved
his king, revered the laws, and detefted fedition.
Ho was, therefore, marked by the oppofite party
a^ ap obje£l worthy .of their peculiftr malicei He
wa% afTultod by fome of the dregs of the people,
and his life endangered. Report proclaimed his
death, and Ivam,. unprepared ;fbr iuch fatal in*
telligence, fwooned away, and revived no more.
Samot recovered of his wounds, and ere&ed a
ftately maufoleum to the etcmah memory of Iram,
and ^he everlaftii)^^ ciifgra(^ of the BMlian
ftiftign^
Has been at a dead ftand Cvact the diflblUtion eF
Parliament TbeJadies have- been fe deeply en-
gaged in the important bufinefs of canvaffing fbr
members, that they have had no time t» attend to
alterations of dref$« Half-boots^ the tod>le<aped
gieat coat ^md b^lt, amdthe hat half-baUoon, half-
Bridgman, with blue ribbons infcnbed Fox,, has
been and, notwilhftaoding the warm weather,
ftill continue the ele^Uoneering livery of the fa-
SuQnabk fni^ q{ the metropolis. Sad com*
plaints amongft the milliners and mftntua-iHakera
who have already received their fpring dolls,
dreffed at Paris, and cannot prevail on -the ladies
to think of any thing but Fox bows. Fox muffs,
Fox tails, Fox every thing !
Yours, in haC^e,
JOHN BULL.
To /Atf Niw Spectator.
Mr. Spectator,
I AM very much aftonifhed and cnragedl
at that vile fellow John Bull, whom you cali
your fagacious deputy, who has the impudence
to abufe the mofl lovely creature in the univerfc^
Give me leave to tell you Mr. Spectator,
that your predeceflbr never abufcd people as you
do ; and had always a particular regard for the
fair/ex. Follow his example, or dread the
refentmcnt of
Yours, &c»
KITTY DOWNRIGHT.
Kitty DawNRrcHX entertains the general
opinion, that perfbnality is n& where to be found
in thofe delightful ps^ess, the Spe£lator. It is
true that at this di (lance of time the particular
pcrfcms alluded to arc not known ; but it is far
from being true^ that Mr. Sbscvator fi^as not^
now and then,, very perfonak
lHt>EED there is much difference between the
manners of thofe days and of thefe. The ladies
were then undcF fome awe ©f public cenfure^
But the falhion is now to fet public opinion at
defiance, and Mr. Addifon never had the mor-
tiiication to fee the meretricious airs, and im-
prudent follies »f women of quality defended,,
patronifed, and applauded in ^e news papers of
thofe da}'s^
Mr. Add I sow indeed always touches the
fSiults of the ladies with a gentle hand. Enor-
mity of offenee did not then dare to raHe its head*^
The difeafe was in its infancy, and required not
thofe rough applications, which it now demands.
To cenfiiw-thc purfuits of particular perfons is in
itfelf difagreeable; but ibmettmes it is no 1^»
ncccflary. To Q)arfc vice is to countenance it.
If, therefore, Kitty Downright is an admirer
of the Old SpeAator, flie muft eeafe to admire*
thofe Ladies who render themfelves objeds of
public reprehenfton ;. and T would recomnend it
to her to follow the precepts contained in the
Old Spe^tor, rather than the example of ihofc
Ladies fhe fo much admires, and who have ren-
dered-
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Ho. XU.
T.H E NEW SPECTATOR, &t.
tiered tjicmfclv«s liable to the cenlurc of my
Tagacious Deputy John BulK
For my own part, having little to do in the
fafhionable world, 1 do not pretend to judge of
the particular perfonages my laid Deputy may
^ludc to* But of this I am confident, that John
Bull is too honed to cenfure or to praife thofc
ivho do not richly dcfervc rcprchenfion or com-
)nendation»
To iht New Spectator.
Mr, Spectator,
It you arc not very fqueamifli, give me
leave to tell you a ftory of a rape. As the ladies
are particularly fond of hearing trials of that kind,
I hope you will indulge me with relating a cir-
cumftance that once occurred at Lincoln, on the
trial of a man for that offence, before the late Sir
Richard Afton.
It happened that many ladies were prcfent
to hear the trials, and particularly on the day the
impudent fellow was to be brought up. Before
he was put to the bar, the Judge very properly
informed the ladies of tlic nature of the man*«
offence, and advifed them to quit thccourt. Out
of about forty, three departed, who, by the bye>
were ftrongly fufpe6led to be old maids. The
indiftmentwas then read, which fiated, that this
man being poffeffed of a turnip Jitld^ he caught
the woman in the faft of dealing his turnips, and
in revenge, committed the rape. The indiftment
beif^ read, the Judge again exhorted the ladies
to depwt, and two mote Went, as diftreet wo-
men as any in Lincoln.
The woman was then called, and previous to .
her examination, his lordfhip rcmpnftrated
rather warmly with " the ladies on the fabjeft of
their prefcnce. But not another could be pre-
vailed upon to ftir. — ^The man was acquitted,
with this admonition from the judge; " You
** ought to be thankful that you have efcap^d
** this time ; and that you may never involve
** yourfelf in a fimilar (ituation, 1 advife you
*« never to fow that field with turnips again, for
*< if you do, you may depend upon it, that all
*' the Ladies of Lincoln tuill come to fitidyour tur*
« nips r
I am, Sir,
Yours, &c.
An old Jury-man.
I HOPE the London ladies will not arrogate
to themfelves a fuperiority of delicacy over the
ladies of Lincoln. The conveniencies at the
latter place have rendered the hearing of trials a
fafhionable amufement«
To the New Spectator.
Mr. Spectator,
The following Oath is tratifmittcd to me
by a gentleman, who fays it is neceflary to be
adminiilered in order to qualify the young virgins^
widows^ and old maids of Great Britain, that de«
fire to be well married, for their being prefentcd
by their ft lends to thofe who may requeflthem in
marriage*
Yours, &c»
A BACHELOR.
T^FsMALtOATHk
1 DECLARE that I neVer take upaboVe tWO
hours at "my toilet and looking-glafs ; nor, When
I am dreflcd, review myfclf above feven times
a day, and then I will not fpend above
three minutes at a time.
I iolemnly profits, I will never drink above
one gallon of tea on a vifiting day, nor above a
quart on any other day. I vow, that I think from
my heart, that above a pint of coffee in four and
twenty hours, is an excefs ; and that more than
two difhes of chocolate is an unpardonable de-*
hauch *, and we ought to drink thofe two but
very feldom, for fear of heating our conflitutions,
efpecially towards the opening of the fummer*
It is a very great abufe, to pretend a fit of the
hcad-ach above once a week, for the f^kc of a
dram of ftrong waters ; and to complain of an
illnefs in onc*s flomach any oftener, that one
may have the benefit of fwallowing a tordial.
1 vow arid protcft that it is a very ill cuflom
to go abroad in a hackney coach 'oh m6mings>
to make little purchafcs, as cheapening tea, buy*
ing china, &c. with no body but one's felf^nd a
maid, wrapped up in loofe gowns, without ftays ;
that it is highly tending towards ill manners, and
is, without a great crime, impra6licable by any
one that hath ever been inflrufted in the rules
of decency.
Recreation I allow of, and applaud, except
where it is not allowable and praife worthy. I
forfwear all high play at cards ; and it is my judg-
ment, that tlie woman is extremely to blame
who ventures any fuch fum as that the lofs of it
fhould create any uneafinefs in her ; or the win-
ning of it give her too much pleafure.
I protest and vow that thefe are my
opinions, and that I will flriftly aft according
to every article as I defire the favour and help
of Hymen, and as I hope to be well mairied.-
♦^* Many articles more are only to be known
to thofc to whom the oath is oflFercd.
To
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THE N^EW SPECTATOR, Ac.
No. XII.
7b ^A^ New Spectator.
Mr- Spectator,
Many people having cxprcfTcd their afto-
nifhmcnt at the intimacy fubfifting between
Squirt Morgan's Ncphcto and Maftcr Jfelty^ I beg
you will inform thofe whom it may concern, that
the faid Jelly during the minority of thefaid
Squire, and on the particular emergency of a run
of bad luck at play, lent him Five hundred
pounds, more or lefs, as the lawyers fay ; and
ever fince that time, the young gentleman, out
of pure gratitude, and to encourage the attach-
ment of fo ufeful a man, has (hewn Jelly fuch
particular £ivour that he is called the High Priejt
oJNcctffityil
Yours^ &c.
PALL MALL.
To other Correspokoents.
I AM extremely obliged to R. B. who vnil perceive
that I have already availed myfelf of hzsjriendjhip.
It is with pleafure that I comply with his requejt, —
A Father's advice to his Son, is received^ andjhall
appear as Joon as convenient^^^I have not yet been
favoured with the promifcd information from G. J.
— The numerous writers on the conduSt of a certain
Duchefsy cannot all be obliged; that their favours
have been rejeSed by the morning papers is no won-
der^ as it is a rule of conduEl with them to rejeH
every thing in favour of decency ^ when they are paid
to trumpet the charms of indecency. — The letter
fgned the Seven Stars is fomewhat too fublme for
wy comprehenfion. — ^A.B.C may be a very witty man^
but he has certainly no pretenftons whatever to common
^^.— L.F. is received*
London: Printed by T.Rickaby« No. 15, Duke's-Court, Bow-Street, Covent-Gardcn ;
And Sold by T. AX TELL, No. 1, Finch-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, BookfeUer, Charles-Street, St. JamesVSquarc ; by P. BRETT, BookfeUer and
Stationer, oppofite St. Clement*s-Church in the Strand; by G. KEARSLEY, No. 46, Fleet-Street;
and by W. THISELTON, BookfeUer and Staticmer, No. 37, Goodge-Stieet, Rathbone-Plac«.
^^* Corrbspondbnts arc requefied to addrefs their favours to the New Sp£ctator5 »to be
left at Mr. Swift's, in Charlcs-Street, St. James's-Square, where a Letter-Box is affixed
for Adr reception*
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THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No, xin.
TUESDAY. April 27, 1784.
Price Tbree-pence*
To ^be continued every Tuesday.
Laws grind the poor, and tich men* rule the lav.
Goldsmith*
AN author to whom this country is much
indebted, fpeaking^ of" the maxim, aiTcnted
to by all good divines and philofophers, **That np
** man whatever can do evil for evil's fake,** cx-
pre(Ies his forrow that one of the greateft ob-
je£Uons that can be made to this univeriel prob-
lem, fhould lie at the door of my countrymen ;
and I cannot but join him in thiscenfure againd
themT* but I truft the new parliament will
make it an early bufinefs to take off the fHgma*
What I am now fpeaking of, relates to the in-
folvcnt debtors with whom o»:r gaols are crowded*
The ungenerous world is come to that pafs, that
the flrong will not (land by the iniinn; the
rich will not help the needy ; the fine-drefled
gentlemen overlook, and are aihamed of the
ragged, and will not cloath the naked*, peribns wal-
lowing riotoufly in luxury, voluptuoufhefsi and
all forts of unwarrantable pleafures, will not give
meat to the hungry, nor fpare time to cafl down
one glance of pity on honed neceflity and inno-
cent want. I fhould think myiplf inexcufablc^
living in a chridian age, and in a country wholb
purity of do£^rine in religion teaches it to be
the mod zealous in points of charit)% were I to
omit reprimanding thofe who by u general de-
fe£Uon from the laws, both of god and man,
by an univerfal degeneracy both in grace and
humanity, deny food to the hungry, drink to the
thirdy, cloaths to the naked, a vifit to the (ick^
and the imprifoned, and comfort to the com*
fordefs of heart ; efpccially fince thefe are th«
corporal works of mercy, by the meafure of
which mankind is to be finally judged, to bc^
eternally faved or condemned.
To a man living in all temporal bleflingSi in->
dulging himfelf in the affluence and pomp of
wealth, and triumphing, as it were, over for-
tune, with infinite gladncfs, fober and ferious
refle£Uons of this nature, may perhaps feem a
little prepoderous ; but I mud beg leave to tell
him this unwelcome truth, that fuch an un-^
chridian and even inhuman jonfidcration of the
infelicities of his fellow- creatures, which he only
owes to providence that he never felt, proceeds
from a giddinefs of thought, caufedbyundigeded
meals, the fumes of wine, and fhameful luxury*
Such a man mui^ be made to know, that many
of thofe wretches who are now in prifbn, wero
not always fo ; that many who now w^ukL bo
thankful for a cup of cold water, have been
able to drink wine as well as he ; that many who
now rejoice and leap at the produd of common
charity, could once afford to keep as plenti^
a table as he ;. that many who are now glad of a
patched and party-coloured garment lo cover theif
nakedncds, have formerly made great appearances,
and fhone in far different apparel ; that many
who now lie upon draw, or perhaps drctched on
the cold ground, have enjoyed as many golden
dum-
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No. XIII.
ilumbers, and funk as deeply In downy^ beds as
he ; that many who are now kept within the
compafs of four bare walls, have rattled through
the ftreets in carriages, as magnificent as himfelf.
Hz is, in the next place, to be informed, that
they had then as good (ecurity to remain in
that fplendour as he has now ; that the fault of
their breaking was in neceflity, and not in their
will ; particular inflances he will adduce to the
contrary; but, comparatively, few, very few
indeed. He is then to be told, that one out of
a thoufand unprovided mifchances, out of a
million unforefeen accidi^nts, may, in one fatal
day, reduce him to the like variety of wretched-
nefs. And therefore, all that I befeech and
implore of any luch man, is, to fpare from his
pleafures one virtuous look into his own bofom,
lo make the cafe his own, and then, after aiking
himfelf the quefUon, what a tcndemeis of be-
haviour he would imagine due from his fellow-
creatures? let him be guided' in his condu£l by
the anfwer his reafon would give him.
(iow different Is this honed fpirit, from the
fpirit of a cruel creditor ! How is ht by himfelf
deprived even of the nature of man, when he
fpeaks real vexigeance for crimes purely imaginar)%
and framed by his own wild and outrageous
fancy, upon the head of an innocent and well-
meaning debtor, wliom unavoidable casualty, has
made infolvent, az^d rendered the caufelefs objcfl
of his wrath !
Isr order to have a clear idea of this matter^
let us imagine we now fee what, in fuch a tra-
ding and populous city, we may every day behold
if we will be at a little trpublc ifor the obfer-
vation: let us, I fay, place before us fomc
honeft, generous and wealthy merchant, with a
large, good, and hippy family round him, high
in the eftcem of all his neighbours, and of thofe
that he deals with ; to whom the news is jud ar-
rived of all his ihips being lofl ; one furprifed in
a fudden tempe(l| and fnatchcd away from him
in a whirlwind ; a fecond dafhed to pieces againfl
<< merchant-marring rocks ;" a thitd (laved and
funk byVater-fpouts burlling from a cloud; and
the laft drowned and fwallowed up within fight
of his own (horeyby bulging fatally on a land. Let
us behold the good honefl man fupporting him-
felf under this load of calamity, by the props of
a heavenly reiignation, (lopping the heart-breaks
diat gape to let out life, and would make a (hip*
wreck of his perfon too, when the tean of a
dearly bdoved wife, and the cries of the jdedges
of their loveS| who, by being their children, are
grown the orphans of good foxtune, fwdl up the
ocean of his miferyi and diftraCt the tide of hope.
^ Let us behold him (lemming a fca of troubles,
(Irugling aiKi graplitig in a hurricane of fate,
fweating and toiling beneath a weary life, and
juft finking under the burden of heavy debts,
which it is impolTible for him to difchargCj other-
wife than by a pious rcfolution to do it as fooa
as he is able, and to make himfelf able as £ir as
his (ItDngeft endeavours would let him. Let us
behold him weathering through (he ftorm for a
time, with tlic chcarfulnefs of a good confcicnce,
and never fighing at his own misfortunes but
when he fighs that they were the cruel caufes of
thofe difappointments, with which he is not wil-
ling, but is forced to difotlige his creditors. And
(hall we not, after placing all this fccne of una-
voidable woe before our eyes, be melted into
compaiTion for fuch a man ? And (hall we not,
with uncommon wr4th and indignation, rife up
againft any barbarous purfc-proud creditor, that
breaks in roughly upon his prayers and tears, to
infult his wants, and mock and aggravate his for-
rows ; that interrupts his honctt labours and in-
tentions to pay his debts, on purpofc to make
him an cvcrlafting debtor ? It«s becaufe thclc
creditors have the world on their fide, and ^he
fpecious colour of infamous laws to juftify their
caufc. Shall they not be told that the extremity
erf" rigour in the law is frequently the extremity*
of injuflice ? And that it as often happens that
whal"Is"nationally legal is not oply not religiofcHy
lawful, but, on the contrary, ccnfcicntioufly ex-
amined, veiy crimiaul ?
In" this view, and it too oAcn happens to be a
true one, the debtor is an innocent fuffcrer, but
loaded with reproach that claims all the aid and
afli (lance we can bring him; and tlie creditor is
by (b mudi more Imrbarous a villaiti, becaufe,
veftcd with the authority of the law, he makes
his power his will, without ariy confidcration or
mercy for his fellow-treature, and out of a lufk
of rage, profecutes. with prcpcnfe malice, a man
for being innocently and unfoitunately guilty,
not of a voluntar}', but of a necclfary crime
againft him.
In this cafe not the debtor, but the creditor is
the unjuft man ; and if ever it lies htmedly in
their way to do it, all men are obliged to mo-
derate the fe verity of the law, when it is fo
flagrantly inconliftent with humanit)'. I mufl
own, for my part, 1 would flep in between fuch
a ruined debtor, and fuch an enraged creditor,
as foon as if I beheld a man falling from a win-
dow, breaking his own limbs, and only joftling
another in his fall ; I would defend him as he
lay on the ground, from the rafhnefs of a perfon
who would be only like the creditor, if he went
to
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>io. xm.
THE NEW SPECTATOR,. 4c.
to flabrhim as he 'lay hel|i3d« pa ^ cuihy ibr
giving him ah afiio&t wkich was only caufod by
the fame accident that made the poor ci^ature
break his limbs, and put him in danger of his
life, without the additional calamity of being
inhumanly butchered^
Th£ parallel is jufl, an4 the cafe I h^ve fitted
is the cafe of mod of thofe debtors who are really
infolvcnt. With lefpcft to thofc who are not
really infolvent, fome further conliderations
will be neceflary, when I Ihall refume this
fubjeft.
It will, perhaps, be remarked that the ftor-
txcular inlbnce I have adduced of a merchant
rcduQsd to diftrefs, is the cafe of a very few of
the infolvent debtors in this kingdom; and per-
haps the remaric may be juft. But I have no
doubt that the cafes pf atUaft two thirds of the
poor wretches that now linger in prifops, if truly
ftated, would prove them to be as niuch more
honefl as they are lefe fortunate than thofe who
fent them there. And nothing can juftiTy a
creditor depriving an honeft debtor of his
in>erty.
The attaining the age of twenty one years by a
Prince of Wales has generally been celebrated by
the liberation of all prifoners for debt, by an aft
of the le^iflature ; and it is no wonder if, pre^-
vious t9 a period fo wel} known, many ffeouj^
volunUrily become prifoners, with an intent to
defraud their creditors. Such men doubtlefs
liefcrvc an ajd^fft perpei^al oontimiancc of th«t
puniOuDirat, which Ifeey have foliated ; and if
they eouM be iodenti&id flK)u]d be pncUidedall
^W^t amfwig frpm thpt aS by which the honeft
iniglyent would rcgwn bis frtcdom.
Many objeftions arlfe againft afts of this na-
eure which, however, may'ljc eafily. obviated by
particular claufes to prevent fraud and collufion.
If inflcad of the debt being entirely doije away,
the debtor was reftored to liberty, on condition
of repayment, according to his ability ^ in a given
time, five years for inftance, I have no doubt
but that every debtot would gladly fign an in-
ftiumefit to tliat purpofe, a^d that creditors
wouUat length be repaid iHofe demands which,
-under tdrtrtnow circumdancts, miHiy have Kttfe
tifafoh to «»cpeft. Itruft fomefiich riiodewill
h^ adapted ; that oar prilbn^ will be clea^*sd of
^heir pr«fe(^t inhaJ>itanfe j aud that f*>c cotfititmity
will reap bene^t from the lafeouraof lh<>fcM'ho
are nof^ deprived- of their liberty and ^eins of
fubfiftencc, by the opcratipi> of ridicoloos taws,
and the catprice pf uoftding crtdhors.
. To th£ W«w SrftCTAvoi*
Mr. Spectator^
As you feem (IcHrPH? yf yrfiff xyiqg in
your valuable mifcellany, thofe poetical pieces of
former days, which ane no|i gencraHy known^
and yet are highly worthy pf roncmbrancc ; and
as I think the following ^m comes under that
defcription, I hope to fee it in the New Spec-
TATOR.
YourSj &c.
K.
Strand*
A Father's Instructions tohis Son,
Written iiUmt iht Year t6^^
Dee p in a grove by cyprefs fliade^,
Where mid^day fi^nhad fcldom (ho^e,
Or noifc the folemn iccnc invaded,
Save fome affliacd mufe*i ijipsu? :
A fwain, t'wards fulUag'd manhood wendmg,
Sat forrowing, at the dofc of day,
By whofe fond fide a boy attending,
LifpM half his father's cares away.
The fadier's eyes no objcft Vicflcd,
But on the fmiliog pratlei: hoog ;
Till, what his throbbing htm fiisge^,
Thefe accents trembled from his tongue.
« My youth's firft.hopo •' my ttm^^U*^ im^m^ .
* My prading innoc^ att|!nd i
* Nor fear rebuke, mr. f^Wrd^pMbfet
* A father's loveliefi name is friend.
* , .
* Some truths, from lpn| c^pc^rie^ce flgy/ijuf^
* Worth more than royaJl^nts, receive i
* For truths arc gifts of heaven's bjeftowji^
* Which kings have feldom power to give.
' Since, from an ancient race dcfcendod,- .
* You boaft an unattainicd blopd,
* By your's be their fair fenie defe^^de^l,
* And claim by birth-right to be good.
* In lovg of (eyc7 fjcllow crcam;e,
* Superior rife above the crou4 :
* What mod ennoble* human namrc^
* Was ne'er the portion of the proud.
* Be thine the generous heart that l)6i7ow«
* From odier's joys, a fti^ndly glow.;
* And for each hapjefs neighbour's forrows,
* Throbs with a fympathetlc woe.
* This is the temper ntqll endearing,
* Though wid6 projud jpomp her banner (preads ;
* An heavenlier power, good nature bearing,
« Each heart in willing thralidom leads.
* Tafle not of Fame's uncertain foi^tain,
* The peace-deftroying dreams that flow ; • • -' '
* Nor from Amhition^s dangerous mountain "'*•" ' -
* Look down up©n tU world below. ^' '^'* ' '
•The
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, *c.
Ko. XIII.
The priacely pine •& hills exalted,
* Whofc lofty branches cleave the fky,
By winds long brav'd, at lall aflaulted,
* Is headlong hurl'd in daft to lie.
While the mild rofei more fafely growing,
* Low iu its unafpiring vale,
Amidft retiremem*s ihclter blowing,
* Exchanges fweets with e\'ery gale.
Envy not beauty *\ darling features,
« Moulded by nature's fondling power i
For faireft forms 'mongft human creatures,
* Shine but the pagcanu of an hour.
I (aw, the pride of all the meadow,
' At noon, a gay narciflus blow
Upon a river's bank, wbofe fliadow
* Bloom'd in the iilvcr waves below.
By noon-tide heat its youth was wafted :
* The waters, as they pafs'd, complain'd ;
At eve its glory all was blafted,
* And not one former tint remained.
Nor let vain wit's deceitful glory,
' Lead you from wifdom's path aftray:
What genius lives renown'd in ftory,
* To happineis who found the way ?
In yonder mead behold that vapour,
* Whofe vivid beams illulive play ;
Far off it feems a friendly taper,
* To guide the traveller on his way.
But Ihould fome haplefs wretch purfuing, «
* Tread where the faithlefs meteors glow,
He'd find too late, his raftmcfs ruing,
* Hiat fatal quickfands lurk below.
In life, fttch bubbles nought admiring,
* Gilt with fidfe light, and fiU'd %(rith air,
Do you from pageant crouds retiring,
* To peace in virtue's cot repair.
There fcek the never-wafted treafure
« Which mutual Idve and fricndftiip give ; •
Domeftic comfort, fpotlefs plcafure,
* And blefs'd and blefCng you fliall live f
If heaven with children crown your dwelling,
* As mine iu bounty does with you;
In fondneii fatherly excelling,
« The example you have felt purfuc !"
He paus'd, for tenderly careflbg
The darling of his wounded heart,
Looks had means only of exprefling
Thoughts language nqVer could impart !
Now m^ her fabje mantle fpreading,
Had lobed with black the horizon round i
And dank dew from her treflcs fticdding,
With genial moifture bath'd the ground:
When bade to city follies flying,
'Midft cuftom'a ibves he liv'd refign'd ;
His face, array'd in fmiles, denying
The true complexion of his mind.
For ferioufly around furvcying
Each chara£ler in youth and age ;
Of fools betray'd, and knaves betraying.
That play'd upon this human flage :
Peaceful himfclf, and undeGgning,
He loth'd the fcenes of guilt and flrife ;
And felt each fee ret wifli inclining
To leave this fretful farce of life !
Yet to whate'er above was fated, i
Obediently he bow'd his foul ;
For what all bounteous heaven created.
He thought leaven only fhould cootroul I
JOHN BULL
To his friend, the New SfECTATOR,
Greeting :
WuEEEAS, in obedience to your Spectator-
skip's commands, I have, for the lafl ten days,
made it my bufincTs to attend mofl places of
public refort in this metropolis, and, have been
enabled to draw no other condufion than one,
made feme centuries ago by a famous writer of
thofc days : that there is nothing new under the
fun. I«am glad, however, to find that amongft
the mod fafhionable pafliines, are to be n*ckoned
Theatrical Amusements,
which, as the flage is now tolerably chaile, and
as tragedy has, in fome mcafure, regained her
empire, may tend to improve, rather than to
injure the morals of the people. It, therefore,
gives me no fmall pleafure, at a wclUplaycd
tragedy, on calling my eyes round the theatre, to
obfcrve thofe of others bedecked with the fympa-
thetic pearls which indicate hearts feeling for
the diflreffes of others. And my feelings, in
this refped, were amply gratified on Saturday
evening, at Drury-lanc Theatre, when the tra-
gedy of
. TaNCRED atld SlGliMViiDA
was performed, for the benefit of Mrs. Siddons,
in which that lady played Sigifmunda, and Mr.
Kemble Tancred, with fuch happinefs of expref-
fion, as to leave few, if any» dry eyes in the
houfe* It was well, indeed, that the flrength of
the piece refUd on thofe two chara&ers, for the
others were but indifferently fupported,— The
play is well got up ; and Mr. Kemble and Mrs.
Siddons are the only performers in London who
can do juftice to Tancred and Sigifmunda,
The
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No. XllL
THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
The politics of the times interfere with all
our amufcmcnts# When Tancred declares,
Yes, I will be a king, but not a flave !
In this will be a king I in this my people
Shall learn to judge how I will guard their rights.
When they behold me vindicat* my owK !
the houfe clapped him three times : and when,
prefcntly afterwards, he (ays
There is,
Can be no public, without privatf. virtue,
the hearts and hands of the audience confirmed
the jufUce of the fentiment.
Cove NT-Car DSN Theatre, fmce my laft,
has produced nothing material.
Squ I Ri Morgan's Nephew.
I have for fbme time pad had by me a few
leaves of this young gentlemen's private memo-
randum book, for the year 1783 ; and, in order
to give you fome idea of his notions and manner
of pafBng his time, the following is an extrad
of one week.*
Su N day.— Went to church. There is fome-
thing more than prieflcraft in religion. The
lovely R. always told there was not, an<^(he has .
fenfe. — Mem. not to trouble myfclf about the
matter. — Dined with the family ; all chearful.— .
Going to town, detained at Kew by a pair of
bright eyes. Proves to be a Windfor milliner.
A good deal of the ftarch of virtue about her.
Patience. — Accompany G. to M's-^Both drunk
Return home at twelve.
Monday.— A pathetic lefture from Mater.
Sorry to difoUige her, but what is life without
wqmen and wme? — Letter from R. — Curfcd
fick of her.-«»Money, moficy, money. — Why
don't you fhe get tnto keeping with • ♦ ♦ • >
Threatens to Ihcw my letters. Not fo bad as irfy
uncle's neither. — Send her 50I. and have done
with her.— Try on a hunting frock .-*-Look well
in boots and leather-breachcs.~-Order fix frocks
of the fame fort and colour,— Write to Charles
about I* argent, ^^X^inc with uncle and aunt.-*
Uncle not a good judge of women. — His claret
good. — Drunk.^ — ^Who can help it? — Go pri-
vately to the play. — Bcft company in the two
(hilling gallery. — See a girl to Water-lane — So-
ber. — Sup. — Drunk. — Go to bed.
Tuesday. — Head-ach. — Determined never to
be intoxicated again. — Drink ftrongtea. — Better.
— Read a page of Voltaire's Caw^tWf.— Dcfcription
of the fummcr-houfe lined with mirrors, de-
lightful.— Mem. To have one myfelf when I
have a garden of my own ; but the fofa to be
light blue fattin— Ridc.--Mect R,*-Welldrefred;
looks like, Diana, but nothing n^uoe/^.— Shake
hands, and give her a loU note.— Very badly
fparc it.^-Retum.—Drefs— Charles dines with
me.-— Can get no cafh.— -Confult about wayt and
means.— -Charles a rake half reformed, and an
honeft fellow. — Play billiards. — Lofe 700I.—
His inftrudions worth half the money, and his
company the other half.— M. and L. come.—
Drink deep.— New knee buckles come ; exqui*
fite ufte— Thefc make my bill 875I.— Order
two pair more to give away. — ^Tea.— Bui^ndy.
— Claret^Mixing liquors the devil* — L. fmga
and throws M. and J aflcep.-^Sup.— Scotch
ale.— -Drunk. — Go to bed.
Wednesday.— Ride out early.— Breakfaft.—
No head-ach.-«Skim the papers ; d — d impudent;
abufe poor R .about her poverty ; muft do fomething
to fet her llraight.— Order a.new drcfs.— Letter
from Mrs. C. offering her fervices*— Stick to the
little milliner.— Ride with Pater.— See a diftreiT-
ed family ; Pater gives them all his ready money*
Give a guinea myfelf.— Mem.* Generally cofts
me fomething when I go with him« — Return.—
Drefs.— Hair looks vilely.— Dine whh Matcr.-«
Talk of the poor family.-YTears in her eyes. — ;
Sends them ten guineas.*-Mem. Mater the heft
woman living.— Sifter plays a leiTon, Bach% on
the harpfichord.— Plays well five minutes, and
then carelefsly.— A private ball to morrow even-
ing.— Mem. To keep fober.—Co^^e.— Sifter read*
La Fontaine very well.— Gives me a pair of work-
ed ruffles.— Vifit M.-nHis wife handfomc. — Sup
there.— Drink too much.— Go to bed.
Thursday.— Break&ft.— Read an Epiftlc
from Florizd to Perdita, Not genuine.— Mufic
mafter. Pradifc on the Violincella. Certainly
improved. — Ride. — Drels. — Dine.— Play billiards
with L.— Tea.— Drefs for the ball. — Dance with
M. She dances very well.- Pleafant evening's
amufemcnt. — Accompany M. home ♦♦♦♦♦•♦•♦
Go to bed.
Friday.— Card from D. for tea and cards.—
Not fo handfome as her fifter ; too mafculine ;
unmeaning face ; mouth always open.— Will at-
tend.— Breakfaft, and read the pamphlet Charles
fent me. Don't underftand it. — Ride.— Meet
Charles ; go to a billiard-table ; win 70L — Drefs
and dine.- Dally an hour with little E.--rVifit D.
A room full of ladies. — Aunt the handfomeft
amongft them. — Lofe 19 guineas at quadrille.—
Tea and chatter.— L. M. and C. come in and join
us at cards.— Lofe 36 guineas.— Determined to
be revenged on the lovely M. Think no woman
can withftand me.^ — Sup.<— Take formal leave of
the company, and go to moth^ •♦••• ^ith
Charles.7-«>Drunk.«->G9 to bed.
Sa-
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'fHE NEW SPECTATCTr, &c.
No. xm.
SATTTRfrAV.— iHiifit. Very good fporf.— Buy at
fi*fh htintcr.-=-Oivcor*toGhax46s^ who returns,
ft, having rta rfabk ^ keep it. Would keep it
tor him, trot ?2Me vronld fee angr\'. — Mem.
Rler don't not like Charles. — Drefe. — Dit»e. —
Go to tTie opcta ; Pacchierotti inimftable ; Thio-
dote a flying dcvil.^-Mem. To ^n<juirc afte/- t)Kl
liguranirf that nodded to L. irt the pit, and to
have her as cheap a« pofliblc.— Sup.— Half Teas
ovef.-^Ootobed.
Strcrt, Wend Stec, are the memorandums of
fliis yOung' gentleman; by which you will per-
ceive that he was, at that time, . fomething too
much addi£^ed to Bacchus ; but i am told, thai
lie has, in a great ^mcafure, renounced the jolly
god ; in which cafe^ I have ho doubt but that he
will become a valuable member of fociety.
You win perceive that his ertgagcments are of
fudh i kind, and with fuch people, that they
pWcllude aU poflibilrty of mental improvement,
(inkfe he had virtue enough to renounce his
fcottle companions, as well as Bacchus himfclf.
But he is perpetually told that it is time enough
foV him to thiffk of grave affairs ; and it is a kind
of fiftiioti for young *ien to pafs their early years
in ftich *a ftiarmtr as to provide fufEcicnl matter of
ffcpcArancd for many years to comfc.«*-.Thts
^eritlfcmsm's difpofition is naturally good, afid
He has nothing to dread but the bane of Falftaffej
^ villainous company!"
fi U L 1 A.
We' had been repeatedly informed that in no
place more than in Bulia, waS the influence of
example more difcemibW. And, rel^cftihg in-
famous example, we found it lb. The King and
Queen o^ Hiatirb werfe the xhoft amiable of the
BuHans in thdr public and private conduft, and
the example of royalty ufually extends through
fhe fubjcfl realms. But heie it failed. It re-
quires fome viirtuc to follow virtuous example,
an(^thc Bulians were too deeply emerged in gtok
purfoits tb let Virtue ^n«-aliy predominate over
vice. Tfe King and Quetn, therefore, flood
klohe. The Court was apparently adorned with
paicfe, 6ut, sdas! they wete the external graces
bf ]ftolluted triitlds ; the mere fimblancc of good-
Xicft.
SkLXfC^, the iMell Ton bf the king, vain, gid-
liy, knd bftentaiioufly ^Ifable, had fet an example
T6 the rifitig nobilfty v^fy difiwent from that of
hii parehb. He was courted by youth and age,
and flattimd, becaufe his ideas were fhnilar to
fti&k of flie ivdians— who centred all good in
l^rSfentenjoymerft; who renounced ah religion
as afn idle ceremony ; and Who willingly Tacri-
ficed every thing to "paffion and intereft
I Alas MED at tlie rapid axid iocreafing pfogttfs
which xnatmcrs fubverfive of all human felicity
was making through the land, and trembling for
the honor and the future happinefs of her fon ;
the Queen called him before her, and, with that
grace and complacency by which female wifdom
is ever didinguiflied, addrefled him as follows :
"If thou art influenced by any conflderation
" for thine own honour and happinefs ; by any
" regard for my peace, the affeftion of the king,
" or the refpeft of the people ; attend, O Se-
** law, and do not defpife the admoiiitions of
" maternal love.
*•' With an aching heart have I beheld thy
« piirfuits, and marked thy connexiohs with deep
" diftrefs. It becomes not thee, my fon, like
« bafe-bom fouls, to emerge into diflipation, and
« waftc thy precious time in folly. The mind of
«« Selawfliould be a£luated by noble views. Thy
« public and thy private conduft (hould be the
«* rcvcrfe of that by which the minions of thcfe
« days are diftinguifhed. Believe me, Selaw,
" thy aflbciates are fuch that « 'tis a vice to
" know them.* Guard thine own heart, and be-
" lievc^not the tongue of flattery, left it leadllieq
<« to deftruftion. Let not the lovely propcnfity
" of thy foul to oblige univcrfally, tempt thee to
*« facrifice to others the conduft of thy own life,
« for that will lead thee to difgrace. Neither
" be perfuaded that thofe aftions can b<?pardon-
^ able in thee, which bring diflionour on others.
""Elevation of dignity aggravates crimes.
" Let a determined refolution to difcounte^
" nance vice, in all her forms, mark thy ^nc»
« ral condua. Tl^y pleafores refulting then
" from virtuous pu^fuits, (hall acquire fttbi lily J
•* and thou (halt foon diff enf the vaft difference
«<fc between the tranfient fluflics of diflipated met*
" riment, and the incxtinguiihable glow of -mo-
« ral happinefe. To renounce pleafure is dif-
" Ecult to an ignoble mind ; but, O my Selaw,
" let Bulia fee rfiat thy mind, like thy ftataon,
" is elevated. ' Whilfl: I with tears, Bulia with
" indignation, views thee the %ort of every gale
" of paflion ; unfleady in thy pitrpofes ; quit-
« ting good for evil, and, like folly, purfuingthc
" phantoms of dqlufion. Turn, nobly turn;
« free thyfelf from public fcom, and me from
« public pity.
" It becomes not me to interfere FeQ>elting thy
<* political condu^ Ridicule always, andfome-
" times infamy attends the female politician.
« The ckib of Hercules ill hecomes d;»e hatMl of
<< Diana. In thift, a^ as becomes a man and«
•< prince. lUmember that thy father's intfereR ii
" thy
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No. XIIL
THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
« thy own ; and that his enemies can never be,
« thy friends. For even thy father, virtuous as
«« he is, has his enemies: but, believe me, Selaw*
** they are the enemies of virtUc as well as of
*< Rcxman. Let their crimes receive no coun-
«* tenancc from thee, and the truly good will love
** tfiee. Involve not thyfclf in the mazes of
•* political controvcrfy. If becomes not a prince
** to be a pedagogue in politics. Aft nobly, and
«< the Bulians will defend both thee and thine.
«* They are not more tenacious of their own li-
<^ bcrties than zealous for the rights of their kings*
" Aft as becomes thyfclf, my Sclaw, and they
« will love thee ; cherifti that love, and they will
« die tofervethee.
« Lbt me conjure thee to renounce fuch of
" thy connexions as are calculated tddifgrace
" thee : men addifted to drunkennefs, and wo-
<< men to lafcivioufnefs. Indulge not in excefs
** of wine, and forbear the wanton touch of har-
« lots. Let thy pleafures have a nobler fource ;
" let them not taint the purity of thy mind, nor
*' the honour of thy family.
^« Above all thin§[s, be punftual in the per-
«* formance of ihy religious duties. I am forry
<< to remark that a vifible decline in this refpeft
** has takcQ place amongft all ranks of people in
'< Bulla. Let not thy example increafe the gene-
" ral depravity. On the contrary, ufe thy utmoft
^ endeavours to recover to religion its due influ-
'* ence. The people will be wretched in pro-
«' portion as they are irreligious, and thou wilt
'' be unhappy in proportion as they arc wretch-
" ed. Reficft then, how much depends on thy
<< religion ; thy own mod elTcntial felicity ; the
<^ happinefs of thoufands, ambitious oJF following
" thy example ; the fafet)', in a great meafure of
*• thtf ftatc ; for what ftate^can long fubllft with-
'^ out • religion? and the honour of thy God.
*^ Beware of ihofe doftnnes which would teach
** thee to regard religion as a fyllem of pried-
'< craft, or an engine of government to keep the
^* multitude in awe. Kings and princes are fub-
<( jeft to its ordinations and decrees ; and how
•• much fo6ver they may difregard, them here,
'* doubt not, my fon, they, as well as the mean-
" eft, (hall be judged by them hereafter.
*• Look on me, my deared Selaw, no^asthy
'< mother only, but as thy friend. My happinels
'« is wound up in thine. I love thee with more
«< than maternal fondnefs ; and I trufl the decline
** of my days will be gilded by the funlhine of
<< thy glory. Dedicate the remainder of this day
*« to domeftic felicity and me. Cojnc ; thy fifter*
wait for thee. We fhall have a private concert
'< of fuch mufic as is calculated to footh the
^ troubled mind to red, and the fmilcs of Selaw
" ftiall make his mother happy."
• From this fpeech, friend Spec, you Qiay form
(bme judgment of the Bulian queen. I did in-
tend to draw her charafter ; but (he is (b faultlefs,
tliat it would fecm rather a dring of panegyric.
I wi(h your fair readers may adopt her fenti-
ments ; and that every Engli(h youth may derive
advantage from the moral indruftions of the Bu"
Han queen !
Ranblach. . *
Tux proprietors bf this Summer-fcene of
gaiety, have very fooli(hly opened it for the
reception of company at this cariy period, when
the weather forbids all approach to futnmer
amufements, and the evenings of the ladles are
dedicated to the more imporunt bufmcfs of
canvafling. I have not yet obferved it frequented
by above three-fcorc people, who, fauntcring
about, fcem to a(k each other, «^ what are we
come here for ?" Even Ac ladies of eafy virtue^
that is, of no virtue at all, apprehenlive of being
money out of pocket, wifely day at home.
Of the mufical entertainment it would be un-
fair to fay any thing, as I doubt not but the
proprietors mean to increafe its excellence, as the
fcafon advances; and in order to reindatc
Ranelagh in the line it formerly held amongd
places of public amufement, it would not be
amifs to engage Madame Mara, fubfequent to the
clo(ing of the Pantheon. Her demand would
doubtlefs be enormous, but, I think, the profits
arifing to the proprietors would be proportiona-
ble. Andit(houldt>c retnarked'thatas Renelagh
is perpetually the fame, and as the people of
thcfc realms delight in nothing fo much as novelty,
the proprietors dibuld guard againd a famenefs of
entertainment, as the only way to fecure the
future yifiu of thofe who have fo often vifited
this elegant place of elegant amufcmen(,
WfiflTMiNSTsa Election."
I I NT E N o, on the clofe of this violent con ted,
to infcrt the charafters I have received from
different correfpondCnts, of certain members of
law, phyfic, and divinity, who have rendered
themfelves marvelloufly confpicuouson this im-
portant occafion ; for you mud know, that in-
fimyofconduft in the bufmefsof elcftionecring
is not confined to the ladies. Several gentdmcn
have exerted themfelves in a manner highly be-
coming their charafUrs^ and have added frc(h
laurels to thofe wreaths of fame with which they
have for iome time been decorated.
Ex.
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Ifc.
THE N. E W S P E C T A T O R, &c.
No. XIII.
. . £ X H I B X T I O K.
Somdrfit-IIoiifu
The annual exhibition of paintings, &c« of
the Royal Academy, was opened ycftcrday.
In the morning papers you will, for fomc time
to cdmep be entertained with the remarks of men
who by an a(fe£led ufe of technical terms, en-
deavour to perfuade the Town that tlicy are ici-
entific critics ; taking efpecial care to fleer clear
of cenfure on great names, left tlicir judgment
Ihould be called in queftion.
Op Painting I knew nothing fcientifically; I
judge from my feelings, and as I am not perfo-
pally acquainted with any of the mighty mafters
of the pencil, names cannot influence my judg-
ment. I^ therefore, as I fufpeft, my fentiments
ihould differ widely from tho(e of other people^
you muft lecoUeft that I am no. adept in the
fcience, and that the honeft effoTions of John
Bull are never likely to coincide with thofe of
incorrigible prejudice or fupercilious afiedation.
In my next I will commence thisbufineb.
C A R.D.
The New Stectator prefents compliments
to CurioJUatibuSy Secretary to the Curious Club^ and
takes the liberty of informing him, that unlefs
the faid club think fit to comply with the con-
ditions neccflar)' to be obfcrvcd for the gratifica-
tion of their curiofity in the inftance alluded to,
they are likely to retaiR their curiofity, and theix
club the propijety of its appellation.
Tq other Corres pondents.
The tranjlation of the French Stanzas from Af.
Cuinci D*Orbeily by C. V. Efq. in my next, — 77*^
Bevy of Originals, No. VI. alfo in my next. — Ig-
noratus is in remembrance. — Both the letters of G.J.
zoere received at the fame time. She will hear from me
in a dcy or tioo.^^The Bullies of Covent Garden,
a poem in Hudibrajlic verje^ is under conjideration.-^
A Vindication of the Piccadilly Patrole, is a grofs
reJleBion on a once amiable Duchefs^' and is toojevere
a^en for a JaUen JpiriL^^The Bevy of Blockheads
is received^
L^ndok: Pdnted by T. Ric&abt, No. 15, Duke's-Court^ Bow-Stxcet^ Covent-Garden ;
And Sold by T. AX TELL, No. x» Fiach-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange ; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfellcr, Charles-Sttt«t, St. James VSquarc ; by P. BRETT, Bookfellcr and
Sutioner, oppofite St. Ctement's-Church in the Strand; by G. KEARSLEY, No. 46, Fleet-Street;
and by W. THISELTON, Bookfeller and Stationer, No. 37, Goodge-Strcet, Rathbonc-Place.
^^* C«RRis?oNOENts are requefted to addrefs their favours to the New Spectator, to be
left at Mr. Swift's, in Charles-Street, St. Jame$'s-Squ|p, where a Lktter-Box is affixed
for thdr ttoegidoTu
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<»-:
THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. XIV.
TUESDAY, May 4, 1784.
Price Three-pence.
To be continued every Tuesday.
Aaipe nunc, vi£tus tenuis^ qua: quantaqttcfccum^
Adfaat^' ■■ - ^
NoW mark what tic filings flow
From cempcrdte mcalsi—
H0RACE4
tRAKClS.4
I AM favoured with th^ following rcJfleaionS
by an unknown hand ; and 1 fincerely wifll
that at this timcj when the virtues arc a good
deal difcountenanccd, they might receive fome
fupport from the arguments of fo elegant a writer.
To the New Spictator.
Mr. Spectator,
The advantages which arife frohi regulat-
ing the feveral appetites to the health of the body,
have been too nhpetedly infifted upon to require
any further animadverfion. My prefent remarks
ftiall be confined to temperance of diet in par-
ticular, and to the aldvantages which occur from
it to the health of the mind.
How for the int^lledual faculties arc cbnnefted
With the animal ecdnomy, is a difquifition which
rather belongs to the natural philofopher than to
the moralid. The expenence of every individual
muft convince him of their alliance, fo far as
that the mind and body fympathife in all the
tnodifications of pleafure or.of pain;
Onb would imagine, that the ftoical apathy
was founded on a notion of the independence of
the mind on the body. According to this phi-
lofophy, the mind may remain, as it were, an
imconcemed fpeftator, while the body undergoei
the mofi excruciating torments. But the mo«
dems, however difpofed to be ftoics, cannot help
being afflifted by a fit of the gout or flone.
Ip the mind fuffers with the body in the vio-
lence of pain, and acutenefs of difeafe, it is ufu-
ally found to recover its wonted llrength, when
the body is reftored to health and vigour.
But there is fome kind of fympathy, in
which the mind continues to fuffer even after
the body is relieved. When the lifUefs languor,
and the naufeous faliety of recent exeefs is gra-
dually worn off, the mind ftill continues for a
while to feel a burden^ which no efforts can
remove ; and to be furrounded with a cloud
which time only can diflipatc;
Didactic authors who have undertaken to
prefcribe rules for the ftudent in the purfuit of
knowledge, frequently infift on a regularity and
abflincnce in the articles of food and wine. It
is indeed a fruitlefs laboui: to aim at increafmg
the ftock of ideas, and improving the powers of
penetration, without a (Irift obfervancc of the
laws of temperance.
It has been remarked, that the founders of
colleges, who fpared no expcnce in the embel-
lilhment of the buildings, have not been fo
liberal in providing food for the inhabitants.
Perhaps
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
No. XlVi
Perhaps thofe no lefs judicious than pious patrons
of learning were fenfible of the utility of frequent
falling and temperate meals, in promoting lite-
rary, as well as moral and religious improvement.
Nature's wants they took care to fatisfy, and na-
ture wants but little.
Horace, in a fatire, in which he profeflcdly
tfenumcratcs the advantages of temperance, ob*
fcrvcs, with a beautiful energy of expreflion,
" That the body, overcharged with the excefs of
" yefterday, weighs down the mind together
" with itfelf, and fixes to the earth that particle
" of the divine fpirit.*'
That Aurora is a friend to the mufcs, is
almoft proverbial, and, like all thofe aphorifms
which are founded on experience, is a juft re-
mark ; but if an adequate caufe were to be afiign-
-ed lor this efFe6):, I know not whether it might
not juflly be attributed as much to fading, as to
the refrcflimcnt of fleep* The emptinefs of the
ftomach it is which tends to give to the under-
flandingacutenefs, to the imagination vigour, and
to the memory retention.
It is well known that the principal meal of
the ancients was the fupper; and it has been
matter of furprifc that they, whofe wifdom was
fo generally confpicuous in the feverj inftitutions
t>f common life, (hould adopt a praftice which is
ttow univerfally efteemed injurious to health. It
is, however, not unreafonablc to fuppofc, that
they were unwilling to clog their intellefts by
fatisfying the cravings of hunger in the d^y-time,
the feafon of bufmefs and deliberation, and chofe
rather to indulge themfelves in the hour of natural
fcflivity, when no care remained, but to retire
fiom the banquet to the pillow*
' Too much, indeed, cannot be (aid in praife of
temperance ; and, with your permiflion, I fhall
take Tome future opportunity of making a few
obfervaiions on the condutl of fume modem
friends of this amiable virtue.
I am. Sir,
Your's, &c.
Anti-Epicuru».
Th* bevy of originals.
[No. VI.
Ralph Crotchet.
Parturiunt montcsy najcetur ridiculus rmts,
■ ■ ". - I ALWiiYf glow with indignation at fuch
ignorancc-^lndeed Spec, I cannot keep my
temper to fee a man fit in company, and be at a
lofs for converfation : When I iay converfation,
I mean a proper fubje6fc, as the intelle& of a
man of fenfe are ever extended to improvement,
and knowledge. There are many men who
have not an idea above their bufmefs, or pro-
feflion — Ralph Crotchety for example, cannot
poffibly repeat a ftory, or even a fentence, with*
out introducing fomc mufical expreflion s. H«=
is ever boafling of his erudition, abilities, and"
knowledge; but I can only refer you to thtf
above motto, pariuriunt monies, &c,
I WENT with a friend to a club, one evenings
where Crotchet was prefident. It confided of
derai-gentlemen, and refpeftable muficians.
At the bottom of the table, were fix members,-
overheated with the force of oppofition, talking,
politics, and peremptorily fetling the affairs of the
nation. On the left, were eight more, engaged
in deep converlalion about religion, and reveal-
ing the myfteries of its different fc6ls, the con-
fequence of which, generally ends with the lofs
of friendffiip, a perpetually enmity, and a vio-
lent quarrelling. On the right, were a groupe of
members, making, and breaking laws, for the
better regulation of fociety, which could not
hejinally fettled, on account of the feveral di*
vided opinions.
Order was called. Crotchet rifing, filenee
cnfucd. " Gentlemen, fays he, as this fociety
" is dedicated to mufic, it ought to be the nur-
** fery of rifing genius. Though I am a profef-
•^ for of that noble fcicncc,. nato, fo ayerfe wa»
" my inclination to it when young, that a, ..-
" famous Greenwich organift was obliged from
*' my inattention, to tie me to thellarpfichord."
Before he had finifhed his fentence, a gene-
ral hiffing cnfued, and order was heard from
every corner of the room. Crotchet demanded
filence for five minutes, alluring the members,
that the hiftory of his conduft, from his infancy
merited their hearing, as it proved how people
mijlake their genius. He then produced a large
manufcript — " This, gentlemen, is fome mufic
that I have compofed, entirely for your future
amufcment, and which I will beg of you to
play over now." Inftrumcnts were produced,
and the mufic handed about. Though there
were profeflbrs prefcnt, the c€>mpofition poffcffed
fuch harm^mums flights ^ that it wa* incomprehen
fible to a common genius, as it attempted to prove
that the theory of that fcience wa$ quite ufelels,
and that any perfon, however ignorant of mufic,,
might compofe; in fhort, he referred you to»
his own compofition, as a fpecimen, and proof
of what he urged. The manufcript was fo loft
in the labyrinth of difcord, that the muficians
declared they would not attempt to perform thatf,
which
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No. XlVtf
THE NEW SPECTATOR, *<:•
V^ch iSticy ^ loot underfland. After a Jhffrt
VtprimuKi to Ralph Crotchet on the infult| a
^lewprefidenl Was elcaed^ and the Lodge clofed»
A rawdiys aftc^ 1 happened to meet With
t^totdttt, at a ftaU in Parlwuncnt-ftrcctj cheapen»
tng Tome muiic^ fbt the inftruAion of his fcho-
tars-^e recoHefted My Features^ and, after fome
^onverfatfon, he infilled that I (hould go home
Vith him. He uTed fo many harmonious words
Uiat 1 was oUiged to • acquiefce* When we ar>-
Vived in -i^-«» (Ireet) he led tne into a hack foom^
\ip one pair of flairs ;»>-where he intmduced me
to his wife, as he called her. This^ lays hc^ is
Mrs. Crotchet.-— A mutual fmile enfucs between
kne and the lady, as we happened, two years ago>
to have been intimately acquainted%
ApTlrti remaining ih the aukwafd Htuation of
doubt, fear, and apprehcnfion half an hour, I
Was relieved by a melTagc coming to Ralph
demanding his immediate attendance.«^Politene{ii
obliged me to make ah attempt at going, which he
refufcd ; infiding^ at the fame time, that I (hould
remain till his rctum,'i*-As foon as he had (hut
the door I gave vent to my furprize !— *« Blefs
*< me, Louila! exclaimed I, with aIlonifhment|
«• where is Capuin •♦♦♦*♦ ? Is it poflible that
<< you have left him for fuch an ignorant, illite-
« rate man as Ralph Crotchet ?"— After drawing
her chair nearer to mine, fhc replied, " Our
<« fcx will be fickle. Captain ♦♦•♦♦♦ went
<< abroad, leaving me an annuity, with t.pronnft of
« marriage on his return. The chance of florms,
« waves, and fhipwrecks being uncertain, and
" as we cannot account for afftOions^ you may
«* banifh your furprize.-— However, I am not
«• married. *'— TAu was my cue ; and as (he was not
united to Crotchet I was pleafed with the re*
newal of 2i former connexion «
Thb myfleries of love were unravelled, but
no Crotchet came home. I then bid Louifa
adieu, with a fincere promife of waiting on her
often. Fate intervened, fiy fome unfortunate
accident, our difcourfe was overheard, and the
whole of our condufl feen, which was inflantly
conveyed to Crotchet, who aiTumed the preroga*
live of a hufband, and the next morning fent me
a miifical, interefting, harmonious, laughable^
and nonfenfical letter, which yoa will find tranf*
cribed in a fiature number of the Bevies.
[^Tq k cotuinmt* ]
Tf the Nbw Sfectatok*
Dear Si^ic ! ^
At the Chapter cofiee^houfe^ a lew days
ag0| I had tne pleafure of hearing myfelf hear-
tily abufed for fpeaking difrefpeftftilly of great
names. I have fince that time, been ferioufly
confidering the influence of names, and am forry
to find that any name can be rendered refpe^bblo
but by eminent virtae. This is matter of fur^
prife and regret to me» Poets have been infpi-
red, moralifts have written, and divines have
preached in vain, if they have not been able to
root out of the mind the paltry prejudices in re-
gard to the fituatlon of individuals, and do not
judge of man as he afts. No other confident-
tion) however, Ihall rule my opinions of petfons;
as I have long fince learned to pay more refpeft
to an honed tradefinan than a titled rafcaU
NameS| therefore^ have no influence on me;
nor do I trouble mylclf with obferving the ad-
vice of Horace .*
Quid de quotpte viro^ (i cui dicas,Jape cavdo.
Take heed of whom you fpeak, and what it is.
Take heed to whom--*
1 begi therefore, that the gentleman in the brown
coat and black-collar, and him in the claret frock
and flriped waiflcoat, will take notice that Joha
Bull is always ready to ** fpeak hb mind,*' when
by fo doings he can honour the good) or difgrace
the bad.
Squirx Moxoan'sKepubw.
*-< — Has nmgx Jeria ducunt
tnmaia.
Thefe toys will once to ferious mifchleft (all.
This fagacious gentleman appeared at the
Hanover-Square Concert, on WedneiHay; hit
hat decorated with laurcL Enquiring into tha
reafon of that peculiar ornament, I was told that
his worfliip had gained a complete vifiory over
one Common Senfe, with whom^he had been at
war a confiderable time ; but I was aflured, that
as this was the firft, fo it would be the laft time
we (hould ever fee his woHhtp's head decorated
with lauteL
F A S U I O N.
Thx commencement of Spring neceflkaily
introduces new fafliions in dreis amongft the
beaux and belles. Such of the former as do not
choofe to fport new uniforms, diftinguifh them-
felves by putting a black velvet collar to their
half-worn coata^ that being the /cm; and, doubt-
kfs, a black velvet collar is quite chanaing for
a Spring coat«
Such
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No. xiv;
Such of the bcaujc as choofc to put thcmfclvcs
in the entire livery of Faftiion, fport a colour
fomething darker, and, if poflible, fomething
more horribly ugly, than the Borne de Paris.
This, however, Fafliion has ordained to be a
charming Spring colour ; and, ihould the Spring
be attended with the gloom and the dirt of De*
cember, I think it vafUy well adapted,-»*A
regulation in the important article of hair drefs-
ing has not yet taken place ; but it is thought
the large club will be rendered completely en-
ormous, by way of keeping the back of the neck
warm, and of bearing, as it were, fome afl&iiity
to the colour of the coat, which feems to pro-
mife a retention of every particle of heat.— To
contemplate the figure of of a beau dreflfed in
his Spring uniform, one would imagine Chri/tnuu
was at hand.
The ladies, ever the bed judges of drcfs, have
began by laying aftde their dark colours, their
winter fattins, and comfortable cottons, and ex-
hibit themfelves in the lawns and muflins of
Spring. The favourite Fox-coloured muff and
fur«cloak are carefully depofited till the enfuing
winter. Their faces alTume a more delightful
blooiA from improved cofmetics, and they appear
like the « eldeft daughters of the Spring.'' Thus
arrayed, they parade the parks, ** feeking whom
they may devour," and wound their admirers
with as much certainty, and at as great a diflance
as MeUor*s guns which arc furc to kill ^< without
aiming]
P o E T * ir.
I DOUBT not but Maria, who favoured you
with the French (lanzas of M. Cuinct D'Orbeil,
will feel herfelf much indebted to C. V. Efq. for
Che following poetical tranflation, which re£le6b
honour on the trandator.
71» YouNC Lovers..
From the French of lA. Cuiket Dt>RBBiL.
As life is but a tnnlient joy.
With pleafurc every hour employ ;
Nor fear that wifdom fhould complaia: —
She hides herfelf from plctfurc's train.
But flill preferve your power wkh art.
And well reiift the poignani dart ;,
For if too quick iu force yon own,
Your boaflcd empire's then o'erthrowiw
But what is love unlets fincere P
Then fpait the oft aepeated dartg
And if your lover's worth appear,
Rcfign, well pleasM, your vanquiih'd heart.
The following Angular produftion has aU
ready been publifhed. There is fomething fo
extremely poetical in it, and it is fo little knownj
that I cannot but wifh to fee it pjeferved in the
New Spectator.
VaU^ longumvaUf ViRCit.-
Once more, my lute, and then be flilll
Since after this another end
Its deflined meafure rouft fulfil,
£re to thole bli&ful bowers we tend-
Once more, my lute, and then be flill !
Once more, my lute, and then be flill !
To warn the world to count their days^
Left they their facred leifure fptll,
In evil woiks, and evil ways ;
And now, my lute, thou may'ft be flill !
Once more, my harp, and then be flill .'
To which I fang of Ifrael's wrongs,
M^en the proud foe who wrought their ill^
Demanded one of Zton's fongs ;<»-
Once more, my harp, and then be flill ?
Once more^ itty harp, and then be ftill \
To warn the world how they tranfgrefs
Againfl the lord of Zion hill.
Who loves his chofcn flock to ble(»— *
And now, my harp, thou may 'ft be flill f
OnCe more, my pipe^ and then be flilH
Attuned to dead Time us' praife,
Who taught his bard, with heavenly (killy
Sweet Lu con's momiment to raife !
Once more, my pipe, and then be flill!
Once more, my pipe, and then be flill !
To warn the world how they affeft
Things all too high, with flubborn wilf.
And flable joy for man expefl !
And now, my pipe, thou may'ft be flill f
My pipe, my lute, my lyre, be flill !
Yet filent fiiall not be your &te!
When to oblivion's dnfl^y rfll
Retire the little and the great
My harp fliall found when I am ftill!
B u
L I A.
Evil, be ihoumygoodl-^SATAK.
DuRfKo the con ted between Sedlra and Rey-*
nardam, the fiuHans received many corroborating
proofs of the judice of their opinion refpefiing
the chamber of the latter. Reynardam, whom
natuse intended for a great man, by his vices and
debaucheries^ had rendered hixnfelf defpieablr*
He was a profefled gamefler, and the moil infa-
mous charafier amongft the Bulians was that of
a gameften He omitted no opportunity of ex«
ercifmg Us abilities in bis profcffion, even at a
time
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No. XIV.
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
time when one woiild lead have expe£led it ; and
he became doubly anxious refpeding the fate of
hit conteft with Sefilra, becaufe he had betted
.coniiderable fums that he fhould prove fuccels-
fill. It is not therefore to be wondered at that
he Ihould ufe every effort and every art in his
•power to recover his fituation in the Etanes, the
lofs of which would entirely have ruined him,
I have already informed you that a Bulian lady
of diflin6lion had rendered herfclf confpicuous
by folxciting the mob in his defence. But Novc-
da did more : fhe not only folicited but bribed ;
£he corrupted the indigent ; and gave liberty to
thofe prifoners who promifed to give their voices
for Reynardam« All Bulta (lood a(loni(hed at
her condu6l. She lavifhed immenfe fums of mo-
nc)' on the people, who^ in return, derided hpr ;
(he fuiFercd her reputation to be queflioned by
the ignorant and the afluming ; fhe became a bye-
word araongil wretches who had been taught to
look up to her with reverence ; and all this for
a notorious gambler ; a man -fcouted from the fo-
ciety of the good ; who fubfifted by noife and
clamour^ and depended on his impudence and his
cunning for his daily fuppoit.
In defence of this pnecious feUow^ the Uvcly
Kevcda^ as (he was called, afliiled by fome of the
moil infamous amongft the men, and of the mofl
abandoned amongft the women, for fuch only
were the friends of Rcynardam, flood chief
championefs ; and as the fuccefs of Reynardam
became more apparent, it was difcovered that her
inflxience had been the more extenfive.
You will probably be much furprifed, when I
inform you that Noveda was married, and that
her hufband had the proper ufe of his faculties ;
that he was neither bed-ridden nor blind, and was
reckoned <* a good fort of a man." This, how-
ever, was a6Uiaily the cafe. Eknd^ for that was
his name, was held in as great efleem amongd the
virtuous, as Reynardam was amongft the vicious,
of the Bulians. But it was the misfortune of
£kud to be a political partifan ; and nature never
defigned him for a politician. Reynardam was
artful; Ekud fimple. Reynardam was a6live ;
£kud indolent. Reynardam was poor; Ekud
rich. Reynardum was ambitious, and had (kill
enough to render Ekud the tool of his ambition.
So that between the folly of the hufband smd the
aflc^tion of the wife, Reynardam found hiqifelf
well fupported in his conteft with Sefdsa, for
.many of the Bulians who wifhed to retain the fa-
.v«our of Ekud appeared under the banners of
Rxynardam. ,
Tui exeitions of Noveda at length had the
#eflred eflie& A fuperiority of numbers appear- i
ed on the part of her hero ; and it was expefled
that he would have proved viftorious. And it
was natural to fuppofcfo. In Bulia, as in Lon-
don, the worthy part of the community cannot
boaft of numbers equal to the unworthy and the
carclefs. In fupport of Re>Tiardam appealed all
thofe of Bulia, who, in this metropolis, would
be diflinguiflicd by the vulgar appellation of
'* Blackguards ;" an innumerable train ! — headed
by Noveda, fome common proftitutes, and a few
charaftcrs who called thcmfelves ^en^/m«i, and
who by their profeffions were entitled to the ap-
pellation ; but who, by their conduft on this and
fome other occafions, difcovered that they were
neither very gtntU, nor really mtn\ but were
charaacrifed by a peculiar phrafe in the Bulian
tongue which I cannot very well tranflate, tho'
the word Bully conveys a faint idea of its mean-
ing. Thcfc Litter gentry were the tools of Rey-
nardam, and would have been the tools of any
one from whom they could reafonably expeft
prcfcnt reward, or future emolument.
On the pcrfonal influence and bribery of No-
veda, the flattering impudence of the profli-
tutes, the aftivity of the abovementioncd gewtU*
mcfiy and his own pcrfeverance, Reynardam re^
lied for fupport, and apparently, relied not in
vain. But I fhall hereafter inform you of the
exultation of virtue over vice, and of the down-
fal <>f Reynardam. MeanwhUe, accept of the
following tranflation of his private addrefs to his
friendi*
Reynardam to his Friends.
[Private.]
Your affembling in my favour, does me great
honour. Let it, however, be recolleded that
your intercft in the prefent conteft is more deep-
ly concerned than mine. The fociety oi Black-
legs is particularly interefted. Should I not re.
gain a feat in the Etanes fome honeft fool, like
Sefilra, may introduce kws tending to the aboli-
tion of gaming, and the infUtution of that order
in fociety upon the breaking of which depends
our very exiftence. If we cannot plunder the
weak, cheat our rich friends, and bilk our ci^
ditors, we fhall be totally undone. Thefe am
the liberties and privileges which I truft you will
endeavour to preferve inviolate, and which you
may depend fhall receive every public and private
fupport that I can give them. I am exceedingly
forry, that my attempt on the Balloon merchanU
of Aidni was not attended with fuccefs. Had
I obtained their wealth, you fhould have fh«ied
my happinefs, and it would have cpabled us to
have introduced that fyftem of government
without
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
No. XIV*
without which we muft fink to infignificance and
ruin, if we do not previoufly meet a more igno-
minious fate. But, aided by your exertions,
doubt not, my friends, that I (hall be able to ao
complifti the great purpofea I have fwom to fee
eftabliflied ; and that nothing can finally prevail
againd the determined perCeverance of my dear
friends, the Black-legs^ the ProfiituUs^ the Shar-
pers^ and the Bullies of Bulia« I have given the
neceflary orders to upwards of three hundred
Bulian Blackguards for defending my own caufe
and perfon, and who will take care to aflail the
adherents of my opponent in f uch a manner as
to prevent their appearance in his behalf a fe-
,cond time. I conclude with wiihing that your
daily toils in my behalf, may be fucceeded by
no£bumal fuccefs, whether it be on the high-way,
or at the gaming-table, in picking locks, or in
picking pockets. But your virtues and your dex-
terity are unrivalled, and will, doubilefs, be
crowned with ^ccefs.
Masquixade*
Kings Theatre.
The Mafquerade of Thurfday night was uri-
cxpeftedly attended by upwards of eight hundred
people ; amongd which, were many gentlemen
of rank, and a few ladies of fafhion. In the
train of Venus the Watfins led the van ; the noted
Perdita being fo terribly reduced as not to have
ft fpare guinea ; and being engagexi on a ffrivaU
committee at the Shakefpeare. Corby n^ the White
Crow, the WkUe Dove, and other IVhite DmU in
abundance, graced Chefcene.
The chara^crs were very few, and of thofe
few, not above two were decently fupported*
A good deal of low wit was fportcd amongd (he
political gentry, but it was not my fortune to hear
any thing worth recerrdtng.
The Prince of Waies waspvefent, atid feenN
tA (Iruck wilit the appearance of feveral Fox"
krufiiS etitwined with &mrttf which the politick
folly of fome had induced them to wear as badges
denoting die particular hmacjt with which they
were unhappily ai!t£fced. His Highnefit appcar-
*d extremely forry for the poor wretches that
Wefe thus diftTngMifhed, anc^ unable tc^ bear the
Aght of Aich egregjlous foHy, quitted &e rooms
in lefs than an hour*
The ufiial afibrtment oF nofbgay and orange
f irb, paftoral nymphs, milk-maids and ntms,
gave ftmie edief to^ the black dominos, which
iormed a^ more numerous body than ordinary.-^
1^ (upper rooms were weE ferved, and the
>ri&fcs^p<MU
Hammont prevailed through the whole, that
is, the company were as dull as m^t tedon^
ably be expeded at an Engliih mafquefade ;• and^
having had a tolerable fupper for thef# i^kiinea^
departed highly (atisfied with themfelves.
Exhibition.
Smtierfet'Htm/e4
I AM now going to give you my fentimeDts oil
fome of the paintings exhibited in the Royal
Academy. But I will firfl premife, that I
judge of each piece from its effect, and not from
peculiar perfections or impcrfeftions in it»
mnutittn Being neither a painter nor a con-'
noiiTeur, I have an advantage on my part, which-
I fhouldbe forry to lofe; for it has been well
and juftly remarked, ** that the painter and
<< connoifllBur are often in danger of having their
<^ fendbility deadened, or their natural tafte cor«
*< rupted, by a knowledge of the technical
*^ ffn'ntt^ of the art, fofarastothrowthebaknce
<' (of right judgment) towards the fide of the
« common fpeftator/^
The Exhibition of this year produces very
few paintingjs which dHcover genius as well a»
imitation; and it muft be matter of regret to
all lovers of this delightful art, that the names
of fome of its greateft ornaments are not to be
found in this year's catalogue: Caioiboroiigh^
Romney, &c. &c.
Out of the Jixieen fk€t!$ exhUkitcd by Sir
Jofliua Reynolds, no \ch ihut fourteen are mer«
portraits, unlefr I except that of Mrs Siddon»
which has- already received mote commendation
than lean lubkribe to. We are told that it re^
prefents that hnmitable aftreft as the Tragic
muje ; a circumftance which, in the pi£hireitfelf,
is to be difcoveied only by the aukward figure*
€m each fide of hef, the one bearing a bowl, and
the other a dagger. Sir Jofhua it the firft paih<r
ter, I believe, that ever attempted to exhibit the
Tragie mufe fitting, if ^e ftrange pofition iiv
whieh he has placed her, may be calfed fitting*
Thebowl and dagger gpntry ftand Hke tw» pfllars,
both of a height, and about equal diftances from
the mufe, and by being brought forward, take a
good deal fix)m the eifeft of the principal fi9n«w
It is » great pity that they were not o&erwife
difpofed of.
WiTB refpeft to» the likendi^ I cannot (ay
muck in its favour. There is indeed a likenefi^
but it is by no means an happy one. I wa»
(landing by the fide of Mrs. Siddons, on Wed*
neiday, at the time I was examining tiiis^ pifture,
and could nothdp remarkbg that there- is a felt*
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l4o. XIV.
tllE MEW SPECTATOR, Ac
toftnefs, a dilicacy, romething indefctibably plea-
fing in her countenance of which neither that
pidiure, nor any other that I have yet fecn of
her, conveys any adequate idea. Of tliis cele-
brated pifture, then-, my opinion is briefly this ;
that the pofition of the mufe is bad; the likenefs
of Mrs. Sjddons not good ; the attendant figures
'Qiukward, and vilely placed ; and the colouring
in Sir Jofhua's ufual flilc — whether that is good
^r bad,
" Who Ihall decide when Doaors dlfagrcc ?'^
fecmcmber, that this is the critique o^ jf§hn Bull,
Your amateurs and vonnoiffcurs will perhaps point
tout innumerable beauties in this /k^/i7w^ pifture ;
and, by difcriminalion, doubtleG thfcy may very
juftly commend iu But it is my bufincfs to judge
t)f the whole ; and^ judging of the whole, 1
think nothing but the name of Sir Jofhua Rey-
nolds could confer celebrity on this piece *, and
it may be remarked, that thofe who have already
been lavifti in their praifes of it, have carefully
tonfined themfelves to general conlmendation,
Vrithout pointing Out any particular inflance
wherein either the fublime or the beautiful is
ftrikingly predominant*
Thr pifture No. 81, and called in the cata-
ioguc. " The apotheofis of Prince Alfred and
<* Prince Oftavius," is, by far, the moft pleaf-
ing pifture in the Exhibition. It is painted by
Mr. Wcib ; and rcprefents the guardian angel
introducing the princes to each other in the
"regions of the bleflcd. The defign is ingenious
and elegant* The likeneflcs of the princes arc
very happily preferved. The divine fweetnefs
t>f the angel's countenance, and the delightful
Hmplicity of the children are, beyond expreltion,
tharming. The colouring is 1 i vely and beautiful .
I do not recoUeft ever feeing a more happy ef-
fufion of the modem pencil.
As the prefent Exhibition boafts of few hifto-
rical pieces, I fhall not trouble you with many
animadvcrfions ; for, with refpeft to portraits,
he can but badly judge of the piftures who is a
(Iranger to the originals.
Th e portraits of Mr. Fox and Mifs Kemblc,
by Sir Jolhua Reynolds, are as good as any in
the room. The likenefles are ftrong, and, what
is extraordinary, the colouring is good ; and it is
with much pleafure, that I obferve this painter
to have rejefted, in fome meafure, that rough,
coarie manner of laying on his colours for which
he has been fo univerfally admired, and which,
to a connoiflleur, may be very ftnc, but which
never fails to difguil a common fpeflator,— -It is
remarkable, that every pupil of the pencil can
produce a likenefs of Mr. Fox ; and that fcarceiy
one has given us a tolerable face of the Sid-
dons. — But of painting and of painters, more
hereafter.
Cove nt Garden.
This Theatre, ever embracing novelty, and va-
riety^ will on Monday next, offer to the public
for their Jm/on, 2i New Comic Opera^ called Too
Loving by half, from which great cxpefta-
tions ai^ formed. I am amazed that the Author,
who at this period flourifhes in the zenith of li-
terature, fhould choofe a Benefit night, for its
frjt reprefcntation ; but, I muft acknowledge
that Mrs. Martyr's melodious powers, and atten-
tion to the Theatre, are worthy of the obligation,
which the manager and author has beflowed
on her,
I am, Dear Spec,
Yours finccrcly,
JOHN BULU
To /A^ New Spectator.
Mr. SPECTATOR,
Perhaps the difcovcry of the Philofo-
pher's Stone would not have made more noifc
than the invention of the Air-Balloon, which
however^ is not fo new as we have beea taught
to believe. The principle was known two
thoufand years ago. There is a remarkable paf-
fage in Aulus Gellius which confirms me in this
fa£l. Ho tells us, K lo. c, 12, that Archytas, a
difciplc of the famous Pythagoras^ made a
wooden pigeon to fly by means of air confined
within it, and on the motion being fomewhat
rarified, kept afloat, whilft certain wheels with-
in fet it forward.
Probably Monf. Mongolfier never faw this
pafl*age, or if he did, could reap but little benefit
from it ; for he found-out the principle purely
by chance ; having thrown the conical paper
cover of a fugar-loaf into his chimney, he ob-
ferved it to remain fefpended by the fmoke ; and
from this circumftancc Monf. Mongolfier took
the firft hint of his Air-Balloon, which, noi-
withftanding the ridicule thrown on it by the
ignorant, is likely to be produftive of many
important difcoveries.
I am, Sir,
Yours, Ac.
F AVONIUS.
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«
THE NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
Ko. XlV*
I To the NtVtSPECTATOKn
Pricnd Spec,
A CERTAIN lady of faflioin, whofc father
is latdy dead, has her black gown decorated with
bows of blue ribbons, and a3 (he is fald to be a
leader of female taftc, I defire to know whether
the bows of blue arc the decoration of falhion,
or marks of infanity in the lady ? She reminds
me of Opheliay who, in her diftraAion for the
iofs of her father, decorates herfelf with draws :
probably the lady in quefiion, from the fame
principle, may exprefs her diflraflion by a fan-
tadical ufe of coloured ribbons. If this be the
cafe, I recommend her to the care of Monro,
and fmccrcly wifli her better.
Yours, &c.
PROPRIETY.
To other CoRRES^OKdE^TSi
1 AM very much obliged lo Mr, K,/or his friendly
intimation^ which Jhall be attended to \ and I Jhalt
chearfuUy acknowledge his future favours, — TJu
Curious Club do me much honour ; and I fhall he
glad to he favoured with the laws of their infUtutiorti
'•^The lady who figns herfdf Euphrafia, is miftaken
in Jier conjeEture, and muft he referred to DoElor
Kaiterfelto. — The verfes^ faid to he written by a young
lady, on Spring, have already appeared in a maga*
zinc, and having nothing particular to recarhmend
them, are inadmifible.-^The Political Prebend, a
Satire, is received, and fhaU have due attenticm* — The
addition to theBcvy of Blockheads, is alfo received^
and the whole fhall appear at a convenient oppor*
tiinity.
Sold by T. AXTELL, No. i, finch-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charles-Street, St. JamesVSquare ; by P. BRETT, Bookfeller and
Stationer, oppofitc St. Clement's-Church in the Strand ; and by W. THISELTON, Bookfeller and
Sutioner, No. 37, Goodge-Strcet, Rathbone-Place.
%♦ CdRRispoNDENTi arc requeftcd to addrefs their favours to the New Speciator, to be
left at Mr. Swift's, in Charles-Street, St. Jamcs's-Squarc, where a Letter-Box is affixed
for their reception*
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THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
Ill 1
No* XV.
TUESDAY, May ii, 1784.
Price Three-pence*
To be continued every Tuesday. ^
Servetur ad imutH
Quails ab incctpto proajferit', ^ fUn conftct.
From firft to laft a due proportion keep>
Let all the parts agree
HORACI*
SO far as ou^ obfetVation enables us to form
an idea of the a6kions of othei^, it never
fails to imprcfs on our minds fome fenfe of their
propriety and rcftitude *, but if this be more
clofely examined^ it will, I am perfuaded, be
found ftriftly to regard propriety and reftitude,
•in the plain meaning of the words^ no further
than to ftrangcrs*, for among our friends and
acquaintance the reference or comparifon does
not fo much depend on real re6litude, as a con-
formity with that line of Conduft they have ge-
nerally purfucd, and which conflitutes what is
ufually termed charafter. Now if a perfon a6b
conformable to that, we never, in common trailf-
a£lions, fcrutinize every particular a6Uon ac-
cording to the rigid rules of drift propriety; for
we may obferve, that we form as infbtntaneouS,
and, in general, as juft an idea how any one
would aft, either in faying, doing, or fuffering,
as we do of their fuppofed articulation, or accent
in pronouncing any word we do not recolleft
-ever to have heard them ufe. This being the
general flandard or criterion by which we mea-
furc, or try the words, or aftions of others, is the
rafon why the fmalled deviation, either to the
right or the left, equally furprifes us : to obferve
a peirfon remarkablii for loquacity, fitting filent ift
a circle of convivial friends, or to hear anothelr
of audere gravity, burfl into an uncommon loud
fit of laughter at a trifling incident, or commoti
turn of wit^ afle6bu5 equally as to hear an illite-
rate perfon ufe a fcientifical word with the ut*
mofl propriety both in fenfe and accent, or a
perfon of known erudition, accidentally mifplacfe
or mifapply otie* And to obferve an abandoned
perfon, whofe corrupted heart places its felicity
in low wit and obfcenity, remain fllent when k
favourable opportunity offers of introducing one
of his favourite common-place puns, or a perfon
of exemplary fanftity and purity of manners, be-*
trayed by a fudden gud of paf&on Into aftions or
expreflions far beneath himfelf, furprifes us dill
more ; but in either Cafe the perfon does not lofe
his reputation ; the one is an agreeable, and the
other a very dilagreeable furprife, and among
people of confined intelligence, is an inex-
haudible fource of convcrfation ; from whence
we may obferve, that we form our opinion of a
perfon's conduft, rather from what we fuppofe
he will do, than what he docs* Now refpefting
a dranger, of whom we have no rule to judge by,
we are more apt to try their aftions, and form an
opinion
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T.H,£ iT.EW S;PEXTATOa^, y&c
>NatXV.
jDpinion of them by the nicer models of propriety
.and re£Utude; and as in the former cafe, our
expectation amounts almod to a certainty of
their ading in ■ conformity with tlieir own cha-
ra£ler: fo in this (as we always arc wilhing to fte
Ihat pcrfcftion, we feel our own, and fee our
fne/nls deficiency in) our hopes awi^kep pur
fexpe&tion of feeing them aft, up to, this modcH
So almoft as great a degree of probability as the
other approaches to certainty ; and in pniponion
as we find ourfelves repeatedly difappointed, do
we withdraw our confidence, and form in our
own mind^ a)i idea of their chat^aCler as of
others: feeling at each difappointment ofthii
kind, and in proportion as our expeftations were
raifed, a Something which does not difplcafe us,
at each new inflance of human {iailUbility ;
adducing fuch freOi arguments in defence of our
own vices as we can deduce from their confor-
mity therewith^ Or prefuming on our own ibr*
titude or prudence when in any weaknels to
Which wo are not addii^edb
Now as we, after many years e)cperience, arc
apt to feel ourfelves hurt on one fide, and rather
apt to arrogate on the other^ by the fallibility of
thofe from whom nothing but our curiofity had
taught us to e^pe£t any thing exemplary; I have
^^efted, an4 that with jthe d^S^ft conpen^
pn Jtibe precarious fituati9n of chilcb^ in this
rcfpe^ and hpw c;areful eVery one coQcerne4
^ their welfare or Mfitionj ought to 1^, npjfp^^
contrary to the documcjits and advice Ihey give ;
for as every one }s fnorethan ftrapg^f (pthfHR)
:wh^\ we experience in our e>cpe&atios of f^i^p-
gers, is more than doubly fjSt ^y^n with regar^i
to Uficir own parents J and as the love of lib^rfy^
even more than Aatof credujjjy, ^ inhc^-c^nt i^i
PHT yyry nafu^, any 4eviatio^ In u^ fr^m the
ru|es we prefcrib^, helps more; ^pd giorc to ppq-
^rm the ^picion their ^lopcii k^^ ^tjcfcd thetp
Wth of our fallibility, and confcqi^cfttly in^^i^
l^co:^ with hpRCS that the rcftraint they lie vt,n^
or^nates in, and will end withj par^qtol %uthc^
rity, and t^at nothing but a ffw y^ars cjrp
wanting to leave tbcm at liberty to gratify evc;iy
wiib (wants they have few, d^^ they but ^nq%y
U>eir l^pptnefs); and, flrangcrs to tl^eid^apf fla^.
very to fin^ and the rcfiftkfs ixiftpyll? ^i \\\
lia^its and gnrti^lipns, t^ in t;hc height qf
cxjeft^tipp, conf^ every deviation f^^jp the
anil^ prrfcrilpjd then^, to be th^ r^fult pf copj
dpliberation in thcr ftj^eriors, a^ cpnfcquci^tly
^at there muft bc^ Ibm^ bid^n fecret pleafurQ,
which it can be no harm for them to partake of,
any more than another, whofe fupcriorycan
give them a claim to prefatenceiiVttncferibodiiig
which they think would indiK^eithenHOHF^fmi^
if there was that danger in thofe pra8ifet which
has been reprefented unto them : and while this
is the cafe, while fuperior difcemment will
pufillanimoufly fuffer itfelf to be drawn into
.low, vulg;»r, enjoyments, thereby .b}afU^g ^
keen remorfe that happincfs their own foul in*
forms, aifuresj and convinces them, is within*
their reach ; it will be impofflble for the moft
pathetic language experienced piety can adopt^
to redrain inexperienced minds; impelled by
thcfe confiderations on one fide, and flufhed with
fome little exhilarating fuccelTes on the other,
they pufh off from fhore in purfuit of pleafure,
and calmly think xhat ihe voice .of experience
fympathetically warning them of the danger 4tkey
run, is pretty well -rewarded if it come ofiF with-
out contep^t ; any hazard the fage advifer may
have xun, .or any JbIUac€* he pyy l^ucc of
premature pain and infirmity, ib confequence of
yoijithfvil pleafure, feem rather to them to imply
foir^ palpable deftft in the juvenile under-
fbnding, to rdfiilt from fome ill chofen connec-
tions, which their fuperior prudence is to pre-
vent, or from a petulancy of difpofition towards
thofe pleafures which he can no longer enjoy*
.U U l U.iJH
To tfie New Spectator*
NJn SPECTATOR,
The influ;;nce of fupcrdition on weak mind#
is aHoniihingly great ; apd a few centuries agc^
the learned as lyell as the ignorant of this king-
dom) cpuld not refill its fway»
A^onQST the variety of inflahcet mentioned
of thp interference of the Holy Virgin, there ia
one preferved in a record lodged in the Towe^
wqrihy of inyeftigationk It is4a|ed in the 31(1.
of Ipldwi m. 1347^ and the copy pf tb^. rpcpr^
if a^ fplk^w^ ;
*' Th^ ILing, to all bailifif an^ pdier his liegp
M. ful)J9^^ to wbor^ thefe prcfen,ts, fl^all co^^^
<« Qree^ng : B^ it kppwn untg yoy, that^ vbci^
«* a$ Cedlx who yf^s the ^ifip of ^l^n Rjgcw^^
« Was lately ij^i^i^ fpjc the ihMid?r gi the faid
^l JphPf her hi^fb^d^ and brpught U» hw triiJL
« for the famp, before pmr b^teKedand fiudifAiI
« Henry Grojfe,^ an4 ^ brp^w jwJgfis ^^ ^hfr
^ytuighofi^ry l^ift^Kcqpfiximg. mHie^ an4 i»fi*'
«<. fi^ to.plea4 to th<; laid! iff4i9mei«U QiQ.^VMr
«f fcntepUcd tp \^ cqg^wmi t,Oi <lo(b CiiA?)^
<< without any vi6hials or drink, for the fpaed of
** forty daySf which ihe miraculoufly, and even
w contrary
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No. XV.
THB NEW SPBCTATQR, ^
3
<' contrary to the cottrfie of human nature* went
** through, 9$ we we well ^nd fully ajfund ojy
" from pcrfons of undouhted credit. We do,
<« therefore, for that rcafon, and from a principle
*« of piety to the glory of God, and of the blef-
" fed Virgin Mary, his mother, by whom it is
«* thought, this miracle was wrought, out of our
•« fpecial grace and favour, pardon the (aid Cc-
<« cily from the further execution of the featence
** upon her ; and our will and pleafure is, that
*' fhe be freed from the faid prifon, and no far-
" ther trouble given her upon the account of the
*• fdid fcntence. In witnefs, &c*"
As I do not recolle£l having read any account
of this extraordinary tranfaclion, wliich muft,
doubtlefs, have caufed much fpeculation at that
time, 1 (hall be greatly obliged to any of your
corrcfpondcnts who can inform me of any fur-
tlicr particulars refpe6ling this matter, and am.
Yours, &c.
ANTIQ.
To the New S p b c t a t o a.
Friend Spec,
I AM a great admirer of new maxims, and con-
template with pleafure the progrefs of iafhion in
fentiment, as well as in drefs. I am, therefore,
very much delighted to find the ridiculous max-
im, fo repeatedly inculcated in former times,
«« Not to praifc thyfelf," is now become obfolete,
as are many others of the fame kind, which are,
no douht, juftly rejeftcd, as not being founded
on naturcj for, topurfue'the di^tes of naturCi is
now the ton phibfophic. It is to be obferved, that
this purfuit of mere nature is confined to the ac-
tions and paflions of mankind, and not to their
arts or fcicnces -, any thing relating to thofe, muft
now be regulated in oppofition to nature, other-
wife the cfTcfts of the Jublime and wonderful are
loft. Thus modem poets and modern muficians
are too polite and too fafhionable to attempt agi-
tating your mind, by exciting the paflions, and
wifh only to raife a gentle emotion oi furpriu \
^nd I cannot but acknowledge, that they have
-earned this piece of delicacy to the very pinnacle
of perfeftion.
One improvement, like one misfortune, is
generally the mother of another ; fo the rejec-
tion of the old maxim, ** Not to praife thyfelf,"
was, conformable to the diflates of nature, im-
mediately followed with the reje6Uo>n of another,
" Not to fpeak againft thy neighbour ;" the abo-
lition of which laft maxim has evidently many
advantages attending it ; for men, hy extolling
themfelvesi might fometimes be tempted to impofe
on credulity, and endanger the intereft of their
fellow-creatures, but by tho abolitioii of the laft
maxiniy this eSe& it, in a great meafure, happily
defeated.
AtL old fyftems have their partisans. I be*
licve there are people who fcctctly favour the
Ptolomy fyflem, in oj^ofition to that of Coper-
nicus ; and I am not imacquainted with fomo
families, who oblHaately adhere to the old
dtvifion of time, and dine at one o'clock in the
day, inftcad of five ; go to bed at ten, and rife
at fix, and fo invert the very order of nature.
And thus it happens refpefting the before-men-
tioned maxims, they of the old party, call fpeak*
iiig in praife of ourfelves, vamty ; and expofing
the defeds of our neighbours, they call fcandoL
However, it is thought that as the old patrty i%
very weak, it will fhortly be brought over, fox
every one of its adherents is already fufpoded of
a latent affection, for the new fyi^m.
The rejection of two ruke% which bung like
dead- weights upon the tongue, has given to coi^
verfation a freedom which conftitutes it^ fpirit^
and is indeed its chief ornament, and has afford-
ed mankind the means of knowing each other
much better than they could otherwife have
attained. Some, indeed, do not fcruple to aflert,
that they know their neighbours as well as, per-
haps better than, themfelves.
Tuxsp are confiderations which I eamefUy
f ubmit to your Spec tat o r s u i p 's mature del ibe-
ration, and wifh to be favoured with yoiu: fen-
timents pn the old and new fyftems alluded
toby Yours, &c.
FOSTER FASHION.
To the New Spictatok*
Too Loving by Half!
Mr. Spectator, Covent-Garden^
Permit me to make a few obfervations
on the comic opera, performed, for the firft
time, laft night, for the benefit of Mrs. Martyr*
It is the produftion of Mr. Horatio Robfon^ who»
from the unlimited, and deferved applaufe,
which Too Loving by Half^ experienced laft
night from a refpe6Uble and numerous audience,
I have no doubt, will again delight the public
with a fpecimenof Ms comic powers. Some
part of the mu^ wa^ judicioufly compiled^
in particular an Italian air, by Mrs. Martyr^
in which fhe gave repeated tefUmonies of the
excellency .of her voice. A Duet^ by Brett,
and Mrs. Bannifter, begining with " Sweet is
the breath of love^" a^^d a Trio, bjr Dibdin,
were beautiful. Altqgeth<;r it was light, and
pretty. Butj. w^ ft^puld .U\e new mK$^» as fome
tim«
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THl NEW SPECTATOR^ &c.
No. XV.
timeigb, advcrtifcd, by a faoourite compofcr, be
Uidafide? Whether that difappointment arofc
from the falfe judgment 6f the author, afFeda-
tion of the performers, or idlenefs in the band,
I have not been able to difcovcr ; but it is a rc-
fle6Hon on all thru^ and it is what every manager
ought to prevent An entire compilation^ not
only deprives the public of variety ; but dcftroys
every effort of rifing genius.
The dialogue is natural, eafy, and fprightly,
and kept the houfc in a perpetual laugh. The
charaftcrs of Quick and Wcwitzer, are ably
written, and were particularly well fupportcd ;
indeed the latter, efpccially, never appeared to
fo much advantage. Some of the performers
Were rather impctfeft in their parts, but on the
whole, did the piece juftice. Mrs. Martyr, in
the plain drefe t)f a waiting-maid, looked as
lovely, and fung as charming as ever.
Thb managcVwill do himfclf, the town^ and
Ihe author much irtjuftice if he docs not prcfent
it as an after-piece.-^From this fpecimen, the
public may reafonably exped mueb future en-
tertainment from the pen of Mr. Robfott.
I am^ Sit, yours, ic.
Bed/ord'Ami. tHEATRICUS,
To the New Sr£CTAtoi>
Mr. SPECtATOft,
Though i am no great friend to Irre^lar Odts^
or indeed modem odes of any fort, there is
fomething in the following which pleafe^ my
fancy, and which therefore I wi(h to fee in
Ac Naw Spectatori
Yours, &c«
Ode to Melpomene.
Amidst cbe foarce whence pity draws
Her (acred fiream, by nature's laws,
To mitigate the fcene of ill,
Some drops of pure delight didil.
Th& confcious heart, that throbs and yeams«
Upon iifclf obfcrvant turns;
With honed pleasure glows to fitid
humanity within enihrin'd :
And counts each drop of that bled ihowei'^
An offering worthy of the power*
Thou moift-ey'd mufe, whofe footflep loves,
Not in the gaudy day,
Nor where the painted minions of the fpring,
Their fafciuating fragrance fling ;
But late in (hades, and cyprefs groves,
Beneath o'er hanging rocks to dray ;
Or tho(e deferted glades to feek.
Where tomblefs gho(b glide by and (hriek
Hence the chafte thrtftings which enhance
Thy fcenes above mirth's fefiive dance.
Hence to thy fad and folemnfliews,
Thy (Irongly imitated woes,
In fcarch of pure delight,
The good and tender flock to weep :
In Pity's balm their bofoms fieep,
And buy with tears the confcioufnefs of right !
Go, the foul's miflrefi ! teach the gay
Whom flem misfortune bath not taught.
To feel and pity as they ought.
Shew them that life has cloudpand (lorms,
A fun that burns as well as warms,
And ^st% that ach with grief while they unconfcious play.
But ah ! fad goddcl's ! go not nigh
The haunts of real mifcry.
The foul that's wounded ill can bear
The pidurM image of defpair :
And wounds which lenient time has heal'd,
Or dull oblivion's veil conceal'd,
Will blcedafrefli when thou art view'd :
Nor let thy vifions all too rude.
On love's fequefter'd walks intrude.
What can'ft thou teach the gentle breaft,
^y that foul-foftening power polFeQ,
But frantic fears and ten-fold care,
Heart-rending horror and defpair P
Whatever fatal ule is (hown,
The anxious lov^r views his own:
In that dark glafs his fortune reads,
And (inks beneath a (ancy'd doom ;
His nymph, and not Monimia blcedS;-^
'Tis (he that groans in Juliet's tomb !
Here then, Melpomene, forbear ; thy lore,
Tbo' it (hou'd teach, would torture more ;
They who with paflion bum, or droop with woe,
Have feelings but too quick, and tears too apt to flow (
7(»^AeNBw Spectator.
D<iat Spec l
•
Amongst the variety of matters which engagie
the attention of thofe who daily peramhulate this
metropolis, there is none which more forcibly
(Irike my mind than the general prevalence of
Balloon Fashions!
Every thing is a la balloon \ and though the fa-
ttous aeroftatic machine of Monf. Mongolfier is
become a ftale article, yet the balloon is likely to
pervade every part of our fummer drcflfes, efpc-
cially amongft the ladies^ who lately confined
themfelves to balloon hats and caps, but have
now gowns called balloon^ from their colour, as
if a balloon (hould necedarily be of any parti-^
cular colour ) the jtetticoat, which was formerly
fringed, \% now fuibelowed and puffed, a la bal-
loon ; even the ihoet are decorated with balloon
rofcs,
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No. XV*
THE NEW SPECTATOR, *c.
rofeS) and I am credibly infonncd that the balloon
garter will (hortly make its appearance.— The
balloon hat has confiderably extended its dimen-
fions ; its circumference is equal to that of a com-
mon-fized umbrella, and, 1 fuppofcj it is meant
to anfwcr the fame purpofe. A lady, iki one of
thefe, looks as if fhe had got a round tea-board
«on her head, with an enormoiis (lop bafon, and
two dozen of cups and faucdrs.— ^The balloon
cap has alTumed no regular form ; and though a
part of the drefs which one would imagine well
calculated to be rendered balloonilh, the milliners
fail in all their attempts on the fubjcft.
I HAVE here a fine opportunity of being very
witty on the fubjeft of injlammahlc air ; and might
amufc myfclf with thoroughly differing the drefs
of a woman of falhion, were 1 not apprchcnfivc
of encroaching on the prerogative of thofe ad-
mirable writers who furnifh our libraries with
Light Summer-reading for LadUs^ &c.
The Balloon has not only pervaded every
part of drefe, but it has found its way into the
heads and (hops of confc£Honcrs: and Balloon
bifcuits and fwcetmcats are now as common as
fugar-plumbs ; whilft inftead of Hot Jpict Nuts^
the barrow-m-n vociferates, Fine BaUoon-Ginger-
breads Jmoaking hot !
What is IHll more remarkable than all this^
the balloon has found its way to the bar and the
pulpit. When a man has been at law for a cer-
tain time, and is at length non-fuited, the gende-
mcn of the long robe have found it extremely
difficult to make their clients underftand that
term, and have, therefore, wifely adopted the
word Ballooned, which certainly cohveys their
meaning belter by half. When a rtin is non-
failed^ he neither knows what is done, nor what
he is to do -, but the moft ignorant man knows
that when he is Ballooned^ it is his bufinefs to
fly.
With refpcft to the pulpit it has of late been
too much infe^ed with inflammable air ; and too
tnany of" ihc clergy too much refemblc an air
balloon : the people fee them exalted like a bal-
loon, and many pay For feeing them who cannot
difcover their ufc.
But of all the learned profeflions, Phyfic has
made the moft wonderful progrefs in the balloon
manufadory. There is fcarcely one of the fa-
culty who does not daily fend men and women
on aerial expeditions, not only into other coun-
tries, but into other worlds; and they have
brought their balloons to fuch perfeEUon that
many of their cuftomers lofe fight of the cartii in
a few minutes.
Thus almoft every branch of bufinels has xtM
balloons, and happy is the man that can fly the
higheft !
Exhibition.
Somerfet'Hau/e.
Amongst the landfcapes in this year's Ex-
hibition, are feveral by Loutjicrbourg, and
executed with his ufual flcill. His view of " Bra-
" ther Bridge^ which divides Weftmoreland
«* from Cumberland," is a noble painting, ad-
mirably pifturcfque, and highly finifhed. His
« Dove-dale in Derbyfhire," and " Matlock
" High-Torr,** are plcafing pifturcs, and exaft
rcprcfentations of thofe romantic fcencs.— " A
" fylvart foene, taken at the top of a cafcade in
" Weftmoreland," by Thomplbn^ is a delightful
fubjcft, and well executed. Such fcen^s^ indeed,
arc fit for the contemplation of genius.
" Moses receiving the law on Mount Sinai,*'
painted by' Mr k Wed, for his Majcfty's chapel
in Windfor Cafile, is the principal pifturc in
the Exhibiton ; and a piece in which the patntet
has difcovered great genius in the defign, and
no Icfs (kill in the execution. The figure of
Mofcs is extremely ft ri king : he is reprefented
ftandlng with a table in eac'h hand, the left being
extended into the cloud over his head, where
the finger of the deity is fuppofed to infcribe on
that table a part of the law^ Mr. Weft has
judicioufly omitted attempting that which, ad«
niits not of delineation : and of which no human
being can hare any conception t the figure o(
the deity. He has endeavoured to convey an
idea of the prefence of God, by the grandeur
and awful folemnity of the fcene: the venerable
group) which fills the lower part of the piece^
confifting of Aaron and the elders, are covered,
as it were^ with light) and appear fenfible of the
prefence by declining their heads^ being unable
to bear the fplendour with which the deity is fur*
rounded. Joftiua, who accompanied Mofes to
the top of the mount, is> with great propriety
and beaut}', reprefented by a young man, hold-
ing a fcroU) proftrate on the mount.
Whilst the effulgence of the light, and the
noife of the thunder vifibly afle6l Aaron and
the elders of the people, Mofes is feen in the
midft of the cloud and whirlwind with flrmnefs
looking into the blaze of light.
In this excellent produflion, Mr. Weft has
happily united the exertions of genius and the
powers of painting. The light and the fliade,
the diftribution of colours, the amazingly ex-
preflave charad;crs of the heads, and ths beauty
of the draperies, all contribute to ftamp immor-
tality on this pifturc*
The
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THE NEW SPECTATOR! &e.
No. XV*
The pifturc No. 121, reprcfcnting the Prophet
Ifaiah, at the momcrit of his iniipiralion, is pecu-
liarly cxpreflivc of that inimitable fublimity,
which is the charaaeriftic of his writings. And
the pifture No. 135, which reprefcnU thecal! of
the Prophet Jeremiah, is equally eXprcCTive of that
humility, modefty, and meekncfs, which per-
vade his writings. The figure of Jeremiah is
peculiarly beautiful. Thcfe two are proper corr-
panions for that of Mofcs receiving the law, and
are by the fame excellent hand*
The portrait, No. ?o, of his Highnefs the
Prince of Wales, by Sir Jolhya Reynolds, is ad-
mirably painted, but the likcncfs is not good.
His Highnefs is rcprefented Handing, with a
drawtt fwotd, by the fide of ahorfc^ in a foreft,
and feems to have had the misfortune lo lofe his
hat, for upon carefully examining the pi6lurc,
I could not difcover it, and it cannot be fuppofed
he would amufe hittifclf with the diverfion ot
ridii^ without his hat.-a*-The horfe is delineated in
a ftrange pofition ; but the head is moft beautifully
painted, and the whole pi6hxre, in the execution^
difcovcrs the hand of amafter.-«^Of the Nymph
and Cupid, by the (ame great mafter, 1 (hall fay
fomething in my nekt.
B U L t A.
The cllmald of Bulla is of that happy tempe-
tatutc which is produftive of confiderable and
proportionable degrees of valour and genius^
llence they boaft of able warriors, eloquetit ora-
tprs and good poets* The hidory, therefore^ of
fuch a country^ cannot but be peculiarly amuling
and in(lrudive« Their manners and habits are
ftriking^ and they have been regarded by the
neighbouring planets as a people worthy of imt-
tatipn* I have read ibme of their ancient books
with inexpredible pleafurC) efpecblly the works
of feveral of their poets* But at the time we
vifited tbern^ they appeared to have degenerated
ip their poetry, though confiderably improved in
their profe. They feemed more atUched to the
fciences than formerly, and had made confidex^
able progreis in feveral branches of philofophy*
They particularly excelled in phytic, and gave
liich wonderful accounts of their (kill, confirm-
ed by the oaths of many Bulians, that we (hould
never have believed them fubje^^ to be conquered
by any of the evils of mortality, had not feveral
of them happened to die during our ftay amongft
them.
In Bulla, as in every other place, the climate
•pd tb^ mode of living contribute to the forma*.
tion and ftrwigthcning of feveral difeafes that
feem to mock the (kill of art 5 but fuch were
the amazing powers of the Bulian phyficians»
that by feveral papers they had publifhed, it ap-
peared that even thefe difeafes were fubjefi to
their controul, and muft infallibly be cured were
their patients ftriftly to obferve the direftions
prefcribed to them. For my part, I could not
help regarding, with peculiar veneration, a fct
of men who feemed to have the abfolute com*
mand of life and deadi, and (hould certainly
have been templed to have paid them divine
honours, but that they themfelves were perpetu'*
ally dying.
The gentlemen of this fraternity were exceed"
ingly ftrift in admitting others to exercife the
privilege of prefcribing medicines for the fick, and
regarded him as an impoftor who attempted to
cure the difeafed, without being a member of their
focicty. This, my friend and 1 attributed to that
patriotic principle which is fuppofed to pervade
every Bulian breaft, and of which every Bulian
boaib. Yet, I know not how it happened, fome
men who were not of that fociety^ difeovered
wonderful (kill in thefe matters, and reftored
many of the blind and the lame, who had been
deemed incurable by the faid fociety, for though
that fociety profelfed to cure every thing, yet it
frequently happened that they declared fome
things incurable !
It reflcfts no fmall praife on the Bulian phy-
ficians that, though they are continually attending
in the families of the great, very few have been
known to have abufed the confidence repofed in
them, by endeavouring to commence amoura
with ladies of diftin^on. We heard but of one
inftance of that kind, which had happened a con^
(iderable time ago ; tlie circumftances of which
were as follow,
Zela, the daughtei of a Bulian nobleman, aC
the age of fifteen, was feized with a fever which
threatened her with the lofs of life, and Lareui
an eminent phyiician, attended her. He prC'*
i'cribed fuch things as were ufual, in cafes of thp
like nature, but all to no purpofe. His attend*
ance gave- birth to a paffion which he dared not
to reveal, but which could not efcape the oUer^
vation of Zela. One day, when her fever was
abated, and (he was capable of conveHing with
her attendants, (he fent for Lareu, and whilfthe
was gazing on her with *' inefibble delight," iho
faid, ** I fee, I^reu, that paflion has got the bet«
ter of your prudence, and that in you I view a
lover as well as a phyiician," Lareu was con*
founded, but falling on his knee, he entreated
her to fpare his confiifion, and that tbOMgk &•
ha<i
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.No. XV,
THE tIEW SPECTATOR, &»•
had rightly judged of his.heott, he was fo far .
fronixprcluming to declare his^palltoq, that he in- j
tended to hav^ oppofed it with . all the philofppl^y \
he was mafteVof; " But fmcc, added he, you I
have flifcovered the fccret of my heart, fmcc it j
is true, that I love" — At that moment entered j
the father of Zcla. He was haughty, and impla- I
table, but laved his daughter to exccfs. Having |
heard the laft words of Larcu, and finding him
In a.fupplicaiing pofition before Zcla, he calUd
the ^rnii of liulia to witnefs, that if Larcu did
not cffed tlie cure of Zcla in ten days, without
feeing her, Lc would not only expofe him to Bu-
lla, but take away his life; whereqpon Lareu
was permitted to depart, and Zela communicated
to her fatlier all that had pafled.
Having in vain tried all the means prcfcribed
by tlie regular pra£lice, for the recovery of Ze-
)a, and her father having called in the aid of eve-
ty other eminent phyfician in Bulia, all whofe
efforts proved ineifefhial, and the tenth day
being at hand, "Lareu was determined, in oppofi-
tion to the regular praclice, to adopt an idea
prompted by nature and common fenfe. He»
therefore, fent to the father of Zela, a large
quantity of a liquid which, fo far from appearing
to hare any jncdicmaA tsfte or imell, feemtd <o-
.ULlly dclUtme of boch» With this, howc»€ty ht
jQent a meflage) impoodeg, that if whea the lady's
fev£r was jat its height, fhedmnk of that liqui4)
v^ithout fuccels, he would refign all pretenfiojM
to her cure. A confultation was immediately
"held by the othef phyficians, who, after tailing
the. liquid, andi ufmg many learned argnmertts,
declared themfclves ignoraot of kt Ba^^, and
advifcd, that it (hould not be given. To this the
father of Zela confented, who wifely held, that
in the multitude of couniellors tnere is fafety.
The liquid, however, was fccretly conveyed, by
a faithful attendant to the delirious Zela, who,
impatient to drink any thing that came in her
way, took great part of it at once. It aHiiaged
the heat of her body, and threw her into a found
flccp, from which fhe awoke in a calm and tran-
quil ftate of mind. Larcu fecretly fupplied her
with more, and in a few days (he peifedly re*
covered, and throwing herfelf at her father's
feet, inftplored his blefling, and intreated him to
fave the hfe and honour of him who had reftor-
ed her to health. Having got his promife to that
effed, Lareu was fent for, and, contrary to his
^opes, received the hand of his lovely patient,
from her father, who fwore, by the genii of
Bulia, that having faved the life of his daughter,
he dcfervcd her heart, and with it the blclTing of
a man who honored geniut laore than nches, and
delighted to raife merit to eminence. They were
foon united; and thus Lareu gained his miflreb,
by dcferting the rcguhrprafti6i,'anapetmitting
his patient, in a high fevcr, 'to drink a hottle df
uy cold'watefl
Rei?£ctikc other Btflian-nrttcert, Al^unaffllp*
^of the arrival of my friend from that coutitry
this week, I will give you his annCtatioifit ifl
-my next. Mean time lam,
Dettr Srp£C, Yourt,
JOHN Bxnsu
.. I m . .^.ji»^M^— — — ^n— til 1 1 ■ 1 1 I ■ H I ■■ ■
Ta the Nsw Spectator.
Mf. Spectator,
Your animadverfionsonthepofthumouf
letters of a late noble Earl, are extremely juft»
Looking overfome papers, I found the following
Monumental Injcription^ which, as it coincides
with your fentiments, I fend y5u for publicationi
and am,
TTours, &c»
Hers ttd the lemiint of P««>-S ,
£arl of C 1
Who, in his life time, wu juflly admired
As ft-man oF'wit, an oi^tot, ^fi
A ibftefOntti.
In his pofihunioas letters mliil^ll%
Writiea folely for his mfimdioi^ we (eaicl^
But feasch m vain
Tor the parent, Ae moraliQ, the religiotu maoi
And the philofopher.
But parental tendemels we Ice
Almoft wholly abforbed in an
Unbounded ambition.
His morals, alas ! we find convey
A cool, deliberate plan to profccute
Genteel adultery I
His religion was the worihip of the graces.
At whofe flirine he (acrificed, widiout fuccefs,
The virtues of the man,
And the citizen.
Hit philofophy confided in a fuppofed,
fiat fuperficial knowledge of human namre|
Drawn from courts.
And illiberal cenfures of woman, as woman^
Without diftinguiihing charadeis.
Or inveftigating truth :
Which general cenfures were fo trite, injadidotis,
And unfupported by experience,
As would difgrace the undcrftandii^
Of a fchool^.
Reader, beware i
Let not the bfaae of giitternig tatent^
Nor the pomp of foundnig tttleti
Miflcfld thy undcfftandii^
Or comqfUthf heart!
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No. XV.
' To the New Spectator
Mr. Spectator,
Some time ago we heard a great deal about
regulating the police of Weftininftcr. I truft
that, whatever the members for that city may
do, the new Parliament will take it into confide-
ration, and form fuch laws and regulations on
the ^bje£b as may prevent thofe fcenes of riot
and iniquity which are daily exhibited, and en-
couraged by men who boafl of being fiiends to
the people. Thefe wordy friends are generally
the word enemies.
Yours, &c.
PAX.
To other Correspok dents*
The fevered accounts received of the riot in Covent-
Garden^ lafi nighty arc Jo contradiEtory^ that I am
under the necejjity oJrejeEHng them all. — The poem on
Uie late appearance of various dead men in this me-
tropolis, at the injligation of a notorious forcerefs, is
too long for the New Spectator. — The lines on
Sir Jofhua Reynolds's piBure of the Prince of Wales,
are too inaccurate for publication. — The laft epijdeof
CurioHtatibus if under confideration. — The Budget
of Fafhion, fy a young lady, is received. — The
critique on Mr. Robfon*s Too Loving by Half^
fgned Dramacicus came too late for Inferlion. It is,
however, nearly findlar to that fgned Thcatricus, in
the third paga
London: Printed by T. Rickaby, No. 15, Duke*s-Caurt, fiow*Street, Covent-Gaiden $
Sold by T. AX TELL, No. 1, Finch-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charlcs-Slrcet, St. JamcsVSquarc ; by P. BRETT, Bookfeller and
Stationer, oppofitc St. Clement's-Church in the Strand j and by W* THISELTON, Bookfeller and
Stationer, No. 37, Goodge-Strcct, Rathbone-Place.
%♦ Co&rispondents are requcfted to addreis their favours to the New SpicTATOR, to
the care of any of the above-named Publifbers.
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; AlA^\/\i^\l^i/^llAyVA>AAJ^A/ > u^
THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
W I T H T H B
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
inT-i fi\ f -1 rrfwi 'SA'
No. XVI.
TUESDAY, MAt i9, 1784.
t*rice 'f hrfee-penc6.
To be continued every TvesAav.
Gratis tmhelans^ multa agendo nihil agens*
Puffing hard, and rnakiug much ado about nothing!
^HM
OKi
EVERY liAtiott his its peculiar exccl-
lexu:i^ ; and it has frequently been re-
marked, that our neighb#ursy the French, are
more happy in their inventive fiM:ulties than our.
felves, but that we exteed them in jiidgihient ;
and, potfibiTed of a bafis^ raite &ich fuperilrut-
tures of improvement, as foinetimes to excel the
merit of the invention itfclf.
Amongst the numerous aHs inipoHed frohi
the continent, 1 know not any bhe in whicli niy
ingenious countrymen have fo well fucc^ded as
in the Art of Puffing ; fome bratlthe^ of which
have been happily elucidated in tbe dtamatic
piece of the Critic^ in which it is plainly pi-oved
that Puffing is reduced to a fyAem, and that, like
the Complete Lettet- Writer ^ it cotitains tertain
forms « adapted to mod occafions iti life.*'
In this excellent art, I fay, my worthy couti*
trymen have made wonderful progreisj of' which
our public prints offer the moil incontefUble
proofs ; for we there find many names and many
things puffed into public importance, wbofe vir-
tues mufl, othetwife, have remained known only
to a ^ icleft few," and the world in general have
been deprived of their advantages^
THit necellary art had long been confined to
iiueKk DoBwpst who very ba^dfoIn«ly lived on
fcltolling themfelves; till at length the &r^^
Barber^ emulous of the like importance, and
confcious of fcientific abilities, aflerted his right
to public attention, and became the autkor^
publilher^ and vender of the puflP of felf-appr0^
bation:
It wis ttoW ditcoVci^d, that itledlcal itinc-
hmts had ho cxclufive right to exietcife the art of
Quackery \ ahd this difcovcty, like that of elet-
tticily, gav6 rife tb innumerable experiments^
ihd we havd nbW Quacks of ail denominations^
from the Quack minift^i- ^t SU Jani(*s's, to the
Quack ciobler iii St, OiWsi
f HE art of Puffing, then, is the irt of Quack-
ery, thus uhiverfally unproved, ahd extended tcl
all manner o^ profeilions. The terms bf the
fciencd are thui happily brought ititd cohimon ufe^
and We are riow toldj that •* Mr. • • • * • •^
«« Paftry-cook, having a correfpondence with
" Monfieur ••••♦, of Paris, they have, by
<< the joint exertions of their united frofeffimud
** ainlitieSf brought apple-puffs to an amazing de-
** grec of perfedlon, by a hew tod fdeniijical
*^ conftruOioH of thepafte, never before attempted
<* in the knowxi World V*
IThb Puff patriotic has a Wbnderful tScEt Ot^
the good people of xbtlc rtalxbs. The politioil
Quacky
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tHlS nt^ SflCTATO*, itc
tf0.XVL
^uack^ lil i vtiff curious animal; he feme,
times adniinifters to his patients, pills oF fuch
ftrangc qualities, as to throw the whole frame
into violent convuKions. As he is the moil
rpecious, fo he is the mod dangerous of isll
Quacks. He has fome of the qualities of Circe ;
by iiMiring i9ei^n,^lMiafes, and a4minifterin^ to
fte j^ple large quaiititics of a certaift liquid, lie
iDonverts them into brutes, and renders thinsti the
mere pack-horfes of his MrilK Whilft they re-
main in this ftate, they commit all manner of
outrages, even murder itfelf, and operily carefs
the vc^ry man, through whofe machinations they
are brought i% the galk>ws !
But the moH fucccfsful adepts in the aft of
jHiffingy are the ladies; for I deem every article of
unneceifary ornament, the fuff dirtB,\ fo that a
iady in full drefs is little elfe than a puff from top
to toe. The cap, if fhe wears any^ is puffed
with gauze puffings, puffed ribbons, and puffed
flowers. The hair puffed up with puffed cotton^
puffed with powder, from the powder-puflF of a
puffed friteur. The cheeks dele6hbly puffed
with catminej and the neck and arms puffed
with artificial alabafter. The refl of the body is
puffed with an cktcnfive hoop-petticoat, puffed
with flounces and furbelows before, and a gown
of pufe upon pufrs brfiirtd. This, with the pulled
roTc bh k fmall fo3t, is the puff of temptation,
' aiid there « the rfcgular cofrfufion ends V*
A rt.ilH& of mine, unac<}uaihtcfd with the
extcnfive influence of puffing, an art mofe won-
derful is its deceptions than KatUrJelto hiihfelf,
li^y marrieda lady of the above defcription; but
he protefts, that, except when fhe is full-drefT-
cd, he has only half of what he bargained for :—
*' I was never more afloniflied in my life, fays
^ he, than wh«n I firfl faw her undrefled ; and
« could tK>t help applying to her Taljtajf^s dc*
« fcription of Slender^ that he refembled a cheefe-
<^ paring after fupper, or a forked radifh with a
« curious head fantaftically carved !"
BvT the kdies do not confine the art of puffing
to 'exttmals only ; they idfo ufc a variety of
mental fi^ atid, «s Hudibras tells us.
They daub their tempers o'er with wafhes,
As artificial aa tbeir faces.
This, I apprehend, i^ effefted by the puf/enti-
mentaif which has been long in vog^e, but it now
on the decline, fior the puff fentimental, like the
puff patriotic, is the vilefl of all puffs when
Ihe tHck is found out, by retfoa of iti near
affinity tolfc^ngr.
I CANNOT but obferv6, that Ac puff'fcnti*
mental is dangerous; for I Imvc litHe ^bobt but
that it is to an improper and too extenfive vife Of
this puff, that we are to attribute the mbfortune
oTthe ladies^ fo univerfally complained of, that
though they ean catch birds, they cannot make
cages. Before marriage, though you ate per«
milled to contemplate thetr ftrfonal beauties &
an undrefs, their minds art always tutored M> the
occafion, and they fail not to play off their whc^e
artillery of fentimental puffs : they are fenti-
mentally modeff, fentltnentally humane, fenti-'
mentally delicate. But after the nuptial knot
has been tied, the loVe r too f re^fuenfly difcoverv
that his miftrefs has an undrefs qfthtmindy as well
as of the perfon, and he has perhaps the doubler
mortification of finding his u n dr e ffcd wi£s like
^< a forked radifli*^ in her perfon, and her mind^
inftcad of the invariabls iber, refbnMing an
elufive vapoiir«
- ..I 1
To the New S p e e t at o a«
Mr* Spectator,
1 rely on that humanity witft which it is
apparent from ydUf writings, your breafl abounds,
for the infertion of the following letter, to a
gentfemaA «rho, I .k6ow, is a fcidtr of tfie
Kew SptCTAtoA, and wi& wfaofe tdditji I
am jinacqiiaunied, o4herwi£s I fliOiiUl not bftve
4grouUod you on this occafion^
To 1R. C ti.r ,. Efq.
)IR,
Trt o u G H that man is feldbm effecmed wifc<
who interftrs between huftand and wife, yet
I am willing to forego the ncpulation of wifdoQi,
to gratify the impulfe of humanity.
Ha p p e n I n c, a few evenings ago, to be at Co-^
vent-Garden Theatre, I entered into converfation
with a lady whom I found to be the zoidow'tC
laife of Mr. C , and afterwards accompanied '
her to her refidence, where I found one of your'
beautiful children. Mrs. C was by no-
means refervcd on the fubje^ of her fituation ^
but I could not difcover the cxaQ: grbund on
which a hafty, and feemingly ^unpremeditatei^
reparation had taken place between her andyour-
felf. Nor was I curious in a matter which con-
cerned not me. But my feeKngs were « trem--
" blingly alive** to the unplbafant fituation of
Mrs. C n , and the obvious danger of her*
€harmin|r child, hinriedintofcenesof fafhionablc
fofly, at an age when the deepefl impreffions are
made tm the v&aii at an age. wh^n^tke iwig^
bcn4»
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No. XV.
THKNEW^ S*llCTATO!t, &c.
Ikends tmder every impreffure, and when it
^ould be watched with the moft guarded atten-
tion, and prcferved from every baneful influence.
The conduft of Mrs. C-
I am little ac-
<}uainted with, but have every reafon to believe
thatfhe has not yet injured her hufband. I fay
yet, for were (he to remain in her prefent
fituation, it is poffiblc fhe may be liable to the
fcdufikion of dcfigning men, and form connexions
by no means compatible with female honour,
I HAvp already faid, that I knpw not on
what grounds you Ivavc parted from her ; but it
isfurely a matter of almofl infinite momept, that
this fepar^tion is made with the utmoft precautiop,
and npt on any light ground?, feeing that the
happi.nefs of a fweet little family is, in a great
mcafure, involved in the confpquence. But,
indcpd, it is prefumption in me tp diftate Xq
your feelings on fo important, fo delicatp a tib-
jeft ; and, though a ftr<inger to his perfpn, J
know I am writing to a gentleman whofe feelings
and idea^ are alive to parental tendernefs, as well
as family honour, and who knows how to in-
dulge the one, aijd to v^lue the other.
Mr, C perceives the purport of this letter.
An unknown friend, fropi the mere defire of
gratifying bis own feelings, for the fecurity of
domeftic felicity, takes the liberty to recommend
to Mr. C ■ *s ferious confideratioji, the pre-
fent fituation of his wife and family ; a wife,
wTiom the tongue of flander has not yet calumni-
ated, and whom it is at prefent in his power
to prefervc from impending danger ; and an
infant family, who look up to him for lupport,
proteftion, education, and happinefs ; the Situ-
ation of all parties difa^reeable and dangerous,
whilft their fate hangs on your determination,
which muft remove the dark doud at prefent
o*er(hado\ving their felicity, or render it ftill
darker by rejeding thofe feelings which plead in
your own bofom, for the return of conjugal
happinefs, and parental tendernefs.
But Ihouid your fcofom be quke cold to the
endearments of connubial afie£Bon, let, at leoft,
t^e parent -tHumph in your 'heart ; and though
ypu<bo^ld, from motives beft k«own to yourfelf,
pejdft tfU futttfe onlercouHe wSfh Mrt, C ,
t'ike under your ppoteduon diat infant daughter
VhO) if pennitled to -remain in her prefent fKu-
atien, w>tl, 1 Jfear, too loon experience u4)at
itis*to^wAappy. 4t 16 neo^lefs 4o (ay jnore
on <h4sfiibj«fft, and I wiffh only -to add, that
horn 4he -ecmv^alioii I haye had with Mrs.
C , I have .little doubt but that a kind in-
viution from yftu^ vbpm fhc fpeaks of in the
higkef^ terms, of panegyric, would induce her
to quili a fituation dlfgraceful to your family,
and return tq that domeftic f^liijity| which has
been interrupted, perhaps by fomething too
trifling to merit fo great a facrifice, and which
I truft, will be quite forgotten in the firfl em-
braci? gf returning affeftign*
Happy ipmyfrf^ I cannot tear the fight o;^
mifery in others ; buf where a whole family, ^
froiling infant family, is involvccU-it i|» too mucl|
— my humanity g^ the better of the pcremony 9^
cufton?, ^nd I, p?rhap3 impertinently, fly t^
relieve, if | can, if not, at J^(l to i»dviCe or to,
confole with thofe in whofe h^ppjrvel^, as ^
fellow-creatyrc, I fpel myfelf injercfted. Cpi^Jj^
I be blefled enough to b^co^ie the jp<;di»^or of
peace betweer^ ypuffclf and Mx§. Cr-r-r-, o^
happinefs would be much aug^pt^ ; 1^ ^ |^
knp\y n9t pf any mean^ iy)icreby IxoMld^ m^^
myfelf thp ipflxupa^nt of fp much gppd-rrpf " 9
cpnfuminaton £9 devoutly to be wifljcdj^'r-I cam
onjy wifh you ^ill treat this ^iddfel^, ?sth^ e%.
(ion pf ^ ipind delighting in univprfal h?ppinfft^
and if i)t (hould tend to re-unitc Mr. and Mx^
CU »— in connjubial felipity, it will great)/ »»4#
to theple^repf
Sir, Youi: mofb obedient^
THEODORE.
To the N^w $^^pT4T0|i.
Old §ftWARP-TQ.E|,
As your depdty, John Bull,
feems, by his writings, to be a good, ferious,
funny fort of a man, I wifli in my heart, you
would enjoin him to compofe a new prayer book,
without any commandments at all. And as the
very name oi devil makes my fides (hake, don't
let John mention a word of him in the book, as
you value the future correfpondence of
Ypurs, as you like ;t,
JACK.CA^ELPSS.
I HAVE no doubt, but that this Jack Carelefi,
as he calls himfclf, is a fad young fellow ;
though it is plain be is -not fo carel^s as he would
ittfinuatc, otherwife »his fides would never
Ihake at the nam^e of -riie devil, or any thing
elfe.
1 «£4.ifi'VE'my fagacious deputy is4itele qua-
lified for .compofing a book *of common prayer ;
and as little defwous of altering that already efta-
blifhed ; for John is as firm a friend to the
ChimJh of £4igland, as -to Ac civil rights and
liboFtips^f Engliibmon.
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THE NEW SPECTATOR,&c.
No. XVI.
The bevy of ORIGINALS,
{[No. VII.
Mif» Blab Wou'dbe.
" Sh^s all that Folly can exprefs,
" Or angry levers fancy ^ when betrayed /**
Criticism, when txtcnded beyond its com-
Jjafs, is illiberal, and proves an envious weaknefs.
It was embraced in former ages by mtn of the
mod found knowledge and erudition ; but, now,
every woman that has read fifteen novels — which,
by the bye, are mighty filly books — and fubfcrib-
ed nine months to Bell's, Swift's, or Hookham*s
circulating library, affumes the prerogative of de-
cifioti, and palfes judgment for the whole town.
Mifs Blab is one of thefe new-born critics, who,
tctt' months ago was flourifhing in her native ig-
norance, and fo weak were her intellcfts, that an
idea above the price of a filk gown, or the com-
plexion of the weather would fo imprefs her non"
fchfcs, that a total lofs of memory would enfue
for three days.— Woman, ever communicative,
and dcjpifing fecrecy, as a deftroyer of generous
minds, cannot embrace Folly herfelf, but muft in-
iruft the whoU fex, Mifs Blab, for want of
amufcment, one morning, — when Pdly Talkall
came in, was diverting herfelf with that intereft-
ing game, entitled Pujh-pin! — As some of your
readers may be ignorant of that paradifiacal holy
game, I will, in a future number, if demanded,
fully explain it, as handed down to us from the
ancients. Polly was much furprifed at feeing her
friend play the Jingle game I—** Blcfs me ! Mifs
Wou'd-be, ha, ha, ha! — this reminds me of a
print in the laft Magazine DiabolicalJ* Indeed !
replied Mifs Blab ; how I fliould like to fee it !
Sympathy intervened. — A dozen of pamphlets
was drawn out of Polly Talkall's pocket, at the
f^me time, declaring her fear of being difcovcred,
when the door was faftencd, and the tabic brought
forward, they went at 2<— I mean looking over the
pamphlets. After attentive fpeculation , two hours,
a mutual fatisfaftion enfued. The firings of '
both their hearts were in unifon, and they have
remained <^t-friends ever fincc J — Thofe very
pamphlets have faved Mifs Blab from total igno-
rance, and have led her to an invefligation of
tnaturir (ubje^s^-^men and things, which blend-
ed with a perufal of a few indifferent novels, fhe
h^ commenced poetefs and critic. It is fbme
fatisfa£lion, however, that her writings are fo
void of grammar and unconne^ed, as not to be
undcriUKKiU— -She writes two thirds of thofe
fcandalous paragn^s that appear fuccefTively in
the morning papers, beginning with A correfpon^
dmt inform us^ &c in whieh flie gives full fcope
to her envy, and revenge, not only on the modeft
part of her own fex, but on the fenfiblc of the
other. The bafis of her criticifms arc fo weak,
that fhe rcflefts on the judgment of a Benfley,
and the performance of a Siddons ! She even
treats the beauties of Johnfon, as farcafm^ on na-
ture, and the fimplicity of Sicme, as chapters of
indifference and trifles. She writes on the topic
of love and friendfhip, though infenfibility has
fleeled her foul againfl both. The doubk entendre
fhe excels in, faving that fhe fleers too near the
point. I have been in company when Mils
Blab's innuendos have raifed the blufkes of fix-
teen ladies, while ^, quite unconcerned, began
playing another tune on the fame inflrument :
for the pleafure of a double infinuation, fhe will
at any time deviate from the precepts of delicacy*
A SUBLIME and beautiful Author, writing on
that fubjefl, fays, " It is not the oak, the afh, ar
" the elm, or any of the robufl trees in the fo-
" rcfl, which we confider as beautiful : — it is the
" delicate myrtle, orange, almond, jefTamine,
" vine, which we look on as vegetable beau-
" ties. The beauty of women is confiderably
" owing to their weaknefs or <i^/tc^, and is even
" enhanced by their timidity, a quality of mind
«« analogous to it." — I fport this quotation
merely to conn teraft the opinions of Mils B)ab
Wou*d-be, who infijls that a woman may fay
what fhe will, ad placitum, as well as the men..
t)on*t think. Spec, that I defcribe this original,
becaufe fhe is a female writer. No ! it is becaufe
her poems and writings are too indecent even for
a private perufal. — I admire the effufions of
women, and with a proper cultivation, they
would rife to perfeftion. As for the fex in
general, I fincerely think with Otway- ■
" There's in them all that we believe of heav*a.
" Amazing brightnefs, purity and truth,
** Eternal joys, and everladiDg love I**
[ To be continued, ]
To the N E\V S P E c T A T o R,
Mr. Spectator,
I AM commanded by a refpe6bble fo-
ciety of ladies, all virgins, on what is vulgarly
called the wrong fide of forty, to requeflyour
Spectatorship will inform the fbciety, whe-
ther or not you are married; and if not, to
affure you, that you will be welcome to join this
fociety, on entering your name in the book, and
taking the Bachelor's oath ; as the faid ladies
doubt not but that your age and gravity will be
highly ornamental to their fociety.
Yours, &c.
TABITHA BRUNT.
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No. XVI.
THE NEW SPBCTATOR, «c.
i
To the New Spectator.
Dear Spec !
Amongst other cauTesof public rejoicing,
the peace, the diffolution of the laft parliament,
and the univerfal rejcAion of improper members
in the new one; amongil thrfe, and fimilar
caufes of general good, may reckoned the intend-
ed felf-banilhmcnt of feveral
Town Women,
who having for two or three years paft, afto-
nifhcd this metropolis, by the fplendour of their
appeariaknce, are at length, reduced to thofc cxtre*
mitics which, fooner or later, never fail to
encompafs unbounded diflipation. There is a
political, as well as moral and natural caufe for
this revolution ; and forry I am, that the chief
offices of ftate in this country, (hould ever be
in the hands of wretches fo combined and con-
nefted with vice, as that they" fhOuld make it
a point to provide for the moft abandoned cha-
ra6lers, male and female, which, however, they
are impelled to, by gratitude^ Jls well as by
inclination.
The Bird of Paradife, Dally ^ and others,
illuftrious in their profeffion, are fpoken of as
vifitors of other climes, if, perad venture, they
can fafely efcape the watchful eye of the cormo-
rants of the law. The Ptrdita would gladly ac-
company them, but that fhe is under fome
urgent neceffity for continuing amongd us. She
intends fpeedily to adopt a new mode of reno-
vating her charms, and to advertife herfclf under
a new appellation, in the Morning Herald.
The public cannot but rejoice in the banifh-
ment of women who, by the infamy of their ex*
anple, add daily to the lift of proftitutcs, thofe
of their own fcx who are not proof again ft the
fafcination of artificial happinefs, and the glare
of meretricious fplendour.
Poetry.
The following verfes are beautiful, and merit
prcfervation. They were occafioned by Mr.
Sheridan meeting Mifs Linley, now Mrs. Sheri-
dan, at the entrance of a grotto, in the vicinity
uf Bath, and taking the liberty of offering her
iome advice, with which apprehending that fhe
was difpleafed, he left in the grotto^ the next
day, the following
Stanzas,
By R. B. Sheridan, Efq.
Uncouth is this mofs-cover*d grotto of ftone,
And damp is die (hade of this dew-dripping tree ;
Yet I this rude grotto with rapture will own,
And, willowi thy damps arc rcfrcfliing to mc.
For this is th^ grotto where Delia reclinM,
As late I in fecret her confidence fought ;
And this is die tree kept her fafe from the wind.
As blufhing fhe heard the grave Icflbn I taught.
Then tell me, thou grotto of mofs-cover'd ftone,
And tell me, thou willow with Iobtcs dripping dew.
Did Delia feem vex*d when Horatio was gone ?
And did Ihe confefs her refentment to you ?
Methinks now each bough, as you're waving it, tri«s
To whifper a caufe for' the forrow I feel ;
To hint how (he fiownM when I dar'd to advife^
And figh*d when (he faw that I did it with zeal.
True, true, filly leaves, fo (be did, I allow ;
She frown*d, but no rage in her looks could I fee j
She frown'd, but refIe£lion had clouded her brow ;
She figh'd, but, perhaps, 'twas in pity to me.
Then wave thy leaves brifker, thou willow of woe ;
I tell thee, no rage in her looks Could I fee :
I cannot, I will not, believe it was (b i
She was not, (he could not, be angry with me.
For well did (he know^ that my heart meant no ¥rrong j
It funk at the thought of but giving her pain :
But trufted its talk to a faltering tongue,
Which errM from the feelings it could not explain*
Yet, oh ! if indeed IVe offended the n^id ;
If Delia my humble moninon refufe ;
Sweet willow, the next time (he vifiu thy (hade.
Fan gently her boforo, and plead my excufe.
And thou, (lonygrot, in thy arch may'ft prefervo
Two lingering drops of the night-£illen dew )
And juft let them fall at her feet, and they'll ferve
As tears of my forrow intruftcd to you.
Or left they unheeded (hould £dl at her ktt.
Let them fall on her bofom of fnow ; and I fwear '
The next time I vifit thy mofs^over'd foat,
I'll pay thee each drop with a genuine tear«
So may'ft thou, green willow, for ages thus xo(i
Tby branches fo lank o'er the (low-winding flream j
And thou, ftony grotto, retain ^all thy mofs.
While yet there's a poet to make thee his theme.
Nay more— may my Delia fiill give you her charms,
Each evening, and fometimes the whole evening long .
Then, grotto, be proud to fupport her white arms,
Then, willow, wave all thy green tops to her fong.
Ranelach*
This region of tafte was vifited on Friday
evening, by a great number of tajly people indeed.
His Royal Highnefs, the Prince of Wales, the
Duchefs of Devonlhire, Lord and Lady Dun-
cannon. Lady Archer, &c. &c. amongft the
great folks, attra6led general notice. Round
their box, there was a perfe£lww3 of female gentry ^
to contemplate •< the glafe of fafhion/' and to
admire
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THJE NEW SPECTATOR, *c.
Hq. XVZ.
admire the Tvicice. «< T%e ^lofe of <iaifliion/'
however, being m mourning, had not decorated
her charms with any thing aidn', and the Prince's
hair was drefled fo very frightfully, that the
kdies could net hxAf tiitcvring. ScariGcly ^ lady
Appeared without a Balkkon h«t, aod-the ^a^a-
lity of them were <wcnKi'pous fine. Of tiie«n«ec-
tainment, it may he faid, €hat -ffcc inftnimcntal
muEc wsus, as i^Tual, moderator a longer two cxf
Wilfon's ^nw^nw, and the tea— fixt^n fliiUings
apouijid.
WixAOW is he of whole vocd powers, I had
occafion to t(jpcak with much jplea&ire« in Mr.
Barthejomon's Hay -market Oratorio. The
opinion I ;thcKe advanced, foemed to he univer-
fally agr^eed to, on Fi iday, /or I jcould hear
fcveral i^tmark, that, whift Wilfon is finging
the voice of Mrs. JKLcnncdy vibrates an the ear.
I mufl, in jjuftice" add, that his is the «Mvly
part of the entertainment woirtb attending to.—
Befides a plentiful .affcmblage of doubtful cka-
ra^ers, the Rotunda was pretty well ftored
with vile obfcenity J
B u
L I A.
Re xma«/, having re-aflembled the Reppu and
the Etanes, addrefled himfclf to them in the fol-
lowing fpeech :
" Happy am I, O Bulians f to behold you
" onoc more affcmbkd under this venerable
« roof, which h rendered facred by your pre-
*« fence, and the wifdom of your deliberations.
*' I am happy alfo to find that far the greatcft
« part amoo^a y©u, afe friends to jlexsooan and
" the fwbHc weal. Prote^bd by your councils,
*• I doubt iMt but that Buira w^ill experience the
«« advantages of liniverfal commerce, and the
" bleiTtngs of ,a gcnecal poaqe. Indeed, we have
" noUvn^ to fear but diviiiofv ikwangft oMr-
<< felves ; and I iruft tkat the pmv«r of thofe h
« a gottd deal weakened, if <Krt totally a»nihi-
«« lated, who make it their chief bufinefs to
" create diftruft between Rexman andixis.pcojJe.
^ I fay the pouter cf thodCe* £or their iiaifliaaUon,
<< 1 fear« will always remain the fame;.
" It grieves me, Bulians, to be under the ne-
«* ceffity of rcquefting pecuniary afliftance in
<* the thnc of peace ; but the efforts of faftion
*< have rendered it neceffary. The conjduQ; jof
<^ my RetUnim you will find hooourable to lihe
** ftate ; and in him ygu may repofe confidenoe.
** He has every qualification ncceflary for his im-
♦* portant office. He is deftitute of the chkanc
*« Thron, and the infidious ambition of Reynar-
«* dam. His private charafbr is univcrfally ad-
JJ mired, and his public principles every where
'^ approved. Nothing is o4>je&edito him, except
" his youth ; but youth adorned with wtUoia
^ and (graviky, is far piioferable to "igt ^fgraced
<< by vice and £dldy« fiefides, my friends, witl
** he not have your maturer counci(s to affift
<* him ? I truft he iwiUL Whatever, tfaerefoKe:,
^( you.entruft ito his care, ^vtil be a /acred -de^
" pofit, which no views of hts owu will tempt
*• hrni to mifappLy. Happy had it been for us,
" had jny former fervantsbeen fwayed by the
" like principles. Our wealth had not then
" been drained by foreign wars, nor fquandered
" at home in difgraceful luxuries.
" Having wifely rcjefted from your auguft
" body, roaky who were inimical to the true
" honour of Bulia, and fought only their own
« advantages ; I truft that your conduft will be
" diftinguifhcd by every patriotic effort for the
" renovation of Bulian felicity. And I particu-
" larly recommend to your attention unanimity.
" in the firft inftance, and a determination tQ
" enforce ihofe laws that more immediately tend
" to curb licentioufnefs, and to frame fuch otheiv
« as may operate to a revival of tme religion, ^nd
«« moral honefty, which, I am forry to obfervc,
" have of late greatly dcciincd amongft us. It
" were well to en^juire into the caufe of this ^e-
" neral dereliftion of principle, the mor« effec-
" tually to countermine its effefts. For my ow©
« part, I will be free to confefs, thah, in my
" opinion, it originates in that f|>irit of gaming
" by which all ranks arc diftingyifhed, an<!
«* which, jof all other vices, is the mol
" deteftable, as it leads to the commiflion of
" every crime human nature can be guilty of,
" as you well know from the example of feve-
« ral who have difgraccd this Houfe. Let
« your laws then be fuch as may pluck up
« this vice by the roots; and fail not inflift the
" puniihments on thofe of your own body as arc
« found guilty ; for it ill becomes one of the
« Etanes, a guardian of rights, to ^dift him-
" felf to a vice which may tempt him to facri-
" fice not only his own, but the property of
" every man, entrufted to his care*
^' I AM the more anxious re/jpe^ng the rcvi-
« val of moral honefty amongft my people
« becaufe nothing but a <iqpartunc from its ia.
« cred laws can involve this kingdom in ruujv
« Of this I am confidently affured ; and I am
« equally certain, that nothing but villainous
<« example can hurt the principles, or influence
" the conduft of my people, whofe hearts am
'« naturally good, and whofe goodncfs wants
" only the aid of encouragement to put it bc-
^ yond the pcach even of example,
«* I RE-
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)h.XVL
Tl^fi ^£W ^iHCtkltOHi, Sui
*^ I «4|'oiC^ in tbe luyploeft oif xfty people^
^ I h^vc no private iriewi UMj6Aihpalihle witk
V t)i«ir goo4 ^of ^^^^ luppntdb icenftitutes iht,
^ very cfience of my owxu Cveiy poe^fur^
«« therefore, which you cah adopt to prcfervc
<< or augment the general (elicityy will itcciVe
** my hearty concurrence."
Raxmam, having thus ^ivered his fenti-
)nents, retirecL The Reppu and Etanes then de-
liberated on certain laws for the preferVation of
Wic pubKc good) x>i which I may hereafter give
fans account, and of the oppoiition made to
Ike^i by a faftion, ^^nguiftied by the appelU^
liodof the iPg^cfu^^.
Dba)) M^NW
I Ata wdrf )i*ppy to inform yon, thai tW Wp^
mmatioii of the We&mmfler ekdion, has greatly
tquieted ike minds of ttije jnh a to a mt s, r^ie^ittg
«:ertain apparitions ; for^ you muft know, fViend
Spec, that within this month paft, various dead
mat have appeared at mid-day befbire the huft-
Sngs in CoVent»'Gardcn, to the great terror and
«ma^ementof many bye-ftandcrs. I have been
told, that the laid dead men have been heaid Co .
utter diven Uiings which are known to be falfe,
and have thereby greatly injured the living in-
habiUnts of the city of Weftminfterv Thefc
dead men have been obferved to retire under the
ground foon after their (aid appearance, and,
xontrary to the cuftom of all good Fpirits, to
intoxicate themfdves with a ceruin pemicioua
liquor cadled gin, and, being io intoxicated, to
"deny themfelves to be dead men, though it is
Veil known that they vrere buried long ago. In
addition to all this, I am told, that the faid dead
men, not having the fear of xrorporal punilfh.
ment before their eyes, and inftigated by one
«f the principal imps of Satan, called Partyy
^Rvc laid violent hands on fevcral of the good
Ipeople -of Wcftminfter, and when cited to ap-
pear before the proper tribunal, have been found
to lie dead to all intents and purpofes, and to
fcave returned to their refpcftive graves.
As we do not hold the doArine of tranfmigra-
iMn of fouls, i have enquired particularly into
<he truth of theTe aflEwrs and find them confirmed
fcy the teftimony of many rerpe£bble people,
who have alTured me, that they have obTerved
idead druggifts, grocers, linnen-dlapera, and other
refpeaaMe dead tradefmen appear in the form of
Irilh x:hairaien, hackney-coachmen, Spital-field
weavers, and daily labourers, to their utter dif-
credit, and the great canftematioh of all their
liviqg friends^
Tnoty#ll I am not fuperiUuQt^ X W iid
doiibt but tlut thisi mifi have been t fFefted by
magic; and a very gi^yci^cll-looUng apothecary
aifured v^ in confid<incC| that ttiefc wonderful
transformations were effefte^ by a certain ma^«
^cian« whom f)e calls F^ihr Black-Mrd^ and «.
(prcerefs vrhom he; defcrit>es to have been here^
tofbre a handfome won^an^ bu^ is now under a
kind of traaslqnnation. Father ^lack-^^rd^ I
under&and^ utters cektain iticant^^tions^ which ^rt
iaidlp be yery potpnl ; and the fpr<ccrc6 fprinkles
a kind ot fold duft oyer tht dead men, whicii
nov«r faiU npt only *D give tjierti the power of
ipe<;ch, b^^t, by a fort of R^tflity, oblijjes the|a
to Ipea^ only what xlit maglciap (hall di^l^tf:.
Tfiti* ttiy dc«r Sttt, is modem ttuiie, end
is at leaft as curious as Kattefeho's Perpetual
Moltfm» which, like F«!hes llUckwbeaid's cbftd-
tnen, ^pQS or ftands AiU «| pltafiue I
PoLtricAt Tn^Anta^
Covent Garden ^urck»
tut gr^tii Myficry, or Farce which has taken
near feven weeks perfowning^ was, laft nighty
concluded by a grand proceflion of a very cu-
rious nature. In the front appeared R* B, She*
ridan, Efq. and the Reverend HeUiy Bate Dud*
leys in Uui and hug\ by ivay of Scouts^ who ha-
vtng prepared the way, weUe followed by a party^
of kutchtrsj armed wkh battle-aXes> and thd
bones of animals they had formerly flain, with
whkh they Made a hideous noife, intending to
eXprefr a kind of ^avvge joyv To tlim fuc-
ceede«l various inhabitants of the feverd pariftea
of linftftniWifter, with white wands and cock-
ades. After which appeared upwards of Three
hundred cavalry, all clad tntiue and bujfy prece^
ded by a variety of flags. With difplayed different
infcriptions, followed by the mob. Then came
the Man of tht Ptopte^ alfo in 6tw: and huff^ ex-
alted in a chair decorated with lauxel and gar-
lands in fuch a mannci- that he was no bad Ye-
prdcnutivcof Jack in the Green. His carriage^
adorned with lautel, preceded thoTe of the DakeS
of Devonfhirc and Portland, alfo adorned with
laurel, both empty, having each fix hoifcs^
and each horfc having on his ears fox-taifc. To
thcTe carriages fucceeded the menial fervants of
the noble houTcs, on horicback^ and the whole
proceflion was covered by another party o£ Uuc
andhfcivAlryy followed by the rabble*
Opposite Devonihlre Houfe, the pioceffion
halied« A certain gentleman fiofli Q90i^
Houfe, peepkiB i»ver the waU, gave ijbmh Aree
cheery in i»4uch. he v«s joined b^ ^ l^ii^lMiAp
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i
THE K E W^^ S P E C t A T k, &c.
No. XVI*
of Devonfhire and Portland, and Lady Duncan-
non.— And in this order haVi'hg tarried the Man
of the People till they Vert tired, the mob at
length difp^ed^ highly delighted whh what
they hSldt^en, iuid i^hat they had done. — ^I beg
ISave to aflure y6u, Uiat it is not true, that the
Prince of Waldi ^as feen on horfeback along
with the biue and huff gentry that write Aiui-
grams f &c.' iki imitation of Sir Cecil Wray,
AM6N6st other flags, exhibited on this oc-
cafion, was one infcribed, The Liberty Boys of
Netopoirt Market: and another, of pure virgin
whte^ infcribed Satred to Female Patrioti/m f The
feveral divifions behaved themfelves with great
decency, and the night concluded without riots,
illuminationsy or other demenfbations of pub-
lic joy.
This proceflion will doubtlefs be remembered
for many years to come } and indeed fo it ought«
It was done to grace si fian who is to figure in the
Parliamentary annals of this country, and of
whom pofterity will hold as various opinions as
we do of Olioer Cromwell.
I am.
Dear Sptc,
Ever Yours,
JOHN BULL.
To other Correspondents*
The obfcrvations ojt Mr. Locke*s prindples^ rt^
JpeBiag innate ideas^ Jhall appear ruxt Tuefdcy.'^
Deborah Wilkins Sprightly is anfxvered in the
negative, — / am very much obliged to Veritas /bf Au
judicious ammadverjions^ and Jhall pay particular
attention to any favours he may think proper to com^
municate.'^The conclujion of the critique on the Ex-
hibition, is unavoidabfy pojtponed till mkt meelu
London: Printed by T. RiCKAair, No. 15, DukeVCourt, Bow-Street, Covcnt-Garden ;
Sold by T. AX TELL, No. 1, Fintb-Lanei Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charlcs-Stnjet, St. Jamcs's-Squarc ; by P. BRETT, Bookfeller and
Sutioner, oppofite St. Clement's-Church^the Strand} and by W. THIS^LTON, Bookleiler and
Stationer, No. 37, Goodge-Street| Ratbbone-Place*
%* CoRRispONOBNTS are requefted to addrefs their &vours to the New Spectator^ tm
the care of any of the above*iiamed Publi(hers#
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THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL,
No. xvn.
TUESDAY, May 25, 1784.
Price Three-pence.
To be continued every Tvt:sD ay.
DifciU Jufiitiam mchnti» \ i-
Hear, and bp. juft*
VlRCIU
AM O N G S T the -ifaficty of fpcculativ^
fubjefts which have engaged the attention
of mankind, there feenis -to be none whicH
affords a larger field for metaphyfical contro^
verfy than that on which the following lettef
is written. As I have nothing more ardently
at heart, than the invcftigation of truth, 1
Ihall very gladly give place to any future fpe*
culations on the fame, or fimilar fubje6b ; as
alfo to the candid artimadverfions of fuch of my
readers as may entertain different ientiments.
.To the New Sr* CTATO t.
Mr. Spectator,
It was univerfally admitted before the
days of Mr. Locke, that there were innate
virtues and ideas, and fcarce a moral or philo-
fophical fabjeft was publifhcd by any writer,
however great his talents, \)ut flrong references
were made to fuch virtues and ideas ;, and on
their aftual exiftcnce, re fled the whole ftr^ngtl^
of the argument. Whether philofophers gave
themfelves the trouble to examine human nature
in the operations of the intelle£lual faculties,
and thereby experimentally adduced their por-
tions ; or whether they took it for granted there
were innate virtues and ideas ; . the contrary
leeming upon the very face of it to be impoilible ;
1 fltell not pi^eiid to determine \ but diis dv'ery
reader knows, that ad fbon as Mr. Locke fent
his labonous^fTay on human underftanding int6
the world) in which, by the titne and pains ho
took to demonftrate the negation of innate virtue*
and ideib, it was evident the matter was even
to him^ fceptical* and intricate, rather thati
clear and conclufive; the learned, with a mo*
defty by- no meahs peculiar to them, gaVe up
their dpflrine of innate ideas, and took Mr^
Lodf^e's word there were none; for he was
n^vei;op.pofcd, except by thc.Bifhop of Worcofter
and Drm iCUrko, at that time, though an ercant
fopl^ft^ , ^aod undoubtedly the next writer, to
Lc^ke, ajid. copied his way,^ as thofe who hav^
read the works of bo^ will acknowledge; for
neatnefs of exprcflion, harmony of well-turned
periods,grandeur of di^ion, ar^d claflicalelegan^e^
they cxadly reiemble each other \ but Locke was
too great a logician for Dr. Clarke.
Aft E It the defeat of the Bifhop and the Do6lor,
the aflfent' to Locke's doftrine became univerfal,
whith, Kbwevcr, I do not attribute to general
conviftion, but want of talents to oppofe fo
great a wf iter. It may be afked, do 1 mean to
oppofe him ? Certainly riot. Though I fhall,
in the courfe of this fpeculation, give my reafons
for believing there are iruiate virtues^ yet I ihall
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THE »»-W SPECTATOR, Ac.
No.XVll^
^eataomifter. Thkl know, UmI the karncd
arc very improper perfons to decide on thcfc
matters, as they only aflbciate with each other,
and defpifc mankind, from whom knowledge is
only to be had ; one learned man copies, tranf-
pofes, extra6b, and deduces what he calls an
op^oUk of fiis ew6, From thtt woi^sf of ai^otlier
learAed man ; Ibme other learned man fervts
his book the fame, and fo on to the the end of
the groupe. The unlearned who write from bits
and fcraps, picked up here and there, (ffom the
works of their mailers, cannot properly be faid
to write aboiA afny ththg. MTHo thdh is to
prove there are innate virtues 7 Why he who
blends experience with natural genius ; for
innate idcas^ being knowledge intuitive, can
only be demonflrated by him who pofleiFes fueh
intuition*
Great learning and great parti aye Very
diiUnd : greai learning confiib entirely of know-
ledge by tuition, and it does not follow that a
learned man has any intuitive knowledge i j^reat
parts imply a felf-exifting or ihtuitive knowledge.
Mr. Locke grounded his proof of there being no
innate ideas on the following dogma, viz. << If,
««%sfat, there are4aaa«^idM^'e]if4^r^«M^ittuft
M J^av4^ them f^il^c, i^n4 \k fnahle^ 10 fivoa
.«( &ti»£iaorj 4cc9vnt4)£ their. QRfin/' Asm
nam breathing q^^d, gave imy a^fioOXI ^ iht
origin ^f an iim^He i^ea, f^ it Wi^ft M^iAti «»
ODC fide, aad on the other admitttd, . tbiK thiui^
were none I Q^ berqaAer prove th^ fiJlac^
of this argument*
MnLocxBf's elftgant wdfk^wehe n6 foohcf
{MibliAiod, but they i¥iere circukted aH over
Europe, tranflat^ into alt languages; ancl&e
learndd, like rhe penitent a(s in the fable, ac^
knowledge their former brartfgrtlfibrt, ^ and
^phHhiTe faithfully, that in all thcif- Worki for
the future, they will hot prefunie to advance
til Option of their own ; fo that it has becii
very comihon for (^drtative philofophets, fince
the day^of Lock«, to read a (brt of recantation
0f Acir former dogmas, and begm by ateil
fomething like the ibilowing^«< I, A. B. do ac-
«« knowledge, that all pur ideas pnjcecd from
«f fenMon and nfie&ion ; that wc know nothing
f < but w)Mt is attuned through the medium of
u the fenfes, impreifed upon thea by eiiternal
« obje£b; and that there t# oo manna* of dil^
«« fiBrence between Sir Ibac Newton and Six
«« Jeffrey Dunftan, provided Sir Jefecy pleafci
•» to look about hinvaf much as Sir lOacdidi
<< {Ad EnaUy, that there arc no innate ideas; and
^ anydoftrinetea<£n|^fo pmtet&eir eaefSeneiK
^ i» con£onaaUe to gimevai nrpnriflacny and
<< therefore abfurd, unlearned, and ridiculous."
This is the teft Helvetius, Lord Bolingbrooke
and many other great philolbphers fubfcribed to,
e'er they could run on fmoothly ; but as I am
not a learned man, I am entitled to an opinion
of sny own, and may 2R:cede <9r dileaf, as| I Mb
the metteK moft conformable to ^iad an4 e^-
experience.
It is of infinite confequence to the common
weakh «f letters, though of none to any other com*
monwealth, to know rightly, whether there are, or
a^onot iftriate idea^. If there are innate virtues
and ideas, then it follows, as I fhall hereafter
demonflrate, infinitely beyond mere matter of
0{)inion« that all that part of fine writing called
ettrics pt otora^ity^ is fo much cladical erudition
lelponilvc to no human purpofe, unle(s to pro*
mote idlcnefs, by ynifapplying the time of thofe
young or old folks who are fo unfortunate as to
read it.
Thb very evil Mr. Locke wanted to remove,
was ihcreafed to an infinite error ; for I infift;
on k', that left nonfcnfe would be written
under the title of morality, if innate virtue*
were'4l)oifed, tt^n i(ik^ werp pot, JiU v^ry
! tovKbblc in ^ny man to render huvmi knpw)rd|e
|lioir^^cq;t^ii|, cle^ a&d condofivej a^io focJi
0^^ >M^9rk3 would he cpn9ii£| ^Poki iPew^ 9n4
w4^-rwxitteo, and ^very writer being obliged to
dn^f^e his ^rgumcni f^om epcperi^nccj oe rifqqg
)iis mpi^ta^ion, and tift un^er the laih of point^
j4dia4e, if he dwelt on idle and imaginary hypp*
|befe% his works woyldhe a ibrt o£ maitnr of
fd&* This was Mr. Locke> intentipa; hf
th9MgbU if phiiolb^hers MH^uld^gree with hie*
there were no innate ideas, which, alas, he de-
duced f*t&m ' a fuitd' of learning, aiid not of
experience, much ufelefs writing would be ftificd
in the bud. The contrary has happened fincc
his days; for if all moral and fpeculativc philofo-
phcrs were to begin their works on one of the
two hypothcfcs, ^« If there were, or were not
« innate virtues and ideas,'* they muft of neceflity
write Icfs and better, by admitting the firft; as in
fuch cafe, the origin of evil, the fumnmm Sonutn^
(he regulation of the pafTions, man's free agency,
cum multis atiisy could no longer be reckoned
matters of fpeculation.
I TkosT, Mr. Spectator, that you ynO.
deem this fubjeft of importance fuffieient to en-
gage the attention of at lead fome of your
readers ; and that to render juft concepdons of
the operations of the human Rund| more ge-
neral)
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No. XVII.
THE N E W S P E C T A T O R, Ac
neral^ is an objcft worthy of encouragement.
With your pcrmifTion, therefore, 1 (hall here-
after continue my animadverfions on the matter
in <}ue{lion ; and, in the mean time,
I am, Mr. Spectator,
Yours, &c.
C. POLY DION.
Ta the N E vi Spectator.
l>car Spec 1
1 MUST give vent to my grievances, or (hall
burft wi^h defpair. Though 1 am in my three
and twentieth year, I muft be guided ty a
fatlier and mother, who ftop the current of all
my INNOCENT pleafures. If I flay out paft tcyi
at night, they fufpeft me of going with naughty
women, and. I am fure without a canfi. What
barbarous parents, to cramp my genius over
weights and fcalcs, and to oblige a perfon of my
figure to deal out tea and fugdr retail f
But do, Spec, recommend me to the ladies!
for I don't know how it is, I have not audacity
enough to introduce myfclf. This diffidence may
proceed from not knowing .the world ; however,
I don't much regret it, as I .am in poflelTion of
THAT which is always plq^fmg to th« jadies,
"Sentiment. , I always fport fintment^ by which
means I draw them into perpetual ^Jhares,
Though I embrace fuch kypocri/y, and wind them
up to the pitch of fubmitting to my Will, I
don't know how it is, but 1 cannot afk the
question! This delicacy Spec, I want to be
annihilated ; therefore mufl trouble you'to inform
me, how I mud commence this great undertak-
ing ? But in tlie mean time, acquaint me of the
moft certain method to fecure the propitious
fmiles of tht J'air ladies ; and when you deicribe
me to them, fay, that it is a young man of.Jome
j.iTTLE education, pitted with fmall-pox, v^hich
add fenlibillfy to his appearanjce, Sindis rather
Jhort^ but when a convcrfation cnfucs, his Jrnall-
nefs of Itature is entirely forgotten} audi as a
flrongcr recommendation lay, that he wai ^nevcr
drunk. — and what clfc you pleafe.
lam, friend Spec,
Sincerely Yours,
Souchong. pEORGE CROSS.
For this correfpondcnt to gain his wifhes, I
mufl entreat him to perule, and fludy Lord Chc-
fterfield. «» Graces! graces!" They fornj the
ladies talifman ; and as iov fentiitftntal hypocrijy, a
fcnjible womant ynfiW always treat it with contempt.
I could not «po(hbly do more juftice in a d«f-
cription of his perfon than iiU'erting his own
letter to me, and which I Ai/^ every fair lady
will read attentively.
To the New Spectator.
Friend Spec,
I AM now going to roufe up the feelings
of attention, and give your readers a Ihort, but
true {ketch from hiflory ; which, to fympathetic
fenfibility, will excite commifferatioA for majefty
in mifery.
Yours, &c.
NOSBOR. '
Ad MARtAM Illuftriflimattt Scotonmi Reginam,
Georgii BuCHANAKi Epigramma*
N Y M p H A , Caledojiiee qua: nunc felidter ont
Mijfa per innumeros fceptra turns avos :
Qucefurtem antevenis mtretis^ virtutibus anno$j ,
Sexum animiSf morum nobilitate genus :
Accipe (fedjacilisj cultu donata Latino
Carminay fatidici nolnle regis opus.
Ilia quidem,Cyrrha procul ^ permeffidi lympha,
Pitnefub Arctoifidere nata poli:
Nan tamen aufus eravt male na^um exponcrejodum
Ke miM^difpliceantj qua placuere tiid*
Nam quod ah ingenio domimJperare^nequiheMf
Dclnhunt genio forfitan ilia tuo..
• Thus (ung BubHANAN, the great, the im-
pious poet of the Scotch, a moft furprifing genius,
rtmaiO^able-^and >Arill be to all ages remarfu^le—
for his learning, his wit, and his ingratitude;
wkoy.aftex'hd h»d faid thefe tine things to his
Queen,, in bcr profperity, not only -foHbok her
in her adverfity, but,, by this poiibnous writings,
inflamed, .his^ infatuated countiymen againft his
fovereign,-wlHlfe tivMig,- *MMt»by his -moft in-
famous luf|pry« WsfpHeaiedfJisr uijikmiflied ho-
nour when dead. Alas! poor Rofc of Yarro^f
tl>at fo fijdr a queen ihqpl4 have . ib foul an
herald l-pHow melancholy is the rei9embranc<^
that a pripceft, admired for the qualities o£ her
mind, and, adpred for the beauty of her pcrCbni
fhQuld be ignpminioiifly execu^Mpan ajcajf^^
for an incorroborated charge of treafon,. wh^
{he ought to have fat upon tli/e Britijh throne !
This was the fatal end of Mary Stewart,
who was fo'handfome, that it has been well ob-
ferved, even to- this day, amofxg her countrymen,
that the name o^ Mufy was only another n^me for
beauty. But this wrctcl>, George liUie^nan,
was an abJQ6): creature of ihe Earl of Mutray's,
the unhappy qA^cn's j^^/^^ eneipy ; but fiflch a
writer, fo mercenary and fo mercilefs, that the
flates of Scotland juflly condemned his works,
and ordered them to be burnt, as the leaned
Camden^ an hone ft hiftorian, very well ^ ob-
fcrvcs. . il
Wheh
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THE NiW SPECTATOR, &0
»o.XVlL
Whih her fon^ who was afterwardi King
Jamu the firft, implored mercy for his mother,
ler cruel couiin, Elizabeth, told Fcmpone dc Be-
Kevrey who foUcited, but vainly foUcited, her life
In Whalf of France, ^ That aa the heavens did
^ not contain two llins, fo neither could Engiawd
^ endure two queens, or two religions."
This excellent princeis, was the mod un-
fortunate at one time, and the moft miferable at
another. She was bom, as it were, phccnix-
like, from the fimeral of her father died in the
forty-fi^th year of her agp, eighteen ye«u^ of
which ihe had been a prifoner in England:
When ihe was an m^nt, ibe was an exile ; file
was a wife without joy, a widow without liberty,
a queen without power, a prifoner without guilt,
accufed widwuC evidence, and murdered without
proof.
Poor royat Scot I tfky reerk was tl^ crfine ;
Thou Pa LAI, and thou Ve>' u s of ihy time !
Unhappy time ! tho* foxne fcore years are led,
Siace (he ki\ m depriv'd thee of thy head.
My mournful oniie fliall (hed a pitying tcWp
And with unldgiied totrwr bathe thy bier f
The following epigram was .writren ky the
^me unha^y Mary Queen of Scots, and fent to
ker Suthlds coufm, Elias^bctb, Q^iecn , of Eng-
land, with a lai;ge 4i?i(ini>»i cut in the foim of ^
dmid uj0npridiMfntitmrt vMd Q wwd ^JM
ik^pilg^us<0rdis grnrn^ tf tmofo. mei tjt^
dnmyts dwFAm^gw^.woH wui^ forma tametu
T0 $he NB.«r SfBCVATOJ^
iBir. SrtctAToay
Many poets hxrt exercife<I their talents
4fn ftkc fAjt€t 9f Melancholy, none of which
htrc heen Mc to fticcecd like Mihon, in his
itiinAable M Ftnfrnfi. The following lines,
iKiwever, have merit fufficient to endtte them to
iijihcein'te Itsw SraeTAfoa*
1 am. Sir, Yoors, Ac.
EI>GAR.
Wt to MaLAKeiraiLy..
60 d 9£ s s of the fofemn hour t
ftit mt feel dPf pensive poorer.
Wekomr, pfeaing Melmboljri
Harkf the fign^of the (howet
Whiftlef: tbfoni^ yon roia**d tower ;.
Vffom'the ivy^ cliaAMOg higjh,
Bacthe bodiagm^bt-binl iy,
Hooting, firom iuomen'd breath,
<iC bonoi^ feiiada of death I
Hark I the diun^ from ^ high,
Grombles o'er the vaulted fty !
See the gleamy UghtQings play,
FkfliiDg momentary day !
Now the winds die forefti bendi
No w ^e mighty ftorms defcend t
Howl die winds in dreadful foog,
Yon temple's fliadowy ailc» among.
Hail, fweet horronl dreadful blift !
What calm can bring a joy like thisP
The wind's diflrefs, the thunder's tM^
Is m«fic 10 a Ufe-iick foal;
The miiiM vault, the time-wOTn tower^
More gratefiil thio a refcate bofwer,
Kar fwoater thm a lever*! dnjji^
By o^mle ipofc •r purhng ftrcam.
And can more calm refle£lioat bring.
Than all the tributes of theSpn^g.
Now at length thofie horrors cealc^
The elemenu are hulh'd lo peace !
See, the moon, with filvery light,
'Doras the fadly pleafic^ nighr.
Step we 00 whete yonder tower,
With iron tongue proclaims the hour;
Widi tarfy verdure, lightly prcft,
The fathers of the village reft :
Many a fprightly ntaid and fwda^
Whilom £ivottriies of the phin.
Forego their loili, and fpotlefr love^
To join in gurhleit dirongs above*
Here the milk-matd, wont to great
The dew-rob'd morn with carolf fwee^
No more the vocal vales repeat
Her fylvan love in ditses fweet;
Death triumphs o'er her fofy bloon^
And oziera bind the decent tomb.
Here a youths in carty pitde^ .
Late another vi£lim died.
Oft around the may-pole taU»
Has he fed the rural bafi ;
From the lofty mountain's view
Oft be ftole the morning dew ;
Kang'd the hay-cocks with his hand
In a goodly fcemmg band \
The ncw-walfard (beep his Aeeis have flianv
Hk fickle level'd iehb of com %
Vain boaft of fylvan toils, I ween,
Sinci Death's fliarp fickle kvcls hrm^
Now along the vaulted &y
MidB*|^t fprites for mifchief fly ;
Wicked imps, the ibes of man«
Scatter down their motftal bane,.
See pale Hecate grimly fmik
At her antic fitter's toiU
Hear the tnftnmeats of hell
Mncteri^ haHh dkeir horrid fpetl F
Noi» they mock the wictchef mmmp
New the chafoi-rais^d %iritsgroan#
Now (be tir^lay*d cymbah iaund^
Now they diace their nsglc leiiiid^
9^
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Ne.XVH^
THE NEW SPECTATOR, *c.
Swift apop tlie viagi of i^gbt»
Now they take tbcfr gambol'd flight.
To their fo^y civerm horae.
Sickening at the breath of mom !
For, fof^ ! bchoM a diAant ray.
O'er yonder hiM, of gf ey-ey'd dayl
Tht early lark foi^akes his bed.
The fparidW qiitts the cottage ibed.
The twitteriag fwallow leav«c ber bower,
A«d dew-dropi gfutf the aonuiig flower.
Goddefs of the penfive mien.
Grant me ftill this folenui Icene i
Day will wake the fons of folly,
Sbiuk tte dill, fweet Melaticholy !
T4 ih£ Nbw SrSCTATQJl^
Ocar Spec,
As YOU are now in the country, I ffaall
not neglefl informing you of the progrefs of ftny
thing in London, tending to elucidate the man-
Iters or principles of the times, in the condu£l
of the great, the little, 6r the miilling folks who
are induced, by choice or neceitity, to remain i^
the m^opolis.
NoTHiMC, I am confident, can give you more
pleafunr, tbaa lo bo told« that circumftantes
ib hll out» ao to bring lio.4bat difgrace they have
long merited, a knot oC
Swindlers,
who have infefted the metropolis, and lived in
a kind of gentleman-like fplendour for fome
time pafh They have at length quarrelled
amongd themfelves. It i$ needlefs to mention
their names. They are the identical ccrfs of
nun of honour y fo much admired lately, who come
from nobody knows where, and cxift nobody
knows how ; the nuifance of public places, and
the terror oF the moded part of mankind; a kind
of fecond-rate rafcals, who* depend purely on
chance and their own impudence for preifcnt fup-
port, and future fubfiftence.
T«3S was a kind of VoaHtion^ as dangctoui
lo the private, as ahothcr was to the public
interefts -of the good people of old England,
Both, however, are on the decline, if not totally
broken, and their annihilation ought to be cele-
brated with as much Solemnity as the jpm-
powder plM«
BvT of: alt the Ipeeies of iwifklHng which has
lately vfsk^nd us, thst woHlis that by which
many, echerwife, hanulefs, good fort of p^eople,
have been Xwiadled out of fiUb oashs, :and ^o
to the cnsne of fu{^rtii^ <« diUimaUe dodrioes,^?.
add that of pcrfury ; and this too by the nutchU
oatiooi of a vesy jpcmmrkaU^ Imalc jSwindkrf
who, like the originad Eve, with a tjeBoptati^i i«
her hand, has been corrupting the hone fly, ^ ^
fulye£Ung to " the death,'* thofe who, like het^
fel^ had not the fear of public fhame before their
eyes. The fucceis of this lady has been wonder-
ful, and (hews us the weaknefs of mankind in
rcii{\mgJemaU temptations. As all fuch thin^^
fiiould turn out, however, the lady has exerted
her talents, and f<|uandered her money in vain*
The purpofe (bt aimed at, is not, nor ever will
be accomplifbed ; (he has, therefore, brought dti^
grace and poverty on herielf, and infamy on fuch
of her adherents as have been deprived by hcf
of their moral honefty* *^ Who fteab my
" purfe, &c/'
Thus, '^ all things working together for good,*^
fome benefit is likely to accrue from the evils
we havQ fuffsred ; and we may always diibcm
enough of conibqueneesto Gomfari honefty and
modemtipn^
ElECTIOM ANECOpTa.
tVe will gii^ jtou the Fiathers !
TheTaiifpTBRt
EvEav ofle knows that Feathers are in high
vogue ; and that not only ladies of fafhion, but
tradefmi^n are ambitious of fporting the feathers.
A Ducbefs who, by her exertions for the pubUc
g0adf hsb lately rendered her name immortal, in
her application for a vote te a refpe^ble Son of
thtjcaks^ received no fadifaftory reply ; but tho
next d«y, ho waited on her grace, into whof«
pretenco, af^er he had been examined by th($
porter, ihe footman, the Aeward, Ac* he wao
at length ateitled, and informed her, *« That
<< when great folks afk favours, little folks have
^ a right Co expe^ fome return. I'hat he was
^ ituiuaed to vote for Mr. — ^-^ but that ho
<' would, firft afk a favour of her grace, which
<< he hoped ihe would npt deliy him. That he
(( was a man of auMHon^ though he vnyrt an
f* apron^ and therefore hoped to have the Feof-
^ thersT-^^M this tttooient, in came his Grace,
«nd enquiring into the circuiAftance, obferved,
that he did not iee why the gentleman ihouid not
have the FeaUufh for, added he, " I do nofe
^know any body that has more influence xh^M
^ your grace in /A4* quarter.'**— The mdn ofa/tiif*
hitioHj therefore, voted for Mr. j butYrhe*'
ther he yet fporu the F0MerSi I know not.
Noriuii(» fo mueh fiitfws the tempers and
di^Qfitionaof men -as a contefted e4e6Hon* If
they can unite Aeit inieraft with their (irinciplcaf
tbey think it weH; but dtey arc frequently under
^ neoefiity of ^rifictng their principles, iff
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, ftc.
»o. xvn.
they bave any, to their intereft ; and there is no
meanneds to which they will not (loop to fccure
the latter. I am glad, however, to have it in my
power to except from this general cenfure, fome
tradcfmen who, by refigning the favours of the
great vulgar, have given proofs of independent
principles, and a hearty fupport of moral rcAitudc !
B u L I A,
NoTHiMG could equal thcconfufion prevailing
in Biilia, during the conlefl between Scfilra and
Reynardam; and nothing could equal the fchemcs
praftifed by the friends of the latter (the ad-
herents rather, for he had no friends), to pro-
cure him the viftory. Bcfides the influence
of Noveda, that of many private pcrfons was
employed in a ftill more (hameful •manner, to
cffeft this grand purpofe. To (hew to what de.
grec of madnefs many people were driven by the
fpecious arts of this pedlar in politics, I fhall
relate a circumftancc, which adually took place
in a private family on this occafion, and may
convey to you fome idea of the fpirit of that
party, and of thofe who, fympathetically, joined
it.
A LADY, whom I (hall hero ctlV^ophia^ was
poffcffed of property fufficient,. had ^. (he been
of our fex, to have entitled her to give her Voice
for a Bulian c^ndi^a^te'; and flie ddtcfted the
name of Reynardam.- She had an uncle Avhom
I IhaU call GTigory, who, on the contrary, as
greatly admired him, and would d^, ajmoft any
thing to promo^ his jntcrefts, but wbofe pro-
perty lying in a different part of Niatirb, gave
him no right to interfere refpcfting the Etanct
of Bulia.
Urged, however, by the fpirit of. party, the
profpea of ingratiating himfelf with Reynardam,
and the hope pf , future emolum^t, .ihould
Reynardam again acquire the. Retfmimflvip,
for he knew not ti^at Reynardam was aningiate,
he waited on his niece, and requciled her to
let him have her houfe fof a certain ,tcmi ^ years j
which would entitle him to give his fulFragc for
Reynardam. As he was very importunate, his
niece was prevailed upon to grant his rcqueft >
and a BuHan counfellor had his dice6lionato
prepare what in this country would be called a
Uafe.
The direftions he had given, . however, were
of a very different tcnour, to thofe agieed on be-
tween Sophia and Gregory. The counieJ, «-
cording to the direftions given him by Gregory,
prepared a complete conveyance to him 6f So-
phia's eftatc, and, in confideration of a c^jtfcienr
tious Jtt^ or a fee for quieting the confciencc,
read the inftrumeiit to Sophia, as though it had
been fimply a leafe, according to their agree-
ment. She could have no idea of deception
from the hand of an uncle, and had not (kill
enough to read the profeffional hand, in which
the writing was prepared. She, therefore, figned
it, and was thus duped out of an eftate which
was her chief fubfiftcnce, by an uncle, for the
fake of fcrving a wretch whom (he regarded as
a public nuifancc, as too many of thofe diflin-
guifhed by the appellation of Bulian patriots,
certainly were.
Gregory took no notice of the advantage he
had gained of his niece, for fome time, and pro-
bably would have Tet It reft in fccret till the
death of one of them fhould have revealed it, had
not the approaching nuptials of Sophia brought
the matter to light. .
She had long been addrcffcd by a man of
probity and honour, who at length prevailed
upon her to give him her hand. Prior, to which,
however, he was dcfirqys not only to give her
a "^^/^tenance, fhould fhc furvivc him, but al-
fo to fettle her own eftate in fuch a manner, as
that fhc fhould enjoy the exclufive benefit of it.
But now. Gregory pots in his claim; Thtf
aflppifhpnent. and> veiaattoa of tSophia a#c in-
dcfcribable. She was not fo much alarmed
at her own lofs, as at .tl^ infamy pf her uncle,
and the apprehenfion that her lover might ima,
glne fhe had prcvldufly cjifpofcd of her property,
for fome fccret ufcs. Her lover had too good
an opinion of Sophia, and when he was inform-
ed of the intimacy fubfifting between her uncle
arid Reynardam, he was not at all allonifhcd at
Gregory's condua. He knew it >ya5 the fpirit
of party ; and when he conlidcred a-Ao and.«y/wl
the heads of tliut parly were, he only lamented
fhat his Sophia fliouldj'unliappily^ have fallen in-
to fuch hands.
The delicacy of Sophia,, however, retarfed
' J^.?/i^^^»lS^s, She ^p3ei^l9d.tQ the Bulian laws
for r^cuqf^.aiid qbtaip^ni. it;*. The Chief Jufice, M
n^an vc^rablc by his years, his wifdom, and the
uprightnefs of his cpnciuft, c^uf9d^ Gregory not
oply, to rcaore.hcr property to Sophia, with
apipje retribution. J^r the iqjuiy.fhc,hadfttfbin€d,
but he inflifted fuch other punifhmeiAs on him
as the Bulian laws. J>a4 ordaincd-i and the lODan-
fd w)>o had been a(Iifling;in..thefra«ii he ba-
iiiflie4^.for ever frppi al^^^u.coutts o£kw.
In this, tht Chief j«ftfcc did right to hiihrcir
ai welt as to Sophia; and vindicated his own
ehara^ler againfl thofe infamous infnuationsyrhkh
the friends of Rcynwdate faki thrown^ out; tficy
having
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^.xvii.
TilE *I£W SP«<;TAT0«, Ac.
luviiig induiOLrieufly xcgpoited throughout Buli^^
.that this £Ood, this venerablci itiAn was an ad-
herent and a friend of Rcynardam. A rqport
calculated to |give weight to the chara£ler of the
Jattcr, and to perfiiade the people that there was
M ieaft fine £Qod and oii/e man in his interei^
which, however, was not the calc ; this vene-
xahle dU^eoFcr of the Uw hoLding in utter con-
lempt| Jbacn and principles fo diametricaJlj op^
j^oTite to every thJc^ good) ^eat ,aad reipeift-
i»ble«
This liuTineis havk\g been fettled, th^ fUijs-
tials of Sophia were privately celebrated, and
(he now enjoys the fruit of that moral red^tud^
and delicacy of fientiment^ by which I wifh
every Britifh lady was as amiably diilinguifhed
%i (be Sofhi* ef ^^^^ ^
ijTSOtvifrcY.
If there is any truth in the affertiont that a re-
form bill, under the aufpices of the Earl of
JMan^eldj is to be fpcedily brought in|^. for tlie
abolition of imprifoment for debt^ on debtors
giving up their whole property, to their creditorsi
JU in caies of bankruptcy ; it will tend in a great
ineafure to reftrain that luxury and prodigality
by which this country is enfeebled. Gare will
be taken to whom credit is given, and the idU
and the diffolute will be compelled to feek other
means of fubliilence than that of preying on the
public, by the fpecious arts of fwindling, which
enable half the Jine fdlozas we arc taught to ad-
mire, to efcape the gallows !
It will alfo be more congenial to the fpirit of
the firitifh conftitution ; and be the means of
,aboliihing certain Seminaries of vice, into which
many go honeft men,, afrtd cottt* mti cotffpfete
Juiaves, from tKe inAfudioti^ and dkample of
pflttifoggingattDmidsi, atid cheating bown'^voUieSi.
Fii«»t-Sho
p s.
The liberty of the prefs is amply fupported by
the Print-lhops, who, fcarlefs of libels, cxpofe
villainVy howevet exalted, and ridicule fbllie«f
however patronifed. I am glad to find^ that th«
leading partizans of the principal knaves who are
thus expofed, are hurt by feeing their friends
lufFering under public ridicule. This kind of
punifhment is fomething fimilar to that of hang-
ing in effigy. Three or four tremaidaus fcUorvs
have lately taken upon them to harangue the
fhopkeepers, who thus expofe certain charafters,
on the fubjcft of fcandaly defiring, it feems, to
monopolize that commodity to themfelvei ; and
their eloquence proving ineffeftual, they have
threatened to break the windows^ containing
fcandeUous exhUntwm of their dear friends ; but ai
confjdcrable advantages would neceflarily tefult
to thofe whdfe wittdows fhould be fo broken^
vYi'd :ts Vhe%^ ftitti vakt it k ^le WtrifVr t6 &} ^6oi,
if Vhby tiih ^'olfeWy kVdii ft, Ac buriheft Je
fcteakiniJ Windows ill Jtottpon^'d 'till proper toots
tan be feiinci to efet A tWs goodly V<Jrk \
lJNACCOUNTAai3 CuARA*CT£as.
In this numerous clafs, are to be xankej^
thofc ladies who have the reputation of chaftity.
Without any of its external forms. At the hcai
of this fociety, therefore muft be placed a lady
who, within this month paft, has rendered
nerlclf celebrated by her mafculine avocations^
ani his afforded a freih fubjed for the male-
voience of (lander. The bane of this woman it
affeflation, whicli, like an ignis fatuus^ hat
led her through almoll every fcene in which fht
could render herfelf confpicuoufly ridiculous^
and at laft engaged her in a fervice* which hat
deprived her of ail the rcfpeft due to her
Situation in liff.
Some years ago, flie was remarkable for her
exce£i arid diflipation in drefs, acircumflanco
which always indicates a narrow mind. She then
plunged into the abyfi ol^ ganging, one of tho
grand vices of the times, and affociated with
Squire Morgan, and other charafteri that are
not unaccountable. Snatched from that pit, o£
deftruftion^ by parental authority, and conjugal
affe6Uon, fhe lived according to the rules of
comtftOTTeritc Tor Tome tTme, when another
lit of folly feized her, and (he became the drudge
of a (harper, and exhibited herfelf as a modem
patriot in petticoats!
Sqcw hashed tie tfyxi^Bi of tW^Iad^,' whofe
reputation is tinblemHhcd, ahd v/ho, nOtWith:*
(landing all thefe things, is ar tewfcf tft6fth«f/ a
dutiful wife, a true chriftiaiip and-**a UkJ/ of
fafliionv the very quintefTence «f which i^ to
have fuch qualifications as may (lamp her aa
unaccountabU charaBcr !
With f^fpm fb rtfc iW*ef^#ift'ftfc^ :to6ngrf
thtt fcfOkiA^i^ I drall hereafter notice them.— I
(hall be told, that thefe things are perfonai. They
are fo; and I never yet read a charafter, unlefs it
were in a modem tragedy, that was not perfonai.
If the chara6lers I draw, were not perfonai^
my labour would be in a great meafure loft. 1
wi(h I could fay, they ware finguLr too. But
this, alas ! I cannot fay. I believe if I were to
draw a human pifture ever fo ridiculous, or
deteftable, fcarce one of my readers would fail in
finding an original, — provided it wcr» not
themfelves!
LesT
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8
THE NEW S P E C T A TO R, &c.
No. XVIL
Lost,
In Mr, Fox's Proccffion^ lafiwed,
A VERY ifniall quantity of common fcnfc,
which the owner has been much in want of ever
lincc. Alfo feveral ounces of moderation, and
two grains of decency, both a little fophifticated,
and fomething worfe for wear. A confide rable
quantity of very bright hopes, not a pin the
worfe for wear. The advert ifer's pocket was
J)icked of this article the moment the High
Bailiff quitted the veftry room. His common
fenfe, he fufpe6b to have left in the pocket of his
told coat, which was fold about an hour after he
had put on his Blue and huff^ in which pocktt
were alfo left, by iniftake, the^hcads of a Trtaty of
peace between a Dutch pedlar and a Clare-market
butchery witncITed by an Irijh chairman. At the
fame time, was alfo loft feveral drams of equani-
mity, and high fpirits, on which the advertifcr
has lived for feveral years, and without which
he is apprehenfivc of falling a prey to all the
calamities of mortality.
Hk begs leave to inform the public, that the
extraordinary quantity ofajfuranu obferved to be
in thepofTefllon of a gentleman near Mr. Fox in
the proceflion, did not belong to the advert ifer,
Who is happy in retaining every particle of his
original quantum of that incftiroablc treafure.
Whoever finds any of the above articles, and
returns them fafely to the owner, fhall be hand-
fomely rewarded by a peck and a half of as fine
promifcs as ever were made; and whofocver
(hall find, apd not return them, may keep them
at their peril
Th e cafe of this unhappy gentleman I very
much deplore *, and if, friend Stec, you know
of any plain, good natured man that has a little
common fenfe to fpare, I conjure you, recommend
the advertifcr as a purchafer, whofe addrefe may
be known by applying to Paddy Bludgeon^ under
the Piazzas, Co vent-Garden.
1 am. Dear Spec,
Yours, &c.
JOHN BULL.
To other Corres pondents.
The VifioTiy a poem, Jhall appear next week.-^
Ignoratus is informed, tliat the Balloon drrivedjrom
BuUa U^ nightf and a tranjlation of the di/patehes
wilt be laid before the public on Tuefddy. With re-
JpeQ, to the loiter part of his letter^ Ignoratus is an-
Jhftredin the afirmative. — ^TonyWifeacre^/^^nx/o be
the Gentlewoman from Jerico, in difguifi, — I Jhall
gladly give Rufticus and his friends the accounts
they require.
Lon0Ok: Printed by T. Rickaby, No. 15, Duke's-Court, Bow-Street, Covent-Garden ;
Sold by T. AX TELL, No. 1, Finch-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charles-Street, St. Jamcs's-Square ; by P. BRETT, Bookfcller and
Stationer, oppofitc St. Clemenes-Church in the Strand ; and by W. THISELTON, Bookfeller and
• Stationer, No. 37, Goodge-Street, Rathbone-Place.
•^* CoRRBiPOMDBNTS arc Tcquefted to addrefs their favours to the New Spectator, t%
the care of any of the above-named Publiftiers.
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THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
W 1 t H T H E ^
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. XVIII.
TUESDAY, June i, 17^4,
' Price Three-pence.
T/9 6f continued tvery Tuesday.
Todreii, to i»MS(^ Uki fing» our iole deliglif,
The fttfti or bitb hj day, and love by night;
Pope*
BEING' retired itor^ the hurry and buttle of
London, I am at leifure to indulge my-,
felf in fuch amufements and company a^ I have
ever delighted in. Of both which, I hisjl'
hereafter ^ivc fome account to niy readers.
Mean time I cannot ' help* rcflefting, on the truly
ridiculous ideas/ certain claflps of the worthy
citizens of the mctropblif^ entertain rcfpcfling
what is called the coun/ry^ and its' inhabitants-'
Thefc fame citizens haVc a w<)nderful propcnfity
to diflike cv^ry thing which they do liot under-
hand ; and to ridicule all human' beings who,
happily, arc unlike thernfclvcs. A ii^an, bom
m a "wood, nurfed in a cave, and educated in a
village, the moft remote from civilized com-
munication, has not, generally fpeaking, more
contracted ideas than thofc Jpruct wags, thofe
rnonjirous, gcnted and a;<ry poUU gentleman fo
orderly ranged behind every counter between
Charing-crofs, and Shore-ditch.
But thefe fame gentlemen having, by reading
the Parliamentfary debates, and other learned
Iwniir of the times, become paffionate admirers
oFlogic^ win expeft thatlfliould, firft, fecondly^
arid thirdry, (hew whence, wherefore, arid why
(for they arc mightily fond of a labyrinth of ipdif-
imguiJhabU diJlinBionsJ^ I advance a priepofition
f© cont/ary to the general opinion of minhindj
i. e. of the faid citizepa tKemfelves, and oil
what grounds! fu^portthat prepofition. Npw^
as 1 am not fuch an adept in their fpecies of logic^
I fhall alfign my reafon, for I have but one,
Without the folcmhity of logical formality, ^nrf
it is fimply thif: «* Thai a "villagier nevei:
laughsr at a ftranger." Probably this reafon may
not be ft)' ■cI4*mpi;ehcnrive as tliey could wifh ; it
niay, iio'vCre^^l*, afford'them ant)pportunity of
exerc^iing theif powers of iatiocination ; and I
will venture to -KTure them,^ that it is fundamen-'
tally i^ true as the I^orty-fcvcnth proportion of
the fifft Book of Euclid, for the difcovery of
which a ' certaiti ph'ilbfopher thought proper'to'
facrifice a'hecatomlS' of oxefi to "the blue-eyed"
Minerva. ' '' * -* "'*
' But this diftin£lion between the inhabitants of
cities and thofe of villages, difcovers itfelf mgl^
in the .conduft and behaviour of the fair fex ;
fo much indeed tliat I have fometimes been
Half tempted to believe them of difiierent fpt-
cies.
...,......' t. ^ -
SopHJA JA the ^ughter of an eminent mer^P
chant, on the wron^ fide of Temple-bar. _She'
has received what is called a genfeel tducaUom^^
that is, fhe can ftrum a tuxieyn a guittar, dance r
alamode, underdands the tapi^ur, has a coofufedt
idea of the Englifh and Fre^qb .languages,' out of'
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THU NEW $PECTATaS^ ^
N^iXVUI.
vhkk, wTtli Ac iddkion of iai few vernacular
fhrftfet, flift fbfim a very pretty language at her
' own ; and with thcfc accompliJhrrmiSi rcgplatcd by
the nccefary pride of her fcx, that is to fay, a
thorough contempt for thofc who arc unKkc,
but efpecially for thofe who arc beneath, hcr-
fclf, Sophia is a city toaft, and afpires to the
^haiaQer of aj(Swfcw^;'an4What'fa enchanti|ig
itfi tP be thoii^ 2ijinglady ? Tlkfe qi»aHflcati»ns,
however, arc but Ktllc conducive to the for-
maiion or flrcngthening of the filial and fecial
duties, which it is the chicfbufincfs of education
to inculcate in the hearts, and ixnprefs on the
minda of (utH as arc infiendi^ lot 4itJfi|I dat||]|p[-^
fers, faithful wives, acnd prudent mothers*
Whilft external accompliffraients arc eagerly
pwiMly tbo heart k na gl a a » d f aiid Sophi» with
her fa^ntktjii quidi Stations, has 4 mind » ii»-
HHeffed aa that of mt Avab^ »r4 a heart wtMi^
ceptible of all thofe foft emotions, tlKioler delicate
Mmga whi«h di ftiPffl i iih tho CSemft mi tho
Icntimental Richardson from the Molly Seagrim
of the humorous F t« ld i » 6# SopMa^ kaa 4)cf^
fore the natural^ but not the tenfki ^9f^ov^ pf
her parents ; the eon^ments but not the good
will of her neighbours; an cxtenfivc ac<juaintan€e
and not one friend*.
Such is Sophia; fngf fuc^ firqnt (he tnoilem
tniftaK^n mod<r of femfJe educati9i^ ^ the
gener^ii^y of ^^ daughte]:s \ amd fui^l^yrill the^r
Continue to be f<^ tong^ a^ that modb^f ^ucaV^M
ihall prevail ; and \ n;LU^ confefs,. that the xmoro
I^ revolve thefubjc^ inrnj own mtnd, mi, conr^
4der the nature an4 exten^c inlQu^co. of Uic^
caufe producing the c^eftj^ the Icfs reafon have,
X to entertain any hopes of % ^kapg!;^ vukfc
peradventure, it be for the worfe«
In my next pa]^r frpm thif pl^ccf^ I (haO jrc-
fent the r^adeir with a fii|;ht ik^tch^, by way of
contrail, of a/<»M^vt/!Ei^<r, hajmy e4vxs;atcd, and
ifow living in a part of the ifprW of wbi<:h my
good friends in the metropolisy conceive the mo^
romantic ideas, but have no other conception of
the inhabitants than as of the chiTdrei^ of barr
Ibaffty, and the inheritors of contempt*
YuBKB cannot ^rely be an obje£k of more
general concern, of inore national conf^ucQ^,
of mt>re mimediate importance, than female
education* An infenfibBe relaxation from its
femei^ ftri&iefi; an iUjuci^cd devxattoa from its
ftninief principk% have been produ3ive of uoicr
wilk t& the eemnnmity at las^, ai we^ as to
ifediviidual fcHeity, th^ tmt veadlly be conceived^
tending ae oaae «» uncknnine the pillM of
niational glotyt aad to bp tibe foundation^ of do-
; traoquiflity^
To the Nifw SP'KCTAToa*
Friesd Spec,
DuaiNc the vacation at the winter
theatres, thofe Thcfpian ladies, who h»veno(
fi4Auner engagements, havc'collc6ted themfelvcs
together, and formed a Club, which they call
the N^^i'si^ic, Delectable^ QaiTtCAa*
SooiJ^TY* They not dnt^ mean ^-^makjsjAe
Mamilgers know their conleijuenee, for "their
better engagements next feafon, but have a£hialiy
becomA Critics f and every night of meeting
they give their opinions concerning the^ Pct"
Jcnrmerj^ and naa Pieces^ which may enfuc every
VNfcek^ wfh^*h fhcv fegrcta^y ia to^^i; a minute
of, as the majority of opinions decide. Now,
fmcerely Spec, I have an extended idea of this
Society, as it containr ^ar number of fenfible
vromeh* Every Sunday they meet, and on die
Monday 1 wilt tranfmit to you the purport of
the MeettBg, by which means you will be able
to gire your readers an imppartial afiv gemiunc
Critique, on every new a&or, a6be£i, or per-
'fOtioaiMie fhiOtt|^ottt the whole feafon of the
BftftnOM tAtfUtHx which i» more than any
morning paper can, as a weighty argument can
bias their judgment*
T*iE reafon why you wift.bc. abl^ togi^Kri^
impartial and tcnuiae Crmcjuc?, is mcr^y|«i|$,
becayfe every critiouc wilt be the cffeft of a
ferioua invcft^ation,. and decided by a majority
of opinions, which mull certainly adhere more
to truth| than the ijtpinion.of one, .whohasxiQ
ot>inion of his owa* A' tetter ia drawn up and
figncd by the members, figmfymg their intcntio(>^
and ia going to be fent to their gpod-natured
friend and ^la^ager, Ceorge Cfilmam, £P^ for hi^
permiffion*
^VEBY thing waj^ripc forcxccii^iqn, and th«
day appointed for meeting ; but lo I there was now
preff4ent {^rnof could the tragi-comic, heroines
appoint one — among ^mfelves*. Ambition inter-
rened* Who fljall take the chair? — As they
could not bring matters tc^an amical^c cot^uCon
they formed themfi^ves into a qommittee, and
It palled nem. con. that / (bould be fent for„ and
requeued to be th^ir l^flator. Accordingly i
received the following card : " Th^ Neoteric,
<« Dclediable, Critical Society, preient thejr re*
<< fpe£tful compliments to Oxtabov, and tha^
*^ 9s Zar^ Clraveairs has.propo(ed you our Legif-
*^ lator, which wa9 unanimouily agreed to ^ y/onK
^ are re^efted Xp attend on Sunday tJb<^,^U»^
«« ipftant, at fcven o^dpc]^, wbca yo^^l^i^ ref
«* ceivc thq finccre thanks of thi^ fppifi^c .
Peggy Bbittlb, ^SecreiaryJ*
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}I#. XVffl.
THE KKVr SFE'CTATOIW «c*
My intimacy in the greem room, and woQ-
nation to oUigo the ladies in gcnendt hani&ed
«very diftaat idea of a vtfiiM. On Sunkcy
«vcni«|^ «ocordi»g lo appointiaeiit, L went, and
^Aer afcendiiig three pair of ftaixs, nrhtchmne
M dark as the fubcerraneout paifage of thebaa-
iditti, in Oil Bias, I eolered a iacA room, appto*
priatcd for thd irfs of die Socioty.
First Mbi^ting.
A GESc HAL moving enTured. After a (Jp^ech
of thanks from P^gg^ BritttCf Miff OgU^ and Mrs.
Tattoo^ led me to a vacant chair, at the head of
a uble, where they told me, I was to zGt as my
inpenor jtxdgmentthought proper; that tkey.had
.icivefted every decilion in ary power^ mmI diaC I
was now their prefidcat, and iegiflator. The
mks of the foctety were then ordered to be read
by>Pe§^ Brittle, which were as £q11ows.
1 -^ That every altercation, contention, difiet-
*<' ence, or dCvifion in fentiment fttall be finalfy
«< decided by OtTAaoM, legHlatdr of this
« focietyi y ^ ■
. li '^ That want pf ci9tlH9 be po apology for
^ not attending ipery nigkt.i . aa .^wkb a pnvper
** appHeadon^ :ilie fbciety will find thete at the
** expenceoltlMpuMie.
III " That no inember,- ^^members, on
** pain of being expdled^ Ihall, after ftie '<^ir
*♦ istalcfen, WfdenwWitobkiDbliqOor, &t.
IV ♦* Tm,^? !i>o i»emben» whatever-^ (hall
*' M^9 ^ ^^ pcnodiof 4jiVeftigation iii 'ex-
<' pired, on forfeiMre of' ninepviuie halfpenny,
'- "and aftjcrwaffds, to be dedded^ billot, o^^the
•* holding up of hands,
V " That Oitaroh^ the Icgiflalot of this
«« foctety, (hall have free accefs to
Ha RE, Mift Sprightly rofe, and declared that
the reading of the rules throughout, was not
only tedious, but unnccelTary, and cfpccially
when a ^fcy&on of more coqfe(}ucnce ought to
enfue. }/lxu R$ckft fecondcd, tjb^ motion^ but
was for having every rule ^.cooc^ifii.^^^^ear
as polTible, which <lbe fifth mlfi, at pncient, was
tiot; owing fo an tnterrupfion, thcsefore fhe
propofnian afnendnient, vhii^^^wts recorded ;
and was this J «*^ That OrtAJttoh, have;' free
♦* acdrfi to every private, as wcH as pWblic
^« meeting/' / |
The rules were palled up in Icveral pads of
the room. Order was calkd. and Pc^ Spttle
read as follows,
FaiJttAY hH^ ,May the 48th, was opened the
llieatpe Royal in iJLe KayJ^9rk«t« for the
SuTBttir ft »fom but M mMaid.akaratitfn has
tak^fhtii. SoRif lew pirfstm^^ta onga^Kfrf.
Mifa f airen t WA Kmkk, Mrs. 3atp$, Sf<i^
The new Pftdiwh CfilMi «< Tfie. tkSiM ^ i^
^ Mtautgen^'r^ poftponed* 1 then called tp
order, iotcnogadrvg^ wbethtf tl|i4 f^okij
thouf^ it generous ^ the public^ i^\pv adv«F-
tifingasiewPerformaMetQYriiMfliwit?' After
this quelHott, Zara Gravmn v^ «a4 iaid,
that ihe did not mean to encoiarago any dif-
appoiatment to t^ public, but to relate te the
fociety ^ true caufe, why it was not performed*
The Lord Chamberlain, had cHofi^ to refufe his
licenfe; 0x1 what ^nns (ht knew not ; but do-
dar^ that (be faw nothing in it at rehearial tp
dcferve prohiUtion^ Where is the merit pfaa
•uthpr^ wiibotrt he *< fto^u fpUy as it fties?"-^
Aceminpuebels, whofe la^ t^ondefceD&on, has
existed derirK>ti| >ra$ <the principal phjcA in jii,
which would have been immitably well playc4t
by Mill Farreo.
PoLXY Atau, then rofcj «* Legiflator, 1
«* muft fubmit my poor judgment toyourfiiperiqr
^ knowledge ; but J always underftood that the
,i^ power of the licenfer extended thus hr ;•— ta
*^ prohibit fuch and fueh pieces, that were blaf*
** phemoiis, 1ibfllom» or trrafnnmiB thJT^ Le-*.
<« giflater, is eU I have to ofier."
In anfwer to 2^a Graoeairs^s qi^re, pOf^seti-
jn|j the powei; of jjie J^rd. ,pbw^rt*ii» forbid-
din^the reprefentatiom of plays, I referred.her
XQ Gay's opefaoJF Polly. This beipg fufficiently
inveftigated, the fecretary made a minute of i^,
and informed us that the theatre opened with the
comedy of ^the 'Spdnijk Barber and the Agreeaili
Surprife, — Mifs Stidr informed the focieiy, that
thehoufe was very full, and that ^ the comedy
went off with applaufe, as ufual. When Linso
appeared in the Agreeable Surprife, he was re-
ceived, as his performance in getieral merited,^
but I may fay with \jC Sage ■ '* ^e U one
«* of thofe fpoiled aftgrs, in whom the pit par*
'<« dons every thing; and, indeed, this player
<< did not (peak one' word, tiox perform one
'<^ gefture, without attrad^in^ applaufe. Tlie
<< audience n^ad^ him tOQ fenfible of the pleafqre
^* they had in feeing him on the tiajje ; and he
** abufed their favopr accordingly. 1 perceived
" tJiat he fpmetin^es forgot himfelf xp the middle
** of a fccnc, and put tbcif; prepoitcffion in hie
<« behalf to too fevcre a proof; for th^ woyld
« often have dojic him juflice, iud they hiffcd,
« inftead of extolling him to the (kics.** — Here
it palled ntM.cm. that Lingo, thoug|han excellent
^ con^ aSor, would too often abufe the audience
"With feme nonfenfeof his owfi| which was only
adapted
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THE N BW - SPECTATOR, Ac
.Wo,XVin.
•iKlapleil to the judgment ^of the One fhiUuig gal-
lery'. Mifs <Siierr continued her critique thus? The
next evening, Mifs Farren re-appeanBd in thfe
SeparaU MmnUnAnu^ to the fatislMtoni and plea-
fure of a genteel audience. She then concluded
with a pmmiie to give the iockty at oiur next
meeting, acorreft lift, with anecdotes, of all the
new performers engaged for the feafon*
Tub minutes heing taken down, the fociety
book was clofed for the evenmg^a general con-
^eriation took place, and the (bciety adjourned*
Now, friend Spec, I mud leave you to your
private fpecutations till a£ter our next meeting;-^
Between you and I, we (hall have feveral rai^
* anecdotes foon, for fome trifling innuendoshavt
already occurred, which originstte in this-i-
Ptggy Brittle^ and Mifs OgU are rivali; anxi zie
both ftecrihgafierthe « ♦magnet of admiration."
O Spi6 ! if a quarrel does but enfue — ^you (hall
have their whole life, charaAer ^nd behaviour,
which I have no doubt, but will h6 truly cmcr.
''taining-»0 ! if they do but quiirrel !
Your^
^ ' OITAROH.
• ♦Mr.P-ha.r;' ■ ' "
iimL,
To the N'E w SpfitVA^oia;
-Dear Spec } / ' ^ • - .; ci-:-. '.
I CANKOT but think yoii litter unforiii-
nate in abf(^nting yourfelf at a time when thie
metropolis was capable of completely gri^Tfying
your muficai tafte in the > >^ .
Commemoration of Hahpel.
which has been nobly attended, . and,
in fome inftanccs, well cxecuted.-
inflances I allude to, are the giving
fome fongs to performers who could execute
them decently^ Whilft others were auditors that
would have fung them divinefy., I believe there
is a kind of fatality attending the management
of all thefe affairs, and, as at the Theatres, (o
here, a want of judgment,' or fome other ^au(c
operated to prevent the performances bcii^
ah/bkUefy complete. On the whole, ' howcve|",
they went off with diftinguifhcd approbation ;
and ought to be recorded as a mo^ honourable
' tedimonjr of the love his Maje(ly bears to.tl^
ifciences. It may be truly (aid, that he is the
only Mecenas of the time; his patronage of
the arts being one of the good qualities in
which his nobles do not choofe to emulate him«
. Thi abfenceaf the Prjnce of Wales on this
. occalipn, is r^^rded with utter (iirprize and
tegretby the kingdom in general, and the mu.
fical MTOrld in particular. D6ubtlefs his High-
ne(s has his private' reafons for thus denying that
honour to Handel, which his fliulktous Sife lum^
thought (it to patronife, and which will add
luftre to the name and memory o£ the Sovereign
as well as of the artift. It is not my intention
•here to enter into a minute difi:u(&on of Che
various excellencies of thefe augu(tpeiformanees ;
but as they are to be continued this week, I
(hall give you a lift of the whole in my next,
that fo memorable a Jubilee hisiyftand properly
/recorded in the NeNv SptcTATbi.
. P o E T a Y..
i *Thb following is an Occajumd Prologue^ on
.the opening of the Capel-Stieet Theatre in
Diiblin^^ (or Operas \ intended to have been fpoken
-by Mr.' Young, and written by Mr. Horatio
Robfon, authbrof " Too Loving. by Half, Ac.
which i^effes t^c/m^ poignant, attic JpUf that
prpduces dramatic: effp^ and w^ich claims a
place in the New; Spectator,
Melpomene araunt .'—no Siddons here
^ To raife yO*r (t^ngi by the studied tear!
- ' No hideoo«'diggcr/Ja(6er'i paiCont pr6vey
V* BehoU khe pf t BD ^"B. of a fiiHtbofinnd't love 1"
Oft have I beird .the fyppMhetic £gk,.
-. T^ienfcf gapifigj^wiih ^IcBcaioi^ fljr
, Jpdo^piHSTRucf iQN'sxcU: where nature'! oie
JDaynles, , i;i;fpleiuji^pt on^gleacd Shore I
> " H61tf^ ! hfi old QuilUdHve, ^ looking at our bill
- 'Widi^ger eye, Opeca!-^ nauftoosFiil I
. Some grtnd.(teme'is floiy (no dranmuc fire !)
,Of Tbel^an ^U\ ^ power oEAmphioo's lyre^
And dancing brutes : but I forefee much evil !
What! chaim me n, with that which chann'd
thcDcvir! ' ^ '
2^ilus, aicrjticy anj of great, senowa,
For news, in fec^et wanders through the town ;
, Taking^ his ufoal walk fome brothers dicet
With fliflr, and formal falutations greet ;
Twilling the button, and— have you heai-d
Ahout' thil o'p)^*ra-work' P-^pdiaw f >-^abfurd
- To banifii tragieidy lor fing-(bng hit \
And place Apol]o4'n the vadint'clMiif^ . ' >
But I'm deteaDinM'!--4b am ly and I^ -.
To night WftMlidamn-; ovh will's its deflinjr*
A trucfHib^ia^. l^oneftinbis heart,
Overheard their talk, and nobly took pur part^ .
** Once in an age a genius may arife, . .
♦< With wit well cultur'd, and widi learning wife i*»
So fung your poet; then why his themt difclaim P
If genius fues, applauTe is merit's claimi'
Firft fee, then ad ; let candour Idd the Way,
And as your jndgihcnt wilh, fo weMI obey,
'Tu Honour's Voice \ injufiice you difclaisi.
When merit's proved tba fitit reward t« fine I
Sadb
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N<ivXVUU
T^J
NEW SPECTATOR, &«*
Such is the ftruaurc of our hopci to night ;
" Variety wc boaft, to give delight ;
Ybung Females hcre,-whonc»cr the Stage have trod,
Tremble with fear, and dread the critic's rod!
Avcrtfufpencc! a kind fupport bcftow 1
Oaf fouls, with lafting gratitude will gloW S
Now we fubmit our genius to. y d u R laws,
: And hope to gain a generous appUufc I
Th? following fpiritcd equivoque on a Saddle,
by Cimftancc, will no doubt be acceptable to your
readers.
Maigre dps tft la poitc,
II portc chair, eft chair le porte;
• ' Ah ! le pauvre maigre do^:—
Qiii rt'» ni, chair, ni fang, ni bs !
My venerable friend, who accompanied me
in my tour to BuUa,. arrived from thence laft
week, ' and has brought wUh him, feveral Bulian
pamphlets, out of which wc'arebuficd in ex-
tra&ng fuch" intelUgcncc as may be entertaining;
toyour readers! the tranflation of which is pre-
paring >vlth alf expedition,^^ and fhall form a^
part of* my m'ifceUany of next Week. * And I
im further induced' 'ti poftjpone my own ob-
{'erv^ion5,.'to give room to fome of your cor-
refponde^ts Who, duiing. your refidence'in xU
country, hope to fee their favours particularly
attcndecf'to. ^ » ^ ..-,..■
C O R R B « T O ND E N C E.
Since your Spectatojlship leftTown, I
have received many favours fx:om.ypur,.Gor-
rcfpondcnU, belidcs thofc to which I have
thi» week given, place^j particularly. ^.letter,
y^ith^ Si. dgubU pofifcript, much longer, than the
letter itfelf, figncd, with^g^t proprictyi ,9 Poor.
Chxntnfy: Sweeper^ the. fubjcft .X)f whijh. ia too
dark f9f i^y:Comprehcnfion. .1 flvall^.t^referc,
rcfervc ,it for . your^.,? p,f qr at o^r ih i p'^;
penif^I-T-tA,,fard fTqm.aijpcgfcnj^vfhqcalU hii^j-,
fclf Veritas, and fecms to be ip.a ftate of ifiiknity,r
requires nq anfwer.— The poem of the Vifion.is
refcrved tor next week.— The gentleman who
entitles' his effay, fhcHeUsoJtht Covenl-gar^n
Banditti diJfeOed, would defcn'e well of ihe
pilislic Ycre his animad Wfions a little Icfs yio-
, lent, though it is difficult to r9flrain iadignallon 9n
//ir/i' a' fubjcft. —The Lawntadon of Net^a^e, on.
Iht privilege of Parlianunt, ^nd the Cries of .tju^
Church, are libels on two theatrical writers, and.
arcJriadmilTible*— the -Pri»ai<f anccdo^s of , the.
^vaie life of a certain ^oung dentiemcny are alfo
inadmirfible, on acco!i»nt,of tHt irj^^^y.^f^^'
ample, which I am fure your SpectatorsAIp
would not wi(K to encourage.— The Travels of
January and May, feem to refleft on a young
Duke, and a Lady of diftiRfiion, and perhaps
withjuftice; but a regard to truth prevenU th#
infertion of unauthenticated faft«.
I am, dear Spic,
Yours, Ac.
JOHN BULL.
To the New Spectator.
Mr. Spectator,
It will be neceffary to premife that whether
there are or are not innate virtues and ideas can-
not be demonllrated as a fa£b; the queftion
beixlg in mctaphyfics, of equal profundity with the
« being and attributes of God •/' only with thia
difference, that nofatisfaftory account can be had
concerning the being and attributes of God^
either a priori or a ^^mm.— Nothing can be
proved a priori, though the people calling them- '
felvcs philofophers, have been vain enough to -
idle away a long life iii the attempt* If this was
a propel place, or th» fubjcft was worthy of
difcuffion, or in any wife blended with, orob^*
truded itfdf upon my argument, I fhould not •
pafs over the puerilities advanced, concerning*
the attributes of God, as I am not above enter-
ing into a refuUtion of the doftrine of any
writer, however abfurd he may be. — But -the
exiftence of innate virtues and ideas, feema
pretty manifeft a pofteriori, and, what is by nO
means unfavourable to the argument of the
proudcft philofopher,; it is the general opinion
of all mankind ; whereas the fenfation and re-
fleftion way of getting at virtues, ideas; prin*
ciples,' and the whola fuxnmit of humari know-
ledge, is admitted by the learned only, who,
' every man is fen fiblc, may 'be* made to believe ^
any thing,' efpccially if we are allowed to judge'
of th^ir thoughts by
' i 'Mi^sT confers "V^ ^^^
heard to prove the ri »rtues and*
ideas, is in favour < :ence; as^
no proof can be g individual j
has by application, being by
natMrcfaflacious, and pofteffing innate principle*
conOituted and blended with 'the inherent fa-
culties' diametrically oppofitc to fuch a virtue.-^^
No proof' can be given of acquired courage,^
acquired modcfty, TortJtiide, conftancy, gcne-^
rofit)', h(ineay,or any moral' 6r focial virtue^
whatever. You muR prove thefc acquirements;
nature aaing rcvcrfe, or you writa and argue, to^
•n&
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THE WEW SPECTATOR, «^
.Ko,TtVTt0
no purpofc, Vou will Tay, forcing the cow^i'd
to take the muiciviet^ and mix with the brave, in
the vanquifhmcnt of the enemy, h^s in time;,
worn out his puiillanimity ; and what wjis .force
at the beginning, has at length bccQme defire,
natural inclination, and principle. This method
of proving is too barefaced, mean, and pitiful to
lank with ^bilofeiphy. The man remaining in
the field of battle, or aftually poiTefUng courage
vrhilil tiiere, is no j)roof of his cowardice not
being innate, or that his courage was acquired ;
unlefs fcfrce is to pafs for acquirement, which,
I know, even philofbphic feverity will not inlfft
ofu-— I>i(ciplinfit htrdUp, fear and (hame will
ke<3p fauoJtpparQQftly.oouzag^us, iwhiift wkh the
gfiXiGoi in jdie SeU; but tkisisinioft cvidoncfty
fbccing ji«ture, jmd not nauce berfelf. To
|U»ve;pn>pcriy what he kj wiiuldl)eto ktihtm
liv^iin4i(vinMfldiel>y with other nan ; ineet ihe
fame ^a^l^ wui oppofe, or ccingc, ra Jbkfiwii
natural ,way. I wiU aUow you to xt^m him
wuhasnany books, «nd as much cionveilMoB
aWt»t Cf^urage :a» you ^ lealc ; sMy, { wotAfi «>Me
ypu |h(S(e little pdv»ntt^s into Ahc ^aqpit,
TaJ;^ y^HT wwatd, y'dep'd nu» of coKVtfe,
fco^irtheh»)dyff!a^ pf thetoivfi, AiviheiMitt
moi^ aifurcd^ relaplc^ or oiprp fWfoAf i^oik*
aijignauux ;iivriU be horCplf itgaoA.
Nftturam acpdUsfurca vjqut repirnt.
For raami 49Y^n^c vritbproii44iti9m».
^l-pov{ei;fulj9(ideJGei v»ll room^^gai^.
Water may be made tp run with ^cat r?mi-
dity up Highgate-Hill ; but take away Uie artful
contrivance, and nature will {hew her abhorsenoe
of fuch relrogradation.— Trees arc ma4c to un*
bend at the top, and in that manner gcow dpwn^
wards; bjat have trees themleWes any inherent
faculty ito grow downwards ? It is neceflary to
diflinguifb between what is purely mitural, and
what is not, e'er we can ha^vc fuch ^tisfa&ioq,
as is only to be come al, to afaertamif mm ha^vc
ipnatc virtues and ^deas; and it is necdTaiy, as
we write ugt for the fekoots, Mid prefume not
qn, ^e province of the leamedtbutwithtobe
rca^ and undcrftoofi by plain aien^ of plain
capacities, like our oyfi^ that we we gp pkanly
to wprk. Logic proves the fcMrce of sea(bn; but
the fame log^ may be inade to confound reafon.
We will, therefore^ have nothing to do with it«
Experience 9»cws yx^m 9, thoyfand inftancts,
^t we ha»rc iniu^ virtues and ideas^ 9nd de<>
aipnftraies une^ivocally^ that we iyre incapable
of acquiring: any virtue^ though virtue may be,.
Uliaid^ Corcod upon us.p-*A|^ tied hand and
foo^ and confined in t dung^nj hfs the f tin-
ciples of lewdnels taken away, as it were, and
you rn^y, if you plf afc^ make it a reafonable
argument lo prove ihe is chafte, becaufe for-
cibly deprived lof 'cvoiy human ipeans to be
otherwife. All acquired, -or |Msetendedly ac-
quired virtues, aie of e^ual mSffSMHtfi
nature drawn from her purpofe, fo that ihe it
neceifitated to a6l retrograde, or not to a& at aril.
I KNEW a philofopher who had a fivn-Hthe
reader may ftare, but I by agajn, and for the
honour of philofc^herj^ am willing tp prove if,
I knew a philofopher tlut had a foii-t-«nd as the
philofoph^ wa^ /»Ac np boc^r elie, he w»s deter-
mined his fon — this ton I mean— (hould refera-
ble none but himfcdf. Tkis fon was to be a
iloic, and to enure him to pjain, he every now
and then made the boy undergo ihe operation of
having one of his double-teeth drawx>, and by
always rendering the puniflimcnt, if he flinched,
or ^ave any figns of ienJSbility under the pau^gs
of \o cruel an operation, more Severe than the o-
peration itfelf, ihe poor child was terriHed itrto
! a parent fuhmiffion. i}e was puziAuated, muti-
lated, and half ftarved, to prrfefi bis ftoicifm;
. and yet aftqr all, ip the father's abfcnce, I never
faw a more lifnid, cowardly boy. This tune
philqlopher forced Greek, Sp^hifh, and Italian,
and all metaphyseal fuhjc^s, however abitmle^
upon the poor child at the early age of ten ; and
yet I dec^ne I ixpv^ i^vf ^y perlpn fo iic^ki in
my life, except the father. It is necdlefs to pre-
mife fltat this Marthm% ScriMnus of a father, hy
hfs'flnequent attempts, «kSs ignorant as utimtnly, to
ren d e r his boy a ftoxt 'tW body and mind, tnd
alfo the ^extreme fkigitc itnd boiAifion upon die
intdlcfls at ^ early an age> drove trim into his
g^^e, whtnre hn tbnder and aflcftSonaile motfier,
dl)%g of a broken *cait,' foon Ibttowed. The
fatrier nolwttMkanding the palpability of two
foch toormous murders, was too little ef a man,,
aind too much oC'^ phllefephes^ to &eilr the
Icall coticcm or contritSofl*
I UA,vE been forced \q behave welt x^ gopcl
company, and (ludy the graces, to laugh' when
others laughed^ and feem y^ry happy ; and, thpugh
nothing cap |^ more oppolite to my nature^, .put
on a handibme ^4rc&, fpo\e pretty things to
the ladies— for fa they £rid, and hoped dxcy
ihould fee me afiin— 4>ut does it follow thai^
ihefe acoompUfhmcnts were acquised, becaufi^
they deraon^rated thcnafclves in my pcrfpn at
thai time? But philofi^hers will (ay, long ha^
bittacerddn virtues^ vices^ faifingS| apd accom*^
pH{hments» will reader £bem u pehnanently
your5»
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.Kc»-XV*H.
T«E NfW SPECTATOR, 9x.
ymxm^ as if they wert innaile. Phtlolbp^ers
mKVf alMinpt to purftia^e fiich (i% people as the
3tadcr, Mid I, wrtoa belief of thcfe-thkigs; htrt
<«ipcri«iice> and the^ monitor wi^in, bbld^jr
^iMytfie^dQftrine.
C I am, Mr. SrECTAToa,
POLYDIOM.
. TV 4A« Naw S^acTAXOiu
Idx. SpacxAToa,.
Airava die many TiAoutous oafteMS
4aily in pnfii^c^ none xs, in nfopmiMftra com-
pletely impertirvoaet as the pMfent falbitM aiiiong
the gentlomcp^ ^ vkviing ^ple thconglK » gMs«
I fhould he glad to know, Six:, whether this is to
fpy our faults, or view our pcrfc6Uons j or whe-
ther the gentlemen are all purblind ? That feme
of them are fo, does not admit of a doubt ; — ^to
them I w6uld recommend the ixfe of fpeftades ;
but for thofc who can fee clear, to make ufe of
thefe glides, i& certainly vevy abAivd f f a i ' bflfidp
learning themfelves to fquint, it it abfolutely
enough to put a modeft woman ovtof coun-
tenance.
In the park, theptayhoufe, and public places,
it is impofliUe to avoid thefe cntici(ing mortals,
andlblui]kt^&y^ tHttONDiat^tttvclxi tafias; is*
well as ^entlQin^,. fccmt^tAcmom p^P^re ,
in looking Unough a |^aia| than in ii^^
devotion, Npw^ ^, if ijo^ <rf^ y9Knr ^rf^ ,
fpondents will befo obliging as to inform me o£ .
what ufe thefe glafles are, I (hall be fully fatis-
hed ; but till then^ or till die gentlemen have
^rfc&ly ?MPV«r«d 4icUeyB«£gbt, 2 Mfi helper*
think of appearing in public^ with6iitia»J^Ma9f •
a mafic, as I wouM not wifli my face, which
is none of the haadfimeil, to undergo fo nice a
icrutiny.
By inferting this in your paper, you will
fready oblige,
Sir, your v«ry humble Servant,
. FANNY FORESIGHT.
To/AcNbw Spectatok.
Mr. Sfictatok,
I uKDiasTANo your paper is vaftly
much read, fo I (hall make bold, with your
permiiEon, to tell you a bit of my mind : I doti't
like London; no, nor the people neither.
Blefi my foul !^How I do kugh at them. But,
I want a guide. I am always committing fomo
miftakc or other. As 1 was going up that long
lane, which Ui much refennbles a Fair, ay> th«
Strand^ — fo feeing a fine handfome young lady^
as 1 thought, in a habit, 1 fpoke to her, fijucczcd
her hand, and told her my mind; in return, ihc
caned mc, which I thought rather odd, for they
never told me of this in the country .—A great
number of people came up, and pcifuadcd me Hk
(trike again* Nol fays 1> fooner than ftrike a
woman, I would hcbrii^d at an eledion. Therd
I touched them Jiome^ for I underftand there hai
been rare bribery here lately. Every body
laughed. — An old gentleman came up to me^ and
whilpcred, that I wa^ millakcn, for the pcrfon
who caiffd me wa^ a m^n! What! fuch a
little, delicate thing as that, a man f Well,
well, if he is, he is. I then puUed off my coat,
and afked him to turn out, which he refufed,
with begging my pardon, but nothing could ilop
my revenge, £o 1 threfhed him well witli his
own cane, and left him to be hooted at by the
whole mob. I am always committing fuch mif-
taker as tfiefe.' However, I thought as how, that
I (hould know a man again when I l^w one. I
had not gone many* yards, before I met with
a young mafculine girl in a habit, round hat and
cane. To be fore I thought this muft be a man;
fo being a ftranger, I wiflied to be acquainted
wifkr Umfitmi bit iti4 farf iiQ vslwre I was
^a|j|i^^nviw^e4<*f «^^)^ **^*^?l *?* ^^^^ At
|«oved hcrfqlf » real ^QfWW.— t-^Wiw^ jij^ea
arc tl^ we UYcii\.Mr,S?$^^ wbeu tbpj^I^^si-
oil^c^^j-c^mufcyiUp^ ?nd^e ^lafeiilinA fl^lfff?
The noble dilates of nature are perverted.
Would yoM think it ? I went to a public garden
fkti otliar JtBftninibi wkeaaifjEw thMr-kidiesl^y
toifc^os,A< i lfiahil[ | n egus, aiKl in the next box,
four men drinking tea ! I loft my temper, and
patience at one time, and left the garden in a
paflion, with a determination of quitting Lon-
don as foon as pofldble ; I relate thefe circum«
(lances to juw, Mr. Spe^btor, becaufe as how,
you know the world, and that I would wifli
to be certain of what I have feen, and not go
home again as ignorant as I came from it ; there-
fore, you will oblige me, by certifying whether
what I have feen, and met with, are commoa
incidents in London, or whethet it was only
done to flout, and jeer an ignorant countiy
man?
I am, Mr. Spxctatok,
Yours, &c.
HODGE REAPWELL.
T$
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THE NEW SPECTA'FOR, &tk
No. XVIII.
To the New S p b c t a t o x*
Hark you, my jewel,
There is a fmall bit of a mi (lake in
^e feventeenth number of your fnug little daily
paper, that is publiflied by Mr. John Bull every
Tuefday, you know, concerning my tight little
coudn, honeft Paddy Bludgeon^ who, to be fure,
is aft well known in Covent-garden, as the
prcttiefb Blue and huff lad amongfl them ; — but I
mufl take upon me to tell you, honey, that you
took a little too much liberty, fo you did, in
popping my confin's name into the poor devil's
advertifement iq the lad page — ^for, upon my
confcience, he has turned his back upon him
and the whole tribe a long, long while ago.
Permit me to tell ^ou, Mr. SpectatoR|
that Faddy Bludgton is as true a hearted Hibernian
as ever breath'd in the fweet county of Kilkenny ;
for tht moment he found himfelf out to be en-
gaged in a roguiih piece of ^ufinefs, where ho-
nour and honefty had nothing at all to do, he
took an oath, by holy St. Patrick, never to be
feen in the face of day again with a blue coat and
a kff waijtcoai /
And moreover, Mr. Spectator, while they
continue to 'make promifes upon their honour
ana conference, without any intention of ful-
filling them, the devil bum me, honey, if any
mother's fon of them all (hall ever be entitled
to the finalleft favour from tke family of 'th«
Bludgeons. Yours, tetotally,
Covent-garden. PATRICK OBLUDGEON.
Lonixon; Printed by T.RnntAiiy, No. 15, Duke'sbCoart, fiow-Strecit, Covcnt-Garden ;
Sold by T. AX TELL, No. x, Finch-lAuie, Comhill, , and ^t the Royal Exchange;, by
W. SWIFT, BookicUer, Charles-Street, St JamtJs's-Square ; by P. BRETT, Bookfcller and
Stationer, oppofite St. ClementVChurch in the Strand; and by W, THISELTON', Bookfeller and
iSutioner, No. 37, Goodge-Street, Rathbone-Place; ' ' <
.: .'".:.*. ; . ' '^■
%f CvftaiiroKBBRXf are xcquefte^ taaddrefii their fkvouts to 4h& Nsw SrECTATony ^tm
ik% care of-any o£ the abovt-nanaad Publifliers*
A ■•/ y
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^J %i' \7 \J" \W
THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. XIX.
TUESDAY, June 8, 1784.
Price Thrcc-pencc.
To he continued every Tuesday.
FortunaUs nimtm^ Jud Ji bona norintl
O happy ! if they knew their happy flate i
VuclL.
MY prefent refidcnce is in the Peak of
Derbyfhire. The polite vifitanU of
Buxton and Matlock Batlis, in that -romantic
region, well know> tha( for feveral miles
around the former, the eye is prcfcnted with the
joylefs views of barren, uncultivated hills, walls
formed of unhewn flone, to mark the divifion
of property which fecms fcarccly worth dividing;
•aod that the only marks a traveller can difcover
•of the reddence of human beings in fo dreary a
country, is the diftant fmoke arifmg from fcat-
tered lime-kilns, the goodncls of the roads, and
the confequcnt ioipediments of turnpike gates.
The country around Matlock, on the con-
traiy, is delightfully variegated with barren rocks
and hanging woods, founding catarafls, and
rivers that, like the ancient Arethufa, after
lefrefliing flowery vallies, murmur through
i'ubterraneous caverns, and in other vallies unex-
pe&edly meet again the eye of the wondering
traveller; fcattered cottages add life to the
Icene, and the pleafing view of diitant hamlets
and of village fpires, gives relief to the wan-
<lering eye, and terminates profpedls which
naturally draw the mind to contemplate the
ivonders of creation, and to acknowledge, that
" Let proud Philofophy boaft all it can,
** Thcfc litdc things arc great to little man!"
In the mid«>way, between thefe two diftriOs
of the Peak, at the bottom of a dell, defended
from the north by a rocky prominence, co-
vered with flirubs, open to the fun-beams of
the morning, and the oblique rays of the even*
ing, ilands a fmall village, the refidence of
Maria, the daughter of a refpeftable yeoman;
refpe£bble at leaft in this neighbourhood, for
beyond its limits he is << nothing known."
My morning vifttsare ufually paid to Maria,
who, making allowances for my age, and
bearing with patience the freedom of my ani-
madverdons, generally welcomes me with a
fmile, and treats me with that refpe^ful fami-
liarity which is always pleafing to old age.
Maria, though well proportioned, is not
what the world calls handfome; but (he has that
indefcribable agreeablenefs about her which is
more permanent than beauty, atid feldom fails
to infure longevity to ftiendfhip, and dutabi-
lity to affedion. Though deftituteof a genteel
education, fhe has had » very rational one, for
which fhe is chiefly indebted to a neighbouring
curate who keeps a village (chool, partly from a
motive of philanthropy, and partly to fill thofb
faaurs with foroething more than amufement,
which might, otherwife, have been (pent amifs;
for it has been well obferved, that^ *^ there it
but
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THE NEW S P E C T A TO R, - Ac.
No, XIX.
*« but one ftcp from a fpcculativc, to an idle life,
*( and nothing more eafy than to make that
«* ftcp."
Maria is now in her eighteenth year, with a
fufiicicnt (hare of vfcful learning, and fo much
of the ornamental as ferves to give agreeablenefs
to leifure, and to render her mind a ftranger to
tharvacancy wfeich, in her ftx, i* too frequently
"Jilled with folly and vanity, and which never
fails to give their charafters an unfavourable caft
in the eyes of all but themfelves; for folly
and vanity ever defeat their own purpolcs. And
it is this article, and this alone, which con-
ftitutes the 'grand " diftinftion between the
Sophia of the cz/y,* and the Maria of the.
Peak. .
That part of Maria's education which I call
the ornamental^ at the fame time that it improves
the tafte and enriches the underftanding, tends
alfo to ftrengthen principle, and to meliorate
the heart ; and by ftoring her mind with ideas,
at once chafte and elegant, her converfation
never tires thd ear, for her, words are " like
" apples ofgoldfet in^pifturesof filvcr."
Thus by being fecluded from the world, and
confequently from improper connexions; by
^Onverfing with none bat the virtuous living,
^r " the more illuftrious dead/' by pOrc pre-'
cept, and by innocent example: Maria is
happily ignorant of that fpecies of knowledge,
and of thofe qualifications fo much at prefent
fought after, but which, when gained, evidently
render converfation infipid, by banifhing fince-
rity, and fubflituting difllmulation ; give a me-
retricious air to female manners, ill exchanged
(or genuine modefty and fimplicity ; and expofe
ilsputation to the ihafts of (lander, the whifpers
of envy, and the machinations of malice.
Maria would not be a little aftonilhed, were
ihe told, that the fafhionable of her fex efteem
thofe as graces to which fhe has been taught to
give the appellation of vices; ^nd that her fair
lifters hope, ^y /porting fuck graces^ to conciliate
aiFe£Uon, and create efteem, would far exceed
her belief, and appear a myftcry indeed I
• Nor is the ornamental ihare of Maria's
^ucation confined to books. Mufic and dancing
are not unknown in the vallies of the Peak ;
though it muft be confefled, that prejent tafte is
there in fb jejune a ftate, that CorcUi is preferred
even to Giardinij whofe compofitions are
thought to be more pulling than pleaiing ; and
fome of the lighter airs of Handel and thofe of
Dr, Amcj partaking of the Caledonian fpirit; ane
* See die lafi number.
there in higher eftimation than the moft ad-
mired ftrains of the Italian School 1 The fame
perverfity of tafte prevails in their dancing;
for though thefc fimple people are not deftitute
of grace in their minuets, nor of fpirit in their
cotmtry dances^ yet are they totally ignorant of
the cotillon^ and as unacquainted with the
fiientific motions oitht V^ris^ as he can be 'with
the perpetual motion of the philofpphers. Rft-
fpeding the authors they read, and the conclu-
fionsthey form, I fhall fpeak hereafter.
Such, however, is Maria! and fuch the
oudines of the general charafter of her female
- allbciates, fuch' their purfuiis, and ' fuch their
accompli (hments, and fuch will they continue
to purfue, till modem improvements fhall have
found their way into the receffes of thofe ro-
mantic mountains, which hide them from the
world and all its follies !
Adieu, Maria! may'ft thou continue hap-
py in the ignorance of thofe accamplijhmnts
" whofe all is but an outward (how," and retain
that firm attachment to principle, and that fim-
plicity of. manners, which give fwcetncfs to
thy converfation, and propriety to thy conduft;
for, as yet,
Thou appear'ft
Like a fair tree, the glory ot the plain, -
The root thy honour, and the trunk thy friendfliip.
From whence branch out a thoufand different boughf,
Candour, humility, and angel truth,
And every leaf a virtue I
To the New Spectator.-
Mr. Spectator,
Your infertion of a few ftanzas of mine
in No. X, of the New Spectator, induces^
me to fend you the following
Vision.
To hear the evening echoes of the plain,
Whilfl Phoebus fets behind the woodland hill ;
His flocks fecure, to fee the mufing fwain,
Hccdlefcly wander by the tinkling rill :
Arc riiral pleafures, which the love-taught mind
Enjoys enraptur'd— and, with fancy's aid,
Hears dulcet voices in the paffing wind,
Sees fportive fairies in the dulky glade;
What time the moon had ihed her filvcr dew^
As Co LI N homeward whifiling went his way;
Strange and unufual fcenes appeared in view»
Auguflly bright, and rivalling the day.
Aibtely
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Xo. XIX.
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
A ftatcly e<fificc firfi rcjir'd its fpircj
Amid the clpudj, which (kimM unheeded by,
Or gaily flu'itcd with ethereal fire«>
That feem'4 ^o v»^ 'heir wanton curls on high.
Amn'd he limd$t ** Wh^t paUc« this, he cries,
" Wb»t nughty dome obftni^U my evening rovi ?
"* O fay, what power has bid this wonder rife,
" Some grcaf magician, or fome fportive god ?"
M^n, quick as lightning from the hurfling cloud,
A foim ethereal flood before the fwain ;
A milk-white mantle from his body flow*d,
And in his hand he held a fiiyer ehaio.
** Hear and attend !» the facred form begun,
" Behold the vanity of human fchcmesi
** Man's vain fantaflie meaAires ftrtve to flitm,
" And pt6 Mt Ufe in (oft oiufivt df««m|.
" Sccnw not the h9fis of this (ahrip feir,
** Firmly io fta»d upon the rifing ground ?
" Yet lo 1 »tis nothing more than fleeting air I
"* It vantthcsl and not a wreck is found.
. ^ So gUtteriAg &]tic» catch 4p eyw of fon^
•• A»d fo «re they deceived with pomp and /how;
^ Ami many a Ion of fdly leav^ his home,
" In/etrdi of weidth, and proud unwieldy woe.
*' Rev«fc themandates of tb* immortal pQ|iitH%
<* Aii^ffeft<MMtwichwhat4)e4padt(M^v}e:
" I^icnlbHingpacejQwUiDfownihyfutarchours,
" And«nv|rM, W^ft'd, aodJuippy ihalt thou live.
w in fign wfiofeof 4«ccM« A^ magic chaki,
" This aDagicchain ihail flriacft truths uafoid:
*' ThoV bright eadi wc^ link yrithWa* ftaU ftaia,
" Eachvintuousaa-ftaJlturnalinkjLogcUdl
** Wiih aaions meet then let thy 4i& he ctown^l, '
** Se fhan that<JMHii ^ happinets unl^d ;
^ And avhen for heaveiiy rcgipns t^ou «rt hound,
^ Marklfavt e^h4iiA.Qutaiwies tbe.buinift'dgt)jd<'»
This faid, rtie airy form let drop the chain.
Borne on his pKjmes, he floated fer on high 5
TThe %4iion4ed, «iQd^fert wasfhepbin,
9Mile Mrinkliiig Aks iUuauifii all ithc fty .
Ah, Co L I U t how did then thy fancy rove 1
And how did Acn thy panting hofom glow^
In htftc <hon fcek^ft Ay owti fcqueller'd ^iwe^
And*i«IWl Ay poetdf that <ho«4i6 know 1
And now «bou lun'ft thy pipe, a mellow ftrain !
or love and friendlh'ip I will help *hee fing ;
tliou fmil*tt to feeliow yellow turns ihyxhafa, '
And «ii thy boibra Ut>oms eterntl '(pring <
ye worldly wife I irom hpnce your intcreU Jleam ;
Ala^ your boafted wjfdom is but fmall !
liaitoitea Co L X N, if! right dhcem,
'U'bM^fiirtar, and wifer flian^c a« !
EDWARD.
To the N«w Sps^cTATOft.
Friend Spec,
Yoi; li^pwith rpc^vp m acfpwBt gf
the fuithqr priH:ec4ing« i^ PUT tbf atrical plwb.
OITAROU,
T«« Nioraaic, Dilictabu,
Critical Society.
Second Meeting.
The inftant I entered the room there was «
general cry of chqir, which after I had taken,
and Peg^ Britfif had read the minutes of the*
laft iQcetingy
WilheliiinaBluijt rofe, "Lcgiflator^-^ my
" fummer engagement, I^ft feafon, prevented my
" feeing the comedy of the Fox, I was determined
« to fee it the fira opportunity. It being adveiw'
« tifed for Monday the 3 ift of May, I wpxt, and
« fomc time before the curtain dr^w up, as I
« like to took about me, in the upper )>pxc3S on
** the king's fide, I obferved our old friend, Mrs.
« C^..f, wlio I underftand goes r^afly every
" evening and ogles at buf, fpr what
'< purpofe I cannot learn. Some time after, a
« ckEAT nojfi was licard in ^le n^xt box
« to that lady, where a tf^an in liyeiy kept
« places. Great were the expeaatipns of the
« houfeattibis crifis, when after loud talking,
" laug1ung,^&c. wbo fliould ^nter, but Farri^
" nelU, and' her worthy ^narnma !
** The condefcenfion thatenfued will furprife
«.you!_Mrs.C....rand FarnneUi entered into
« FAMILIAR converfation^ and yfcrejnends\
•« ^Ao/e' evening!! The door-keeper came wp,
" inicmning the'^^ that my Lordwsis^ow
•« demanding admittance, which h^ could not
«' poflibly acquiefce.to, without her order. Pen
« ink and paper were brought into the iox,
« where fhc, once htore granted the admiffion
« of her favourite little Earl, who (opn entered
•' the fiMt^ and thanked her in pcifon, for faying
« him FIVE 8-HlLLINCf ! W^ich IS fuch mp fljw
<« mousjim^ that the condefcenfion is mpft ccr*
•'tainly excuCible**— Klifs Blunt condbdea
with affuring the fociety, tbat itie never remeai.
bered the comedy of the Fox fo wefl got w, <r
foweUperformed.^ ' ^ '
Teooy Brittle then got up, fgyinf a 1^^
«< Ihc need not remind the fociety, that laft^
« Wednclday, June 2, was pcrfoniied ^he new
« Prelude of % EUmfm of (he Managers, as ihjp
« law many of the worthy members in the
« JiouTe.** OiTARo'ul Chair! Lpgiflatorl ■
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
No. XIX.
was vociferated a dozen timc$-^I got up, de-
daring how impolitic it would be in mc, who
perhaps, might bias fome of their opinions, to
deliver my fcntimcnls on a fubjeft which de-
manded an attentive inveftigation ; and not only
the dccifion of one^ but the opinion of a//.
Mrs. Tattoo then rofe, and delivered her
fer Iments as follows :-^" To bring politics on
*< on the ftagCj^ when party and oppofition run
*« fohigh, is not only dangerous, but impolitic ;
*« the former, as it muft create enemies *, and the
*« latterj as it cannot coincide with the cxtrva-
" vagant expeftations of oppofition. Now, Le-
^ *« giflator, the EUdion of the Managers is fo judi-
^ «« cioufly wrought up, by the fertile pen pf
« George Colman, Efq; that it fteers between
** two poipts^ without touching either, and is
, «• fufpended in fuch a critical pofition, that the
*' fmall weight of a ftraw would over*balanqe i^t,
*« and render it a party piece. It is an exa6i rc-
^< femblance of a late ele^lion. Holfy and Ivy, .
«< of the winter theatres, oppofe, LittU Bayts, of
<« the fummer; the cataftrophe ends in noi(c
'< and confufion, and as they cannot ^gree amoxig
<« thcmfelves, it is to be ultimately^determincjd
*« by the decifion of the Houfe, Seyicral ilriki^
** chara6lers arc happily introduced, and m^t
*« with the applaufe of the audience. Mifs Far-
•« ten, as Mrs. Dimple, v/^$ a clofe imitation of a
« certain graceUJs elc£Boneering, lady, who is
.** having a ring made, the device of which is ta
*' be formed with the hair of her impcr lip, an4
*«. lent to Bulia, as a prclcnt to Rt^nardam. Mrs.
«« Webbe and Edwin, brought to our xemem-
« brance Mrs. H —b-^rt, and Sam Hovje^ both
/« of which .were charafteriftic and well fup-
^ ported; the latter in particular, who is drawn
** as a mcdling ignorant fellow, hurrying, pro-
" mi fine, ranting, roaring, at a cooteflcd elec-
/* tion, without knowledge to form bis judg-
«« m^nt^how to decide. The meeting, of Mrs.
." pi^J^^c a^d Mrs. Buckram, oppofite parties,
*^ had a good effipft.. The iicenes are exceedingly
1^. well adapted,,. in. particul^ that from Jamef-
*< ftrcet, Co vent- garden, and the laft fcenc of
the huftinjgp.^ The banners were well chofen,
and conveyed to the audience a late parade,
^ and burUf^ucd proceflion of the ^ifappoiated
*< con ftituents,^ who were pofitj v^ly; ^termineij,
<< as they couTd not obtain & return for. their
^ candidate^, to chair him. through the public
^ ftreets, and'oonvince the wprldin general haw
,^ fmccrely they took it to heart \ which was ob-
« fcrvcdin every countenance.— ^-The piece
^ was preceded by an exceUcai^olQgtie, written
n
TO
U
" by Mr. Colman ; the two firft lines of which,
" from Pope, proved the real fentiments of the
•« writer
Curft be the verfc, bow wcU foe'cr it flow,
That tends to make one w6rtlly man my foe !
« It was admirably well fpoken by Mr. Palmer,
". who gave it its full force and meaning."
Foe B LI N K H o R N, Mrs. Racket, Jenny Pringle^
and fevcral others delivered their opinions, which
were exaftly the fame; and when put to the ballot
the motion ** ihat this piece is an excellent
" piece," paffcd without a divifion.
CHARtOTTE Foresight moved for an a-
mendment in the critiques, " That no »^inua-
«( tion, or reference, unlefs, dranuUk^ fhall
" be admitted." An altercation enfued, and
Ufted fome time, when Peggy Brittle rofe,
and begged to be heard : '' Legiflator, aslecre-
" tary io this fociety, I rife to encourag;e freedom,
** the flrufture which this inditution was found-
" ed on, and if once deviated from, a dilfc^tion
"' muft cnfue. I therefore Jhove,* ihat every
« metnber may have the. privilege pf making
« fuch comments and rcfle6Uons as t^ey think
A Divisiojf tdol" place, when'atej^ority of
17 appeared ifi' Tavour df Peggy Briltle*f
motion. — Stalira Frightful remarked that " the
<f time grew la|e, ahd no member had delivered
^* 91 critique on the appearance of Mr. Kippling\
«* thcreforc"-p-^wiy Ffingfc then rofe, and
thaiiked the attentive member that fpoke lad,
forker infinuaiion^ and that^ was ready to give
her free opinion with pleafure ; which was re*
queded, and Jfemty Pringle b^gan as follows.—
w On Saturday, June the 5th, was performed
" a piece in one a£l, called the To^conijt,
<^ aUeired from Ben Jonfon*s Akhcymift f«r the
<< appearance of Mr. Kippling^ who performed
<^ the . pnrt of A6el Drugger^ His ftature is.
<< rather (hort, his voice adaptpd to the cha-
« ra6br, but not ilrong cnoughi^ which I have
<< no doubt, but he will rensedy, when broii^ht
*^ forward in another* part. Ue nm^ through
« the charader vrith judgment, and undajtood
<« his author, which was proceed hj his not
«< making an improper * emphafis, or attcmp«in^
<' to throw tbecharaOer in a new light, toexcite
<^ attention by fingularity. Upon the wh^le^
<< cenfidering the prefent difadvantaj|eous fitu»
<< ation of the Alchymift, from its being oian^
<< gled to reduce it to one a^ he wept through
<< the fcencs with great jiiftneft, and hid a num*
* Hajclst» Vid^Dnuy-Laae*
»ber
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No. XIX;*
T! nt NEW S TE C T A T O R, &c.
<< bcr of gfcntccl friends in the houfe. After
«« the Tobacconift, were given the EUBion of
«« tkc Managers^ and Gretna Green. Juft before
" the ii'rft a^ o^ ^® latter piece was over (Mr.
«* Wilfon and Mr. Egan being on the ftag*), the
« houfe was alarmed by one of the greatcft in-
<«* fults ever oflfered to the public, which was
''►occafioned by a Mr. Sanguinetti^ jumping
** from the third feat of the king's box, between -
** four ladies on the ftagc, and fcizing Mr. Wil-
<« i<to, with whom he went off. Soon after--
^ wi^ds Mr, Wilfon came forward — apologifing*
"• in a fubmiflive maftfaer, that he fliouki be the
« caufe of intcrmpting the performance. He
<*• theti pledged his honour and the future favours '
<< of the 'public, that he would relate the whole -
««^ truth. He theii dcfcribed his private fitu-'
** tuation ; faying that he had been drawn in by
*« a Jew (who I believe moft of the The-
<« itn'cal people know), And a man who had tia-
*'"ken a falfe oath, in colleague with his cne-
** mies, on purpofe to betray him. — He appealed
" to Mr. Jewell, the treafurer, if he had not
*« already made over his falary for the payment
" of^his creditors, and thrown afide every idea
" of emolument for himfclf. He thanked the
« audience for their indulgence in hearing his
" ftory, and was ready to go on with the cn-
^* tertainment; at which fomc* little oppofitioci
" enfued, but was foon over-ruled, and he
** went ' through with' h is chara'flrt* very Well,*
^* which after fuch an accident, not a little aflo-
^« niflicd the audience.*^ — Here Peggy Brittle
rofc, wifhing to be ihfonned, whether the
manager could not profecutc, and recover da-
mages of Mr. Sangvirtetti,' for forcinig Hh
Xvay over the ffage box, entering his pre-
mifes, and interrupting the performance ? She
then declared that it was fuch ah infult to the
whole town, that Mr, Colman ought to norictf
it inapanicuJar way,* ^ndnot only do juftice to
the public, but to himfclf; and that if futK ^'
fcandalous proceeding was piflcd by unnoticed,
the pubiic would, be pSj^. Miffiltcd in the fame
manner, and ibelr en^ertai^ui^ents frequently
interrupted.
An adjournment was then < moved for, an4
^(Ted nem* con, when Mifs Sneer clofed the fe^
cond meeting, by hinting to the fociety, that fhc
thought ft highly ImprudeYit for the Sidonian Til*
imririd to be to lavifh.of her praifes of the Voung
"Quaker, when tw/;) of her rivals were ,ip the
next box.
It was fo latcj S?ec, when the adjouminent
took place, that there was not time for private
infmuations or inuendoi ; but I forcfee*-a time
will come }
To the Nkw Sfectatoh.
Dear Spec !
I AM very glad to find that even fo re-
mote a fpot in the kingdom as ih6 Peak of Der-
byfhire, can already feel the good effefts of our
late political changes. The peculiar excellency
of our conftitution becomes its bane when tho
r^ins of government are in the hands of the
worthlefs. At prefent we are freed from every
' apprehendbn of abufe } and his Majedy having >
convinced his fubje^ that their welfare is as
I dear to him as his own honour, and that nothing
can be dearer to him than both, you , will
not be furprized when I itiform you, that the
Birth-day of the King
■ was celebrated on Friday, with umifual fplendour.
The drawingrroom was never more crouded
with nobility. Her Majefty was in uncommon
good fpirits, and diffufed^ univcrfal chearfulnefs.
All that is great and good was prefent. Tho
1 room was not difgraced with the party-coloured
Haves of the day. Very few gamblers and black-
legs were feen ; confequently few pockets were
picked. " Pharoah and his hoft," overwhelmed,
fpiritlcfs, fallen, hunted by the blood-hounds of
the law, and fpurned from all hone ft focJcty,
were, happily, lurking in holes and comers j
and, defeated even by their beft friend. Impudence^
contaminated not " the prefence-chamber of the
king." — Vice and virtue being fo oppofite, it is
no wonder that the example and patfonefs of the
latter, was, as I have faid, in uncommon good
fpirits. ■ * . I
With, refpeft to the ladies, there was in
their appearance much elegant neatncfs, much
real dignity and fplcndour. Indeed the " en-
quiring eye of gallantry^** fcarched in vain for
the Political Duchefs who is fcldom wanting in
I the article of exhibition. Her Grace, it fecms,
was deeply engaged with her milliner in forming
thie-lov'e knots of buff and Wue, and other
amufcments'of a like nature. The ^^ enqutring"
eye cfg'a^niry*^ was, therefore, lent on its owit
natural vacancy,
I SHALL .not trouble ypur Spectatorship
with any particulars refpefting the dreffcs of the
ladies and gentlemen that were prefent. Suffice
rt'to fay, that they were Udies of charaftcr, and
men of property. I have already told ycnx that
norifc of ' the party coloured fiuad were to be fcefn ;
previous notice having been given to the nobility,
to bewateofi»ftffl5, and of their pockets.— SmaU
encouragement for the aj^pearance of the knigbu
of the procciDon !
Ill
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THE NEW SPECTATORt *c.
N^ XIX^
Ii« th« ^^chifig the Ml t4oiri> wis very
crouded, exhibiting an alTemblage of peculiar
briUiaBcy; nothing unbecoming, nothing taw-
dry 5 and you may remember, Spec, what
Jights we ut heretofom fecn there— married co-
quettes from PiccadiUf , and iharpen from
Brookes's I
THiHE WntbKttfualdiiplayofeafe,taft^aiid
elegmte m thb mthovia, ^hkh weite bqgm by
the Frnbct of Wailefc, with the Priaceis Royal}
and die ctaatry dances were t<|aan)r difUa-
goilhed f<Mr tufte «nd €pkit.
A RfcAL iiltcrttal jtoy was apjiatent thwug^
the whofe Yt)Oth; and ^tttyheartfeteiued to -vibrate
with the wifti that the 4th of Juner might be
long, long thus celebrated.
The impure Jquad — the bed, and now almoft
the only friends of the blue and buff junto— were,
as ufual, ranged fo as to fee and be feen in St.
James's-Sreet, like vermin haunting the outer
walls of palaces, and fecking whom they might
devour. In this miferable train the firil, and
the moft ambitious to be feen, was the declining
PfrdUa^ who, like the clcpiring fnuffof a can-
dle, feems unwitling to quit her hold of dark-
nc(s. Ladies G. and W. The ftird of Paradife,
the profligate Siflers, &c. &c. formed a kind of
proceflloi^ iimilar in charader to that of fharoak.
B u
L I A.
Mi/cellaneous JnttUig/ence*
My fiieodj who^ii lately returned frxnn Bulia,
has brought me a good deal of vahiable intelli-
gence, with Ibme of which I (hall now acquaint
you, previous to giving you any tranflation of
his literary cuxiofities,
JIetnaej^am, he afTunes me, is guitc ^ch9pr
lallen, and is Acver^ainlikdyiobe notk^in
Bulia, but as a ncmmnent of diiappointed aoa-
bittoo* Rr^ftii^ higy thcaefone, 1 fhaLtrou-
ble you no moi^c. Let the bhiAecis^ ftonn tha(
xs^Q)ent, be fbfgotten I Butof bit abetton and
fiipportecsi ma^ andifemalcy my fitiend has many
things tt> recount, by way of ehicidaiii^ ihe de-
pravi^ of human nature ; a theme which he de-
Kghts to dwell upon, havin|r fuBered much frojm
the knavety of hisf ellow-creatures*
Th< fricB ii fliip between 5dasy andR^ynaidam
CCMttdnues* For Seiawift8unbiti»us4>f paMfcmif.
iagmmtiaA&xA\ and iKamesil of J5f)nuxdaoi
men and Bdeafures^ rafeisUes hoaeft Joha Bus**
yan when the burthen dropped from ha, baciu
Bulia is become more glad and lighUome.
The new Retfinim, favoured by the king^
and refpc6ted by the peoplcf cnjoyif^the fiiead-
(hip of Wolruth, and deftiluta of all improper
and dangerous ambition, continues^ and is likely
to continue, to fupcrintend the national coocecna
of Bidia«
The Reppu and the Etanes aflcmbled to de-
liberate en impottant concemsi previous to My
friend's departuiei in which they wci^ a good
dead inlemipted by the vociferations of Rey
nardam, who conpUined chat he had been
earned about the ftreets of Bulii^ andeic^ofedla
the ridicofe of aU decent peopki by the pcrverie
ob(Unacy of fcvtral BKdiws, who called them*
fclvos his friendsv The Etanes condoled with,
and laughed at himj at the £ime timc^ which not a
little mortified him. Indqpeodent of this ji-
diculouBintru&on^ the buiinefs of the Etanes pi^
deeded in the orditiary courfe,
ExHIBItlON.
The exhibition being clofed ior thisycar^
I (hall only jud remark, that, indqj>endent of
the fcrjpture pieces of Weft, there was litdc
wortl^y of memory) except fomc of the portraits
which, howeveri amongft fo many, it were almoft
in vain to diCcriminate. The Nyar\ph and Gupid
of Sir Joihua Jlcynold^ •difpUyed fome fancy,
and fome good painting ; but this mafter feldom
finiihes in the graceful manner of Weft or Gainf-
borough.— The marbU works of the Hon. Mrs»
Damer, arc very highly finiflicd, and joemind
onf of Mrs. Macauley's writing— «Mr. Brown'>
exhibition of the; Duchels of Devonfhire aa
Minerva^ in regard to the thought and execution
is ^ood ; but, the charaEer is rather raaU^propos.
It IS ftrangc, that no lady iias«yet been painted
as VibitM*~Vh& exhibition of this jycjOTy has not
been honoured with a\ro^'al vi(it»
)8l.a H.n E'iu
IFkf juWIec in ttotntfiietnoradon of tfm im*
m^'^^Agenius, concluded On Saturday. Thishaa
been a muficat fe(tival which will be i ^ cmmibcrt fl
an^ talked'i^ -for many years to "come. The
btfndl'c^otlfiiled of 5*5. petfojrmers*
Violta» - - - ^o
Skcond iitto - ^s
Tenors • * . ^9
Oboes - . . 36
Violincelloi • 30
^BiBbeas - - *«5
JD^OMc 4ltto ^ -t
XXMiblt SsOes if
Tnunpeu r- 24
Trombones • ^
Horns - - ijr
I>rums • - #
^JDoid^ditto s
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No. XIX.
THE NEW SPECTATORi &c.
The managers were the Earls of Exeter,
Sandwich, andUxbridge, Sir Watkin Williams
Wynri, and Sir Richard Jcbb, Barts.
• It is long fincc Welbninfter Abbey before
«ontairicd a ** polite and crouded audience ;" and
it may be faid of his Majefty, that he has done
that which few other kings would be able to
accomplifii ; he has fent the chief part of his
nobility to church, full-dreffed, by nine in the
rooming !
Though this jubilee was under the imme-
diate patronage of" his Majefty, the Prince of
Wales did * not honour any one of the per-
formainces — " There are more things in heaven
*< and earth, than are dreamt of ift our philo-
•«« fopy." — ^TTieDuchefsof Dcvonfhirc, Ibclieve,
was alfo abfent.
Very few of the blue and buff heroes were to
be fecn within thofe facred walls. They have
fiz)?ff, and fa '' Bring us the marrow -bOnes and
" cleavers." — They were alfo in clofe attendance
on their friends at the Old Bailey. The au-
dience, therefore, confided chiefly of the good
and great.
The profits amount to upwards fo,ooo/. and
are faid to be promifed to the fund for the fup-
port of the families of the decayed muTician^,**
and the Weflminflcr Infirmary. So that the
reports of this great fum being appropriated to
the relief of various diflreflcd charities, feerato be
groundlefs. — Thus his Majefty has added frcfli
laurels to his brow ; has countenanced fcience ;
has relieved the diftreded.
TheicaroitnpeiialAK^orlif, and worthy, king^ I
ANTI-PROCE-t.SION.
No member having been returned for Weftr
minfter, and the famous Blue and Buff procef-
fion, being confequently a/^ wrongs that refpec-
table. body have been advifedtott«^ what was
done amifs, and to have a kind of retrograde pro-
cej/tortj with proper banners, &c.
Thus, the ScouU, cloathed in deep mourning,
arc to precede the refpcftable fociety of marrow
bones and cleavers, to be hung with crape and
black velvet, that they may ring a dumb peal, by
way of expre fling their penitence for former
offences, all walking backwards. Then two
hundred gentlemen on foot^ alfo in deep mourning,
are to follow the faid marrow-bones and cleavers,
likewife walking backwards. No horfes to be
admitted in the anti-proceflion, not having erred
againft common-fenfe ; and being in the former
proceflion, very much aftiamed of their com-
pany. Proper banners made of black filk. The
principal, in a chair hung with black velvet,
carried backwards, preceded and followed by a
proper quantity of chimney-fweepicrs, and fuch
others as can drefs in the fable uniform. The
carriages of the female patriots, hung with black,
and pufhed backwards by black footmen, fol*
lowed by other friends, to clofe the whole.
Such is the fcheme that has been recommend*
ed to the lovers of proceflion, but it is thought
it will not be adopted. If it (hould, I fhall
give you a particular detail.
Tm E ATRk. * ''
I AM now going to give you an inftance of
theatric benevolence: Mr. Wild having fuf-
tained amazing lofs by his former play, which
happened the very day that Mr. Fox wa«
chaired, Mr, Harris and Mr. Colman, as well
as the different performers, have granted him
their free afliftance, which will ever refleft ho-
nour on them all ; and on Thurfday, June lo^
will be performed, for his benefit, The Merchant
of Venice. Shylock by Mr. Macklin, and Portia
by Mifs Younge; with the favourite Mafque of
Milton, in which Mr. Henderfon will play
Comus, I fhall here tranfcribe the names of the
performers, which, by the bye, arc the firft ia
eftimation with the public, who I doubt not will
be glad to meet them on this occafion.
Mr. Macklin,
Mr. Wroughton,
Mr. Reinhold^
Mr. Davies,
Mr. Benfley»
Mr. Bonner,
Mr. Brett,
Mr. Fearon,
Mr. Heiiderfoa. ' ' ' ')
Mifs Yonoge, Mts..Batei,
Mrs. Martyr, Mrs. Morton*
Mrs* BapniQer. .
Better and Better!
I AM told, that bonds for the payment of
thirty thoufand pounds, in four years, have been
given by a young gentleman, who, it feems, has
lately fpent that fum in the fupport of particular
friends. An inftance of philanthrophy fcarcely
to be matched in the annals of modem friend,
ftiip!
Language of the House.
The lawyer, the phyfician, the divine, and
the merchant have all their technical phrafes,
and what is more extraordinary, the club of St.
Stephen's have their technical terms, from which
they have not liberality enough to depart ; fo that
they are obliged to abufe each other by rule. I
have it in contemplation to review their vocabu-
lary,
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8
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &e.
Nc. XIX.
lary, and to fubftitutc new phrafcs for ♦* The
** honourable gentleman in my ^^"— " The ho-
<* nourablc gentleman lafl on his Ugs;'* — ** The
" noble lord in the Slue ribbon^* &c. &c. And
for this piece of fcrvice, I expcft to be hand-
fomcly rewarded by the faid club.
Pro Publico Bono.
Amongst other works of public utility, lam
informed, that the author of the School for
Scandal is employed in writing a farce called
The Procejfion \ and that the ingenious author of
the Saucepan is on the point of publifhing an
i|t>nical Defence of the conduH of Sir Jeffrey Dun*
Jian^ written with fuch kecnncfs of fatire, that
it IS thought Sir Jeffrey will certainly lofe the
borough of Garret at the next ele6lion ; for this
author, « without any great flattery, may be
*< faid to have feldom exerted his abilities
** without cffca !"
Correspondence.
Most of the letters I "have received fiqce my
laft, are particularly addreffed to your Snc»
TATORSHip, which I forward herewith.^— The
correfpondent who advifes roe to fay nothing
about a certain duchefs, becaufe *' enough hat
" been already faid,** feems not to be aware •f
the influence of pernicious example; and noto«
rious deviations from female delicacy in perfons
of high rank, cannot be too feverely cenfured.
It is true, the fubjed is getting fble; and nothing
but a regard to female propriety could induce me
to have noticed it at all. — ^The Ode to the Right
Hon. William Pitt is too incorrect for the public
eye. — Mifs Seward's poetical novel being pub-
lifhcd , will fpcak fudicicntly for itself, without
the comments of H. L.
J am, Dear Spec,
Yours, &c.
JOHN BULL,
London: Printed by T. Rickaby, No. 15, Duke's-Court, Bow^trect, Covent-Carden ;
Sold by T. AX TELL, No. 1, Finch-Lane, Comhill, and at die Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charles-Strcet, St. James's-Square ; by P. BRETT, Bookfeller and
Sutioner, oppofite St. Clement's-Church in the Strand ; ahd by W. THISELTON, BooUcller and
iSutioner, No^sj, Goodg^Street, Rathbone-Place.
%^ CoKMsroNoiNTi are requefted to addreft their fitvours to the Niw SrccTAXOft| t»*
the care of any of the abovMamcd Publilbcn,
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THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. XX.
TUESDAY, June 15, 1784.
Price Three-pence.
To be continued every Tuesday. .
Crcdcbant hocgrandt nefas, iS fnortepidnduntf
Sijuvcnis vctulo runt ajfurrtxcrat^-^"'-^
Had not young men the hoary beads rever'd.
Or boys paid revereftce when a man appeared,
Both worthy death were thoughts—
JUVCNAU
SINCE my leaving town, 1 have received
feveral epiftles from correfpondents, fome
of which aie very anxious to have thdr favours
printed ; I fuppofe in order to accomplifh pri-
vate views of their own. The following letter
abounds with refle£Uons that do credit to the
writer, and I am happy that in pubiifhing it, I
can at once ferve the author and the public.
To </i^ N I w Spectator.
Mr. Spictator,
It is my misfortune to be under forty,
and to have a round, untroubled countenance,
which, in my prefent fituation, is a great griev-
ance to me. I now pay my addrefles to the
daughter of a man of bufmefs, who is fo cruel
ms 10 threaten to marry the young lady to a con-
temporary of his own. I mean a man of his
own years. He fays no young man can be good
for any thing but filling a houle with children,
without being wife enough to know how to pro-
vide for thenu
Now as I am to fucceed in love, as I can
argue my intended father-in-law into an opinion
of my ability for bufinels, give me leave to print
in the New Spectator, my thoughts con*
ceming the prejudices which xiien in one ftage
ci life hava to thofo in another.
The utmoft inconveniencies are owing to the
difficulty we meet with, in being admitted into
the fociety of men in years^ and adding thereby
the early knowledge of men and bufinels to that
of books, £or the reciprocal improvement of each
other. One of fifty as naturally imagines the
fame infUfficiency in one of thirty, as he of thirty
does in one of fifteen ; and each age is thus left
to inftruft itfelf by the natural courfe of its own
reflediion and experience. X am apt to think,
that before thirty, a man's natural and acquired
parts are at that fbength as, with a little expe*
rience, to enable him, if ever he can be epabled»
to acquit himfelf well in any bufinefs or conver*
lation he (hall be admitted into.
As to the objeflion, that thofe who have not
been ufed to bufinefs are confequently unfit for
it, it might have been made, one time or other,
againfl all men that ever were bom ; and is fo
general a one, that it is none at all. Befides, he
that knew men the beft that ever any one did,
fays, that " Wifdom cometh by opportunity o£
leifure, and he that hath little bufmefs (hall be*
come wife ;" and the great Lord Bacon obCerves,
that thofe governments have always been moft
happy, which have been adminiflered by fuch as
have fpent part of their life in books and leifure ;
and inltances in the governments of Pius Quin-
titf,
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T ff i * E W S P E C T *A T O K^ Acfi
No;'XX/
tH^ and Sixtus Quintus, about his own time ;
v/Iio, though they were e deemed but pedantic
friar$, proceeded upon truer principles of ftate,
than thofe who had their education in aiiairs of
(late, and courts of princes. If this rule hold^
in the difpatch of the mod perplexed matters, as
of public politics, it iSiufE, of n^eflify, irt that of
the codmon divxfions of buiincfs, which every
body knows arc direfled by form, and require
rather diligence and honefty, than great ability in
the execution.
A GOOD judgment wiR not only fupply, but
go beyond E x perience ; for the latter is only si
knowledge that direfls us in the difpatch of mat-
ters fuluie, from the confideration of matters paft
«f the fAtttt nature ; but the former is a perpetual
afid eqnat dirc6Hon in every thing that can hap
pen, and does not follow, but makes the pre'-'
cedent that gmdes- the etherr
This everlafting prejudice of the old again ft
the young, heightens the natural difpofition of
youth to plcafure, when they find ^ciufelvcs ad-
judged incapabfe of bufinef^. Thofe *amongft
them, therefore, whofc circumflancfei^rid Way
of thinking will allow them fucK ITecdom, plunge
themfelves into all fenfual gratifications. Otfi)rrs
of them, of a more regulated turn of thought,
BAc Bie enterWFnnient 6f h6dkk and cofmetnpla-
tfbw, ind are Buried to tliefe j^SfuHrt. Thefe
piifirfilftsi, Anring 6^ ifiiddle agei fbertgAeti the
live V)f hrtiremcnt itt the foliirir vtm^ itiA make
it riefcfefliiy %o the libettine. Tbfcy ^am phild-
©phy Vn6isj^ by thii time fo bte Vsfenviyzed that
il is thei^ intcyeft to have as little ambiiion as
mayht'; and conftdering rafther ht)W much left
thcyhStdv td Kvehifji^Ty, thiilhoifr^ueh ihM^
caiihot conceive ^Hy t^Vcy (houM htMibfe tlteth-
ft!Vtt aSotot rA«fittg a fowuttey whicfh in ^ jAir-
ftiit 'Aufl Icffeii their pnefent cnjoyntent^ ^wd in
the p^irchkie cann6t etthV*gc it..
•1 conVess that the impious and TAi^fcitifibh't
way of life and convcriatioh of youth Tn general,
cxpofes them to 'the jutt difcftecm' 6*f their
eldere ; but where ^hc cbritraiy is fftuftd limong
any of them, it ffiould be the nioie parficulkr
Fccomtnendation ta ihcir patronage. There are
fome obfcrvabVns, I have by chance ihA With>
Jo much in Tavour of young men, that I carihot
lupprefs thetttk As finccrity is the cKief fecotn-
mendation, both in public and private itiattets,
it is dbfcrvc^, (hat the young ai'^ more fmccrc
in 'the difpitch of Bufinelsy and profelSoh of
friendship, than thofe that arc ihbre advanced in
JFcars: for they cither prefer public reputatidn to
jrivatc advariugc, or believe It is tKc only way
to it. Th^y are generally good-riatured*, a#
having nOt been acquainted witk' ifkidi tfiali^^^
or foured with difappointment. The leis dif«
pofed to pride or avarice^ as they have neither'
wanted nor abounded^ They are unpradifed iar
the way of flattery and dilhmulation, and think
^herS pradiffr thofe arts av Ittde asr th«miekes#
This ariies from their bdklnefs, as having ml
been yet humbled by the chances of life, ancE
their creduHty, as having, not yet been oitexf
deceived.-
I sHALt Conclude by faying, that it isverjT
hard upon we young fellows, that w^are not ta
be trufted in buftnels and converfation with thofo'
in years, till <^e age, together with its con^
fec(uence8f ilF health and ill humour, have mark-
ed us with a faded cheek, a hollow eye, a bufy
ruminating forehead,- and^ in (hort, rendered u»
lefs capable of ferving and pleafing them, than
we were when we deemed' uiiablc* fff dCT
either.^-I beg your pardon for fo many ferious
refleffions, with ^hich, notwithftanding the
great age of your Spectatokship, Itruftyou
I will not be offended, and am,- with all pofEble
Mr. SpBCtATOR,
Yours, &c*
T«E BEVY
Doctor Gocct^,
The Politicd Prebend, ^c.
By the curtefy of England, lawyers and phr-
ficians are allowed to dabble in politics; but
a perfonal interference in politics fo ill bttdrtrt^
the divine, that very little rd^t£l' is paid to
' thoTe Tons of tiie chtiVch, wh6fnake'it*th^fe»*»
fihci^ to a'tfttid ittoie to theele6fi6n"of a-^dta*
m6hef than thfe cufe of fbiits. It impltes'fc^lk *
predileftiOn fot tttnporal fnfettjft*, fhaft I iMW
never read of a ditrine dablftig Ih poHfci-, ^M
did hot Vender himfelf defpicsibft.
Amongst the many notorious irtf!*«ice& 'Itf
folldcal cltrgymc^ with which thfechuifch iS^
this timfe ihfefted, I know of nOhe hiore ¥i^lff
cenfurable than Doctor Goggle, Who4»asth*
h6n()ur to hold a ppcbcndarjr in one of x>iir mod
ancient cath)edrah. Thb Db£h>r has a han^MbOK
cftate )kt\d a pleaftmt cournf ry refidtfnte, tt afflliiV
markct-towti in the north of Engiaftld, ^hiA
giving him confid<^rabfe inteifcft a* a eeneiBf
dcaion, he is, » Sfoohatittey ^Wfyto'any
blockhead
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Ho. XX.
Tllfi NEW SPECTATOR, Ac
«'
blockhead in the countyr; and woe to the poor
Vretch over whom he hat, or can poffibly obtain
any inflaence, that votes in oppoTuion to the
Doaorj
In his perfon he is an epitome of ^1 that is
^t^reuiUc in a Ton of the church. He is (hort and
lat, of an Egyptian compiexioti, and a counte-
nance that would have become Leo when he was
pronouncing Judgment againfl Luthen Over a
full-bottomed grizly wig, he ufually puts a broad
brin'd greafy hat, and, mounted on a mul«,
value forty (hillings, releiiiA»les a modem churcbr
errant in queft of a tithe pig. Like the knights
errant of old, he is uTuaQy attended by his fquirti
who^ for any thing I know, may be as good a
man as ever Sancho was, though jt is oertain he
does not ibUow £o good a mafter, •
Tu E abilities of the DoBor are very tender
nor does he tn>id>]e the world with frequently
exerting them. He abominates refdence, and it
was not till lately that he ever went near one of
his pripcipal livings ; but a ne^hbouring (quire
at length compelled liim to vifil it once a month^
for which, no doubt, he has the charitable pray-
^ ers of the Do£lor, every time he is under the
neceflity o^ taking a journey (6 diiagreeable^ and
performing a fervice fo irkfome to one of his dif-
pc^on*
AvAEjCft isi^ his hobby-horfe. It is the
ambition of tyranniltng over pthers ; of being
fcarcdy and of being regarded as a gnat moik-^
Every fiep,, however, that he takes towards ac«
quiring that diftin^lion, has a dire^ contrary ten*
dcncy. Thofc who, unhappily, arc under Ms
thumbs io indeed fear and hate him. Thofe
who regard, &like his (miles and frowns, defpife
and dcrell him.
Added to his other acquifitions, he is in com-
miflion for the peace, and, as far ^ I can under-
ftand, a very able magiflrate, and a man of ex-
ceeding, great penetration, for when a fuppofed
culprit i% brought before him, his guilt or inno-
cence is immediately dilcovercd by the Do£h>r^
the moment he is informed on which (ide the
cman voted at the laft ele6Uon ; or if, peradven-
ture, he did not vote at all, fuch is the Dodor's
fleill in phyfiognomy, that he would con-
ilemn.or acquita man by the marks of his coun-
tenance; and, to his great credit be it faid, Jic
icldom traces the matter &irther; fo excellent i$
Jinowlcdge by intuition I But refpefting hi^ (kill
Mjufiiaf^pf I (hall tell you more in a future
number* ; ■ . r f ,•
From a^Chriftian divine we. expeft placability
<!>f temper^ but the refcntment of the.DoQor
JiAOWS no bounds. He purfue« with unremitting
vengeance the wretch that happen^ however
lightly, to offend huh ; but efpecially in the grand
article of an ele^ion.— Of humility and meck-
ne(s he knows only the names; and hb bread is
a total (branger to humanity ; for of all the diver*
(ions to which he is addi6led, the principal is
cockrf^tiMg^^ and his fupreme delight is to fee two
harmlefs birds tear each other to pieces* In this
his favage ditpofition is dearly feen ; for none*
but favages can bear, much Icfs encourage, a di-
vcrlion which miuft wring the heart that is not
(leeled againftall feeling; ifttended by fuch hel^
lilh language as muft (hock the ear of every one,
but fox-hunting fquires, bori(h innkecps, and a
reverend Prebend f-*Of one of thefe infernal
meetings, and of the chara£lers of a fox-hunting
fot, and an unfeeling publican, who are both
reckoned g9odJort of tnen^ 1 Ihall give you a par-
ticular account, to (hew what brutes men may bc^
and yet have the reputation of being good fort of
wen f
It .is no wonder, friend Spec, that the clei^
of the eflablKhed church Ihould be held in fuch
difr^Nile, when wretches like Dodor Goggle axo
permitted to hold pluralities and dignities. You
will naturally obferve that there is nothing very
miginal in the charaQer of Doftor Goggle*
«* 'Tis true, 'tis pity, and pily 'tis £s true." The
charafiei' is too tommom EtcQUmtmng parfan^
are to be found in every cOunty, and men li\^ng
in idlenefs on the fruits of the church, who ought
not to live at ill !
[ Ttf if continued. ]
The Neoteric, Delectable,
Critical Society.
Third Meeting*
Oitarou being called upon, I took the
chair, and having received thanks ^m tho
fociety for my attention;
Statira Frichtful rofe, and declared that
(he was one of the performers engaged to play
at the Paris Theatre ; but things had fo un-
fortunately intervened, that (he was not only
deprived of feeing France, but alfo of ob-
taining any engagement, as the different com-
panies were all foil when the di(appointment
took place. Sliie, therefore, moved, that a pc-
tiiion be drawn up, for the relief of thofe per-
formers who, like hcrfelf, had been difappoihted
in the ^aris fcherac, adigninga reafon why that
fchcme was not put into execuHon. The motion
not being feconded, (he fat down, as little fatis*
fied as when (he got up. • v ■
Fag Blistkhorn, infinuated that (he had
been at .the reher(al of the'^eW comedy, Th^ 6s
0^
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THE NEy, S PEQT ATQR, .,&c.
No. XX*
^hr, which is to be performed next week. The
mufic, Ihc faid, was by Dr. Amoi^ and the
comedy written by Mr, Colman, jun^^ who, if (he
might judge from this fpccimen, promifes that the
name of Caiman (hall lofe nothing in diamatic
celebrity.
Mrs. Tattoo rofe, acquainting the focicty, that
on Tucfday evening, June the 8th,- al the plofc
eip the Agreeable Surprije^ a violent eaunngy like
that of a raven, was heard in the houfc ; but
it was foon difcovered to be one of the Syna-
gogue, and wife to Sanguinctli (the mufic feller
in Long-Acre, who, fome few days ago leaped
from the ftagc box, on the Ilage, with a pillol in
his hand to fecyre a performer), attempting to
raifc a noife in the houfe, but was foon prevented,
tb the honour of the Theatre, and the fatisfadion
of the audience, — She concluded with obfcrving,
that on WcdncTday^ th^ir Majeflfes honoured the
'theatre witli their prefcnc^, for the, j6rft time
tnis feafon.
Theobosia HiNTWELip thdn got up wilhy
''. Legiflator, as Mrs. Tattoo does no( ioifh the
** critiques^ by your leave I will continue them.
« On Saturday June, 1 2 th^ were performed the
" Separate Mdifitenancc^ 2ind the Ekdion (^ the Ma-
" fta^erf, ITic former, went off with, ii^ ufual
*« Mplaufc, faying that the comc4y was weakened
"by the indifpofition of Mr. Aickm, which
** prevented his playing. I never faw.any tbing
^« fo ^harafteriftic, as the meeting of Mrs. C....r,
*< iind Mrs. L , in that fcene, wlierc the
*« author makes jcaloufy overbalance reafon;
«• tlic force ^ which -obli g es ^k 4o «mbraco<:on-
« defceiifiotT^ Jtftd fehtor hito »low ^8ib4Te. In
*« (hort, it was -quite te'cAkiyii^^.*' -the /neers that
*« cnfued were trttfy.^gdl^ui^ ''for — enlre nous —
« thefe two very,^^/^ ladies, no longer ago than
M laft Thurfday, had a violent ^^*^<Ue: quarrel,
" in their refpeftivc dreiling-rooms at the Thc-
</ atre» where fhey talked lou^ enoui^ for the
<' whole houfe to hear them, 'Xhey, not, only
" ipokethe vulffit^oing^e to a znira^t'but wei^
f^' &ick adepti in the. dcmirip language, €hat their
^ *inTe6tives created the'MnalFe£iQd bluA^ in the
« cheaks of the women, and raifed the contempt
«< of the msn.^uft ^ the JSiUOkn, of tM
^ ManoMogers was finished, a Mr. fi-^.<^r,
*« from Ac front boxes, vociferated Off ^I
^ which 'Was eochoed by two more, one of
^< whom had a cockade in his hat, but his
^ laafuage di%raced tha noble enfign. The
^ iithi€f.frd€fuUd tobeay«UBg<mjmi»f fkfliion.
^ Thefc three heroes endeavaured to.pve^^ent
^ tfie. ^erformtece, nor could the drollery* of
1 i\r
" the treble cry, , when fome gentlemen fron*
" the boxes and pit interfered, and a party
«' of the latter came into the boxes in order to-
" turn them out. A fcuHle enfued, and the
" whole houfe was alarmed. Capt. T y of
" the navy bade the performers go on ; uporv
** which the young fdJhiqnahU hero took fire, ancT
" blows lucceeded words. The collar of the
" lattcr's (hirt was torn entirely off. — Mr. B — r,-
** and his cockaded friend, came up to Capt^
"/f , and pufhed him about, demanding.
<' his name and rcfidencc, which he offered for
" the addrcfs of the perfon with whom he fought,^
" which being refufed, he judicioufly denied his^
« It fo intervened, that Capt.T was left, un-
^ protcftcd, to the three heroes, who all went
*•' into the lobby, and really ^mCiV^ him, for fudr
" language from gcnltcmen, as they called thcm-
•* ielvcs, I never heard. Mr. fi — ^r dared any
** inan to fight him. His cockaded friend,
^« who, by the bye,' had a . pretty, effeminate,
black patch, at the fcomcr oT liis mouth, to
<* hi^e k pimple, or* through «ficHatfoi), ^Wafc in
* cohverfatlon * equally Tublime. A gci^cmaa
«< pcf fuailing ' Cap£aih T — ^ to jgo out, fee
«< afked him,^ i¥ he wiflied to have ^\lout of die
(^ head ? However, Tome gchdcmch tftinWn^^
« very improper that'Cagtairi T — ^-^l-^'ftiimtdi)©
»' left in that fituation, forced him out, iind al*
** yifed'hrim not to return to thbfc 1ro*ri wliom'hc
« could ckpcft no' ^fa&s&ftion. ^he tfi^reetVLhi
"tliat produced the i^lwle^oFAis dTftUrtTance,
'^remained ih'*ftie Yobliy "half an'hour after Cip-
*< tain T — -1— 1' Wciit' but, quarrelling and offer-
*«''in^ to <• clffut^' any'^ody that bp'jmfcd thdit
"' opinidh. Sonic riobtemen were fbr Sidling the
^« conftibTe <jf thcliodfe,' and fettling the matter
<< fpecdily ; they then adumed druiikennels, and
«« left the lobby, continuihg their rioiFe as \hcy
*^ went along.^'— ^^Jfifs Hintwcll 'having fiiiilheU
her account, an adjournment was moved for^
and *pa(ted ne^n. con.* t IhaH have a rare-
joke for you in my next. Tor jnft as' we hzA
broke up, fome poignant infinuations efcaped
from 'Mi fs Morrice' XoveaUy and Skylight 'Brazen' r
and our next meeting will diCcover,
<* Wihat fi^males. (ay, whenjeabufy's the theme 1'^
YO0 pcifhsrps'Tnay tktnk it'ftnmge, 'f!»t 5
inean'to recount 'the private ^ainiotrfs' of 'iflitfe
hdi^ Wr liicy ate earned' on irtibtha/Bk'wi
tttrfteannotbntbeafmiifht^tQryourTeaifets. 'I^e
keenftefk ^ the -fatc^fms 'and retOrt&irhMrpA
between them, is fometimes fuch as tD^ eicite
ftiudi rifib^i 'as you 'WS ^lucve' ocedSoa to
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THE NEW g^|:
To thz New St*^ectator.
iDear "Spec,
The importamt Tjufinds oF the Wcftmin-
uer clefTion being as good as Tettlcd, thofc, who
^an afford it, are very wifely following your ex-
ample, and Quitting ^owTi with all poffiblc cx-
|)cditxon. And truly the htftc with which t^cy
travel, would indtice otic to think that thry Were
^ying from Sodom and ComorraH* lliough the
tate liord Cheftcrficld tells us, that it is very un-
igcfritedtowaBc faft, left a man Aouldbefuppofcd
lo have «ny bufincTs on his hands, and furely it
touftlie ^ery ungcntcel for a man tp be tifeful,
<thc role, it fecms, docs not extend to tiding ; for
fcyth^-mode of travelling, ono might venttfrc to
conclude, "diat the nohility and gentry were the
^onljtpcoplc vulgar enough to have any biiiitiefs
%t-all. \ • ..... : '
• TfTE Yown, however, is yet pretty fuU *, kncl
indeed if all ih« titled people were out* of it, the
faiftlQ o£ London would be little abated, though
theiin&ixny of example woidd be Ibmewhat^ tt-
Araioed. Thercfoxe, thoiigh I like conviviality
mndgobd fdlowfh^ lam very wdl pkafed tb
Mmain in town during tht fummer months,! when
peace and (Ucnce pervade tbofe parts of It which,
fo, the. winter, are perpetually difluibed by 'tht
jftinmeanikigbuftie and irregularities of ^ple trf
Jafliiott. . *...:- . *•
THui^fon of the yev it very favotlrable to
the writers of pafloral> , and I have received
numerous poetical eflfays in that flilc fince ^\-
day. I fhall here prefcnt my readers with two
of the bcft that have come to my hands. ,
\ Pastoral S r a k 2 a s, ' ' *■
By C Y -, Efq.
r In Biy lottcly cot obfcare,- '• ^. . . jI
£y Vy comfort difbot faiv
What misfortune I endure,
JDoQmM by cupel £ue tci> bear \
* ' 'Bat if, DrtiA, thou woal<f ft rfweH ' '^'^
With thy tender faithfiil fwWi ;
. Plcafwc thctv wQnU puj^ m^ ceK,
J JDiUaiit ev^cy itiftuae ^ain^
From my labour in yon field,
• Svaift MtQMiiif^ tfv*lPf itt^bt >
. BtcftMii:ihce, ia.MBdB%hf^ <:^
With my flock on yoncler plam,
S^Kcieft joys* Pd ^o^Otsmt fm9fc}
Tune my pipe in chcarful ftrain^ . . .*.'
Singing of our mutual love}
C T A T O R, &«•
SONG,
The Lass of the Die.
Tune^ *'JCate i$ AbcrAun:\
Kt>W «H die gi^vetf 4a ««rfefe ga)\
Aw decked to \mX ihe ^Iv^i
My. 9Mt^ OKt iocurely play*
The birds melodious fingi
Ve blooming, nymphs and jocund fwains,
Aifemble round diis tree*
And join with mc in ruHic Urain's,
To prsafe my Lafs ot b^e.
jllie myrtle freen^ and mofly^lsy .
^ rMcuMvithnkeilciirc, ^.;
And form of <vrry fw^t that bloys,
A chaplct for her hair ;
For fure there's not on a\l bur lawas,
' AihcphdxdcfttikdlJie, *'"'
Where virtue reigns, Atttl %ciiity dl^t,
AfthiiiiyLift<9f i>oe%
V f
W^n wanton zephyrs Iport aroua^
We iftfay befide the flrcani;
And Hftcii to tht "bubtta^'tiifftd, "
• tXr tilk, %xA l6Vc'«'bUf thHAfe J ' "
^ttf th^ btftdztf *«i^(MiirWi itiriuy^;
' ' Atid'^dl tdb r^Orctnli^ te, ' * '
I kfltjtht limkH^dteliitlM 9aA^
. :U^ath xi^-dcar JUGiCtf.^«
Here weu cpiitenf \ tudit my ree^y
' M/liApplfieft ftrAdir;
Before my ^rot my lambkins f<ed,-
' Thfc^rfllJligi rf tlfe^yiar) •
Tbtii-ttlU, ye rkl^'yo«^idiiiiirtaiib/
liee^fidofftf viflMiifse^.to : .
. GntH.t»flb««bcf(lp4r«rn%|.8cVk,
.• .^djj|>^lci»'44aft)^*t»^I ...
J, I.
w K-.
•m^.X
'T,H,
Westmi^jster Jubilee.
^ 1
' it
T«H yariouarcpi^i^fipn^Mjaing ih^i^mH^ •£
mot^^jFtc^vod at tj^ Jul^ihae.iB Weftm^fte*-
Abbey, a^ro. adnaEingii I.anfr thor^forei* liapp^
to.haVfC it now in my po>v5r, frpm ^opdauijio^
yityj to inform my readersj^^^? pear as- ppfliblf^
the whole of theexpencc an4.grofit. Thciaj^
isy vc^ litdc more th^, V^jOpo pounds hay^ ay
yet con^ \^ the 4ire6ior5' hap(Js> and the expenco
of that ftupcndouft; pp|-foriji.axice will €X<^<;^
5,000/., an4it isr cxp<p6tcd[, that about tho Quxjp
fum will be p¥efcnte4 to the mufical fund^for
whom the whole fum was originally intended,
tut the fi I (hop of ftTocfiefter,^ being a governor
of ine'tV*eItmrnfl!er Infi'rmary, and'ZJfczn ofWtjl^
m/i/fer, fpncited a part f(^ that tlofpitaf,* '
included. John Bull,
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THE NEW SPfeCtAtOk, *c.
No. XX.
£ B A T t S*
The parllamentaiy debates afe as warm as
ever, except on the part nS the prftmieri who
notwithftanding his youths has given the houfe
the moft convindog proofs of his fteadinefs,
and of the inefficacy of oppofition declamation.
1 trud that he will acquire the rcpuUtion his
father gained, as I am confident his Abilities
in parliament are already greater. But it is not
parliamentary abilities only that can make a mi*
nifter* Had that been the cafe, Mr. Fox would
perhi^ always be a minifter. To fhew what a
minider ought to be, I will here tranfcribe the
charaAer of the late Lord Chatham, as it is
finely drawn« in the manner of Rohenfin^ to
whom it is generally attributed, but I beBevc it
was not written by him.
« Th£ Secretary ftood alone) modem degene-
<< racy had not reached him. Original andun-
<( accommodating, the features of his charafter
«< had the hardihood of antiquity; Hb au^ft
«« mind overawed even Mayefty itfclf. No
<* ftate chicanery^ no narrow fyftem of vicious
<< politics, no idle conteft for minifteriiJ viAo-
H ries funk hiifl to the vulgar level of ihe great ;
^ but overbeanng, perfuiailve and imprafiieable,
*^ his obje& was England} his ambition was
^ fime, Wid^out dividing, he deftroyed party ;
^ without corrupting, he < made a venal age un-
«< anitBous. France funk beneath him. With
^ one hand he fmote the houfe of Bouihon, and
•< weilded in the other the democracy of England,
<^ The fight of his mind was infinite, and
*^ his fchemes wefe to afIcA not England,
<< not the prefent ^, only, but Europe and
«< pollerity«-«Wonderful were the means by
«« which thefe fchemes were accomplilhed ;
*< always feafonable, always adequate ; the fug-
-^ geftions of an underftandtag animated by ar-
** dour> and enlightened by prophecy,
<( The ordinary feelings, which make liie
nc amiiad>Ie and indolent, thofe fepfations which
*^ ibften andallurct, and vulgarize, were unknown
^ to him. No domeftic difficulties, nodomeftic
^ weaknels reached him; but aloof from the
«< fordid occurrences of life, and unfulliedby
•• its inteitourfe, he occafionally came into our
•« fyfiem to oounfel and to decide,
^ A CHARACTaR lo exaltcd, fo ftrenuouS| lb
^ various, fo authoritative, aftoniihed a corrupt
<< age, and the Treafury trembled at the name of
<« Pitt, Uurough all her clafles of venality. Gor«
^< riqptk>n imagined, indeed, Ihe had found defe&s
M in th*^ ft attfm THh and t^ilkri rou r hrfthf *iiciwi*
<^ fiftency of hb glory, and much of the ruin ofhia
'^.vidories; but the hiftory of his country, an4
** the calamities of the enemy, anfwered and
•♦ refuted her.
. '* No a were his political abilities his only ta-
lents; his eloquence was an acra in the fenate :
peculiar and fponlaneous, familiarly exprcffing
gigantic fentimenu and infttn^ve wifilora:
not like the torrent of Demoilhenes, or tho
fplcndid conflagration of Tully ; it rcfembled
ibmetimes the thunder, and fometimes the
mufic of the fpheres. Like Murray, he did ncft
opndu^l the underftanding through the painful
fubtilty of argumentation ; nor was he like
Townfcnd for ever on the rack of exertion;
but rather lightened upon the fubjeft, and
reached the point by the flafliings of his
mind, which, like- thofe of his eye, Weielclt,
but could not be followed I
^ Upon the whok, there was in this
'< fomething that icould create, fiibvert, brro-
<* forin; an underftanding, a fpirit, and aa
^^ eloquence, to fummonjnankind to f6ciety^ or
^ ta break the bonds of ilavery afunder; aai
** to rule the wildemefs of free minds, with ^xi^
.M .bounded authority. Something that c6uld
^ eftaUiih or overwhelm empire, 4nd ftrike a
<* blow in the world that >fhould refound ^hibitgh
♦* the univerfe.'*
pARABt^ ggainfi PCRSECUTION,
The late Lord Kaims tells tis, that the
following Parable againft Perfecution, was com-
municated to him by Dr. Franklin, of Phi-
ladelphia, The hiftorical ililc of the Old Tefta«
ment, his Lordlhip observes, is hcrf finely
imitated ; and the moral mufl flrike every one
who is not funk in ftupidity and fuperftition.
It is at the particular requeft of a lady, that ii
finds a place in the Nx w Spsctator^
—•1, Ako it came to pafs after thefe things, that»^
Abraham fat in the door of his tent about the
going down of the fun,
2, And behold a man bent with age, coming
from the way of the wildemefs, leaning on a
ftaff,
3* And Abraham arofe and met him, and fat4
unto him. Turn' in, I pray thee, and walh thy
feet, and tarry all night ; and thou (halt arile
early in the morning, and go on thy way,
4* And the man faid| Nay ; for I will abide
under this trect
g^But
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K6,XX*
THE NEW SPECTATOR, ^
9, fiut Abraham prcfled him greatly. So he
tumedi and they went into the tent ; and Abra-
)iam baked unleavened bread and they did eat*
6. Ajad when Abraham faw that the man
JbiefTed not God, he faid unto hii^, wherefore
xloft thou not worihip the moflhigh God, creator
t>f heaven and earth ?
7. And the man anfweted and faid^ I do not
Vorfliip thy God, neither do 1 call upon his
name : for I have made to myfelf a God, which
^ideth always in my hob^C) and provideth me
Vith all things
8. And Abrahai)i*s acat was kindled againd
the njiQ, and he arofe, and fell upon him, and
drove him forth with blows into the wildcmeis*
9. And God called unto Abraham, faying^
Abraham, where is the ftranger ?
10. And Abraham anfwered and faid, Lord,
he would not worihip thee, neither would he
call upon thy name ; therefore have I driven
iiim out from before my face into the wildemefs*
11. And God faid. Have I borne with him
thefe hundred and ninety and eight years, and
nourifhed him, and cloathed him^ notwithfland-
ing his rebellion againfl me ; and couldflnot thou^
who art thyfelf a finner) bear with him one
^ighi ?
12. And Abraham laid^ Let not the anget of
Thy Lord wax hot agaihft'hii fervaiiiti Le^ I
IkaVt firmed, forgive me^ I pray thte*
13. And Abraham arefe »mi wcrtt fottt iritO
the wildernefs, and diligendy fought foi the man>
and found him, and returned with him to the
tent ; and when he had entreated him kindly,
he fent him away on the morrow with
gifts.
14. And God fpake again unto Abraham,
faying, For this thy fin fhall thy feed be aflQi6Ud
four hundred years in a (Irange land ;
15. But for thy repentance will I deliver
•them, and they (hall come forth with power,
and with gladnefs of hearty and with much
fubllance.
VX S-A-V
s.
The JVcman of the People has at length been
obliged under execution, to part with her Vis-a-
Vis for the trifling fum of 1 70/. little more than
the original price of the hammer-cloth ! Thus
the envy of the frail fifterhood is done away,
and the glory of this woman is eclipfcd. Let
my fair country- women learn from her example
to avoid proflitution, gamblers, and black-legs of
every denomination, and never be fcen canvaffing
at a general elcdion ! Sk tranfd^ ^c.
B U L I iU
I HAiffi brtn feifUfcfted by feyerti ladiea to
iilfohn them of the ihanhsk* in whi^ the Bulian^
niake lovew I fliall hereafter take an oppor^
tunity of gratifying my fair readeJ-s ia that xtfpeftL
At prefent I /hall relate to them a circum fiance
which happened in a Buliaa village lome years
ago,
Theodore, the fon of a wealthy gentleman,
paid his addreffes to JfuUanai the only daugluer
of another wealthy gentleman, in the fame neigh-
bourhood. The amour was carried on clantlcf<
tinely, and Theodore was made happy in tho
embraces of Juliana. Knowing it would be im .
vain to folj^it the confent of their parents to
ratify their union, they carried on an illicit
amour for a confiderable time, till the father of
Theodore had prevailed on a city meru.iant to
give his daughter to ITieodore^ with a very
large portion. When this circum ilancc wasf
con^i^ni<;ated to Theodore, he was at a lofa
what to dow The city lady was font for into the
tx>untty, and proved exceedingly handfome*
Theodore, previous to being introduced tu iicr
in form, honcIUy acquainted Juliana with his
fituatton^ and confulted with her^ what fleps
they fhould take. They would inflantly have
left the country, had Theodore kiiowh in what
nanniir to procure tHe tStthi of fubflflenee. A|
this rmtAi^ tiM^refor^ h6thlbg ^m dMern^fied
betwedn Thdedure afid Jolianay cxeepc tbA tbty
would i^et the nekt CVeotog ih the grote^
which had been the chief fcene of thei^ amorous
dalliances^ «
^% if it had" been oraaine<l by pfovidenc*^
that the" illicit commerce between Theodore and
Juliana (hould be fpeedily punifhed, the demon
of jcaloufy whifpered her, that Theodore meant
to deceive her; and perhaps the charms of her
rival had been praifed in her hearing.' The ide»
of feparation from Theodore, of refigning him to
the arms of another, was more than Juliana
could bear. She was anxious for the next
interview with Theodore, and tlie moment he
entered tlie grove, drawing a piflol from her
pocket, Juliana laid him dead at her feet, and
immediately ran into the village, telling every
one fhe met what (he had done. In vain did
her friends advile her to fly ; fhe remained fixed
in a determination of fufFering the judgment of
the law, by which fhe was accordingly con«
demned to lofe her life.
The fatal day being arrived, fhe drelFed her-
felf, as for a wedding-day, in great fplendour,
and mounting the fcafibld, bade an eternal adieu
to
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8
^Vl! E NEW SPECTATOR, Ac.
NcXX*
to her fnends* The executioner was preparing
to do his office^ when fuddenly, brandifhing a
dagger ihe had concealed, (he exclaimed, " I
<* am impatient to join my Theodore," and
plunged it in her bofom.
From caufes which I have not now time to
aldduce, illicit amours amongft us, do not often
meet with fuch dreadful cataftrophes ; but it is
ceruin, that though the Theodores and Julianas
of Britain may feldom fuffer after this manner,
they neverthekfs fuffer much longer, and
miich more, and have always reafon to repent of
forming connexions which cannot meet with
the concurrence of confcience.
Correspondence,
Amongst other favours received this week,
I have one from Mifs frankly, alias Frantkf
who, however fhe may flatter herfelf, is certainly
in want of *• an agreeable companion ;"' and if
books and cafual converfation will not guard het
againil ennui, I have nothing elfe to recommend*
-^Lucy and Peggy Tawdry arc too well verfed in
the fafhionsof the day, to need my advice.-^The
parody on Mr, Fox's laft common-place addrefs
to the ele&ors of Weftminfter, is as miferab!ir
and as far from the purpofe, as th^ addrefs itfelf.
I am, dear Sp£g, Yours, &c.
JOHN BUUU
London: Printed by T. Rickaby, No. 15, DukcVCourt, Bow-Strcet, Covent-Garden ;
Sold by T. AX TELL, No. 1, Finch-Lane, Cornhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W, SWIFT, Bookfcller, Charles-Street, St. JamesVSquare ; by P. BRETT, Bookfeller and
Stationer, oppofitc St. Clemcnt*s-Church in the Strand; and by W. THISELTON, Bookfeller and
Stationer, No. 37, Goodge-Street, Rathbone-Place*
*
.V^. CoR&BtpoNDSNTS are requeued to addrefs their favours to the New SpectatoR| !•
the care of any of the above-named Publifhers.
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nuryunw^»/W>nufiH^ V >ufV> ii fV #
THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL-
No. XXI.
TUESDAY. June «2, 1784.
To h continued every Tuesday.
Price Three-pence.
Quantutacunque eJlUf v&s ego magna voa>.
How fmall to othcit, but how gteat to toe 1
NOTHING can be more agreeable to my
nature, than the prefent fituation of my
refidence. In this part of the Peak of Derbyihtre,
there is a kind of primeval iimplicity. The
lawns are fo broken by rocks, the hills fe in* '
terf^ crfed with woods, and the whole fo beau-^'
tifully arranged by nature, that the attempts of
art can fcarcely improve the fcenes that rife'
around me.
It is true, I have two miles to ride to a
church ; but when I come there, I am not
offended with the carelefs inattention of the
preacher, or of his flock. They all feem pro-
perly to uitderftand the nature of their bufinefs
there ; a circumftance I have not been witnefs to,
for feverad years paft. Declining age may here
indulge iu devotional tafte, without interruption
from the gaudy appearance of its juniors; and
youth may here learn the importance of religion,
from the attention of the aged.
NoTwiTHSTAKDiNC the miniftcr takes tithes
in kind, he retains the alFedion of thofe who
pay him : a rare circumftance in a country village {
Butdtts is owing to his great fkill in the pulpit.'
He has been able to convince them of the ne-
ceffity, and the importance not of religion only,
but of chriftianity ; and with thofe of chriftiart
principles, it is eafy to live in harmony.
I WAS laft week prefent at the wedding of a
young farmer with the daughter of a neighbour-
ing yeoman. It was a merry day with the whole
village ; for thefe people participate in the fe-
licity of each other. The three bells of the
church fcarcely ccafcd ringing all day. The May-
pole was decorated with freih garlands ; and alt
the young men and women danced round it, to
the mu£c of a fiddle, played by the clerk of the
parifh, who is the very Orpheus of thefe
parts.
In tbcmidft of this divcrfioOt 1 was joined
by the worthy parfon of the p^fh> and we fat
down under the (hade of a large tree. The fitua^
tion was truly delightful. Before us was tho
May-pole, furrounded with agroupe of dancing,
villagers ; on our right, a pleafant river mur-
mured along at the foot of a woody mountain.;,
to the left was the village, with the church at ^
fmall didance, and a grove of tall elm^ formed,
the back-ground of the fcene« The good man
told me, that he was happy in the union of the
bride and bridegroom^ who, it feems, had beeit
lovers even from their infancy. When I cx-
preiiied the pleafure I felt in the good order and!
management of the village, and of his particular
excelleAce in'fo forming his flock| that they,
wore at once chearful and religious *, he iflured.
mcf
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f -«-» a urn- « ^ « -C TATrO-tL,- 4^
J^JUUb
-Mjfif d«at moM was due to thek fituatiori^ tlian
to Miy cxertioni of his own. Thaty ^ing ex'
eluded all communication with what is calhd the
polite world, their principles remained un-
tainted, and their manners fuch a4» muft pWafe
an Ingenuous mind/ It vety fortuna'< ly hap-
pened* he J^d, tha^ 4hf ir rf ridcrv(.« w,as at a
c?6nriderahla did^nce from any road leading to
cl4hcr of the Baths ; Tor there was rothing he fo
much dreaded as the example of the vifiturs to
thofe fccncs of diffipation.
Whilst wc were thus difcourfing, word was
brought him, (hat a young woman^ at ]^s own
houfe, was dtiirous of feeing him* He r^quefled
me to fup with him, and I accompanied him.
When he approac^cd the door, the young wo-
man came out of the houfe to meet us, J)ut a^ his
igght fainted away. He inftantly exclaimed,
*• Good heaven ! this is my daughter I" and
taking her in his arms, burft into a flood of tears.
There was a dead filence for fome time, till we
were farrounded by feveral neighbours, and Lucy
was fo much recovered as to fix hdr eyes atten-
lively on her father. She was imfpf diately car-
ried into the houfe, and fuch things adminiflercd
to l)er comfort, th^t fhe prefently revived.
« Doubtless you will wonder," faid the
reverend man, addrefling himfcif to his neigh-
bours, " to hear me call this unfortunate girl my
daughter ; never having heard that I was niarried.
But the cailicr part of my* life was checquered
"^ith variety of fortnne ; andl never knew what
happincfs was, till 1 retired amongft thefe moun-
tains. It was here 1 devoted myfelf to true reli-
gion, and obtained that -peace of mind which
nothing in this world can give, anid which, I
trull, providence will not take away. To fee my
danghtef once more, when I had been aflurcd
of her death ; io embrace my Lucy, when I
imagined (he was mingl)^ with the dufl, is
ftich an addition to my felicity as I little ex pefted.
But fhe is weary, and wants repofb ; and though
f am impatient to know to what fa\'ourabIe turn
of providence, I am indebted for this happine(s,
I muR rot impofe th^ taflt on my dear child at
fo unfuitable a moment.**
■ Lucy was left with her father, and the next
day I called to en<]Uire after her health, when
1 was not a little pleafed to find her in the com-
pany of Mariaf whofe character I endeavoured
to flLetch in my firft eflay from thi)5 place, and
whofe attention and converlation feemed to ft>rm
niuch of the happinefs df Lucy. The oldgen-
rfctnaii being out, they wtrc engaged i^ rCadfAg
Tliomfoa's Springs in which I would not inter-
rupt fo actsuratiba reader MrMaria« Asfoooa»
the venecaUe ntt^ «Huftf^) v^tmfjk 1m U^hmu
and he related to us ihe moil ftriking circum-
(lances of his life, with which I was fo much
entertained, that I think the relation will not
prove unacceptable to my readers ; and I fhall
4herpA^ giv« it in my ncxtjapow
HAY. MARKET THEATRE,
Proceedings or the Neoteaic^
DfiLSCTABLE, CRITICAL SOGIETY*
Fourth Meeting.
Th% ffciety bei#ig affev^bled, itfi4OiTAR0if
having taken the chair, a violent contention
took place between Morrice Loveall and
Skylight Brazen. The caufe of which I fhali
hereafter relate. This contention «nded in a
motion for expelling Skylight Brazen, but the
eonfideratien of the queilion was adjourned
Dinah Ferret then rofe, and addreffed
herfelf as follows : <* Mr. Legiflator, on Wcd-
" nefday, the EUSHon of the Managers wa > i fe:tcd
'• in the bills for rcprefentation, which drew a
<♦ crouded and relpeftable houfe. The three
^yhfr^^Sf who, on Saturday the i9th» werr
<^ defeated in thcif attempts to obfliuQ it$
« cf>nciufion, co.l^d a party of muoffafUcm^
<« ^im'gitiU49H4 aqd cUrkt^ tQ th« anaottnt of
<( jibot^t a desfn^ lod previous to th« wm*
♦♦ iMrtcfsnqnt of the after^picce, pt^^cd ihem«
«« felvfa in th« fywt bo)i«a; and iooa after tho
«, ^Hirt^in 4<^w upi th« fignal being gtvea by a
<• young man of fajhion (as he wiihea to b»
'^ tt«omHt), thopppofoion befan, when itap-
«^ feaM4 lo bothe JM tepfe-«f thohouC% iodo^
<i pendent of th^ jock^gr^^ndmy tb^ ibia iiH.
«• offqnftvc performance fliould g^. in, and k.
'^ did g9 Wi amidft the continual . bootings ap4
<( hQwlingji of thia q^d-Hke. (knof^ wbi^b y»m9
<(. continually oppofcd by the plauditft of tbft r^
«< of tb&audicnqet «k1 tbus the piece was pet^
«« formed I and tlxuigh ngt one wocd cot^ld b«
<< Keardy the performess^ wore epcouy^yd ^
" proceed till the fccne ef the ktifi»ih y^^^m^
( ; the howling party removed into the (Uge^bccics,
<f wi^b 4. view of ajmng the performeis by ttm'iM.
<<l more immediate prefenec ; but aU womU nf^
<< dot The piece wa& amply (upportec^ aaiAlbt
«( appearance of every pedosnuur ii% it» recdyei
<( wixh (udk repeated. a^pUufe aa Ua entiidy
<f dvown^tbe howUng Qf the of^iiiAticnH Wielpe^
«< fo that it; w^ not ii^ die chief pac( of tk«
i ** audience was gone, that thefe gentry could
<< pronounce the fentence of damnation^ which
« was
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N^XXt.
TH& M«W S*ECTATDmR|: Ac
«V W«ei 0|>po(ed mdlMigMat by thoforenMunihg
«• IB tiM hi9i]£i ( till die lighuwere let cbwn, •
*^ mad tilt pUpptes «reirc lef t ta kowl tM darkn^s !
(ft..«^I ihavght il ve^ pn>pcr» Mr* LtglQatori to
*<. giyt y0u a JiarticuUr deuil of thi» tranfa^on,
^ a^ I belicvo) k is the firfl inftance of a piece
^ running tiine i^hUi and an attempt made to
" damn it Ob the • ^enrt / The majority of the
** audi^ctt^ who came^ perhaps folely^ to Amr
<< M.WOU utoju the EieBion of Uu Mdtnagtrs^
*< was tfatis fiMunefuUy diiappointed by the truu-
<* Uty and caprice of a parcel of fellows^ who^
*^ whatever, their fitu^ions ip fociety may be^
<< certainly merit a fituation in the piljoryi at
«< dtftutbtrs of the peace and entertainment of a
*f refpe^aUe ^ndtence.*^! conld a^^tiuaint you
^ yrl^ .the namet of fet erajl of thefe g^tryj
« bQt e« their Mef 90^ fee$as to be that o(
^ malting their natne« w^^fkuMs^ ^nd renderixig
«< iH|jB(etvca the obje^^. public convfStfationK
** I (hall not contribuMv ro^xnuch to their wiftief^
f* by mentioning their names^ thou^ ^'^^
*• only to expofe them,"
Miss Flutter roTe, and obferVed that on
Frtdiy iftetSth, th^^Mnttf. of. Wales vmt ptc-
fisnt at the pe^otnance bf tbe Young Qtuihr and
the AgrttaUi Suifrvu^' His Royal Hij^kkids te
in the^^Ofi ttcxt to thegalUn^^ (maikout ofthe
dips that were) which is Etted up for hilHighffeft
to come tnc(j^.— *No fooner had Mifs Flutter fat
down, than : - t : - '
BRiD^arr StsADT foe u^ aiMl laddftffing
herfelf to me, fadd '^ 1(1 fl^iM c#r 'ift ibf :cri-
«« ticifm, rridde? Hte6 ftotnitvtc jiid^mevir«l' that
« which lam goingl6f)p*ak tjl^ fbegl Tna/b<^f!ali-
« ed to Md^k i^i(aay jidti^tty if^Ufi^fvered
«' in my critique,, thal^i Bas^^Aot be pinivi^Uq^ to
^ fpeak agai»."<^H^tor tb» lILetdbemr^pfbHided
Bridget exceedifj^jlif, Mf &«:3Vfaitite«%»^.:Ca(l
« Saturday was peWbfAed^ fbt^M MLyAak^ a
f« new comedy, witH fiilgSi calM! * '* ^-
fC 1*
J
W O ; T 6
On
*< written bf flifjgttofi^fciWf •£^► r jtta..i<j^ut
w why a cmtdy^ .U%Mhm*^. witk [yftH^:^ ' .Why
« not a mufical come^^^.Why not. an^ opera
« which it really is ? TJ^cre ar$.no Jefs tlfian ^lA^en-
« ty-one for)g?iniit>'ap4 J^,^ ^ catlcd ^f^dy
« with a ne^ pfol0fSf^eim^'^fV^ .nfo^i^ > Thefe
« tenns may- fec#iimpi^>«ftf butt tbc,im|^x^)f|pi
«< will vanifh wtan i infoRB* yoo^ tibAt ih& hin-
« guageof Txt&^4Pmm^M^fatM ^^aiiic^ra
<« (which in general' t^(HiiMb'>i^ l^fiMijBeiKts),
<< and it poOaflbs e;;|^er|^ nqpiiite oS comedy ; the
<< characters are &nan^ dj;aw»n^ and i^aboiinds
4 in wit. The dialogue, like that of moft
operas, does not feem written to mtfodute thd
fongs, but the fongs fe^m introduced to ^ace
the dialogue.— Alter the curtain drew up, Mr»
Palmer made his entrance* 'fhe figh of fympa-
thy efcaped him» and the eager look of iuf«
penfe was eafily difc6veted in his ccuntensince^
Then^ after furveying the hou(e> with lo ks
that implored their proteAion, he delivered a
pathetic prologue, which reflcficdy^«^^7t0» on
the writer, Mr. Colman, fen. and difpUyed
great judgment in the fpeaken The purport
of it was to introduce Mn ColmSn jun. as a
candidate for public favour, commenting on
his youth, and this firft attempt, &.c. Every
line toldy and truly merited theappliufe which
it received* After Mr.Palmer had made his exit>
the orcheftra ftruck up the overture, which
was ent ir e l y newf gp Hipufcd by Dr» Arnold ;
the fatisfa^on -of the audience, was foon
provjcd by repeated plaudits*— l^he comedy be-
gan with a new air, ^ng by Mrs. Banniflet^
and I muft acknowledge t^at not only her taftib
in Tinging, but in drcfs is very muc^ improved*
The comedy is written in a flrong, bold^
elevated flile. There is no intricacy in the
plot,, which may boaft of fomc novelty, and
was perfeftly intelligible to the audience. The
charader of Capt. iJupely, a modtm man of
honour^ was new^ and had St good tSt& ; but he
(houldy by, all. m^l^^ have been drefTed in
blue and buf. The part of Dicky Ditto was
well dfiwi^, irkt la(hed the credulity of
tradefmen, who lofe their proj^erty fot ihp
,{U^e ofalittk aUention ^nd foliknefs y it was
Ihprt^ and well-played by Mr. Edwin, who
boh/^d, the chara&er inimitaUy. 1 he pei>'
foffmors did gre^t >uftice to their lefpe^ive
pafts, , and well deferved the ample applaufe
which th^y fecetved p it would, therefore, hp
invidious in me to be l»viih in the praTfe of
m4ividuals. . The diiubk enUndrts that wese
iaierjjperfed throughout the piece^ were fo
q nm ^fii^ H as not to offend the eai of mod<iiif,
and, marked the ple^iiantt humourous di:po^
,(i^<^ o£ t^e author, wJBov from the fucccls of
Ttffo X0 Out, whidi wiU dbubtlefr^ have a lon;^
runy I hope will be induced to tieat the
ptihlic with^moseamufement of the fame kind.
«--Tb^ new aacs. wcad beautifully comppfed Sir
Djr, ^Inaoidy and ptove^hii fuferiority in his
ptofe(&om Thafcjfek£^edl were popular tune^
and chara£bn(lie« Several of them wer^ en**
cofedy aswasthejbi^ which„I luppofe, is a
orcumftance thatmever happened before, and
waa eniung^ its fec»liar fprigjul^^ 9"<^ the
charaQers dancing the haN^s; The curtain
drop.
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THK MEW SPfeCTAtOH, Sti.
No. XXL
^ dropped amidft the greateft plaudits, ^rhidi
^ were continued a confiderable time* Momus
'^ was triumpbant| and evety one was eager to
*^ repeat what they had feen and heard. This,
^ Lqpflator, is a juft critique, but I Tubmit it to
«* the dccifion of the fociety." — ^The members
immediately, without dividing, acknowledged
the juftice of Bridget's remarks. Several mo-
tions were made, but an alahti c f i r< enfulng,
we adjourned thebufinefs of that evening till our
next meeting, to fee into the caufe of the alarm,
which was no more than Mifs Leadape*s <fap on
fire, but all funUet mifchief was prevented by
the taking off her wig.-— So you fee, Sf EC, that
wigs, in certain cafes, are equal to rope ladders,
and why not as well as fire-ropes-^fire-wigs ?
C A R D»
The Nkw SptCTAToa prefents compliments
to Curio/iiatiiiU, and on his return to Town, smd
on receiving the iffceilary information, will do
tiimfelf the honour to attend the Curious Ctub^
when they aflemble at Abigail Hatl ; or on Cu-
riofitatibus, as Secretary to their Inquifitive
WoHhipi, being firft informed where the laid
Secretary may be found,
. PtA ^Derbxlkirt4 ,
To the Niw "Sr s^TATafii.
Dear Spec I
But that I expeft OUaroh to give you i
tircumftantial account of the'diftut1>anceat the
Hay-market Theatre, on Wednefday evening,
It would be the firft circumftance I fhoufd ad-
vert to, ctti account of its fmgularity. I ant very
luppy you was not prefent. Your great ^^
and love of peace, have difqualified you for all
fuch tuibulent fcenes ;.and as yon cannot bear
puppies, your patience would have been pot to
the telL— 'Happy old man! that can retitv to
thofe calm and tranquil fcenes which fobth dcf-
ciining age, and give a foretafte of perpetud
ferenity. Happy too muft that family be, under
whofe peaceable roof you now refide ; your
morning admonitions, and evenh^ chearfukie(s,
like the alternate funfldne and the dew, me-,
liorate and enliven all who enjoy them^^I am
very forry to find, that my information on
feveral topics, yields you fe little fatisfa^ion ;
\\A you know the filiation of this overgrown
isetropolis; that| in one fhape 6r other, Fplly
ii cv«r ttittispliam^«<RADd ' widi rc^eft: fo
that wherein Ibe is moft triumphant, Fajkim^
feveral minute variations Have taken place fince
your departure ; not, however, in the drefles of
the ladies or the gentlemen fo much, as in their
perfons; for you are to underftand, thati
dumfy dnde is now irt much efteom ; ^pug mop:
is (aid to be hi great repute ; and the ladies ara
making (uch rapid advances towmttb the maf*
culine gender, that ^ kard is in hig^ requtft
amongft them, as well ii the tth^tm whick*
Were held in fuch eftimation amongft the neuter
gender, a/uu' the beaux of laft year. Amongft
the ladies, a wide months and a vacmajtate, ax«
certain recomiHendations to alt thoie incrn that'
arc difttnguifhed by Wearing a pmri^-coloutii
tivery; -for at thofe am modifications of tha
features that infalliikbly dctuat ukotifik^ fothe
faid partywctrioured gentry eatpefi from fucH'
ladies the moft liberal attention toth^ir Mri^ ;
and, to the great credit of thofe ladies^ it mi^ be'
allowed that they do ntft it€chit fiieh catpec^
ution." ' • ■ .. . r. •. ' !. .
f o 1 T a t.
f . M not think the m^i^ dt At i^owin^
lints (tilled to the occa^on.^ but the imagery .i$
delightful; and probably Pamel is the only poet
who has fuececded in painting ferious objefts in
li^ sndafure.
' "i- i . . ^ . i i ,. .^ , .^,
M I CBT-Pl I C ll 'i
•l^s night, andkfloM^s dttiflMvfli fliafer
. Dnh nU tkf biU^v^ <!D Ike Jal^i
J TlN^Mwisid fwtepi, de^ea^ the i]fdiv .
'^ torrema cchf to tbe ^n.
RcvtfetmdsantMk; cheieTpretdsa pWiv • '
Abov^, tl« rock dtteli ihe fiia ;
The aHlMMniig rill ^er peUiIet Ukh
11icwiadakiag.d«e|lraiaUejli8lM,. ...
A.(bx ia. lK>wliag ^ .the .roi;kp
A fereecb-owl oa a blafted oak.
Tbc ptffing meteor lighu the valCf
A fpirit whirpers in t^e Jalc;' '
Or, beckoniiig, longs to Sieatbm tare,; . : ..
And^hafilyhofrorridcaillicait* . i.
A niin f^Hwat of old the feat
Of heroes, now refignM tofite;
Where often mirth rtlax'd the foul.
And mkbighc crowif d dte tofy hcfwl ;
Where fprtghtly raufic (Welfd ^ (oaad.
While bloomiag bcsMy tri^t aroaad*
With every hUft fhc fn^gPMAtt JfU,
. The winds are hhiftristg in the hall.
Go, on the done inlcribe'tby namt^
AadtotbemarUctni&tliyfiuBei <
■ m
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K(K XKI.
T H E . ir E W. 8 P E C T A T R, A6^
Bid half tht iMMmtittn torn tky tomfc^
The wonder of the 6mci to come !
The mound (tall fink, the Hone dedf^
The fculptUr^d figure wear awa/»
The buft that proudly Tpelka thy pralfe^
Some ihepherd's future cot may raife |
While fmiling round, bis infimt Ami
Admires the figures on the ftonci
t * - . .
. A tOQ^ itt.dre*ryJKNloiiiB flidwi
Three ftovnes exalt their beads of moft*
^ buft.balfifuqk lA earth appears*
The rude remains of fomker years;
I>ry tufu of grail alrbiind itTife,
t ; * The ^i^<l along the brulbwood fighs |
* ^"^ ^ow peeping from the cloudy pole,
The modi has filyet'd o'er the whole;
Thu author of the followiDg elegant triAe
ivirote it feiike little time afiber the death of Mmrian*
Me had juft enkhraeed tranqtalttyi when £ite
awakened his feelingt td a painful rfitnendbrancl^ ,
of his loft Marian by thd village clock ftrikiog
the CMX-cnpud hoar of their meeting* >
To M A k t A K»
j The clock ftrtkes eight !-^No friendly feet explore
The gloomy palTage to the mourner's door;
^ In vain your well known ftep does fancy hdlr^
In vain I wait— no Ma r i a n ^ornes here ;
Thf daikling lamp tfmiu a dying lighf^
* And fympathizei with me as I write*
1
. WhehOaPJSsuaplayedthe.Uft'aiogihadeiaiiunigiL;
jStem* .r uthlefs P L u T o , melted as he fttn| ;
Oh happy poet ! had but I thy dull.
My dear EuRYoiCB had bleft me (liU)
But fince her toA I diuft for e^vvmou^
Since the grim king admits. of nomtura, - ;
Thefe painfal hours, your prefenee may beguittfi
And ooke i^y melancholy maafion fmil^.
£ooAa«
t. ,. • . . •' ...
B tr L^ t A«
You a(k me to give you a general charaftei' of
BuVian literature. It is like the literature of all
Other countries verging to refinement: therd
is amongft them much good writing, and much
more had. Having already informed you fome*
thing of the nature of their government, which
admits of i^uch freedom, you will, of coUrfe,
conclude that, as every man may give his opinion
Freely, they abound in writers. There are in-
deed \^ritcrs in abundance, but it is not one in
five hundi;ed .that produces any thing out of
aommon way.— An ingenious Bulian made an
eftimate of the abilities of ibe people, tnj clafled.
them in the following tttannen lie divided
theitt into a huhdred panS| thus i
ffedants *i'* «»'**«***
P^rfoos of eommaii fedt • * • «
Witt * * ^ - ^
Pools «ik^«^»«.^.
Perfons of wild» uncultivated tafle *• *
Perlbns of Original taftc improved by irf
13
*5
20
5
Fi^om this pifojiortional cbart^ as 1 may call it>
you miy form fomc idea of Buliin literature*
For my own part, I am apt to think that there
is a greater portioti of «« pcribns oi wild, unculti*
«< vated tafte \^^ at lead I am Aire there is in this
country* In other refpefts, it ftrikcs me, that
this eflimate might fuit London as well as Bulia*
You feem Very, much aftonilhed that thtt '
Bulians fhould have upwards of (ixteen thouland
poli^cid pamphlets diUhbuted among them daily^
for their amufement \ but were I to inform you
of the manner in which thefe are produced, yotit
aftonithment would ceafei .^ndthis I may do'
hereafter* At prefent I iball inform you of the .
xnetns ufe4 by fome of the fabricators of theAi
daily produdionS) to infure their fuccefs.
£vaaY one o£ them makes it a point either to
extol, qr to revile the king and; his mini (lers;
for thele writers know no medium* . And if they ^
cSin, to i|fe a phrafe of their own, prite a minifier '
domUy they fiave a chande o^i>eii1^i i^tliey have
not adready been, well rewaMedby his fudccflbr*^
So' that thefe men are deflitute of all political^
principles, andfometimes of alb other principle,'
for that requires hot ^nother^ilftp in depravity %
and it is a matter of indifference to them what
meafures are purfued; theit opinions Of futh
iheafures are regulated by the good or ill will
they bear to the rticn who propofe tbem j atid'
thtii they fire^uently i^vile Ore beft; and praife*
the worfl meafures that can be propofed^ ^ ' ^
■ Aecoani»o totheftrengthofthepattywhicl/
they efpoufc, the fale of tbeir produftions is'
regulat^. But they will at any tJme, qiiJt*
their party for an immediate advanuge^ Thus'
previous to introducing his famoiis hw refpeftin^
Aidni, which he knew was in itfelf infamous/
Reynardam thought proper to' bribe evciry one*
of thefe writers to prevent their expoHng him to
the people at large, and in order to trumpet htk
mock patriotifm; and thole who for years before
had made it their bufinefs daily to eve him up^ as
a man of the moft abandoned princijples^ ndv
extolled him in fuch a manner, as convinced the
' *"" people
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fkE WftW itttrkt&fi, ttti
ic<h taott
peojlple (hit diete was no plating conlid^niccf in
the principles or opittions of men wliofe prin-
ciples and opinions were tor hi Changed without
any apf^retU reakm ; for the people at larfe
knowin§ thaC Rcynardtftn waa mikr^blf po*r,
had nd cottcnptiott of *tJ- being able to bribe
amy bo*^ i
But fucfi 6? diefe writcrt who arfe not very
Un(Ur ^ €onfcunct, and who fticfe at nothing to
accuiniilaie wealth-1-and there are (uch amongft
them — take a nearer road to riches than waiting
lor poUtio^ changes^ and learn indcviduals 16
putchaTe their own peace, by arts which one
would imagiiife no kuitian t)eih^ coulci be cru^l
enbugti 16 ufc. This is Ame, by attacking ^-
vde reputation with thelhafts of ftandcr, lA fuch
m manner that the ofcjeft and the pretended crime*
«* ha\t-expofcd, which, excititig the pubHc
attention, are iht iiext day further revealed ;
ani the bbjeft pointed ai In public placed. If il
happens to t>e a *lady, or a gentleman who withes -
to avoid a S^xiy fquabfcle, the* writer is prevailed
upon \o coniradiS his allertiohs, on being hdhi-
fomely*pdik\'%rat tf it is a man of fpirit ^<^
knows no mode off relenting an injury but by The
Iwo'r^ *tbife produces a challenge, and pfcrhaps
a duel, whicli makes a gi^t rtoife ; the writer is
a^ired Tor liis ^mt, as wetl as hisliterary tkifl,
ftfid'his paitiplircts ificreafc in 'tTicir talc in f>ro-
pOrtrbh as^c tricrcaTe's'mr^^«^a/w«#
Such my dearfpcnd, are the modes uted
amongft the Julian pamphleteers . to acquire
riches, and io inform their good neighbour how
the world is goi n|^ on I
f* ir » ¥ V % • fc*
On Saturday evening at the Hay-market
Theatre, there was a grand difpUy of puppyifm.
-^The front boxes were very much.crouded with
beardlefs young feUown, ctad in the habit of the
order, namelyi in gieen and light-coloured coats,
-^ith black velvet colhra^ nankin breeches and
boots. Unfortupat^y/or mc, tl^ey were joined
by feveral dcmrrifr^ -and talked f^Ioud* that I
did tiot hear Abel Orugger at all ; and from their
•converftttion I could learn nothii^, but that the
jknights of this order, are the only people that
bave any idea of fenfe, tafte, or ^irit. The
^nverfatien was interlarded with many dammcs
by the knight^f and many afitftedl fits of laugh-
ing by their -Dulcineas.— Of aUl the orden of
buman beings, this furely iathe moddefpicakle!
Laft week they had on opportunity of ^V;^^
tbemielvts, even to exta(y, by viiiting jytot
£0O^|Whkha]trttfually /i^n^iimt by iheprefenee of
Ibme of the high€ft^ atid tM^ bfiht loWeft tot^
tombs in London ; particulafly the Khights ot
this order, wh<}, on 6ich occafiohs, ire ufuillf
didinguilhed by the appellations of mm ofhanowr^
hlackUgs, and Jharpcrs^ all which words, ii w^
knay believe old Dupcly in Ttt$ U One, mttfi Chtf
jfame things
Hew very ditferent ttiefe meetings^ my deaf
Spec, from thoftf WhWh w« vifiiediiioyr youo^
ger days !^-^Getitlem^n then ^pptitniu g^tW^
and a notorious gambles waft^ avoidei
mens
as a pick-pocket. But now, alas! gentle*
men are gag:)blers, and gamblers are gentlemeil^
'. The whole country is over-run with bladLlegf
uid fliarpc!rs. On the fiage, at the bar, in thtf
pulpit, and in both houfes of parliatnent um
thefe pe(b of fociety to be found. But indtf-
criHaitiate taifeg avwift notblo^ I wiU» tbtfv^
fbre^ ^t this iibje£twick a haAity wifht that
our ^rtxaoui Premier, nay nakt it an obfeft (9
rid tbaStatt, alt htdk^ t£ Jmck icliavaaeis, aii4
endoavour f» introduce (iith la«M Ar their eic*> .
tirpation fioua Iboaty, that the rifii^ geaeratioa*
may no longer l>e mifled by the examples of
wretches to whjofe vi«esthis country owes half its
, didrefles ; for half, if not the whole of its dif-
treffe^ are owii^ to a relaxation of thai moral
. difcipline, by which the good people of th^e
* realms were once diftin^iifiied, but wVich is now
* an objed of ridj^ide with thole who afpire to be
miniiters andlf^flators; but whofe principles I
trud will providentially bar them from every
ptiMk MiplofiMSii^ liot tbat of koeptng the
pillory, and^^c^vaittag at ^kdiona ^Miiona
fuccefs!
.^fht.mm C ^MS XI r.
In this ^WttJiraSTfiWicrff, Wn Gofenan, |uii. ha*
given 'Cvidentlnafks of genius, and I trtkft tt^witt
encourage him to give us a comedy ^thoatfcmgs a
not that I disapprove of the fongs in thb piece ;
they certainly are ornamental to it, th«N;^ it had
little need of fuch ocnamem.
TiLK mufic in general b fuch as^oeng^
the attention ; though I cauinot but witi diaft
Miis Geoige's fongs were better adapted to her
mode of fmging. It is impolfible for ber to
finj^ amiis ; but (he is certainly much f^perior to
any other performer in fuch airs as are ^ven to
Mrs. Banniften 1 know ibme of the pro-
feffional men find fkult with Mifs Geoige, be*
caufe {he fit^ £ngliih fongs in the Italian lHIc»
But fuch judges do not rocollc6t, that it is to her
fiik of fingiqg that Mifs Geo^e is indebted for
that reputation and tha fiiperiority ihe has ac-
quired over every finger on the EngE^ fiag^
I couia
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U^^U.
THE. NEW. SPECTATOR, Ac^
1 couW not but tfm^xk with great plcafurc> on
Saturday evening, that though Mifs George fihgs
in the Italian (lllc, flic ha* an cxcelUncc which
few English fingers can boall of, and which none
jJoffefs in a greater degree than Mrs* Kennedy ;
I mean^ Ihe Tmgs fo as to let one underftand
every word flie Fays.*— tt has alfo been faid> that
Mifs George has no prclcnfionS to playing* 1
Was glad to find that tnoft of the people hear mt
tm Saturday, agreed that (he plays very well,
ftnd is likely to become a gpod afbrets as well as
ft good fingcr% But you know, my dear Spec,
your protiofiW critic* afe ^vay» unwilling to
^rant merit to rifing genius^ unlefs it is accom-
panied with Y&uch felf-fuffieiencyi which is by
no means the cafe with this performer^ who
fcems not to know her own value \ who in fing*
ing, feems to ht merely, amufmg herfclF; and
who, becaufe (he has none of the affefted and
difgufting airs of a Signora, or an Abington, is
fuppofed to polTefs an inferior degree of merit.— >
I truft, that nothing Will indncc her to break
herfelf of that mode of finging in which fhe
excels. In proportion a$ (he addifts herfelf to
ballad fingjng, fo (he will decline in that branch
of mufic, for which her voice is more properly
calculated. For, in my opinion, it is much the
fame thing as employing Giardini to play coun*
try-datioes, whtn -flic coo^art it tnfttV
' Iff «b0fe feleEMit I^ ftoti fltean to fCtmfcirft
«raB ^Ai^cd <o oO^iypoli ^Jind adapt htsmiifio to
the part of a chambermaid ; and the latter couki
find none in his company capable of playing
^bat chambermaid like Mifs George*
I CANNOT omit faying a wovd oi^tW^iif Jiif«' i
Banniller fen. who in the charafter of Cap*
t)apcly gave a juft exhibition of all thofe gen*
tlemcn of whom I have heretofore faid fo much :
men of honour, without property, and who, as
he fays, get into Parliament to evade the pay-
ment of their debts. It is impoffible on feeing
fuch acharafter, not to make perfonal applica-
cations. " I am forry," faid a tradefman near
me, " that I have many Cap. Dupely's in my
books ; and I much fear, they will always re-
main there."
With refpeft to other matters, I muft refer you
to the Neoteric Society, with whofe opinions you
are favoured by Oitaroh, the Prefidcnt, whofe
remarks are generally grounded on truth and
Teafon, and wKo, I doubt not, is faithful in
relating the fentimcntt of that refpe&able drU'
nuUic corps!
CORRXSPONOBKCS,
Amoitost Other <coitefpbiMletits^ who havt
(ince my laft favoured me or you with their
fentiments, are feveral intimating, that you
would do well to give them a little tight jfurtimet
reading ; and for my own part> \ have alwayf
endeavoured to be as light af jfuch readers could
reafonably defire 5 but it feems they are not ye{
fatisficd ; fomething in ihe ftile of Tom Thumh
Mrould probably be very acceptable, and ak fuch^
t recommend it to your SpccTAtoasuir's
attention.
I CAN NO t help admiring the fagacity of fuck
of your correfpondents a$ abominate you for
being a party writer ; thougk I have not beeh
able to difcover a fmgie paffage in the New
Spectator which has the leaft reference what*
ever to party*
Dicky Squib would certainly be a great wit,
if he could be underftood.*— It is incredible to
tell what a number of your correfpondents I am
unable to underfland.
Blau is received, and is under confideration»
I wi(h he had been fomewhat more brief.
Phiiario has my thanks for his intimations
refpefiing an apprent revolution amongft the
morning papers*
I can by no means agree with 1% S. rc«
fpeftirtg the iixii€ lW«. iicy C^adttly dif*
l^nce th^ (latifte hpdk \ atxl h Sx I (uppofe ii
^e ivF^ pfXotoe ffittf vufKidti m which he
jtoay ke affune<it . (here »ev«r ytVlX b« b Ja»ch
Ham^ fi^* if tMi* ^^^^ diii Pot«xi^^
Taste,
Tha,t , Jiart of my Uft, which your friends la
th- country fo much admire, and which was
written by the famous Franklin, the Parable
againft Ferfecution, has difgufted many here,
becaufe it was in the fcriptural Jlile. Many of
them were much alarmed, left I fhould copy any
part of the Bible, a book which they cannot beaf
to look at, and which the celebrated Monf. do
Voltaire, Lord Bolingbrooke, Hume, and other
fafhionable writers have fo totally written down^
that a man or woman of fa(hion would not, for
the world, be thought to have a prcdileftion for
any work of the kind —We are conftantly told
of the inftability of fafhion, and have lived to
fee the Ruffs of Queen Elizabeth decorate the
charms of modern beauty j and who knows but
that ere long the facred writings may regain fa-
vour, and Monf. dc Voltaire, my Lord Boling-
brooke and Mr. Hume get kick'd down ftairs ?
Tht
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THfe NEW SPECTATOR, Ac
No. XXI.
The New Spectator^ Ge*
It is very ftrange, Spec, that the readers of
this paper cannot make a diiUnftion between the
Spectator, and the OpiNioi^f c/ John Boll!
Since your abfence, I have received feveral
letters, intimating that you are partial, perfonal,
&c. &c. &c. and railing at you, becaufe you do
not copy the old Spe^tor. If thefe wonderfully
fagacious gentry, were to accufe me of all thelb
high crimes and mifdemeanours, I fhould have
fome patience with them. But they cannot fis«
parate the Opinions of John Bull from the New
SpeSator ; and they will abak you for ti^ wri*
ting ; though you have (Iriftly followed your
intention, by adhering to t\c plan of the old
Speftator in your own produ£bions : and though
I have conftantly declared, that in mine^ I
would never let folly efcape cenfure, arid that
when it was neceilary, I ttfouid be perfmal. I
wifh, therefore, once for all, that thofe good
people who cannot bear perfonality,, and wh9
wifh to confine their reading to moral eflays,
would read the New SpeSator only ; and never
trouble themfelves about
The Sage Ortnioat of
JOHN BULLf
LovooM : Printed by T. Rickaby, No. 15, DukeVCourt, Bow-Street, Covent-Carden ;
Sold by T. AXTELL, No. 1, Findi-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, BookfeUer, Charles^Strect, St. Jamcs's^uat* ; by P. BRETT, BooUtiler and
Sutioner, oppofitc St. Clement's-Church in the Strand; and by W. THISELTON, BookfeUer and
Stationer, No. 37, Goodge-Street, RaiMx>iio-PUce.
%* CoRRSiroMOBiiTs BIO requefted to addreb their fiivours to the Niw Spictator, to
the care of any of the above-mined Piibli(her9«.
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THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. xxn.
TUESDAY, JuMfi 29, i;^84.
Price Three-pence,
To hi continued every Tuesday*
■i fc'tiiTfiir n»'ii.
• n-ro'tr 1 <j A
Nch0 inf^ tcnidi dejiendcrc /— Psrsius.
NoDCy aone de(dsa()i int6 himfelf I Drtokn.
WISHING to givecv^iy cnccmragcmcht
to all enquiries that may tend to du-
cidate truth, and render every fpecies of know-
ledge mbre cxtcnfiveJ^^ beneficial, I fhall pofl-
pone the (lory of the village curate, to give
place to the continuation of my Correfpdndettt's
obfervatiorfs on the (ubjeA of innate ideas.
•
To the N a w S p & c t^a t o a*
Mr. S»BCTATOR,
An innate idea is tlie root from which all
our Other ideas proceed. A man without an
innate idea would be incapable of acquiring any.
-^Without intuitive knowledge he could have
no tuitive. As all tuitive knowledge is acquired
by the (hrength of the intuitive, or innate ideas,
thofeoiily are changelings or naturals, who have
no innate ideas; but to doubt the e^eiflence of" an
innate idea, becaufe its origin cannot be tracccf,
is Aiore abfurd than to doubt your own cxiflence,
the Oi^i'gin of which, though no man pretends to .
trace, yet no man is ridiculous enough to call
in qaeflion ; indeed you had an idea (f mean an
acquired fleeting, idea), ten years ago, at eight
o'clock in the mottling, .oi*. any other time of
that day, no doubt; yet, what account can you
give the inquifitor of fuch idea ? ergOy you had
no idea. But will fair argument admit fuch
fyldglflical fdphi^a^ A man of forty mult
haVcf ^JkiOied at twenty, fifteen, or five years of
age^ but is maft probably as unacquainted with
what happened at th6fe periods as if he had n(^
exifted ; fo that at ihb rate of arguing, to prov6
or rememi)er the origin dr cxiftence of any
thing, exiding at any antecedent time, to fub^
ilantiate the truth of its aftual cxiftence now,
amanof foi-tydid not exi ft 2Ct twenty, fifteen, 6e
ive, Svfi if Be was admitted on oath in behalf
of himfelf at the Old Bailey to tell the truih and-
nothing but the truth concerning his exiftence
thirty-five years ago ; could he give the learned
judge any fatisfadion on that head ? Undoubt^
edly not ; he would therefore be comomitted as
an impoftor^ for attempting to pfove that he ex^
ifted at the fifth year of hb age! But if a maa
was obliged to prove the origin of himfelf,f
at to fubftance and figure v or to prove the origiii
of the innate .idea, from whence fuch knowledge
of himfelf muft be derived, he would be mora
puKzled at the latter, as an innate idea bringing,
with the knowledgeof its origin, the knowledge
alfo of himfelf (a knowledge I am confident n^
man poflefles), it is demonftrable, that the idea
muft have been more t han coeval for the idea
being aftual^ though to our fenfes imperceptible
and unfubftantialy muft have been to all eternity,.
muft
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THE NEW SPECtAtOft, Acr.
Ko. XXtts
hiuft alfo make up the knowledge of the man's
fclf in another flate, or return to' its almighty
owner! But as to the man's fclF, I mean his
mere form, fubftance and vital being; that is
adventitious, changeable, and finally perifliabic,
for being produced by the (Irength of the idea
implying a power of creation or knowledge of
himfclf, is an infinite idea^ out of .the grafp of
finite power. For to have a knowledge of an
' inftatc idea, you mull alfo have a knowledge of
yourfclf, a knowledge incompatible with the
cxiftence of any thing that is created; fucH a
knowledge would be nothing lefs than a know-
ledge of the creator* •
It is very proud and infulting in man to pre-
tend that all he knows is acquired, and yet deny
the exiftence of the very poivcr by which it is
'acquired ; the word acquire, pre-fuppofes a capa-
city to acquire, without which, we are confident
no man can acquire any thing, though all the
arcana of human tnowlcdgc lay unravelled be-^
fore him*
This capacity io acquire, is the innate
idea wc are contending for ;-the ideas multiplied,
or got by fenfation and refleftion, are finite
in^wledge, ^ and to be plainly accounted fpr;
iut the grand idea, or ideas, that acquired th^
^ni^c ideas, is, or are, .infinite, efllpntiaj, ^dual,
unknown ; for to know an innate idea, implies
?n antecedent knowledge, or a prior idea to that;
as an idea cannot in itfelf involve s^ knowledge
of that idea, you muft have one foregoing idea,
even among acquired or finite ideas, to com-
prehend the prefent idea, as idea cannot judge
of idea, any mprc^,thaii felf can elucidate or
judge of fclf, ....
As it is incompatible with the cfeator^s
dignity for a created being to have any know-
ledge of' himfelf, fo would a man's life moll
probably be very painful, if he had any' the lead
idea of himfelf,' as to the origin of innate ideas,
from whence would hicvitably proceed a know-
ledge of his properties, funftions, powers', and
very silence; a knowledge fo infinite, and con-
fequently incompatible with "a finite being, that
I cannot imagine, even in another flate, that a
man will have any idea of hiinfelf. Of (his 1 am
confident that without an a6bial participation of
God's power and glory, or being, as it were,
an unannihilated component part of himfelf, he
muft for ever remain dependent and ftupid as
he undoubtedly is at prefent, being impelled by
his innate or intuitive knowledge, and mod
commonly in the dark, as to the confequentet
' which will refutt from the next moment's ope-
rations.
I CANNOT, conceive, for my part, why
philofophers (hould fo much adore the acquired
Knowledge, and pride themfelvcs in it, even tc^
the exclufion of the very exiftence of the innatd
idea, or intuitive faculty. What i\93 this faculty
done? Why, it puts a grtat vmn in mhid^ of
his arbitrary exiflenct, and momentary depen-
dance/ Is a great man any Icfs a great man for'
owin^ his great parts to the po^er of the intu-»
itive faculty, or ^ in other words, is a great man
'^ lefs .To, . bcdaufe^Ee .was -^ea^y ftiarf^ to his own
hanos^ and not put to that trouble that other men
are, to make themfelves great by acquirement ?
An innate idea in man is ejca^y the fame, as the
c^nftituent and ihherent propert^^s to produce
leaves, branches, vines, aTtcries, andaprodigi*
\ ous bodyj is in tho'acom; fo that it is the a€6rn
we wonder at, and admire^ and not-the mighty
tree ! For any child can account for the leaves,
branches, and body, but who muft not remain
ignorant of the properties in the acorn to produce
all ^is? "^^ But the greateft fophifm to prove
this affair of innate ideas is, <' Suppofe, fays
<< the philofopher, a man is bom Blindf His be
" anyjidcaofcolouDS? Suppofe a man boijh deaf,
« has he any idea of found ? If a man is bom in
" a defart, what idpa ha» he of property orho-
<< ncfty, where; there Hnol^iiAg to {leal, and no
" one to defraud ?'' LiadyM^W* Montague migbc
well fay, ftie had rather be the harmlefs unfuf-^
fpefting milk-maicf, than a Locke or Newton.
That a bifliop or »• learned do£lor, the afliftant,
pupil, and continuer of the great Newton'i
fyftem again ft Leibnitz, . and the expounder of
hard fentenccs in fcripture, ftiould have nothing^
to write againft fuch fophifms, but to fret and
blubber, " Ho\y could the great Mr.Locpkc fervc
" me fo!" Could they not fee the futility of
proving there were no innate ideas, by depriving
a man of his fenfcs ? I am fure there is not a
man breathmg who could hefitate a moment to
pronounce it the moft fophiftical^ illiberal, and
pitiful method to prove, the impollibility of
having any innate idea of lound, by firft depriv-
ing a man of his ears ; and fo on as to his other
fenfes, the meaiums through which all ideaa
muft be conveyed.
Your'i^ Ac.
C*
POLYDlOPr.
Tict
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Ho. XXlt THE MEW 5?ECTAT0I^ Jk.
tuM BEVY OB ORIGINALS^
[no. X.
Mlfs Caisandaa Pedaht.
Arau tamU intoffm ritmpiXur^
A MtlMiM b -every ffAiere of life iscowittend'
nbk ; but til ^ eistravagaot extremity*' is not only
^ontcwpt^te* but diijpiftinjfc Mi6 Pedajjt has
b»d the vdsforHM trf having a liberal cdMcation.
There arc hut few Unguagos that Q» does not
knQvy fomelhin^ oi^ at loalb a {u^ndcw /if^i^ to
t^jnfufe yt)u with hipt fu^aitians. Not a icntcncc
iwn be repeated in her company but Oxc muftdit
ylay her erudition^ which ihe doei by repeating
« few Une» of French> Italian^ and X-atin-
Shk failed on me one morning, inviting me
to accompany her to a iOtd partj^ I was in my
ftudy, examining the beauties of ancient poetty.
My room door fuddcnly flew open, aj»d in. came
Caffandra Pedant, voicifenrting* " Bleb me,
« OiTARoa l*-*wbat>inAbrownttudyP Where
« arc your thought* ?"— ^hc then iniemjgated '
me about the fubjeft of ray contemplalioik l
informed hef , I wai» about a veiy ietioua imdei^
;liikir)g, which I thouj^t I could never Fulfil, to
prefein^p the true unadulterated fimplicity in the
tranQa(ioKi of a few amcient r€li§im^ She anfweiv
ed, " Never fear, for Chi ha attmtacccrvdl<^trou§,
«' pQchcQofi mpofiUiu" I icplied, your obCcmar
tion is very j,u(l» Caflandra,^ for thoe are in^k€4
*" Molte cojc diddle in ideOi melHti a JmtU t kforai
« JQjiil in^;?if.'>— My knowledge in the Italian
language no^ only created her furprifc, bvit ^s}^
vented the fporUog of her Icatning any mor^i^
my company. She then ix^i (led that I ihould
attend her in the evenii^ which I promifed to
do, and (be left me, I paifed ever the tranflatkni
(which in a future number ihall be inforted in
the New Sp&ctator) for that day, and weot
out to pay a few morning vifitf, after which X
<am^ home and dreifed for, the eveningi*^
Aao^v^ight o'cloekt Caffandra called for me
}xi hi^r c^fiag/9t which I OBtewil, and the coach
4Ui7Tn& to Lady ffyjtaf^%\ domg 9m rtdd, )ove
w^ tfie tppK^ vrhkh the baSkAt Mi& Pddanf,
though weUac^MaitMttd with grammar, dduld not
^r h(;r fipui 4fi$kHe4 The coach iidpped iff Berke*
Jy^u4)x^ w<| ^terod Iho duMnBg-footii/ wlVeil
ihc fci;vfri(^.a«m^*|o«ed MSfa Pedant aMd Oif a-*
llQff« } ufas iotroduotdto L^y 9kyll«p andthe
company, who roceived mo ¥nxh the <Mfimtat)
poiiienefr ol^/^i/kimHiUc people* tm wm brdeighf
JDf i*thicbtl|el<diei were ^d oi; ae it always
#il^rdi 4;ofverfaiHlii i b^t Aof wer^Mtfpbhftd:
Caflandra Pedant was thev» I Sovcnd Mijtib
wcio atfen^tted, but weie all olperpowered by
tbe force of Latin» Giefk,. French, ao^ Italian^
Would you believe it, reader,-^Caflandra^/cncci/
aincteen women I— She talked two hours with-
out flopping ; prevented every one from fpcak*
ing, and then fat down to Quadrill, quarreling
about Spadill, and ted Ace, the whole evening ;
quoting deep maxims which nobody underilood,
to prove that afcnfrcndre avcU^ cannot poflibly
be obtained) without a declaration before .the
feventh trick I
At ten, cards were baniQicd, and young mafler
Edmund introdaccd. This hoy was about feven
years old, fon to Lady Flyflap, who informed us
that little Edmund was a miracle of nature ! — for
that he talked French, Sinifpit at the fervants.—
Sagacious child! — ^This was the time for my
friend to difplay her knowledge i " Indeed," re-
plied Caffandra, <' I fee nothing fo amazing as
you infinuate in Mafler Edmund. Did not Torr
quato Taffo fpeak plain at fix months old ? at three
years went to fchool ; at feven he underflood La-
tin and Greek ( before twelve he finifhed his
difcourfe of Rhetoric, Poetry, Logic, and
Ethics ; at feventeen he received his degree ia
Philofophy, Laws, and Divinity, and then printed
his Rinaldo I"— «Lady Fly flap ordered Edmund
to be taken out of the room^ faying " to be fure
be was not a T&rkato Tajho.'' Caflandra flill
continued her prodigies !-—<' Did not Cardinal
Du Perron read over the Algamefl of Ptolemy ia
thirteen days, before he was eighteen years old ?
.^-Did not Grotius^ at eight years old, make vcrfes
«id^ perform his public exercifes in philofophy,
and before fifteen publifh his Comment upon
Martiamif Capella f At fixteen he pleaded caufes*.
At feverrtccn he produced his Comment on Ara*
tas> — Did not Lipfius write his Books Variarum
LeRicnem at eighteen years old ? " Ingcnium ha-
** huit docile, ^ omnium capax prceter mujices : mc"
* moria non fine prceccptomm miracuto etiam inpuC"
•* roj qua tn JbieEiute non ^/atf.**— During this
long and learned oration, (he company had en-^
tircFy quitted the room. Another flory was be-
gan, but Lady Flyflap pleaded an engagement^
and feft Calftmdra and me tlie only pcrfons in the
room abrupdy.
Thp confequence of Mif* Pedant's fbumvea*
fally fporting her knowledge i«, that {he i^ iba«
fakcn by all the world. She, moving in |ho
circfe of liigli life, and haying iiieas abov«o c«v»«
man fenfe, thole in that fphere^ milconflme heo
erudition for madnef^, an^, more thaA oiH^e^
bave endeavoured to (;on6ne her. Others, ^im
fciousof their inability, and ignorancg; aypidhe*
prcfence,
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T » « NEW S P ^ C T A TO*, tec.
Ifo. JCXtL
prefcncc, fo that at this period, Spec, OiTAROft
is the oniy friend ^%A acquaintance that Caffan-
dra Pedant can boaft of.
By this Original every reader will fee the ad-
vantages of mediocrity. Learning, without judg-
ment to cxercife it, will experience more dilafters
than folly ; the latter only creates commifferation;
but pedantry will always be treated with con-
tempt ; and thofe that embrace it will find them-
fclvcs deceived by an ignis Jatuui f
[_ To be continued, ]
HAY. MARKET THEATRE.
Proceedings op the Neoteric,
Delectable, Critical Society.
Fifth Meeting.
'" OiTAROK having taken the chair, and the
minutes of the laft meeting being read over by
-Pcggy Brittle, Selina Gradus began as fol-
lows : — '" Oitaroh, as the Haymarket Theatre
•^* can afford but few critiques this week, 1 beg
«' leave to offer a few words which will be truly
« intercfting to fome worthy members 1 have in
<• my iye^ who are fubjeft to the cacoethufcriben*
« di.
« I COULD on this fubjeft, LcgiflaJtor, roufc up
« the feelings of fcnfibility to much ^commifle-
" ration of authors in general. Biit of all writ-
" ers, the dramatic writer experiences the moft
« difficulties — and always plays a hazard«-*^In
*« the courfc of a man's life, efpecially an author
«« of merit, he mud have fome few enemies-^**
•« who to a certainty come to the Jirft night's ex-
<« hibition of your piece, and, nine times out of
<« ten, fucceed in damning of it. Next, if an
«« author expofcs the reigning foibles or vica, cm-
<' braced by particular individuals,-— it is thought
« an irifult; and a party of jolly friends is made
<• up on purpofe, and the piece is annihilated by
*« brutal clamour. — But, throwing afide every
« gppofUion obfUcle, and fuppofing the piece an*
*< fwers every fanguine expe£kation of the public,
•< and becomes 2i favourite, yet, I am forry to fay,
<( Legiflator, that it is a fafhionable but fhameful
<< example to treat with indifEerence the man
^ whp has exerted his genius, and fucceeded in
•< giving general fatisfoBion, This circumftance
^ was proved by the third reprefentation of Two
** to One. — It being the author's night, — and a
*« cnul cuftom, nobody went. — It is a very rare
^ circumftance indeed, Legiflator, that an author,
** however great his merit, can boaft of a good
• night. What will future times lay of the no-
«« Wily of tblis age? — ^when a Ihowcr of rain
"l has more Force than fterling merit ?-^Laft Sa-
« turday was Xhzfxth and author's night of Two
« to One, which, as chance direfted it, was a rainy
" dull evening, and 1 fcarc^ly ever remember
« the houfe to have been iofuU or fo brilHani f
Fa c B L I N 1 H o R N rofc with fome warmth ;
fie could afiure them that the (<mj infinuation
given by that innocent member, Selina Gradui,
was as feelingly fpoken, as it was true ; for to
hir knowledge, every allurement had been thrown
out to fecurc the affc6Hons of the above author ;
as being out of every engagemetit, thc^n has
certainly great inteteft with his fire. A general
cry oi order cnfued, and Wilhelniina Blunt rofe,
hinting that private jealous piquesy ftiould not be
exhibited before the focicty. After a dead
filence,
Mrt. Tattoo got up, faying, "No member has
^ acquainted the (ociety, that a new after-piece is
" to be performed next Saturday from a Mogul
« tale, in which is to be introduced a balloon.—
<« Well may it be faid, Legiflator, that Mr. Col-
« man's theatre is the riurfety of rifing genius';
«^ for no lefs than three after-pieces, arid a full
<< one (an opera), will be launched this feafon.
<« It is no wonder, that a 5Mfw«r theatre anfwers
<* v/hcnVarietas is the motto."— H^re the bufmefi
of the fociety clofcd', and Peggy Brittle took
down- the Miniitci. — sConVerfation was now free,
and Statira Frightful informed us, that FarrinelUf
Marrmuh »nd a Conjtant Admirer, fported their
confpicuous, and trtimdhduous pre(ence in the
iipper'boxes on Friday* la ft. — Synipathy interven-
ed t her eyes were upon the whole houfe, and
the eyes of the whole houfe were upon her ;—
whether it was for her defhabille or triumphant
coquetry, Statira could not tell.' but that ftic never
remembered her to come in pubhc fo fuMy be-
fore. * There is fomething fo outre in z dirty neg-
ligent drefs, that it will doubtlefs, in a fliort
period, be the reigning falhioni^-^Bedgowni and
night-caps will foon ht as comihoh in the boxes
as footmen and fervant maids in the tw6 ftiillm^
gallery.— The rcfleftion of the lights (ftie fat di-
reftly over the ftage box) and a natural perfpirat-
tion fuffufed the face of the envied Farrinelli
.with a warm vermillton heat. — ^A fagacious liitk
author, well known for his wit and writings^
aflced a friend that (at next to him, if FarrineOi
yrzs not a Foxite P«— being anfwered in the affir.
mativc, he replied :— .« I thought fo, by — — ^
" for (he looks as grea/y as if (he had been Ai/-
«< fn^ a whole regiment of butchers /'* The focicty
adjourned— laughing. * -
n
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No. xja^
^H'E> N^EW^ "SlPE C t ATO«i: 'Ac
Ti <A« ll<w. Sfe'ctator,
Mr. Spectator, . ,
The , following is a^' original pocn))
and (uch as, I trufl, will not cliiicredit the author,
QT the New Spectator* It is on a fubjed:
which owes nothing to fiftlon, and, is yet ca-
pable of poetiqal embell^ftuxv^nt. ,
•Yours^ At,,;
L, S. r
u s
I
C. R A N T,
Em
i • , 1 ■ ■ . 1 . .w .. . :' . - I. .' 'I
w^lt £ C I. O G UJC.
the J£ghlands:<^ Scotland* ; .: ..,.
' • Fast by Ac'torgin of a mofljr rill,
ThMgtifgUfig wahdei^d down a Aeadi-dul hill/
An andeni fhepheid flodi], opprefsM widi woe, ' ^
, And ?yed the ^eaa flood.diat feam'd i^lovr : ^
;Whpregendy.ro<:kiiig on the li&pg side, - >., ' K
.A Ibtp*s tti^[wonted form was fee^ to ride, ^ , . , w
XJnwontod well I yot, Jorpe'er before ^
Had touched ohe keel ilje/olitary (hofQ :• . . ^^
* Nor bad the fwajn's rude fobtfteps ever ftray'd ,
Beyondlb'e (belter of His native Piade. . ,
His few remaining' locks were fifvcr grey,
* And bis tcyugh face had fccn a better day ; " '
n^round^him;' bleating; fltay*d a fcanty flock, '
And a few goats, o'erbung tbe neighbouring rock,
, One faithful dog hjis forroif r (eem^ -(oAaFe, /I
And (Iroyewitb many a trick to cure hiscazt ; ' .
While o'er his furrow'd cheek tbe fait drop9 raQ»
He tun*d his rufiic pipe, and tbus began.
. \ . ;. • • . .1 . ' ... J
•FaEewcVfarcwol, dear Caledonia's ftrandP' -t:
* Hofigh tbo^ibott be, ytt flilim^ native land; - '\
* Exird from thee I fcek a fo/eign (Kore,
* Friends, kindred, country to behold no more !
* By hard oppreflioti drivei^ |ny ^Ip.lftft age
* lliat (houlde*re now, have left life's buftling flagc,
'* Isd6oA'd'theocean!s boifPmus'breaft to brave,'
-ivlh a-^r foreign land to (eetii-grtve. ■' • " ' " '•
'VAndjmiilUtave diec then, my little coti ^ :' '^^w
■• Mine and my fedicr*a pdor, . but hmpfy: iorjii ^..im
« WjCfc I h^c fpent, lnJyfpt^iiQbffin%mf^t ii..'±vh
* Year after year, dli age has worn .|ao %9$;^/. m
Thou dear companioa of my happier life,
* Noy tq the girave gpnp dQ^j m/ virt||tou#. wiM ^ V
* Twas here you rear'd with fond maternal piide.
* Five comely Tons ; ' thret^fof ibeir country died,
* Two yet remain, fad remnant of the wars ,!'• t -i
* Without one mark of honour but their (cars,
* Yet live to fee their fire denied a, grave , ^^ .^^ ^
' In lands his dear lov*d children died to fave ! .
. *. J . ;. : ;o» -•( •"•
• Yet ftiU in ppace andfafety^ did we live, < ooi'. .
"* In peace and fafety, iD0K^.tbai^;wf»akhq^^1ftlav
' My two reinaining boyi^w^b ^^^y bands, ^ ^,
^ Rear'd the fcant produce of oitf nigg9d lands }/ • ^
* Scant as it was, no more our hearts dcfir'd,
* Nor more from us, our generous lord rcquir'd.
I
* But bb'; ' fad change ! ' thdfe happy days mt o*cr, '
' And peace, content, and 'ft^ety charm no more.
' Another lord now rules this wide domain ;
* The avaricious tyrant of the plain I
* Far, far from hence he revels life away,
' In guilty pleafures, our poor means muft pay.
* For him, the moffy plain, the mountain's brow,
' Muft now be tortur'd by the toifing plough,
' And (jpi^ of nature, cropi be forc'd toriG^
' Which to thefe northern clim^ wife heaven denies*
' In vain with fweat^ng brow and weary hands,
' We ^rivc tQ earn ^ gold our lord demandi,
* While c^d and hunger midft a diangeon's gloom*
* Await ^our fiuhire as its certain doom.
* To (huB the ills that tbi eat tny bpary head,
* I feek in foceign lands precarious bread ii
< Forc'd, tho' my belplefs age from gtiilt be puie,
' The* pangs of banifh'd felons to endure,
* And all becaiife thefe hands in vain have- try'd
* To 'rear by an what nature has dented f ^
« In vain* of richer climated I am told, "" '
* Of iJiJidV wbofe mountains glow Vith'gcml and goli^
' Let youthful hearts, whofe mad ambition reigns,
* Pant with the hopes of tbofe (air-promis'd phdns, '
* I am contented here ; I ne'er have fccn ^ • i
* A vale mort fertile, or a hill more green ;
* Nor wodld I leave thb fweet, this humble cot,
' To reach the richeft monarch's envied lot.
* Ah I would to heaven the alternative were mine,
* Abroad^ tc^ tcigOt or he^ in want to pine I
' Full quickly would I chufe; but e'er the fuo
' Shall o'er my bead another journey run,
.' I QM beibbb'd by what they juftke call; '
I' By boii':r«DS;rtt9»ns 6f ai^ little all :
< My fweeiT poficflion to fome firanger givea»
/ And^ aiid mine by force unpitying driven,
* To. cold and hunger, nakpdnefs and grief, ^
< >yitboutpne pitying heart to give relief!
' Theff-CoiBie, O fad akemativeCDehnnfc! /
< Goneban>(bmcntt I wiUna'teorerefufe,
. * Go wh^rjB I may, uor billo^S| jwceoks, . Q0r wi|id
' Caaadd one^pang to tho% that tear my mind* ,. ^
.,' Pn^,whatfoevfr coaft I may be thrown,
' No LOiLps can ufe me .harder than my own.^
y£Vn they who eat tbe limbs and drink tbe gore
' * Of nelpielTs Urangers :— what can they do more ?
* For tftcc, initiate cJiieff whofc ruthlcfs band,
* Unpit)'ing ifhts me from^ my native land,
* For thee no greater curfe I leave behind '
« TM the: fcU ^bpdii^.ftf aguil^ mind, . I
' Unlcfs it's harder ta a (i^ulbkfthipe, -I
.• To fe^lfrotncrucliy^ thy wealth decline..
" • Foi* fo^ tey 4iends and neigT&oiiTs of the valci
I Whdnow wiikkindfy teafi niy fate^M^wiail,
* Soon nti^^ur king) wboie|ati»ot bofom glows .
« Wiih 49pflj4re((' feelingi for bta people's wks, ♦
< '. Soon. may V the niUefs of this mighty land, ''
« Tjo eafc yojif fyriows %et<^ih^.hclpi;igl^and; -
' Fife fooh, too foon your hclplefs fate ihall be^
' Like me to fuffer, and to fly like me.
On
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T tf E fif- W. 4 P E O.T AT <>«i- -*c.
m^m.
* OBypi;4c2V n^tiva Uiid| f«Dm vlMck ^ pa^^
« Reft the bcft blcfling^ od^ bfoken heart !
* When ii> fome fiuure h«ur the foe (hall iand,
* Her hoftile legipns on firitaqnifi's flrand^
* May (he not beat the flatrminB drum in yain^ "
* Or mifa pur |>9[Qii^M thpji^fapcjs 09, th< plain !.
* Still ma^ ihc con^^cr,^ vrj^oiit M of thole
« Who fly their friqn4?, >jt i)^jircr fle<J their fow^f
' My cruet Iocs ftallyttiHrpfowaortht,
« For thrfr owA felei flWI |rtn^ y«trr ffrtggfeig i^H
* And fitve yotif fmiA fc in^ ifroi* th^ rst*bi«igfi»«
* Foe* oik my goatH- «iotJier ikiw ftatfdrtm
* Your flrcams, th« hfe*f dSfeafe ali<ffeAwi pt*n>
* But oh^ h& floofahi ibdl cvtrever it)ivv
* To heal your imict^ heart; or cafe Ki w«e*
« Feed'on, iny ^Oc|^ I m b(^Mb an4 Tafptj; fee^n
« The ^otf tjwty^. cafi, Aiflbri^ to W^h
* Oh ! that t!ieb|?f^nng.kpiflfe were^ajl my fc«^
* How ghdly woidfH (^r wf^ pcsiifh hwlc 1
« Aivfjlo, t^^irpijcl %|i)ejidfiJ^ fwelUng fai^:
* Farc^I^-jp^xei^Ml*: ^bik hwb^aivf^Jip wrvpjB
And o*er his ft^ia^lfe^iQifo^ hi|fi(^
Then cafli^mf^iy a; Ijqg^Qiglooh bcJin^^
Do\v» thft fifof ]7}()^fp^i^'«br9wb^9't1»>i^
To ike Wit\r Si'icfjkfbitr
Dear Spec J , ,
with what is dalk<ita g^OM^ j%Mui;'^MM4>^i0c had
much diftou«fi^ Itbotlt' Ityr^, a fiUlb about m«tri<
mony, and a Kttle "telr about reffgjoft. 'f lliere is -
fome difF<?rcnGc betwcctl a gentect ffeWoV, and a
pretty fellow. The gentcef fcTIow lias the ad-
vantage. Hft.uadifiBmmiio^iiify.thin^ thoogh
mdeed hi» oommfidMi ii gmeraU^ coonaon
plac^-; vAtrcw ymir prtitty ft^locur ckii difcooirfc
on very fewfi*je8!s, and thofe the 'rnoft trtrial
you can conctfVc. tt is aftoniftuiig hb'w f^w J
people think for thcmlclvcs, or, Ihinitrng for j
theipfelves, coptradiH their own ipnjupicnxi,. i^
order to rpt^ij thofc; of others, who^ |i>leffcjl witji '
a litde more impwdc^cc^ «;outcafl, tfet they ane
never in the wmn^
From the oo9P?«y£Kioiio# thfegcnterf i^Ildw,
I prefently learnt that he confidered reai ttm as a
thing quite out of naturt\ matrimdtiy as a W;
and ir^igioci u prjei^sii&, 'So %pesl thefe
opinions, hfr^Mlodar prolteMUlo tpote Vol- X
taire, m4 ki* flunsious Mtowvts, and JtMucie
exaispbt teqt fsaieel Iffb^ to ittttftMCe 4iit pd-
iitions. WIm I eonlendec^ that It was* out of
the ^Hem of femeei fiBows to jud^ of mic
love, and began to adcl^ce m exain^jes (and I
had fome to adduce from genieel life top}^ he
laughed at me, and faid he fufpeAed he was in
company with a poct^ Willi ' rdpeft to matri<«
mony, it waf an oflSrpring of ndSgioti ; and tho
obligations of rdigion ought never fo be mttk^
tibntd to a rtoai poffi:fiin|; the leaflT &erdiity tf
Jentimtnt. Thuy, my dear Sptc, xadeadofa
bleding, . thi& Jikcfality of fentiment^ fo much
talked and boafted of^ is one of thtf greatcft men'
tal curfes that could befal. this cou;itry« The
man who regards not the obligations of religion^
but as ihcy are enforced b/lhumto laws, fetting
oirfkkf Ihoi^ hfw^f wodid i^gard tn obRgations at
alL He wauld otf in th« ttiaiiner h^- now argues^
that is, according to tb« 4i^t9te$t of his own rea-
fon; aii4.)wMr9ul4 i<sl4Q|0baat»lg£i%»&i4a
rcafbn, for dOtfigaiao^&lhwgs which, aattaiet^go
now, wanldi pnrfoitly.hrio^ ban to *be gtflows.
— I believe tlit whote matcev m<»y be refelved
into an afFe6Ution tjf ftngdarJty > and Tarn finri!y
perfuaded, that didl the bufk of the people, com-
monly called the vulgar^ profels ihe(e ^al ideas,
as they arc called^ Volairc'^^ vorks World dirc^-
ly become as unfaihionablc as the Pil^nC^ Prp-
grefs^ and nothing woujd diigrace rqligipo fo
much as the gpwcrfl, caruj^a of Okt lii^$l md4l$d
clergy I . .
But llfttfftttot'porfueany ftxrAct at fiibjcft on
which Rnir-fiflfrs of itiy readers and I fliall n^v^
agr^; and which niric-tcnths of thcrn care no-
thing about — 1 fhall only add, it is a matter
much to b« ljto«Mod^ Chat in oidcr to be » ^rif^/
felbw^^mam.mxih^ibainmfi ideas devbgaiovy to
heaven and t& 1
The titt-ta tJ.
It 13, ^ the» panicujw Jicquj^ of aa Aiia«rican
gentleman, th^ , J .ipfort ^t foltemag p<^'ttt>D,
which ts Ml ooly iQgc;iiioii» ifi kletf,.bui enailiely
meets myJd^ oki die 64>jcav and » ihcr fwO-
dudion o^«g<Rillt«an ti4iwf«tfidetft at BtfSon
in NarErt^afaA ' '• *
To tkt Migkt m^ffidpfki €mpttt^ ^ Calticu
thp. hiimbk pctitioo of difcatdcd U.
Sheweth^
That whcrea^s fnom time immcmpria)
your petitioner hath fqund fufficient employ*
ment for himfelf and numerous family, in the
fcrvicc of auchoni of aft age* ant* «H degrees.
whedw »ndtfitiormodfeni, lively or duft^ ftri,
ous or comicad ; all of wfiom hav^ tffl lately,
icftifioil tic uttioft approbadon of his faithful
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McitXtL
THlE NEW S^ECtATOftj Sci^
fervices; and whereas your petitioner hath' al-
ways demeaned himfclf in an humble arid fuhr
ioniflive manner to all thofe with whom he has
been connefted -, and though he is, by virtue of
the moft unqiieftipnablc authority^ one x)f thofe
five captains* appointed to command the nu-
merous companies into which the Alphabeti-
cal Regiment is.divided, yet has he never ufdrped
the rights oJF his brother officcrsi hoi: intruded
himfelf into thofe diviiions where he has hot
always been invited. -Yoi^r petitioner bete begs
leave to remark, that though he bay have been
frequently feen, and he^rd* in the utidifliDguifli-
able corps of Cambro-^ritifli pranouns +i yet hai
he always been rudely thruft in. 9gaijift bis 6Wn
judgment and inclination^ and therefore in fuch
cafcsj grcfwmw he will be confidered (to fpeak the
language of the iiihe^) as a prefTed man, and not
as a volunteer. Yout oppreffed petitioner is now,
Without the lead provocation bn his part, banifli-
fed from favor, divelled oTjptendof, ihd depriv-
ed of his (hare o£ honor < nor' is this all ; his (jne-
tnics tn(Uavor, at every opportunity, to abate hiS
nrdor, and to caft a damp on hi* fervor : hia ia>^
hors have been reprefented as ufelefs, and his pre-
tenfions to candor conftrued into impertinence ;
even his dcmtanor, which he has always endea-
voured to regulate by thd ftri£left rules of pro-
priety, has been branded with prefumption and
aflcclation.. Your petitioner would appear tedi-
ous, were tie to enumerate the many injuries he
has lately received from rcfbrming pedants ind
innovating caxtombs ; not lo mention the whole
trite of fcribbling females^ and illiterate men ctf
fdlhion : he therefore humbly hopes that your "
worfhips will take thefe premifcs into confide-
tation, with your ufual candojur, and endeavour
to*tcirifl:dte the perfecuted U in the lawful pof-
fedion of the. favours and honours he formerly
enjoyed* Your petitioner will then cxeit him-
felf with the utmofl vigour and ardour to afford
general fatisfadion, and hopes that. the fervour
of his labour) added^o the modefty of his de-
meanour, will enable him to counteraft the
humour of the whim fical, to fruftrate the rigour
of the enviouS) and to moderate the rancocr of
the malicious.
With a full affurance that your worfhips will
gtacioufly condefcend to grant the requeft of the
much-injured U, your petitioner, as in duty
bound, fliall ever pray, &c. &c* Ac*
* The five vowels^
f Alluding to the Welch orthography and prolJiin-
ciatioo of bur.
B u
L I A,
Last night arrived an Air Balloon Extraor-
dinary from fulia, wiih difpatchcs ifor your
SpECTAtbRSHip, which are forwarded herewith;
From fome verbal convferfatibh I have had with
my long-bearded friend, I fiiid that the ftate of
Bulijl imprbves daily ; 6f this I trufl the dif-
patches %ill givd j ou the particulars, and that
you will make them known to your readers. The
Rctfinim entreafes in feftimatioh amongft tlic
pcopltj^ who Regard him as an inftriiment of
providence ititerVehing between them and
deftru6lk)nj and prcfcrVihg them from the
machinatiohs of the Dejptradots.
Or thii I am very glad to hear^ as I meatt
fpeedily to revifil Bulla myfelf ; and wifh to
find it divcftcd of that confufion which reigned
in it during iny former refidehce there. Rey-
nardam, it feems, has been ithpOfing new doc-
trines on the Etanesi refpcftlng Rexman's right
df putting a period to their deliberations ; by
Which it is further difcovered what wci^ liis de-
figns on the Bulian conftitution, had he retained
that power which he fo ftrangely acquired, and
his lofs of which yet affords matter of rejoicing
to cvciy Bulian who loves his country!
Coa
RESPONDENe£«
I HAVE received feverjl letters from perfons
who juftljwfiippofinfe ydui- Speftatorfhip to be a
great cafuift, propound- feme pertihent, and
^ many impcrUnent queries. ■ Amonga the'formc^^
a gentleman ferioufly cn^rca your opinio^
. refpe£ling -
W I T t ii E Sj
and contends that there muft be fuchj becaufev
laws have been made againft them. I (hall leave
it to yoii to anfwer him ; and (hall only give
him the opinion of a very leahied lawyer on the
fubjeft.
« The law slgainft witches does nbt prove
« there be atiy ; but it puniflies the malice of
<« thofe people, that ufe fuch mearis, to take
« away men's lives. Ifonefliould profefs that
" by turning his hat thrice^ and ciying Buz^
" he could ukc away a Than*s life (though in
" truth he could do no fuch things) Jrct this
« were a juft laW made by the fiatej that who-»
♦< foevet fliould turn his hat thrice, and cr^
" jBuz, with an intention to take away a man'i
« lifej (hall be put to death/^
Harosome Wi^t.
Tk e gentleman who complains of the anxiety
he fuffers on account of his wife's beauty, would
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TflE N E W SPl C T A TO R, Ac.
No. XXIl.
do well to reflet that it if a jtax he mud necef-
farily pay, if he has been impru4ent enough to
marry for beauty only.'r-Thc author I h*vc al*
ready quoted fpeaks well on this fubje6^
« He that hath ah^^ndfome wifey ^y other men
«' is thought l^^ppy ; 't^ a pleafgr< |q look upon
^< her, and be in her company ^ but the hufband
« is cloy'^d with hi?r, W^ are never content
** >yith what we have, — ^Tis reaibn a man that
<< wi)l have a wife, (hould be at the charge of
'' her trinkets, and pay all the fcores {he lets on
" him. He that will keep a monkey, 'tis fit
<< he (hould pay for ihe glafles h^ breaks/'-^I
think it needlels to a<ld any thipg to fuch
reafoning as this : P. T. mufl, ther^orOi Qiake
the beft he can of a bad bargain.
Th£ (econdpart of the Political Prebend is under
confidemtion. The author has been (bmewhat
too fcvere on the Fox-kufding *Squire^ who, not-
withftanding his brutality, isatleaft, anhoneft
fellow. — ^The fame obfervation may be applied
to the Berijh Innkeeper ; but of thefe hereafter.
TuK modem Duellift, a poem, contains many
good fentimentfi^ but too inaccurately expreffed
for publication,
I TRUST your SpiCTAToasHir win favour
us with fuch particulars refpefting the prefent
amufements at Buxton and Matlbck Baths, as may
be wordiy of notice; and that you will as fpeedi-
ly return to Town as your healdi an4 avocations
will permit. I am^
Dear Srtc ! Your faithful,
JOHN BULL-
LoNi>pN: Printed by T-.^iPSAHY^ No* 15, DukeVCourt, Bow-Street, Covent-Gardcn ;
Sold by T. AXTELt, No. 1, Finch-LamK, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfcller, Charles-Street, St. James VSquai^ ; by P. BRETT,. BookfeUcr and
Stationer, oppofite St. Clement's-Church in the Strand; and by W« TiilSELTON, BookfeUcr and
Stationer, No. 37, Goodge-Street, Rathbone-Place.
\* ColRissipNOENTs are rcqucfted to addref? their favours to the Niw SpECTATOty to
the care of any of the above-named Publiihers.
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i /\jff\/iy i >ffV)ffiV\/>
THE
NEW SPECTATOR;
WITH THE
SAGE OPINIONS of JOHN BULL.
No. XXIIL
SATURDAY, June 4, 1785.
Price Three-pence.
To he continued every Saturday.
— — Alxtna negotia centum
Per caputs et circa faliunt lotu s
An hundred men's affairs confound
My fcnfes, and befiege me round.
Horace*
Francis.
TH £ publication of this number of the
New Spectator has been poflponed
to the prefcnt time for a variety of reafons, which
my good friends, the Public, have nothing to do
with ; and, therefore, I (hall not trouble them
with a recital of tranfadions, the perufal of
which can afford them neither profit nor amufe-
ment.
It has, indeed, been intimated to me, that I
fhould apologize for my negle^, and refume my
labours with a handfome introductory addrefs ;
but where no injury has been fuflained, no apo>
logy can be neceilary ; and prefaces, introdu6lions, .
dedications, and complimentary addrefles are quite
out of my wafy. It is fufficient to fay, that I
quitted the public ftage only for a time ; "we
have our exits and our entrances," — a little
longer, and I and my readers mufl make our
final exit: before the ciutain of fate fbrouds me
from the world, I would add fomething to my
labours, and take a friendly farewel.
At prcfent, I mufl dircft my attention to my
correfpondcnts, all whofe favours now lie before
me, and remind me of the tongues at Babel,
fuch is the variety of their languages, though
they all mean to fpeak good Englifh. From thcfe
letters I am enabled to judge of the obje6b of
general attention ; my male correfpondcnts dwell
chiefly on balloons and politics ; my female
friends on love and fafhions. With balloons
and politics I have very little to do; with
fafhions dill lefs, but with love a great deal ;
and furely at my age, 1 ought to know fomething
of the matter.
The lady who figns herfclf Exp lo rat 10, has
my warmefl acknowledgments for communi-
cating a practicable fcheme, the adoption of
which would certainly tend to the .relief of
the mofl unfortunate part of her own fex ; and I
fhall take the earliefl opportunity of laying it
before the public, with fuch obfervations as may
occur to me on the fubjeft.
Sentimental epifUes, on a variety of
fubjcfts, are reccivedfrom Caroline, Sophia,
Maria, &c. &c. I can on^y inform thefe ladies,
that I think myfelf honoured by their cor-
refpondence ; and ferioufly recommend to them
the proElict of thofe virtues which they praife fo
elegantly.
I AM much amazed at the receipt of a letter, in
a female hand, complaining of Signor Lunar d;,
whom I have always underftood to be a great
favourite
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THE Nrw SPECTATOR, Ac
Na. XXHL
favourite amongft die ladies. If this gentleman,
as the lady avers, is ignorant of the (cience of
aroftation, his courage is the greater ; and cou-
rage is always entitled to the fmiles of the fair;
and it too frequently happens to receive nothing
elfe. If he is not ignorant, the lady's objeftion
falls to the ground; and to accufe that man of ig-
norance in the fcicnce of acrollation, who firft
experimentally Ihewed us wliat a balloon is, does
not, in my opinion, indicate much wifdom in
the accufer. The lady (hould recoUeft, that all
human contrivances are liable to the accidents of
time and chance ; and that when we judge of
others, we (hould take the favourable fide of the
queflion, that if we do err, it may be an error of
the head, and not of the heart.
Amongst other female epiftles, I have one,
figned LiNDAMiRA,.to which I cannot help pay-
ing particular attention : it is written in a neat
Italian hand, but fo very delicate, that, in addi-
tion to my fpedlaclcs, I was obliged to ufe a
magnifying glafs. The fubjeft of this epiftle is
as delicate as the hand-writing; and I fhould
wrong my fair corrcfpondent not to give her my
fentiments on that fubjeft, which is fimply,
" Whether, on being earneftly afked by a gcn-
" tlcman for a lock of haity a pofitive refufal can
" be conflrued into a want of civility, or a com-
" pHance into an aft imprudence?"
It gives me no fmall pleafure to find that there
are young ladies who duly confidcr the con-
fequence of confefring favours ; and it having
been cuftomary to exchange locks of hair, as
tokens of friendfhip, and not on (light occafions,
the lady's queflion is natural and proper; though
il will not admit of an eafy folution without the
knowledge of fome particulars, which, probably,
Li NDAMiRA may not be inclined to communicate.
I mean the real charafter of the gentleman who
requefb the favour; the nature of his connexion
with the lady ; and the extent of her regard for
him.
Mr. Pope's Rape of the Lock has, perhaps,
given additional confequence to favours of this
kind ; every female reader of Pope, may fancy
herfelf a Balinda, and prize her locks accord-
ingly; and, indeed, fhe cannot e^mate the
value too highly, if fhe regards that favour as an
earneft: of future kindnefs, or as an indication of
peculiar attachment ; and, from the ferious man-
ner in which Linoamira propofes her queflion,
fhe, doubtlefs, confiders it in this view ; in that
cafe, fhe cannot be too cautious in conferring a
flavour, on which fhe may fet more value tlian
'the receiver himfelf.
It remains, therefore, with Lindamira to
" let her own difcrction be her tutor ;"^ smdto
have an impartial regard to the charafter of the
gentleman. There is a fort of gallant gentry, who
folicit petty favours from every woman with
whom they happen to converfe, «« to be drefs'd
«« in an opinion" of being ** well with theladics."
Of all coxcombs, thefe are the mofl dangerous
and the mofl numerous. They are to be feen in
all public places, and feldom appear without the
enfigns of their vanity, in the forms of lockets,
breafl-buckles, hair-pins, and pifturei, which
they aS' fludioufly cxpofe as if the trinkets were
intended for fale; generally with a view to excite
enquiry, and to have an opportunity of infinu-
ating upon what good terms they are with the
givers : — *^ that's villainous, and (hews a mofl
" pitiful ambition in the fool that ufes it." — If I
may judge from the contents of Lindamira's
letter, I fhall readily conclude, that fhe is not
folicited by any being of this dcfcription, to
whom I am confident fhe would give a flat ne-
gative ; and which could not *< be conflrued into
« avrantof civiiity."
If Lindamira cannot read the heart of her
admirer, (he can at leafl read his charafter;
doubtlefs fhe has good fenfe and difcernment
fufficient to difcover his principal motive for
requefting the faivour ; if it be from a friendly and
Ancere regard for her, independent of paflion,
that friendly and £ncere regard will reftrain him
from making any improper ufe of it : he will
preferve it as a memento of that elegant friendlinefs
which has fweetencd his Icifure hours, and in-
duced him to make the requeft. If a refufal, in
this cafe, might not " be conflrued into a want
" of civility," I aon afraid it would favour too
much of that %ecic» of rigid prudence which,
bordering on afFe^adon, and fb difficult to be
diflinguifhed from it, is no recommendation Co
a girl of polifhed mariners and liberal fenti-
ments.
A D M I TT I K a for a moment, that the gentleman
is a paflionate admirer, and that he folicits this
favour as a lover, then mufl Lindamira ad with
caution ; then mufl fhe •** commune with her
<« own heart," and weigh ferioufly the confe-
quence of gratifying the requefl of an ardent lover,
in a manner which may imply an approbation of
his paflion ; and which if fhe does not approve,
it would be wrong even thus far to encourage*
If, on the other hand, that approbation is not
wanting, a compliance with the reque(f cannot
be conflrued « into an aft of imprudence ;" for
I have too high an opinion of Lindamira's
difcrction.
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No. XXIIt
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
I
difcrction, to fuppofc that fhe would flicw afiy
partiality where it is not merited, and where
there is a pofEbility of her confidence being
abufed.
I HAVE dwelt thus long on a fubjeft, which
many of my readers will think of little importance,
becaufe nothing gives me greater pleafure, than
to encourage fentimcnts of delicacy, and to gra-
tify laudable curiofity . From my total ignorance
of the charaftcr of Lindamira's friend, and the
nature of her connexion with him, I am not able
to give a more decided opinion : when the lady
ihall think proper to repofe more confidence in
me, (he may reft aflured of every fervice and in-
ftru£lion in my power; and it will give me
fingular fatisfaftion to hear of her welfare.
I MUST not here omit an opportunity which
naturally prefents itfelf, of addrefling my female
readers, on the fubjeft of Likdami&a's letter.
It is upwards of half a century fince I began to
obfcrve the influence of general manners on the
condud of individuals. In proportion as the
ideas expand, and people embrace more liberal
fentiments, they are apt to ncgled thofc ndnulia
which ftamp with propriety the common oc-
currences and domeftic tranfaftions of life ; fo
that refinement of manners does not always ac-
company liberality of fentimcnt; for we daily
obferve, that men of the moft liberal fentimcnts
are generally diftinguifhed for incongruity of
aftion. Hence it is, that what in one age has been
deemed important, has, in another, been difre-
garded. It fecms to be the fafhion of the prcfent
day to hold in contempt ihofe ceremonious man-
ners by which the higher ranks of focietywcrc
heretofore diftinguifhed; and an ea/} negligence is
the teft of gentility. Conftraint and formality
are extremely difgufting, and there are many who
cannot diftinguifh between formality and cere-
mony. There is, however, a certain degree of
ceremony highly ferviceablc to the interefts of
virtue ; and it is much to be feared, that in re-
jeding its exterior forms, propriety itfelf isfome-
times facrificed; and modifh folly, under new
names, ufurps the authority of genuine po-
litenefs.
The female part of the world being generally
captivated with " outward fhcw and ornament,"
and the fifft to adopt new fafliions and new
notions, as if truth and propriety were not alway»
the fame, and their condu6l, being at the fatne
time, the objefl: of general criticifm, it is no
wonder that the prcfent laxity of manners expofes
them to innumerable inconveniencies, of which
none but thofc of extreme delicacy can have any
conception, and from which they would be pre-
fer ved by a fbrift attention to propriety, and an
uniform adherence to fome principles and modes
of condu6l, which I am forry to find have been
fupplanted by flimfy acquifitions, and a kind oS
artificial graces that, along with conftraint and
formality, have banifhed that flrift propriety and
that elegant minutia: of manners, if I may fo cx-
prefs myfclf, which fhould always adorn the
female chara6ler, and which cannot better be
fecured, than by preferving the native dignity of
their fox ; and that is cafily done by permitting
none to approach them, but with that refpeft
which is always due to female decorum ; fo true
is the remark of an old writer: " Ceremony" fay$
he, " keeps up all things; 'tis like a penny glafs
" to a rich fpirit, or fome excellent water: with-
" out it the water were fpilt, the fpirit loft.'-*
« Of all people," adds he, " the ladies have no
" reafon to cry down ceremony, for they take
« thcmfelvcs to be flighted without it. And
" were they not ufcd with ceremony, with com-
<< pliments and addreffcs, with legs and kifling
<* of hands, they were the pitifulcft creatures in
<* the world.*'
Whilst fo much of female confequcncc de-
pends on the external figns of rcfpeft, it is furely
the firft intcrcft of my fair readers to cultivate
thofc habits, and that mode of condu& wliich
may tend to eflablifh the favourable opinion they
may have raifed in the minds of others; atafk
which requires nothing but refolution to ftem thtf
torrent of fafhion, and to rcjcft thefe flippant
airs and that pretended cafe fo much in vogue,
and to fubftitute fuch qualities as will not only
adorn the fpring, but add a grace to the winter
of life.
1 MAY bi accufed of the partiality of old age
to old manners ; and I fhould have fufpefted my
judgment might have been biafed, was I not a
daily witnefs of the good effcRs refulting from
that line of behaviour I have chalked out, and of
the evil confequences arifing from a contrary
condu^
Having, in this eflay, noticed a part of my
female corrcfpondcnU only, I fhall take a future
opportunity of paying particular attention to the
favours of thofc gentlemen who have honoured
me with their fentimcnts on a variety of fubje£b.
t o £ T R Y»
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.*
No. XXIIL
P o
E T R Y.
The following ftanzas arc the produ£lion of a
young lady. I do not offer them as a perfcft
compofition ; but muft acknowledge my felf highly
plcafed with them ; and I am confident ihatthofe
of my readers who are bleffed with a poetical
lafte, will join with me in the hope that the lady
will continue her correfpondence with the
Muses, and with the New Spectator.
On wishes.
By Maria.
To footh the poignant anguifh of the foul,
The lurking fnares of pleafure to expofc;
The dang'rous tide of paflion to controul,
And blunt the poifon'd dart that fortune throws :
In humble poverty to fmile fcrcnc ; —
Tliis, fair philofophy ! is all thy part;
Ne'er, facred guide! hath thy commifljon been
To chill the virtuous feelings of the heart.
And who each foft emotion wou'd forego,
Orlofe the lux'ry of one tender thought,
For all that cold indifF'rcnce can beftow ?
For all that pompous learning ever taught?
Thro' bufy Hfe, in all its changeful round,
Some anxious Wish its empire fhallaiFume;
•Mid noify mirth fliall heave the figh profound,
And fteal thro' contemplation's thickeft gloom.
£v'n in that hour, when death fliall claim his prize,
And nature's tend*refi union fliall invade,
And cv'n thofc fofter, more endearing tics,
By choice, by fympathy, a virtue made :
In that dread hour, when fummon'd to depart,
Some trembling Wish the fpirit fliall detain;
Some darling image ftiU fliall warm the heart.
And ftrive to keep its precious hold— in vain !
Thus, the poor mifer, fliipwreck'd and forlorn,
Whilft grim deflru^on howls in ev'ry blaft ;
From hope, from life, from years of comfort torn,
Grafps his beloved treafure to the laftl
Thus wretched Carlos,* in the fatal fcene.
Decreed by fate, and barb'rous Philip's pride.
Held the fair image of his much-lov'd qiieen.
And view'd the dear refemblance— till he died !
Ah ! who fliall fay the (bene is clos'd on earth,
And heav'n here marks its fav'ritesby fucccfs,
When guilt oft triumphs o'er ingenuous worth,
And virtue oft muft languifli in diflrefs?
■ • Don Carlos, fon to Philip II, of Spain, doomed
to death by his fathci's jealoufy.
Think not the Wish that Tuff' ring pati^ce framei,
Or that which helplefs pity fliall beflow;
Nor the loud Wifli that gratitude proclaims,
Nor one benignant fpark in vain fliall glow!
The gen'rous Wish that fortune here denies,
The Wish of pure difintercfted love.
Shall mount like purer eflence to the flcies,
And fwell the immortal regifters above I
Tf- fhr N " ^ S?ftcxA.T0R.
Though every one of the pafldons affords
ample fcope for mctaphyfical invefligation, I
believe none of' them has fo much employed the
thoughts of moralifts and philofophers, and per-
haps of almoft every other fpecies of writers, as
that of Lov£* Whether this be an argument of
its excellence or confequence to mankind, I fhall
not pretend to determine.
If we would altogether credit the graver part
of the world, we fhould believe that fcarce any
degree of love were juftifiable. Theftoics, who,
among othei' of their hopeful tenets, confidcrcd
the paflions in the fame light in regard to the
mind, as we do diftempers with rcfpcft to the
body, have in a particular manner levelled their
invc£livesagainfllove: but whatever views they
might have in fo doing, they have been fo far
from doing mankind a fervicc by this fort of
doftrine, that^inftead of teaching them the moft
exalted degree of virtue, they have only con-
tributed to extinguifli that fine Icnfe of humanity
and tendemcfs, from which only worthy and
virtuous aftions are to be expeded. To be un-
moved at the diflrcfles of the unfortunate, and
regardlefs of tlie ties of nature, is certainly heroic
enough in confciencc; — ^but it is, I think, car-
rying the jeft a little too far, to declaim againfl
a padion upon which not only the welfare, but
the continuance of our fpecies fo immediately
depends.
Our countryman, Mr. Osborn, in his advice
to a fon, could afFord it no other appellation,
than that of the child of idlenefs; and 2i much
greater author than he told us, " That amongfl
'< all the great and worthy perfons whereof the
« memory rcmaincth, there is not one that bath
** been tranfported to the mad degree of love ;"
and then infers, that " great fpirits and great
" bufmefs keep out this weak paflion."
The Poets, on the other hand, who indeed
have rcafon enough to be advocates for it, fmce
it
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Ko. xxui.*
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
it IS love that firfl infpired what has made mofl
of them famous, have confldered it as the only
thing that can make life defirable, and have
urged all that their fertile imaginations could ever
fugged in its defence.
Th e opinion of this latter fort of men, however
extravagant it may feem, is of the two the more
eligible, as it tends to promote, as well as the
more obvious advantages, a mutual benevolence ;
whereas the other arraigns the wifdom of the
power that made us: However, it were to be
wifhed that thofe gentlemen, the poets, had
been lefs induflrious in inflaming the imagina-
tions of their readers, than in corrcfting their
undcrflandings ; the affedions of youth are
generally prompt enough of themfelves, and
fland more in need of a bridle than a fpur.
Nothing has in a greater degree contributed
to give us wrong notions of love, than the man-
ner in which it is reprefented to us on the ftage
and in novels, the chief bufinefs of which for
feveral years paft, inftead of recommending in-
nocence and inculcating virtuous principles, has
been to infufe into people's minds a love of
libertinifm, and a fpirit of intrigue and ftratagem.
Even an honourable amour to perfons of this
temper, if there are in it none of thefe plots and
contrivances to cheat the old folks, as they, are
called, with which mofl modem comedies abound,
is the mofl infipid thing in the world. iSuch
people generally like each other they know not
why ; they encounter a- thouf^nd difEculties to
get married, and for ever after are quite indif-
ferent to each other. I do not doubt, but that,
amongfl many other things,- the frequent exam-
ples of this fort which France might produce,
occafioned, M. St. Evremont's faying, " that true
" love refcmbled ghofb and apparitions, becaufe
« every one was talking of it, but few or none
« had ever feen it."
The only incentive to, and the beft prcfcrva-
tive of love, I mean that fort of it which is worth
the obtaining, is merit; and as this is one of
thofe truths which carries demonftration with it,
the worth of beauty is perhaps lefe than we ima-
gine it to be. The opinions and inclinations of
perfons, are as different as their faces ; and beau-
ty, be it ever fo perfe^ can never have the fame
influence on all ; whereas merit is an univerfal
claim, and, befides, it is always fure to make the
deepeft impreflSons on the moft worthy. In
fhort, in matters of love, beauty sdone is not to
be trufted to ; and (he who thinks to fecure the
cfteem of a hufband, with no other claim to it,
than what a fine fkin or a genteel air can give.
will, to her cofl, find, that as thefe abate that
will diminifh.
I CANNOT, on this occafion, omit mentioning
the advice which a Lady, who undcrflood th^
world, gave to her daughter on her marriage.
« You are now become the partner, for life, of a
pcrfon whofe even temper and exad breeding are
the lead of his many good qualities; and though
perhaps you are handfome enough to gain an ab-
folute dominion over a man of lefs difcrction, yet
neither the love nor the complaifance of your
hufband will fuffer him to eftcem you for what
the piftures in his gallery, or the flatues in his
garden poflefs in as eminent a degree as yourfelf :
Believe me, who am acquainted with the world,
and have feen hufbands in a few months time
ceafe to be lovers, believe me, I fay, when I tell
you, that it requires no fmall (hare of virtue and
good — I hadalmoflfaid — ^politic management, to
keep alive any tolerable degree of paflion for
thirty or forty years, in fpite of age, ficknefs,
and other calamities to which human life is inci-
dent ; The love of a perfon of merit is well worth
the flriving for, and this you may lay down as an
in^Uible rule, that there is no way fo effedual to
attain it, as to deferve it."
We who inhabit the more Weftem parts of the
world, and value ourfelves much above the reft
of mankind, on account of our fuperior attain-
ments, have but little reafon to boaft of our ca-
pacity for, or our behaviour in love, fince there
are greater and more frequent inftances of it to be
found amongft people wholly flrangcrs to our mo-
dem refinements, and thofe empty theories which
we have formed of it. What is reported, and fo
well attefted of the women of Narfinga, in the
Eaft-Indies, will fufficiently juflify this aflertion;
and at the fame time (hew that flattery, diflimula-
tion, and the many other arts that the politer Eu-
ropeans pradice to procure and fupport love, arc
nothing when compared with that natural inno-
cence and fimplicity which, the more is the pity,
is the effed of ignorance alone.
That ingenious Lady, the Marchionefs de
Lambert, whofe thoughts arc faulty only in that
they are fomewhat too refined — for, alas ! there
are but few Abelards and Eloifes now a days —
tells us, " that thofe whofe fouls are of a grave
and ferious caft, are of all others, the moft fuf-
ceptible of love ;" tliofe of a more volatile fancy
are apt to have their affeftions diverted by every
new objeft they meet with ; but that refined and
foothing kind of melancholy, fo natural to per-
fons of this temper, is continually fuggcfting to
their imaginations a thoufand plcafing reflections,
which
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, Sec
NcXXIIL
which ferve to admitiifter fuel to their fires, and
of which none but themfclves are capable. As
fuccefs in love, to this latler fort of people, is the
'iiighcfl degree of human felicity, fo is difappoint-
inent the greateft calamity that can befal them.
There are but few other kinds of diftrefs, which
the more ordinary amufements of life will not in
a fliort time alleviate ; but this has need of all the
afliftances of reafon, philofophy, an^ patience,
and It is not often that thofc prove effeftual.
One cannot, without the utmofl concern, refleft
on thofe unhappy perfons, whofe diflreifes of
this kind have ended in their total dcftruftion ;
many have been deprived of their reafon, others
have facrificed their fame, wealth, and all that
they held dear, for the gratification of their paf-
lions, and not a few have committed the moft
violent outrages on themfelves.
If thefc obfervations on this univerfal paflion,
fhould meet with your approbation, I (hall, in
fome future cffays, add a few others, that have
occurred to me on the fubjeft. I am,
^Mjf* . S^rcr Aro r , '
/-"Yotrrsr &^^
FREDERICK.
To the New Spectator.
Dear Sfec.
Though the folly and extravagance of mo-
dem refinement have jufUy excited your refent-
ment, I have remarked, that you entertain no
mean illiberal prejudice, relative to the abilities
and underflanding of us deferted females ; there-
fore, if I am prefumptuous, and obey the dic-
tates of infpi ration, which may hereafter be re-
warded with indignant contempt, ambition mufl
be my proteftor, and plead my caufe.
I HAVE bade adieu to novels and romances
thefe three months; not a circle of admirers, tho'
attentive and gallant, can afford mc fatisfaftion ;
my pen lies ufeleft ; fcandal is infipid ; dLiidfaJhion
is no longer defpotic. In fhort. Spec, I am on
the verge of rendering my name immortal, and
iecuring that fame which mercenary man is daily
endeavouring to monopolize. England was the
place of my nativity, and for her honour 1 have
prepared an aero/latic machine, on a conflruftion
peculiarly fcientific, with which I mean to foar
into the bofom of y^iher, and by that courage,
which ouTjirJl aerial traveller infpired me with,
prevent the future growth oi foreign weeds, 1 ac-
' knowledge myfelf a balloon enthufiaft, and pofi-
tively mean to perfcvcrc in that juvenile fciencc
till fiage-coaches and Jhips are totally forfaken,
which, in the courfe of a few years, 1 hope will
be the cafe.
The caufc of all this trouble. Spec, is owing
to my ignorance in chemical preparations.—
Quere> Can inflammable air be extrafted from
pajle, cujtardsi or tarts of any kind? What af-
cenfional power will a cubit foot of puffs' pro-
duce ? What quantity of rope muft be procured,
and of what nature, fuppofmg that I (hould wifli
to return to the very/pot from whence Ifet out?
Can I obtain any help in that way from the ftudy
of anatomy ? Will not a man, after diJeSlion, be
of more utility than zific, or fleel filings, and
prove lefsexpenfive ? When you have anfwered
all thefe queflions. Spec, and made a few obfer-
vations of your own, that I may blend your
judgment with mine, confequently make a deli-
berate choice relative to the procefs, you fhall
behold the wonder of the age ! the female Lu^
nardij and the ne plus ultra of ballobnifls I — Im-
mortality will attend me, and all the world
exclaim, happy zooman !
I am, dear Spec,
Yours fmcerely,
KITTY LUBLANSADHARPARN.
P»S. As I mean to take up my ov^n family
only, I ftiall be glad of your company. I mean
to fet off about midnight, that I may make obfer-
Vatioiis on the wjoon and its inhabitants, likewife
to difcovcr from what comer theyifn rifes.
To the New Sybctator,
Dear Spec !
As you thought proper to « reft from your la*
bours,^' for fo long a time, I am at a lofs whether
to give you a fummary account of the tranfaftions
that have engaged the attention of this metropolis
fince your temporary abdication; and ihall be
glad to have your inftruftions on that head.—
Meanwhile, I fhall proceed to give you a hafiy
fketch of fuch things as occur to my recolleftion^
Public Amusements.
I MiHTiON the firft, becaufe they fcem to be
the principal objcft of attention amongft the
good people of this metropolis; but as your cor-
refpondeiits will neceffarily engrofs much of 5rour
room, I ihall not at prefcnt dwell on any parti-
culars rcfpefting the amufemcnJs. I ihall only
obfenre, that, inftead of improving, they have
dwindled into mere puppct-fhows. Would you
think it, friend S#ic ?— The rag$ at prcfent i^
for
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NcXXIlL TH5 »EW SPECTATOR. &c
for the dancing of dogs, the runmng of £r>xt3>
the yelping of cun, the tumbling of monkies,
and the gtunting of pigs !-*-Men and women are
|>ut a kind of (ccond-r«re performers, and the
<}uadrapedsy like the children in £lkabeth's time»
iiave got the town on thehr fide, and run »way
with all the applaufe 1
The Italian Opera
Was never at fo low an ebb as at prefcnt ;
both the theatres fumifli much better fingers of
both fexes, and the performers of no fex at^ll
have not much to boaft of. The dances are, of
courfe, the primary obje6t, and fome of them
are worth ieeing.
The Winter Theatres
Are juft clofcd, and have exhibited but little
novelty. Mrs. Siddons has made an attempt in
comedy, but is greatly inferior to Mifs Younge.
Mother Abington has gone through the regular
routine of her infipidities, and has, as ufual, been
puffed beyond all meafure, thopgh it muft be
confcfled Jkc has not written fo much in favour
of herfelf as fhe did the preceding winter, whence
I conclude her private hours have been better
employed. — She is eternally the fame : in all her
chara^ers you difcover nothing but Mrs. Abing-
ton, who by her drefs, her buftle, and the odd
cackling monotony of her voice, always reminds
me of an offended turkey when it fpreads its tail,
flruts and frets, gabbles its fpeech, and runs away
again ! — And yet there are people who fancy
this woman plays well ! — '* God reft you merry
Gentlemen !"
The fame wretched fyftem continhes to per-
vade both houfes in refpeft to cafting^eir cha-
rafters : Brereton, at Druiy-Lane, and Wrough-
ton, at Covent-Garden, play firft-rate chara£brs ;
— need I fay any more ?
The Summer TuEATaE
Is opened with its ufual fupports, and will
doubtlefs receive its ufual encouragement. We
are taught to expe& that no lels than five new
pieces will be brought forward at this Theatre :
viz.
The Turk and no Turkf a mufical comedy, by
Mr. Colman, jun.
TU tell you whaty a comedy.
The Siege of Carzola^ an opera.
The Beggar on Horjebacky a farce.
Here and there^ and every tohere^ an Olio. — ^Truly,
here is variety in the extreme, and " good en-
*< tertainment for man and beaft"— though learn-
ed pigs and conjuring horfes may not be fo readily
fatisfiedasa two-legged critic— ^ut impeding
all Uiefe matters you will receive fuller infor*
mation from the pen of Oitarob, the learned
legiflator of the Neoteric, DelactahUy Critical Soci*
ety^ which continues to affemble as ufual.
Ranelach.
Has been nearly deferted this (eafon, owing
to a want of novelty in its entertainments, and
to the puUic tafte for more diJipated fcenes*
Vauxhall
Is poened with fome improvements, and will
doubtlcfc be the fummer rage with all ranks of
people, if the admiflion of the nymphs from
Catherine-ftreet, and the hundreds of old Drury
does not tend to drive away the more decent
part of the commimity ; the faid nymphs having
already given convincing proofs of their inten.
tion to contribute to the ^rit of the entertain-
ment.
Exhibition.
Somerset-House is a houfe fo muuh divided
againft itfelf, that fome think «* it cannot ftand."
The exhibition of this year is ftill worfe than the
laft : little more than a coUeftion of portraits, to
which the Prefident has contributed no lefs than
fourteen, out of fvxteen pieces he exhibits. The pic-
ture on which Sir Jofhua has been compliment-
ed this fcaCon, is a Vemts, which, had it been
painted by any one elfe, would have been men-
tioned as a burlefque on the Goddefs of Beauty ;
indeed, all that his admirers venture to praife ii^
this piflure, is a certain wantonnels in the eyes of *
this recumbent lady : from her colour one would
be apt to taKe her for an unwaflied nymph of St,
Giles's ; but it is painted by Sir JoQiua Reynolds,
and is confcquently very fine f — Several of the
portraits of this Gentleman are beyond all praiic,
and will redound to his credit a century hence,
provided the figures do not aflume life, zndjly
^/— I may, perhaps, take a future opportunity
of reviewing the few piAures in thia exhibition
worthy of notice.
Squire Morgan's Nephew.
I HAVE great hopes of amendment in this
young Gcndeman ; he is lately become a very
«< good liver," »d feems determined to perle-
verein fuch laudable habiu as may endear him to
his friends, the Blue and Buff heroes. His
amours do not excite public curiofity fo much as
they formerly did, becaufe his attachments are
more general, and not confined to one, or indeed
to one hundred. He has lately, however, been
more than ordinarily attentive to a Lady in the
vicinity
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THE N E W S P-E C T A T O R, &c;
No. XXIII
vicinity of Pall Mall, remarkable for her obliging
dilpofition, and the excellency of her lafte, in
providing for his entertainment at all hours and
on all occafions. As thcfc private virtues fliould
not " go unfung,*' I (hall in my next record
fomc tranfaftions between Squire Morgan's Ne-
phew and Madame * ♦ ♦ ♦ that may convince
you of his philanthropy, and her credulity ; with
a (hort diflertation on " the art of money-catch-
ing," 'and a brief defcription of the extraordina-
ry virtues and wonderful qualifications of Mafter
Jfelly, the Squire's boon companion, and the
other convivial alTccJatcs of this furprifing young
gentleman !
Fash ions.
This being his Majefty's birth-day, all that is
good, great, and elegant will be exhibited at St.
James's ; and as I wifh to be prefcnt, I fhall now
t^c my leave, with affuring you, that in my
next I fhall endeavour to give you fuch Fajk-
ionabU Intelligence as may prove acceptable to
your fafhionablc readers.
I am. Dear Spec,
Yours, &c.
JOHN BULL.
To the Readers and Correspondents of
The New Spectator.
* Th e puUi^ation of this paper was commenced at ct
time when the morning prints abounded in littU but po-
Htics andfcurtility ; and when it was apprehended that
a periodical paper^ chiefly devoted to polite literature^
and rendered various with fuch intelligence as refpeEUd
the amufements andfafhxQns of the iimesy would not
prove unacceptable to Bafi readers who might not wifh
to confine their Hterary mquiries to forties^ poli-
tics, and natiomil concerns. The number of thofe
readers has been very confiderabUy and the number of
my correfpondents proportionable J and under the pre*
fentplan it is impoJibU to admit fo many of their fa-
vours as I could wifh. My worthy friend John
Bull, whofe honefly cannot be excelled, only by his good
-nature, has intimated to me, that many of my readers
wifhing to become correfpondents, he will be happy to
refign his ojice of Deputy Spectator, in order
to make room for the favours of fuch correfpondents^^
and though I fhall beforry to partwithfofhithfula
fervant as honeft John, I fhall, for the future, lay
this paper, open to the cafual correfpondence of the pub-
lic, with an ajfurance that every piece, void of inde-
cency, fhall fnd a place, or fujicient reafons ajfigned
for its rejeElion, Under the idea of indecency, I do
not include perfonality ; for I have hitherto held it as
a maxim, that it is necfffary, in many infiances, not
only to be perfonal, but to be fever ely and pointedly fo,
in proportion to the influence of example. My next
paper will, therefore, be publifhed on Saturday
next, junder thefmgle title of the New Spectator,
mnd J trufl will m/eet with a continuance of that ap-
probation the former papers have experienced. The
Old Spectator was ferved up at breakfafi ; but times
arefo altered, and breakfafi hours fo various and un-
certain, that the New Spectator will, for the
future, befent up with tea in the evening.
London: Printed by T, Rickaby, Duke's-Court, Bow-Street, Covcnt-Garden ;
Sold by T. A X T E L L, No. i, Finch-Lane, Cornhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charles-Street, St. JamesVSquare ; by P. B R E T T, Bookfellcr and
Stationpr, oppofite St. Clement's-Church in the Strand; and by W. TH I S ELTON, Bookfellcr and
Stationer, No. 37, Googc-Street, Rathbone-Placc.
♦^* Corrbbpondents are requeflcd to addrefs their favours to the New Spectator, to
the care of the Printer.
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THE
NEW SPECTATOR.
No. XXIV:
SATURDAY, June ii, 1785. ' Price Thrce-pence.
To be continued every Saturday.
Uxorenty pofihume duds?
Dic^ qua Tifiphxmt^ quibus exagitare colubtis f
A fobcr man, like thee, to change hii life 1
What fary could poflefs tfaee with a wife ?
JuV£NAL4
Dryoen.
HAVING promifed to pay fomc attention
to thofe gentlemen who have favoured
me with their fentimcnts, I fhall felcft the fol-
lowing letter, containing an account of whim-
fical diftrcfs, as are not deftitute of entertain-
ment *, and from which I hope fome old bache-
lors may reep advantage.
To the New Spectator.
Friend Spec, .
I AM a phyfician, and as my cafe is
very extraordinary, I mean to publifh it for the
benefit of the public. When a man lives, as I
did, unmarried till he is fixty-one, he had better
never marry at all. There are more ways by
which a woman may torment her hufband, bc-
fides being jealous of him. To give you fome
idea of my fituation, take the general outlines of
my hiftory : The earlier part of my life I fpent
at college in the ftudy of phyfic, and, I don't
know why, acquired the charafter of an odd
learned fellow. When I arrived at the age of
forty, a vacancy happened in the neighbourhood
of my birth. I was invited by my uncle to take
upon me the infirmities of all the folks within
the circle of twenty miles. Before I fct out
I ordered the collcsc barber to make mc, what
the wags called a Lion or a Pompey, literally,
nothing more than a good phyfical wig; under
the fhadow of which, by the aflifUnce of a hand-
fome cane, properly applied to the immovable
mufcles of my face, and a very few fignificant
(hrugs and folemn nods, I foon acquired the re-
putation of an eminent phyfician. Fees canrc
in a pace ; fo that in the courfe of twenty years
I had laid up more money than I really knew
what to do witli. Whether it was my learning,
my perfon, or my mone)', I can't fay ; but a lady
in the neighbourhood took a vaft liking to fome-<
thing belonging to me. I was not fo blind but
I faw the conquefl ; for fhe would often come
and fpend a week together with mc : in fhort,
I married her. I was pad the years of difcrelion, ,
and fo I married her. O what a condefcenfion !
A lady of her family, rank, and fafhion in life !
As for age, indeed, (he was but fix years younger
than myfelf; and for fortune, if fhe ever had.
any (he had fpent it ; and yet I was fuch a fool,
as to be convinced, (he was confcxring the
greateft obligation in the world upon mc.
No foonerdid (he take upon her the manage-
ment of my family, than adieu for ever to all
order, peace, and comfort. She began wllh dil-
charging poor Jonas, becaufe he m;ide fo queer
a figure
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THE NEW SPECTATOR. 8tc.
Nb. xxiv:
a figure in a queue and white ftockings, which
fhe infifted upon his wearing, though the poor
fellow could not but laugh at himfelf. The
fame day with Jonas my old wig was difcardcd.
It muft be confelTcd it grew rather the worfc
for wear. From long acquaintance, it had con-
tra6led fuch a connexion and familiarity, that
it no longer kept that refpcftful diftancc from
each fiKjc of my fcce, which had at fiffl fo mudi
dJftrflgmfhed it. I had, however, ftiil-confiaMcd
it in fervice, purely from this rcflcftion, the
older it grew the lefs occafion it had for combing.
A new wig has been immediately put on the
ftocks, with a feathered top and- a forked tail 5
fincc tbc anrl\^al of which I am ft«ver able to
fVirout^ let the occafion be ever fo preffing, be-
fore it is combed and powdered. Our prig of a
new footman is fo long twiftingi and tickling it
up, that a fcoTC of p ati e nts have ex pir ed, and
the fees have been loft, ere I was able to fet
out to receive them. My fnuff-coloured fuit
had been reinftated every other year, from a
pattern that was left in th© ha^tids of an honcft
taylor on the neighbouring heath. He, poor
fellow, was forbid the houfc ; bccaufe, acc6rdlng-
to my dirc6lions, he made my cloaths cafy. A -
more fafhionablc operator was charged with pre-
paring a new fuit with gold button-holes. He
made thcra to fit fo exaftly, that I dare n<:rt bring
tny hands to meet before me, for fear of laying
open my fpinal bone,
. My hat is not to be flapped any more, even
though the fun Ihines full in my face.
I AM no lon^r fuflfered to yra(h my face, ac-
cording to cuftoni, every morning, at the pump
in my baclo-yard, though nothing was more re-
frcfhing; Mor any thing more handy than the
towel, which revolved on a roller at the back
of the kitchfert door.
On my returning home the other day from vi-
fiting a patient, I found the maid had fet my
fludy to rights, as (he called it, but the confufion
which the regularity has occafiorted, is almoft in-
conceivable. My toe-pin, my ftioeing-hom, and
tobacco ftopper, are -loft forever; my papers are
difpofed in fuch order, that 1 know not where to
itcur to any thing I want.
Two pair of old Manchellcr velvet breeches,
which 1 left on the back of a chair, have difap-
peared; and in ft ead of the cafy flippers which
I had made out 6f an old pair of fhocs, by cutting
the ftraps off, I found a new pair of i-cd leather,
adorned with white flitches round the edges, and
made fo tight, that 1 can't bear to walk in them.
My woollen night-cap is condemned, in com*
pany with my brown hofe, to the vile purpofe
of rubbing the grates and fenders ; and my wife
infifb that I wear one of linen flounced on all
fldes, and adorned with a black ribband, which,
tying together the aperture within an inch and a
half of the top, carelefsly flows down on the fide.
I took fuch a violent cold the firft night, that it
brooght adefltixion of humours into ihy righl eyft
which very niarly deprived mt of fights . .
Thr flair-cafe and floors are all waxed; it faves
the expence of mops, indeed ; but I have fuch
falls that I have almofl diflocated every joint
about me, . .
My neok is ftretched out in fuch at manner, that
I am apprehenfive of having my throat cut with
the pafteboard.
Whe!^ I remortftrateon any of thefe articles,
ft»e flop» my mouth by a kife, and (ay*— «« My^
" dear angel — we mufl have fomc little regard to
** appearances/*
She is, as I told you, but fix years younger
than myfelF; yet fhe drcffes, dances and drives
about, as if fhe was but five and twenty.
, This, hovrever, and much more, I could
beiar; I defbrve k**-I am contented /he fhalt
confume fix and thirty yards more than my < t-
maid Hefler in the fpinnings of her gown — li <•
• may play a (hilling a fifh at quadfillc ; fhe n.d\
' do, aye, fhe may do what fhe pleafes, let tnc have
but my fludy to myfelf ; let my fiight-cap andmy
flippers be reflored, and I will fubmitto Wear the
new coat and the wig every Sutidla5r. "
I long lo take poor Jonas again, he iifed al-
ways to ride before me ; knd, drunk or fober, he
knew the fhortefl way all over the country. —
What fignifics, whether one's footman wears a
wig or his own hair ? 'Tis true he n^vcr blacked
either ihy boots of his own.
Td tJie New Spectator.
Mr. Spectator,
/ s your labours are dire£lcd to moral and re-
ligious, as well as to more comtnon etiipiries, I
truft the following obfcrvaiions will not prove
unacceptable.
Th E connexion between Reliciok, Super-
stition, and Infidelity, is as curious, as it is
a ufeful fubjeft of enquiry ; and yet it has fo fai
cfcapcd the attention of mankind, as to be bu-
little underftood, and, for arjy thing I know, may
continue to be fo as long as the world fhall en-
dure.
It
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JNO.XXIV. ^HE- NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
It has been generally fuppofcd that Religion
and Super ftition arc the neareft related. 1 am at
a lofs to difcover by what evidence this hypothe-
fis is fupported. But it is an undoubted truth,
that their being relations has never made them
friends ; unlefs we may allow as an inftance of it,
that Superftition will fometimes call Religion by
the name of her befl friend — an Infidel !
It is my opinion, that Superftition and Infide-
lity have the cleareft right to claim as relations.
There is no room to difpute their being ftrongly
united by friendfhip and intereft in the fame
caufe; although, to fave appearances, in order
the better tp carry on their fchemc, they fome-
times abufe each other by calling ntams.
If you think yV>u can find patience enough to
go through it, I will give you a fketch of my
thoughts upon this fubjcft.
Th ere is an effcntial difference between Reli-
gion and Superftition ; and I prefume you un-
derftand the diftinftion. If you do not, you have
fomething to learn which will be well worth
your trouble.
Religion is founded in the very nature of ^
man, as he came out of the hands of the Supreme
Sovereign of the Univerfe. Superftition owes its
being to man's whim and folly ; if I fay, to his
vice and avarifce, it will be as true, and perhaps
more obvious
I VERY well know that the generality of man-
kind, who are not very careful in their enqui-
ries after truth, and confequently fo much the
lefs accurate in their judgment about it, confound
thefe' two. Nay, fome have run fo far out of Uie
way, as to deem Religion and Superftition one
and the fame thing. It is very unfortunate for
them when it fo happens, becaufe ihefe two
things arc as different in their cfiteds as they are
in their origin. Religion is a friend to man, and
an ornament to his nature. Superftition is often
mifchievQus, and always a difgracc to him.
I NEED not inform you, of the horrid mif-
chicf Superftition, when left at large, has fpread
over the world, in the devaftation of mankind,
and in the murder of the guide which God ap-
pointed to lead him through this world — ^his un-
derftanding! But I fay, farther, that it is alfo
chargeable with the murder of man's beft friend-
Religion ! .
True Religion and Superftition are fo oppo*
fitc in their natures, that they cannot fubfift to-
gether, and fo diffieifent in their tempers, that
they can never agree. And yet mankind arc fo
difpofed, that one or the other will always bear
the rule, and the ufurper will reign until the
lawful Prince is reftored to the throne.
Superstition, however, has been artful,
enough to charge the murder of Religion upon
Infidelity; and Infidelity, in return, may retort
the charge upon Superftition. But the truth is,
there never were friends more heartily engaged
in any bufincfs, than thefe two are in this.
If you will attend, with this hint in view, to
the hiftory of the world, from age to age, or take
notice of what may pafs under your obfervation,
you will foon fee, that they arc as nearly allied as
great wit and madnejs ; and both are fuch avowed
enemies to Religion, that they agree together to
play the game alternately, into each other's hands,
to keep Religion out. This was the foundation
of the old aphorifm, that Infidelity and Superfti-
tion beget each other. And indeed they appear
fo truly the confequence of the fame principles,
that is, a man's negleft of the ufe of his undcr-
ftanding, that I think the aphorifm will ftand
good. The difference between them is little
more than the change of fafliion in an outfidc
garment.
Tins may, perhaps, juftify our going a ftep*
further,, in affcrting, that Infidelity is no other
than Superftition hcrfelf out of Bedlam. How-
ever, if this be not allowed, we may with confi-
dence fayi they are both of the fame family, and
bear the family likenefs ; but have not God for
their father.
I DO not mean to trouble you with a differta-
tion upon this fubje6l, but oiily to throw out a
few hints to be improved by your own re-
flexion.
I am. Sir,
Yours, &c.
THEODOSIUS,
Poet
R Y.
The following Burlefque on a well-known
fubjefl:, is given as the produftion of a pajfablc
rhimefter.
Orpheus and Eurydice,
SAGE Orpheus, mufician great,
Whofc match old Time can't boaft of late.
Had fuch gjrcat powers in muGck,
With charms of found he'd cure or kill.
And was he here, and I was ill,
Cou'd.niakc mc well, and you fick.
Infpire
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THE NfiW SPEdTAtOR, kc
N«.XXIV.
Itifplrtf nitf, all yc powert diving,
To tcH hoMr trees, how gecfe, ho^^ fv^ne,
To him wouM dance a ihinuet^f
How yoang and old, and even fuchras
Old time had brought down to their cfuichcsi
Wou'd hobble to continue it.
Eurydrce, his dearefl wife,
To drown the cares of human Kfe,
An^d be asblrthe as can be ;
Tho' Irqoor's all the pbet's weialth,
S&e in the cdlar got by ileal th,
And Ahnk off aU hb brandy.
But, O my fiiends, 'tis not a jcft.
To tell what wrath fillM Orpbclis* breaft,
That all his drink (hould go To ;
What foul alive but woii'd complain ?
$0 Orphcui fiirfg, arid play'd a ffrairi,
HeUfireO! furiofo!
Eurydice ah ! well-a-day !
"V^as almoA fit to fwoon away,
That thus her fpoufe ftouM chide her)
To fcream in D in alt fhc try'd,
"but brote a vein — in fdort £he dyM,
And weiit to dell to hide her.
When fiie was g»ne he chaifge^ hiv todtf)
Thro* woods aild groves he made hi^ moaiiy
Wou'd call her back but eoiit^d not;
He ftonn'd, he rav'd, (mind what I tell)
He fwore by heaven ! he'd go to hell—*
And d n him if he wou'd not !
He flraight refolved to take hit flight,
And §0 to bell that v^ry night;
So OB love's nimble pinions,
Away he flew, and quickly founds
His harp and he were fafe and found.
In Pluto's drear dominions.
When in he look'd — the Lord knows how —
He fcratch'd his head, and made a bow,
And hett'd i heavy groan I
O heavens I fays Proferpine, my dear.
We've got in hell a harper here ;-
I will have Bob and Joan.
He firft began a folemn flraiBf
Whilft lifiening hell forgot its pain;
Boid Orpheus, feeing that.
Struck louder yet, when in a trice, '
Heirs monarch fung the three blind mice.
In key of gamut flat.
He next began a martial flraia^
For here thought he I can't be flain^
Thefe furies can but fcokl me ;
Forth from his feat oU Pluto (pno^.
He flamp'd, be raged, be fwoi«, he l&i^
I am mad Tom I behold me I
He pl«y'd a jig, ^ foriet dtf (ssd,
E'en Proferp4«e herfelf advanced^
From off the feat flie fat ia ;
She catch d old Pluto by the thing,
We mortals call a breeches flrtng, .
And danced in Jack a Latin.
She fliipt it here, fhe trrpt it there,
In fliort fhe tript it God knows where;
Play on, fays Prolerpiiae, Sir,
Cries hell's g^m ^d*-What is t yoikwaat t
A wife— fays Pluto that V\\ grant;
In fhort I'll give you mine Sir.
Says Orpheus, No— Eurydice
My dear-^give her once more to m e - ■ ■
Ay, tbotc I tvill ; fays Pluto ;
But belch'd out brimflone, florm'd and (Wore,
And look'd as black as hell all o*er.
From th' crown o* th' head to th* fhoe toe.
For gentle readers yoti muft know,
He wanted Proferpine to go ;
But Orpheus refufing her,
He fbaightway broke into a fweat^
Spit fire, and in a raging heat.
He fcarce cou'd help abufing her.
Then cry'd earaged : thii ia your lot^
You fhall not fee her 'till you've got
Free from the realms of hell ;
Agreed, fays he, and fowith that.
He op'd the door, put on his hat,
And faid, old god fu^wel.
But Orpheus now began to think.
He never more fhou'd keep his driak.
Since hell had fcorch'd her liver ;
Fired with this thought, he changed his mind,
So wifely call one look behind,
And loft his wife for ever.
To the New Spjectator.
Mr. Spec,
If you think the following merits
a place in your publication, by a fpeedy infcrtion,
you will much oblige a^conftant reader,
H.
Ah Emblem of a Law Case.
William having received a letter from Sarah,
written by Charles, fhcwed the fame to Roger ;
who, upon perufal faid, he wondered that Rich-
ard ihottld be fo indifcreet as to quarrel with
James about Abigail, who was fo extremely
ugly: Bocaufe that Edward had rcfufcd, lho»
•flad> to go t» the play with Catharine—
Where-
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No. XXIV.
THE NEW SPECTATOR, feci
^
Wbereupon Multp^ falling into a paffion with
Titus, fworc he would be revenged on f atrick ;
and therefore called Thomas rogue^ rafcal, ftc«
Stephen, who ^6s thought was an eye or rather
an ear witnefe to the abufe, and being Chrido-
pher's friend (lily tripped up Rowland's heels,
and broke Jeremy's head. Cuthbert, on this,
drew his dagger on Edmund; and Archibald,
trembling, with much ado, recovered his fright \
yefuxned his natural intrepidity, and, in a cold
£weat, fnatched Gilbert's j^^flol from Lawrence,
and cocked his blunderbufs at Paul, Whereat
Ji^n being amazed, iecietly advifed Samuel to
a{^ly to Loonard, with the help of George, pri-
vately to make an affidavit againft Arthur, to
take out a writ againft Henry and Rachel, at the
fait of Timothy, executor of the laft will and
tefUment of Jacob ; but Peter objefted to that,
wifely alledging, that Robert, being fick^ had
fiend word to David, who was lately married to
Hannah, to defire Jeffery, who had been taken
in bed with Mark's wife, to fend his grandfon
Ralph to his coufm Bridget, eameftly to intreat
his nephew Jofhua to go along with his brother
Frank, to make up the matter amicably with his
aunt Sufan. But fhe rcfufed to go with Jack ;
yet, nevcrthclefs, recommended Frederick and
Humphrey to Andrew, Simon, and Luke; who,
after a long and grave confultation, ordered
the mufic to play brifker, and then went unani-
moufly to Banholomew, So that having drank
plentifully at Ned's, till they were intoxicated,
having nothing to pay the (hot with, they drew
their fwords at Dick, the landlord (labbcd
Robin, fell upon Lancelet, lamed Ifaac» and had
it not been for Solomon, had (lain Cornelius !
Thereat Nat ru(hed forward, and fwcaring at
Marmaduke, who had been afleep all the time,
in Sally's lap, fo incenfed Waller and Martin,
that Miles and Zachariah, without any regard
to Matthew, threw bottles, glades, &c. at one«
another's heads* At which Abraham, being
enraged, took Benjamin civilly by the throat,
kicked Thoophilus gently down (lairs, picked
Abel*s pocket, while he was making hisaddrefles
10 Nell; and at the fame time, in the higheft
fury imaginable, fioailing calmly, fent Barnaby,
Toby, and Giles, to the round-houfe. At
which Anthony, half drunk, having fird reeled
two or three times round the room, put on an
important wife look, made a fine fpeech but
nothing to the purpofe, and then a(ked what was
the matter ? Whereupon Bryan in a low voice,
loudly whifpered Aaron; and, perceiving that
Alexander was Ilrangely aftoniihed at their filent
noife, told Francis that his great granfiather Jo-
feph was dead! At which unexpefted news
Nicholas awoke, and being in an ill-humour,
wrote a foft lovefong, whi filed an opera air,
and then withdrew to drink a di(h of chocolate
with Dudley. Which exafperated Job in fuch
a furprifing manner, that everyone was alarmed ;
however Allen run undefignedly to the gaol, in
order to let the aforefaid prifoners out; and
having, without any noife, broke open the door,
freed Gerrard, Margaret, and Betty ; who being
apprehended at King's, by the timely affiftancc
of Bernard, were carried next morning before
Hugh Noodle, Efq; a trabing juftice in St.
Giles's, and upon paying one (hilling apiece, the
whole aflfair was happily determined ; which is
the mod exa£l account that can be given
thereof, by.
Your humble fcrvant,
OLIVER PUZZLECAUSE.
To the New Spkctator,
Mr. Sprectator,
Though mod poets have had their
admirers, the late Birth-day Ode feems to be read
with general di(ratisfaaion ; and I cannot help
thinking that, if Mr. Warton is fo very partial
to the myjlerious, and continues to fport hii
hieroglyphics^ without a key, the excellence of his
future produftions will be afcribed to inaiUnUou
or inability^
I am, Sir,
Tour's, Ac,
ANTI-SHADWKLL.
Hail ! happy Poet— ^le to compoils
Nonfenie, or low, or high; or both to join
In the fame wond'rous piece I O for a fight
Of thy rare £ecret !— ^But I mud redrain
My forward wifhcs, for My excellence
Confids in darhufs. Then go on, and fprcad
Darknefs ar«mnd thee each revolving }^ar«
Let others boad of perfpicoity :
Thine is the praife to be completely dark*
Cimaian darknefs was a proverb once ;
Wartoman darknefs is a proverb now*
T^
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y«E NEW SPECTATOR, &^e
Nb. XXIV;
To iht New Spectator.
Mr. Spectator,
I CANNOT but fubfcribc to the doQxlnc
rcfpcfting the paffion of Love, laid down by
your correfpondent Frederick, in your lafl:
paper; yet 1 wifli to obfcrvc, that the Marchionefs
dc Lambrrt was not the onginal author of the
fentiment, " That thofc whofe fouls are of a
<< grave and fcrious caft, are, of all others, the
*« moft fufceptible of love." She fcems to have
read the great Lord Bacon, who was an ex-
cellent judge of human nature, and long fincc
obfcrved that
Grave men are mofl conjlant j
Gay wen are mojl amorous:
Serious men mojl loving,
I recommend thefe three fundamental maxims to
the attention of your female readers, who, I am
j)crfuaded, fcldom read the works of the fagacious
Lord Verulam.
I am, Sir,
Your, &c,
FERDINAND.
To the New Spectator*
•Mn Spectator,
From your preceding papers, I entertain a very
favourable opinion of your good fenfe and huma-
nity, and I trufl you will exert them both in my
tehalf.
I HAVE a difagreeablc affair on my mind at
prefent, and have no friend to apply to in fuch
an extremity ; therefore hope you will give your
advice candidly on the fubjeft.
In the firft place, I have a friend, and a fe-
male one, which may mrprife you ; and what is
more, wc agreed in every refpeft, as I always
endeavoured to form my fentimentsto correfpond
with her on all occafions, from an idea that her
judgment was much fuperior to mine ; in confe-
quence of which we lived in great harmony, till
our happincfs was interrupted by a young Gentle-
man's paying his addrefles to me, which met with
every return that was confident with prudence.
Thus things went on for a time very well, till
fortune, envious of our happinefs, daflicd it all
at once by an unexpeftcd ftroke : my friend in-
fenfibly loft her health, and grew worfe every
day, which greatly alarmed me, I thought her
dangerous, and at laft found it was love; but lit*
tie did I think of the objeft, as (he made me her
confidante in every refpeft ; but what I am afraid
will prove moft conducive to her happinefs ; for
had I known it fooner, I would have fummoned
all my little philofophy to have conquered my
paflion in its firft rife, which I am afraid will
not be fo eafy at prefent ; yet fomc thing muft be
done direftly, or that dear amiable girl will be
loft paft recovery, which would put an everlaft-
ing period to my happinefs ; though I were to
gain a kingdom, I cannot bear the refle£Uon that
I fhould occaiion a moment's concern to a perfon
to whom I have profeflcd fo fmccre a regard.—
Alas ! it would be an ill proof of my fricndfhip,
to fail on the firft trying occafion. I really am in
a cruel fituation : obliged to give up my lover or
my friend. I know not which 1 can the more
readily part with ; however, as I never had an
opportunity to converfe with her, my profeflions
were not mere empty words. I muft make this
facrifice : I may then Keep a friend in each ; and
have the pleafure of feeing her recovered and
happy, which will be fome attonemcnt for the
loislfliallfuftaim
I CAN look back without any circumftance to
alaim my pride, as I only refign to fuperior
charms, and one every way worthy ; therefore
have concluded to retire till time has effaced the
knowledge that I ever loved.
This is not' the firft unfortunate circumftance
in my life ; I can, therefore, fupport it with more
fortitude than one that has never experienced dif-
trefs. My age is juft twenty, my friend is a few
months younger; our fortunes are not worth,
mentioning, but they are equal.
Now, good Mr. Spectator, which way ara
I to aft for the heft? If I lofe a huft)and, I keep
her affcftion, though at a dear expencc, for wd
had partly fixed the day for our intended union ;
but fate has ordered it othcrwife ; therefore wc
muft fubmit, and inftead of me, he muft take one
more worthy in every refpeft, except her love—
and yet, — ^O, Mr. Spectator* — ^what, — what
fhall I do? — Advife, admonifti, teach me; and
reft affured, I will follow your inftruftions*
EUPHEUA.-
T$
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No. xxiv;
TftE NfeW SPECTATOR, &c.
To the Nfiw Sfectator.
P|l«CB&I>fHC& of the NfcOTlRlC, I>£LaCTAaLE,
CaiXICAt SOCIITY.
Sixth Meeting.
The day being announced for the clofmg
of the Winter Theatres, Pe^gyi Brittle^ Secre-
tary to Ihc Society, fkuorooncd the Members, ,
when^ to ihc regret of all prefent, oniy ono-third
of the ufual number appeared, in confequence
of their fuEomcr engagements^ This difeppoint-
mcnt wa^ unavoidable, and. whaf tho Society
nauft b« over fubjcft to»- -
OiTAKQH haying had a Letter fent him, pre-
vious to tlicir Meeting, he attended, ^ni being
unanimouHy called upon to take tlie Chair, ho
did, with many compHmcnts to the Society for
the honour conferred;, after which^ a mature in-
vcftigation enfued, relative to their future plan.
Several new fchemes were propofcd, but without,
fuccefs; however, a final determination took
place, and it was agreed on, that the Society
fhould meet as ufual in every relpcQ:, faving that
a new oath ihould be adminiflercd, to prevent
the members from difclofing the ftcrcU and wt-
nutia of the Lodge, fcvctal intercfting fonns
having been eftabliflicd. A daufe was, however,
made, as an exception to thajt general -%ax:tick,
which was, that the Ntotmc DcU5tabk (friiiful
SociUy (hould ftill covey their opinions on. Thca-
tried Incidents^ Ftrjormtrs^ New Pieces^ &c. to
the New Spectator, though in a cjifferent
manner, for the only purport of their meeting
was, to hold the mirror of Nature to Abfurdity^
and reprelcnt to Merit the reward which fame
has allotted ; therefore, in £Uure, the fentiments
of this Society may be diftinguifhed under the
appellation of — Theatrical Criticisms >—
and notwithftanding the grand law of Secrecy,
Ihall frequently contain fome broad hints, and
private anecdotes*
MAUD WELLTOP,
Under Secretary.
By Order of the Legislator.
HAY-MARKET THEATRE.
Theatrical Criticisms.
Th e novelties of this feafon commenced laft
Thurfday, with the appearance of Mifs Langrijh
and Mr. Meadows, as Rofctta and Meadows, in
Love in a Village. On what account Mifs
Langrilh • 4|U}Ued dancing for Jhtging, it is dif-
ficult to determine, as her voice is by much too
weak to exe^l in that Une, or rife above me-
diocrity, efpecially when the fyren George !• ia
the fame piecc^ annd is the avowed nightingale of
4he theatre ; however an auftience will ever be.
prepoffeffed in favour of a pretty face, and upon
Ihe wh©le> the performance of RoTetta was cha-
ni6kriilic. ' The buftnefs of the ftage ieemed toa
familiar to Mifs LangrifK to Aippole it a fisft
attempt ; we rather fuppofe the knowledge is de*
rived from fome country theatre, by praflicei
and muft freely intimate that flie may make n
pretty a£b:eis, but will never attain the epithet
of a good finger.
Mr. Meadows came forward as Thomas, and
the gardener's habit was fo well adapted, that we
only thought him difguifed when he entered as a
gentleman. His merit, as an ador, is beneatli
all criticifm; vulgarity and ignorance fhtne forth
in every fentence, which added to the panto-
mimical difjplay of a whitd handkerchief, too
often repeated, rendered the whole ludicrous
and laughable* There was much labour and pre-
paration in the whole of his finging, which was
tolerable and frequently excellent. When he
has more feeling and ^Omprehenfion his a^ng
may prove a fupport to hii voice, and render
him worthy of an engagement at a theatre royal ;
«*»a. little imore of the country would have done
him no harm.
Mr.E»win wants c<>nfequence in the Juftice,
confcquenily many fcenes fall fhort of their ufual
applaufe.: whether thi« circumftancc proceeds
from .afFe£lation or mifconception, is heft known
to himfclf J however he foon claimed the uni-
verfal laugh of approbation by the original man-
ner of his finging When IfoUaw*d a lafs, &c. in
which he difplayed true humour and merit.
A Worcefter lady is to make her firft appear-
ance in. London this evening, as Clariffa in the
Confederacy. She is patronized by an amiable
Duchefs, and has extcnfive and genteel con-
nexions. Her cafi; is genteel Comedy, in which
ihe fo excels, in fhort, to fuch a degree of merit,
that in Worcefter Mrs. Nurms, was diflinguiftied
by the appellation of a fecond Abington !
To the New Spectator.
Good Mr. Spectator,
I AM literally ^female Park-walker; and know
almofl all thofe who make a pra6Uce of peram-
bulating St. James's every evening. You will
fay I am of the peripatetic fchool, and fo indeed
I am ; for though I am a woman, I have a fpicc
of philofophy about me ; and heaven help her
that has not. now-a days !
Now
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THE'NXW SPECTATOR^ &q-
No; XXIV.
- Now, grave Sir, I fancy I met you in the la ft
evening's promenade. Don't you wear a black
Coat, with buttons to the bottom, like a woman's
Jofcph ; a bufhy wig, little ftioe-buckles, and
worfted (lockings ? — And did not you accident-
ally tread on a Lady's train, and afterwards put
on your fpeftacles that you might fee not to do fo
again ? I am pretty confident it was your wor-
{hipful Spe£latorfhip ; and, therefore, I am fur-
piifcd that you do not give us your own opinions
on the objefts that prefent thcmrclves.
; Pray tell us what you tliink of thofe enormous
flouched hat5, tied under the chin, which are
called Lavihia hats ? I faw you ftand to examine
one- through your fpc6ldclcs, and I think you
{hook your head ; and indeed nothing can be
znpre prepofterous ; they were taken from a pic-
ture of Thomfon's Lavinia, and though they rc-
jnind one of old age and uglinefs, we all wear
jthem ; I fay we, for 1 have one. " Out of fa^
fhion, cut of the world,'' you know, JMr.. Spec-
tator. But Ifhould not quote proverb's, {hould
1 ? — Or, do Lord Chefterfield's rules extend to
men only? — I never faw that fame Lord Chef-
terficld, but I fancy he was a^ queer as yourfelf,
only in a different way. Well, I look bcftin a
f mall hat, and I defire you will wrttc the Lavinia
.out of fdfhion ; let it be confined to 'haymakers
and reapers, in the name of all that's frightful.*—
1 have not gained a cOnqueft fince I wore it.
You know (for I fuppofe you know every
thing), that the Duchefs of Devonfhirc affe6b
fingularity as well as affability; and appeared at
one of the theatres fome lime dgo inhcr mght-cap.
I know not how it happened ; whether it was
the effe^l of fingularity or forgetfiilnefs ; but the
wife-acres of oijr fex have taken it into their
.heads to wear their nightrcaps at all times and on
.all occafions ever fince. , The mdft fafhionable
js called the Billingfgate mob, being jnade exa^ly
.in the form of thofe. that are fportcd by the he-
roines of Billingfgate, and which they frequent-
ly afTift each other to dcmolifh. The term, how-
ever, not fuiting the weft end of the town, it is
now called the Devonlhire mob, and really looks
charming in a morning j but in an evening is as
abfurd as a b!ack ftuff petticoat under a white
luteflring.
The tall lady in the child's frock^ whom you
examined fo much, is a particular favourite of
the bloated Adonis^ and borrows her ftile of drefs
from Mrs. Abington, which is the reafon fhe
appears fo very taudry. The charming Adonis,
by the frequency of his vifiits to this lady, and
by eating three fupprs between eight In the even-
ing and eight in the morning, reduced the lady
to fuch extremities, that fhe was under the necef-
fity of quitting town for a time, and iS yet in
needy circumftances ; Adonis feldom chufing to
give his female friends any thing more tharl the
honour of his company, which He wifely fancies
is as good as currency ; but within the laft twelve
months its value is wonderfully dimihifhed.
A s you are a very grave odd fort of a man,
I fuppofe the large handkerchiefs that are now
worn muft pleafe you ; for my part, I cannot
bear them ; for though they hide the bofom,
they are put on in fuch a manner, as to con-
vey an'- idea of monjlrous bofoms, and though
they are fafhionable, they are neither elegant nor
delicate; but I have fome, for all that, Mr.
Spectator; thefe handkerchiefs were intro-
duced by Lady ■ , who, you know, has
aerane^neck.
" We l'l, after all,^ I believe you are a good old
foul, and we have all our foibles. But a truce
with rcfli£Hon.- I wifh I could fee you at a tea-
table, l^at I might have an opportunity of exert-
ing my raillery at your Queen Ann-coat, your
diminutive buckles, and your full-bottomed wig!
Adieu, adieu, old Gentleman !
Your admirer,
ELIZA SWEETHILU
To otJier Correspondents.
AV'e are much obliged to Manly for his molt
excellent hint^ relative to Pretty Jemmy, or the
Welbninfter what d'ye call it ? — but as we have
not, at prefent, a Bevy of Blockheads in this pub-
lication, he muft come under the denomination of
Originals, where he fhall appear either in No. XXV
or XXVI, and we have no doubt but he will make a
truly ludicrous Bevy. — ^^ The conduSl of a Town-
Bull/' is receivedy andfkall be attended to, with an
hifloricaffketch of the Piccadilly Hero.
London: Printed by T. Rickaby, Duke's-Court, Bow-Street, Covent-Gardcn ;
Sold hy T. AX TELL, No. i, Finch-Lane, Cornhill, and at the Royal Exchange- by
W. SWIFT, BookfcUcr, Charlcs-Sireet, St. James's- Square; by P. B R E T T, Bookfcllerand
Stationer, oppolitc St. Clemcnt's-Church in the Strand; and by W. TH ISELTON, Bookfellcr and
Stationer, No. 37, Googe-Strcet, Rathbonc-Plare.
V Correspondents are requcfted to addrefs their favours to the New Spectator, to
the care of the Printer. •
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j%y^j'VA ' ><\/ViA 9 nLAjA^^
$f \f\fi\y\/\r\/ \j^ \/\/\/\/\f\/
THE
NEW SPECTATOR.
No. XXV.
TUESDAY, January 17, 1786.
Price Three-pence.
VaU! longum Vale!
Farcwcl !*— a long farewcl !
SINCE all human pleafures and paint muft
have an end, it is of fomc moment for every
man to prepare for the hour when tranfitory hope
and fear, and mifery and happineis (hall become
empty founds ; and when retrofpeftion fhall ap-
pear like the injured ghofl of a murdered friend,
or the angel of comfort in the moment of diftrefs*
Betw££n the Public and the New Spec-
tator the hour of eternal feparation is at hand.
Though their intimacy has been (hort, it has been
produ£Uve of kindnefTes to the latter, which it
would be ungrateful not to acknowledge ; nor
can he think of leaving his aflbciates without
taking a friendly, and a long adieu.
The publication of thefe papers has been more
than once interrupted by caufes which it is un-
neceflary to particularize ; and rcfumed again as
the author faw convenient, or, perhaps, as ca-
price di6lated« Having, however, totally quitted
the great fphere of a6^ion, and retired to the ruf-
tic (hades of retreat and obfcurity, the fitteft
haunts for meditative age, treading the brink of
futurity, he is determined that this number (hall
dofe the lucubrations of the New SpecIator,
and put a period to all connexion between him
and the public.
In the concluding effays of moft periodical
writers who have preceded me, care has been
taken to imprefs on the mind juft ideas of the
value and importance of time, and the more aw-
ful concerns of futurity: moft authors of
this clafs, regarding the re Agnation of their li-
terary labours as ^ fort of final quitting with the
world. And, indeed, to abandon the cares and
anxieties attending periodical literature, in the
purfuit of which a man has necelTarily, as it
were, bufinels with the whole world, is, perhaps^
as near an approach to the diflblution of morta*
lity, as can be conceived. In refpe6^ therefore;
to that particular fpedes of morality ufually con-
veyed in concluding effays, it is impoffible for
me to give it additional force, or adorn it with
new colours.
It is fome pleafure to me to refle^ that, at a
time, when the tide of fafhion, even in literature^
was in favour of vice ; when men of acknow-
ledged talents devoted them to the fervice of in-
fidelity, and men who imagined they had talents,
became the diurnal panegyrifb of fplendid prof^
titution in its various forms, I admitted not a
fingle article in thefe papers that could tend to
ridicule religion, or to palliate infamy. For this
reafon, I have not been fo general a favourite
with the public as I might have been ; as he who
reproves, is never fo welcome as he who flat-
ters. For this reafon too, out of upwards of
three hundred letters I have received from cor-
refpondents, I have not been able to inlert half
a fcore : neverthelefs thofe correfpondents are
entitled to my thanks. They conceived that
amufement was the principal objefl of this pub-
lication, becaufe they read it with no other end in
view ; but they forgot, that amufement does not
neceflarily countenance the follies, much lefs the
vices of the times.
In order to render this publication as exten-
fively ufeful as poflible, I admitted the lucubra.
tions of John Bull, who took upon himito
decide on theatrical and other public amufe-
ments, and even defcended to the minutiae of
fafhionable drcfs, that aurora borealis of the gay
world, perpetually varying its colours, and dif-
playing
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iFH€ ?f«W SffCTATOR, tot.
ffo XXV.
Illiyin^ llic fltrdag ^rapoun «f canity. The
public always love to be deceived: Hudibras fays,
The plcafure is as great
Of being cheated, as to cheat.
And I found John's obfervations not much rc-
lifljf4, fimj^ tKTCfuijr i*iey hippenfd fa be iru^ ;
prjjqflarly, I fcrae^^ber, )^l*f rcfpe^ to ccrtajji
theatrical performers, who with a fmall degree
of merit, and that only of one kind, had been
puffed by the managers, and repuffed^ even to
faficty^ by tljicmfely^w, till every jfe/fd paragraph
ia thti 4»ily papers canv^y^ no oihar imMllu
gence than that the Abington, the Crawford, the
Wroughton, and all the ihe's who wer« f i|h#f
pad playing, or never could play, di4 pUy w\ih
their ufual excellence. John, it fccms, excepted
to the word excellence, infilling, they had none to
pf^tle thpm to mon than ordinary cemmenda-
tioD. I muft confefs, that this hon^ man fome-
limes e]cprpffii4 Hirafelf with toe much acrimony
OB thcfe and other occafioas ( hut, at t)ie fame
lime, I mufk allow, that it %Fofe from a viHucHU
impnlfe, and the 4»fii« of propagating truth. I
mentioned this the lad time I faw him, and, tel-
ling l^m t^at I MUis on the poinl of writing a
^rewel paper, a(ked him, whether he had any
fecaaUtioB to make, or apology to o^r : ^ Friend
&BE8,'^ hefaid, f^ I think I have written with
M gmt madesatioa ; ^ much, ^owevep, %» can
Mk be cxpcAofi &dm ar^y huifian being who ean
% diftinguiflt between ingenuity and ignorance }
¥. I have, thereioEe, n^ rf caotation to make, no
^ apology to ofier. On\y this, I hi»ve to fay,
H that it is well I s^pi not imder the neeefflty ef
H giving my thoughts on thefc fubje^s, any km-
iS gf r, for tkt HolindA^ ^T^d tht Bope*^— ri faw he
^as flyin^i out^ 9ad ^hanged the converfation,
OF He would have talked till now on the decline
^ the Tkcalfe, and that ii was info£le<) with no-
Ihiog hut fehool-hoys and dunces. Now, I fee
lilainly enough, that John is miftaken refpe^ng
theib two young men \ hecavfe I every day read
iaatt the news-papers, ^at they are inimitable^
and that the very houfe fhakes with apptaufe
vhen the curtain drops, Beiides, I am neither fo
old, nor fo fuperannuated as not to know, that
the managap is on fmph good terms with the wri-
tere of theis pa^pe»», and of fb obliging a diipofi-
lion, as tol^ them what to fey on fuch occafions,
thai they canr^t be miftaken, for if the manager
himfe^do^ not know, who fhould ? Therefore
^ ;^ of (pinion, that my friend John has f^en
Mefib, Pope and Hobnan only in four orJivCy or
^ 190% half a dozen charafters, which they per-
form but i«di€cT5ently ; an^, of comfe, I muft
fubfcribe to the more ripened and impariial judg-
ment of the manager and his friends.
I HAVE been cenfured for admitting John
Bull's defcription of Bulia, by fome who pre-
tended to difcover in it an allulion to this ifland,
^nd fi^e hud ingenuity enough to point opt tf\e
partic!#far pcrjpns meant byrertajn Buliag cha-
racters. All readers have a propenfity to this
way of (hewing their (hrcwdnefs ;* but furcly they
pay in ill ggm^liment to their own comtiy who
ifnagipe j^ p9 ^ofi^atn f|ich monft^s u Selopf^
Reynardamy wid the defpcntc gang of faftious
and unprincipled men, fo ftrongly reprobated by
honed John. I have a much better opinion of
piy Qwn cotintry than to fuppofe it produftive of
fuch beings, and am of opinion, that thofe rea-
ders who imagine fuch a thing, are j;uilty of
thinking a Hhei againd human fociery. If men
will twld meanings in this manner, it would be
dangerous to pubiifh a new play, or even '« Jack
the Oiant-killer," fiqce one body or other, would
hf fo ingenious as to point out a living monder,
end perhaps f¥fear that he was alluded to in the
charalkr of a giant. Nay, I do not know, but,
at this rate, a man might incur a penalty for fly-
ing a Bulian lady had an intrigue with half a
dozen noblemen, when fhe had conferred that
honour only on a footman. In (hort, if people
read and apply in this manner, no writer would be
faffe ; and I am confident honed John had no €vil
meaning in any thing he communicated to mc«
For the B^^vy pf Or^qinals^ I am indebted
to the pep of 9 g^tlep^n who may hcitaltcr
didiqguifh himfclf in thc^tri^ftl COmpofitioa ; be
l^as a haj^y talent in drawing dsai^Qcia: hc hat
nothing to do bu( \fi i;ive th«a» Uajpi|« and fou-
atipn, ai>4 1 wiU Y^ntur^ to prointft him mora
repuution tban i^ acquired by ihofe UUmATQUa
ijouibrooms of the feafop^ that v:o puf&d ij^ oo»
tice one day^ ^nd Ib^gott^n th^ no^gi', d«fielvuig
one, like a pompQus pJCQceflBon promifipg fomOP
thing, which when we approach, ieiftcad of di&
cQveriiag a fkw-gqd or a hero, we fee viotbing
but a coffiof I baivc a ri|^ to draw tbifi cooclur
fton ip favour qf this gentlemaOft iiiM^e it h to
him I 42i\ alfo indebted fo^ thQ hunvomuft ac^
C9UAt$of the Neo.tJ|»^Q Soqi^^jtj^ ^ Cl^^
for 4ifeuC[im theatrical a#aijfs.-^For tho in^fmk
yf^iv^ iliccea, Ufl4er ^^ figiM^iArf o| &0<k4H «QI
];eadecs a^e likewile i9<^^ ^ ^9. fm^ pii»i%»
(;^y nothixig of othcir qmiifo6mm» of %VtfMr
;^twe. Foff thefe ftvQvWf bc^ vMNL aAC^ 4m»
public acknowledgment, and thanks*
Amonc
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No- XXV.
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
A MO KG my female correfpondents, an apolo*
gy is particularly due to Exploratio, for the
fccming neglcft of her firft letter. I fay " feem«
ing" negleft, as I fully intended to give it a
place, with the additions ihe requeued. I after-
wards thought it advifeable to take other fteps to-
wards corrc6king the evil fhc complained of;
and (hall be happy to fee her on the fubjeft, if
(he would favour me with her addrefs, no mat-
ter whether real or fiftitious, by leaving it with
the Printer. The circumftance Ihe alludes to
V is of real confequcnce to fociety, and is worthy
of pulic attention.
To the delicate, the charming Linoamira,
what fhall I fay ? Her verfes fliould certainly
have found a place even in this lad paper, had
fhe not expreffed fo ftrong a defire to have them
returned. Admiring and loving, as I do, the
utmofl degree of delicacy in her fex, yet I can
conceive it may be carried to excefs. The
idea conveyed by her lines, is delicacy itfelf ; and
I am extremely forry to be obliged to rejeft what
would, perhaps, have delighted fome particular
perfon to read, to fay nothing of poetical rea-
. ders in general. She may refl aflured, that her
memory will be cherifhed, and her virtues adored
even by an old man, in a country cottage. Mu-
fing over his evening fire, he will think of her
vrith the tcndemefs of youth, and in his prayers
he will not forget her.
The author of a letter, (igned an Invisible
Spectator,' is certainly bleffed with a confider-
able degree of that knowledge which it is ufdefs
to have, and not a lefs (hare of hnpertinence in
troubling me with his remarlu. Suppofing every
thing he fays, to be true— what then ? — The
perfon he alludes to, may dired him to Horace :
Search thy own bofom, mark with honeftcare
What feeds of folly nature planted there.
There is a great number of people in this world
whom it is perpetually neceflary to remind of the
moft common rules in life : and I can only fay
to the Invisible Spectator, '^mindyourown
bufmefs." From what little I know of the cir-
cumftances he writes about, I believe I may
fafely fay, he miftakes both the charaflers and
connexions of the feveral perfokis who are the
objeds of his animadver(ion.
The ingenious gentleman who fent me the
Bevy of Blockheads, No. I. has my warmeft
thanks for his intended a(}i(bnce, which I (hould
have been proud to have availed myfclf of. His
•defign was fo extenfive, that I recommend it to
him, to make a diftin£^ work of it. I am con-
fident that the metropolis, independent of the
country, will fupply him with ample materials
for as many volumes as the State Trials, efpedally
if he includes 'Members of Parliament; and I
tliink he may exceed even the Statutes at Large
by adding to his Bbvy of Blockheads, a Ca-
LB N D ar of K n a V e i ; and for the latter he need
go no further than London. I can promi(e him
another thing ; that he may amu(e himfelf all tho
days of his life by writing Suppltmentssnd Addenda.
I DO not forget that I am under obligations to
R. B. and am forry to inform him that, by par-
ticular care, as is often the c^, I have miflaid
his laft letter, and do not fufficiently recolleft
its contents to anfwer it here. If he is living and
in health, as I hope he is, and will favour me
with a line, to be left with the Printer^ I will
very gladly give him a private anfwer.—- Such
others of my correfpondents as may be de(trous
of the like attention, may command it by having
recourfe to the fame mode.
The gentleman who, in the courfe of thefe
papers, favoured the public with his thoughts on
Irmaie Ideas has my thanks. The fubjed is ex*
tremelyjcurious and important ; and I (hould wi(h
to fee his arguments at large, and in anodier form*
Surely, it is advifeable to fubmit them to the
public in a fmall volume. The lovers of me*
taphyfical enquiry would receive them with
thanks; and this is an age which prides itfelf in
inveftigating the properties and principles of the
human mind*
Respecting the intrigues, gaming, and other
diflipated courfes of Squ I R E MoR G an'sNb p H e w^
I can only fay, they are to be lamented as evils
which all his real friends feel now^ and which
he himfelf will feel hereafter. If he difregaids
(hame, as feveral of my correfpondents inform
me, nothing but die want of means to purfue,
will (lop him in his career. If he will not li(kn
to the fuggeftions of paternal authority, nor re*
gard the entreaties of maternal tendeme^ he
can only be pointed at as an obje^ who(e prin*
ciples are to be detefted, and whofe example is to
be fhunned*
To the Editors of news-papers, particulariy
of the morning prints, I am under obligations in
common with all other periodical writers, whofe
lucubrations they are fo obliging as to di(reininate
under new titles and (ignatures, and giving us a
cofequence to which we never afpired. Thus,
the Bevy of Originals has appeared in
a daily paper, under the inviting title of Ainsi
VA LE MoNOEy and were read " with uni-
verfal applaufe." Several of the poetical pieces
have been taken under the prote6Uon of pejfons
with
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THE NEW SPECTATOR, Sec.
No, XXV,
irltJh i/rhtoai lliey' had ho coimexxoh, wfaojbave
kindly Jiflbaied die ch^n&en of parents, and
u&eDcd thea into the world aa their own chil-
dren. A fingie compliment apfidcable^ perhaps,
opiy to ooe ia/dy, has been fervcd up to ixttny;
and the author, whiill his intagiaMioii waa fixed
on a peouiar ci>}c€t. Hide fappofed that he was
affiftiog hcaux ia their oompikiieiitary aiooura
wBth thoie ladka nrho ane to be addrefled ooly
thiod^ the fnodtttoi of fancy .-*-I look on nayCblf
with gixsit compUMcencyt when I refleft what
iervioes I hayc done my country, by having my
opimcms made l^^c gpenerall^ koov/n, and my
{entiments more authoritatively inqukated in the
daily jarints, by Cato, Buvtua* AaisrioES,
and other iiluftrSous charaSecs, who have been
io obliging as to rife from the de»l iimply to
ittafl my lucubrationa, to the gncat com£ort and
edifkation of his Majefty'a li«ge iiibjeA&.'*4n
tbt common-ureaHh of news-paper ikerature ail
things are held in conaion : what would be
fockoned pbgiarite in othersi k doevied com-
plinent in thffins and, coii^ary to the law of
Lycurgufi, when ihey ileal« U is with an mmch
di^e intention Co nevisal the thoAu For want of
knowing on whiit liberal principki thefe diurnal
publications are condudod, iMoy iLutbors ane
ofiended at ibeiog their produftions mutilatedi
atid retailed throMgh this mediums .but they
fhouid reoolle^ that if their wOrk$ have any
merits tU6 ifi oneway of cxcitiiig geaoral <ie(ive
to polTefs the whole.
To kny friend FRvoEaicCi who has favoured
me with many oblervations and ientineou in the
courfe of this work, I caaii^ but recommend
that j>etiremeBt which he ib lavilhly praiies in
hia laft favour. I am well aware^ that folitude
isfiotthepftoper (phereof ayou^g man: hut I
think there is no in^oprieiy ia givii>g encou-
ra^smonttotbedbSresof Faeocaic^ft, hecaufel
am ioahdent he wilU render hii»feU^ aaore uleful
10 foisiety by wilbdrawing from it, than by mix-
ii^ m the huftle of <he m e tfoprf i 8» forwhichhe
fieemsib liitk cakuhled, aad i*>Mbich, aceosd*
ing to his own account, he has met v^ith nothing
hut vexiation iwid4i£ipp(»nimofit, FRs^eaicx,
X perceive, ha& that love for literature, and that
(pidtof indeptfdndence, which fne^ucnUy induce
men, who ppfllpfc *«»• to be guihy of ibeh^b
crime of mtxvoaHOi;, than which inocbing can
bemore {faodungtolbogeneriihty'of maokiad;
the moft pfofUg^ and abaadonod chara^ocs,
9ay, I x»ay juftly fxy, nuurdosora, pnwided Ihcy
arenot mpxuDiSMT, AiallbecarefiBdande^ejn*
cd, ftdvunod and i^p^audcd; thejjr vilbay Aall
be calkd a kaowledge of the world, and their
fticcefs afcrHsed to their peculiar fldll in the ex-
erciie of arts and practices of which a good man
can form no conception, and from the purfuit of
which he. would {brink with horror. By im«
PRupevcfi, is here under&XMl, thxt fpecies of
conduct by which a man is induced to rejefi^
perhaps with contempt, thofe pecuniary, and
other worldly advantages which he might obtain
by facrihcing a imall portion of his £une, his
(pint, his feelings, or his C^nciments, and ren-
dering him an obje£l: of contempt, t<? himfdf^ all
the days of his life. This is that iMpauoxNCx
fo highly condemned by the world; and of which,
from his own words, I pronounce my friend,
Fxc DC RICK guilty. Lucklefsyoui^man!— had
he been guilty of the ieven deadly £m&^ his cha-
riot might have edipfed that of a Prince's prol^
titute ; his &me might liave rivalled that of an
oppofitioo pamphleteer ; he might have been ex-
alted to the pillory, at)d rewarded with a penfion.
But to (acrifice all the£e §oldM advanta^, and
to iiicur the contempt of the world \ to fink into
obicurity, and to devote his talents to the " noble
few :" what is this but iiifrdoenc£ ? Indeed,
that is too ibft x terras i believe ]iine4eoths of
the world will call it xta<£ii^/»<I am glad, how*
ever, to find, that Freoericx difregards the
malevolent ceniures of dulneCi, with whole vo-
taries, or elfe with his own feelings, he muH be
perpetually at variance. Like other young men,
he feems to have fet out oo the journey of life,
with an idea of reconciling profit and fame, and
of acquiring, at once, die frieodihip of genius,
the, reipeft of ignorance, and the love of mankind;
the mofl difficult and the moil dangerous of all
pur£uita, and generally found impcaiBicable.
" The gifts of imagination, bring' the heavied
" talk upon the vigilance of reafon; and to bear
" thofe faculties with unerring reftitude or inva-
<* riahle propriety, requites a dqgvee of firmne&
^« attd oi €mo\ atlefltion, wiuch doth not alway»
^ attend the bi^icr ^s of the mind. Ye(
^ diftcttk aa aatare horfelf feems to have rendered
^ the taft. «if ic^iknty to genius, it it the fii^
^preme oottfobtioR«f dtdnofeaodof felly to
^ point wa^<^<irtxc trt u mph Hir ^fe twefle»
*< which aie the overflowingfi of fKsiMcs thef
«< never enjoyed. PerfefilyisDCMifckmsthjityicy
«^ are isdAledio their Auphdity far liieconiAency
**«f dieirooiiduft, they phune tincmfelves oo xb
^< imaghMiy vartxeiriikhhat its ori^nin wluc is
«< «eaUy their di%ixce."«-4 would not hese be
«mderAood as the apotogift of actv^i. ihp xv-
»&xcss it is the mother of waafi nd di^^xce,
which
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No. XXV,
THE NEW SPECTATOR, &c.
which never fail to conclude the proceflion of
its innumerable follies. The imprudencb I
allude to, is that virtue which. renders poverty
the ftatc of envy, and which confers real fplen-
dour on elevated dignity ; as its oppofitc, that
PRUDENCE fo uni verfally admired, and fo flrongly
recommended by general praflice, is the offspring
of unprincipled bafenefs, decked in the borrowed
plumes of Virtue; a prudence which dare not
examine its own principles, and prefers the
poiTeilion of temporary profperity, gained by
undermining artifice and petty villany, to the
real rerpe6l of mankind, and the plaudit of hea-
ven!— lam aflonifhed, that Frederick fhould
dilcover fuch inveteracy againft thofe who cen-
fure his conduft : I never yet knew an inilance
in which a man, who facrificed a particle of his
intereft to the gratification even of the moft lau-
dable defigns, that was not more cenfured than
pitied, and every action imputed to the worfl
motive. So true is it, that ^the unfortunate man
is viewed
--^- Through the dim (hade his (ate cafit o*er him :
A fhade that fpreads m evening darknefs o'er
His hrighteft virtues, while it ihews his foibles
Crowding and obvious as the midnight (lars»
Which in the fun-fhine of profperity
Never had been defcried ^—
I again recommend to him that retirement he fo
much admires; and I truft his hours will be
devoted to fuch purfuits as may ftrengthen in
him a contempt of that world, a friendfhip with
which is " enmity with God."
I HAVE dwelt the longer on the fubjeft of
Frederick *s letter, as I have reafon to fuppofe
his cafe is by no means uncommon ; and I wifh
that all, in a fimilar fituation, may have virtue
enough to a6l in a fimilar manner.
Having npw made thofe acknowledgments
which were due from me, nothing remains, but
that I addrefs myfelf to my readers in general.
After giving them my thanks, I cannot but re-
commend to them, the prance of that duty I am
now performing : this is the feafon ufually dedi-
cated to the fetling of all accounts between man
and man ; let the duty be extended a little further:
prepare the account for the lafl audit ! — A little
time, and the hand that now writes, crumbles
into dufl ; the eye that now reads, fhall fleep
the fleep of death ;— let not the hand write, nor
the eye read in vain. Refolve, then,
Wifdom to wed, and pay her long arrear.
And now, take my lafb, my farewel wilh : may
every fucceeding year bring new felicity, and
retrofpeftion wear the (inile of endlefs peace !
Once more,
Vale ! vale I longum vale I
THE END.
London: Printed by T. Rickaby, Duke's-Court, Bow-Stree^ Coveot-Garden;
Sold by T. AX TELL, No. i, Finch-Lane, Comhill, and at the Royal Exchange; by
W. T. SWIFT, Bookfeller, Charles-Street, St. James's-Square ; and by P. BRETT| Bookfdlcr
and Stationer, oppofitc St. Clements-Church, in the Strands
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