is now covered with a mass of bricks and mortar) had recently been opened, at this date, as a place of public entertainment. It was originally the residence of Sir Armigal Waad, clerk of the council to Henry VIII. and Edward VI., the first Englishman who made discoveries in America. He died at Belsize, June 20, 1568, and was buried in the parish church of Hampstead. After passing through various hands (including Thomas Lord Wotton, son of the first Earl of Chesterfield) the house and grounds were leased, in 1718, to Charles Povey, the well-known "promoter and speculist." In 1720 it was opened as a place of public entertainment by a person named Howell, who, from his humour, was styled the "Welsh Ambassador." In the original advertisement (a rare hand-bill) Belsize is announced to be open for the season, 66 the park, wilderness, and gardens being wonderfully improved and fitted with variety of birds, which compose a most melodious and delightful harmony." Persons inclined to "walk and divert themselves," we are informed, may breakfast on tea and coffee as cheap as at their own chambers." The loneliness of the locality is provided against by an announcement that twelve stout fellows, compleatly armed, patrole between Belsize and London." The precautions taken by the worthy landlord of Belsize were certainly necessary, if we may judge only by what we read in the Weekly Packet. In the paper for Feb. 11 is a paragraph recording the execution of seven malefactors at Tyburn, "four for robberies on the highway." Thomas Cross is said to have been a hardened reprobate "glorying in the robberies he had committed." He boasted that he and Spigott "had once at 10 o'clock at night robb'd one hundred passengers, whom they took out of several waggons that follow'd in a train; and that they set the passengers in a row along the road, and robb'd and counted them." "On Thursday last [Feb. 15] Mr. Mist, the Printer of one of the Weekly Journals, stood in the Pillory at Charing Cross, as he had done on the Monday before at the Royal Exchange, pursuant to his Sentence in the Court of King's Bench, for having reflected, in one of his Papers, on the King's interposing in Behalf of the Protestants in the Palatinate. It was observ'd that he met with good Quarters from the Mob, nothing being thrown at him at either of those Places." Mist, suffering for conscience' sake, was mildly treated. Such was not the case with graver offenders. Remember what Gay says: "When elevated o'er the gaping crowd, Clasp'd in the board, the perjur'd head is bow'd, Betimes retreat; here, thick as hailstones pour, Turnips and half-hatched eggs-a mingled showerAmong the rabble rain; some random throw May, with the trickling yolk, thy cheek o'erflow." At the present time, when there is such a reckless disregard of the pen that any scribbler in a journal or newspaper may by its scratch cause months, nay years, of pain to a sensitive mindwould a revival of this ancient punishment be undesirable? I venture to think not. Among the books "just publish'd," T. Bickerton, "at the Crown in Paternoster Row," an nounces "The Blunderful Blunder of Blunders: Being an Answer to the Wonderful Wonder of Wonders. To which is added a Prologue to Hippolytus, spoken by a Boy of Six Years Old. By Dr. Sw-ft"; and a work upon a subject that has been considered in modern times "Seasonable Considerations on the Indecent and Dangerous Custom of Burying in Churches and Churchyards: Wherein is prov'd That this Practice is contrary to all Nations in the World, is of late Invention, begun thro' Pride, improv'd by Superstition, encouraged for Lucre, and is very fatal in Case of Infection." Among the prints, "Thomas Bowles, next the Chapter House in St. Paul's Churchyard," an nounces "A Monument dedicated to Posterity, in Commemoration of the incredible Follies transacted in the Year 1720. Invented by Mr. Picart, grav'd by Mons. Baron"; and "A Print, representing the Three grand Temptations, viz. the Pride of the Churchman, the Ambition of Princes, and the Paradise of Fools; with a Poem upon the Mitre, Crown, and Hoop-Petticoat.” The breaking up of the celebrated "South Sea Bubble" is well illustrated by the present batch of newspapers. In the number for January 28 we read that "Mr. Robert Knight, Cashier of the South Sea Company," after being examined by the House of Commons, "went away from his habitation to some foreign land, as is generally supposed." A royal proclamation was immediately issued for his apprehension, with a reward of 20001. "Soon after," we are told in the same number, "Sir John Blunt, Bart., Sir John Lambert, Bart., Sir John Fellows, Bart., and Jacob Sawbridge, Esq., Directors of the South Sea Company, were taken into the Custody of the Serjeant-at-Arms attending the Honourable House of Commons; and the two latter being Members, were also expell'd the House." Bowles, the print-seller, announces in the same paper as "just publish'd”— "A New Pack of Picture Stock-Jobbing Cards, shewing the Tricks of Stock Jobbers, and Humours of ExchangeAlley; with a Satirical Epigram upon each Card. Price 2s. 6d. "A New Pack of Bubble Cards, containing 52 Copper Cuts of each Bubble; with a satirical Epigram upon the Same. Both by the Author of the South Sea Ballad. Price 2s. 6d," The ballad here mentioned, which begins as follows, was sung about the streets of London for months together, and helped not a little to bring "In London stands a famous pile, Their gestures and grimaces." The "Mississippi Scheme," receives ample notice in the Weekly Packet. In the news from Venice (Jan. 25), we read that "Mr. Law is arriv'd here with his son he keeps incognito at an inn, and goes by the name of the Chevalier du Jardin." A little later (March 8), we find letters from Venice "confirming the report of Mr. Law's offering a large sum of money to the senate to get his son made a noble Venetian." Passing over Law's interviews with the Roman cardinals, in one of which he is told by Cardinal Alberoni that "he is not qualify'd for a stockjobber in the conclave," we read (May 6) that he "has been seiz'd at Orleans." A paragraph connected with the theatres (March 11) possesses more than common interest: : "Since the late Disturbance at the Theatre in Lincoln'sInn Fields, two noble Peers having represented their Case to the Government, a Guard of Foot Soldiers hath been granted them, viz. a Serjeant and 12 Men, every Night they play the like number do duty at the Theatre in Drury-Lane, and an Officer and 40 Men at the Opera House in the Hay-Market, in regard that his Majesty and their Royal Highnesses do often Honour this latter Place with their Presence." 3 "They write from Oxford, that at the late Assizes there, an Irishman was try'd for drinking the Pretender's Health, by the name of King James the Third; for which he was convicted, and sentenced to be whipt. At receiving his sentence, he begg'd rather to be hanged, for that the Disgrace was worse than Death, he being descended of a very great Family in Ireland; but he was told, that Gentility was no Privilege to set a man above the Laws so the sentence was executed last Saturday." Punishment of all kinds was ready at hand for any unfortunate wight who professed attachment thatto the Stuarts. The paper for Feb. 18 tells us "Mr. Clifton, the Printer, was lately committed to Newgate for printing a treasonable Ballad on the Birth of the Pretender's Son." A few years later the government relaxed in their measures towards offenders of this class. At View of London and Westminster, or the Town least the writer of the curious tract entitled A Spy, 1725, says :— "I can never pass through Cranburn-Alley, but I am astonished at the Remissness or Lenity of the Magistrates, in suffering the Pretender's Interest to be carry'd on, and promoted in so publick and shameful a manner as it there is. Here a Fellow stands eternally bawling out his Pye-corner Pastorals in behalf of Dear Jemmy, Lovely Jemmy, &c. I have been credibly informed this Man has actually in his Pocket a Commission under the Pretender's great Seal, constituting him his Ballad-Singer in Ordinary in Great Britain; and that his Ditties are so well worded, that they often poison the Minds of many well-meaning People; that this Person is not more industrious with his Tongue in behalf of his Master, than others are at the same time busy with their Fingers among the Audience; and that the Monies collected in this manner are most of those mighty Remittances the Post-Boy so frequently boasts of being made to the Chevalier." JOHN PYM. The riot to which this notice refers occurred on I shall, perhaps, Feb. 1. A drunken nobleman being behind the So much for the present. scenes, and seeing one of his companions on the other side, had the insolence to cross the stage in return to these old newspapers at some future sight of the audience, by whom he was roundly time. They abound with interesting and trusthissed. Rich, the manager, ordered the stage-worthy material, and the pages of "N. & Q." seem peculiarly adapted for giving publicity to door keeper not to admit his lordship again. The EDWARD F. RIMBAULT. nobleman resented this by slapping the manager's the minute and curious information they convey. face, an attack which was immediately returned with proper interest. The nobleman's friends now took up the quarrel with the actors. Swords were drawn, and a grand scuffle ensued, which ended in the "gentlemen" being driven into the streets They then entered the through the stage door. house by the front door, and continued the riot there, but, finally, were taken into custody and carried before a magistrate, who bound them over to the consequences. They, however, wisely made up the matter, and the manager got ample redress. The theatre was closed for seven or eight evenings, and when re-opened it was attended, as above noticed, by a royal guard. As we commenced our extracts with the Pretender, so shall we bring them to a close in the The paper for July 29 gives the following paragraph, reflecting but little credit on our first Hanoverian ruler : same manner. The accompanying elegy on the death of Pym, the celebrated republican, who died 1643, is printed on a broadside without date, and in double column border in black more than an inch wide, as a sign separated by a black line, and surrounded by a of mourning. The original has been in my possession for many years in a volume of Civil War tracts. Horton Hall. EDWARD HAILSTONE. AN ELEGIE Vpon the much lamented Death of that Renowned and ever It will not be: our sinnes doe yet out-cry Still we decline; and our calamities Insensibly steale on us by degrees: That, being more secure, our Judgment may But oh what Muse can lend a straine t' expresse, What wing may yeeld a quill, which can compose Where he (above the reach of humane spight) That after ages may this losse bemoan; Here lyes the Pillar of the English State: The Peoples violent love; their greatest hate. His Countreys Patriot: Religions friend : Lawes Champion: one that dared to defend Just Liberty against Prerogative: That scorn'd (his Country perishing) to live. Of 's Prince and against greatnesse maintaine right. And did the favours of a King deny, To keep his faith with Heav'n; that dar'd professe That had a Trayterous thought but mov'd within; A Man so good, that t'was imputed to him All these lie here compriz'd in one; (Alasse) where shall they harbour now hee's gone? [There are two other Elegies as broadsides on John Pym, one "Printed by Iohn Hammond according to order." This appeared on Dec. 10, 1643. It commences "Hath Fate and Time conspired to send thee Death"; and is followed by "An Acrostick on his name," and "An Epitaph." The second commences "What Sacred Light is this? What glorious Guest," and was issued on Dec. 15, 1643. The one furnished by our correspondent was published on Nov. 18, 1643.-ED.] AN UNNOTICED FRAGMENT BY DEAN SWIFT. The following characteristic letter by the Dean of St. Patrick's is from the Morning Herald of October 11, 1827. I do not find it in either Sheridan's or Scott's edition of his works. Perhaps, if it has not already been gathered into any collection, and if it is not too long, you will find room for it. C. W. SUTTON. SUPPRESSED LETTER OF DEAN SWIFT. TO THE CLERGY OF THE DIOCESE OF DUBLIN, EXHORTING THEM IN THE CONDUCT OF THEIR LIVES, ΤΟ REGULATE THEMSELVES ACCORDING TO THE PRESENT HUMOUR OF THE TIMES. "All we have for it is our little Now." Tragedy, Lady Jane Grey, in her speech. Gentlemen and others-Having happened in my time to converse but very seldom with persons of your profession, and having the good fortune not to embarrass myself much (during the course of my ministry) about the cure of souls; and truly in a kingdom where liberty of conscience (that is iniquity) is established by law, I judged that a curate had little more to do in a church than a master of ceremonies in a court, to conduct people in, and then to lead them out again; but that they might do their own business themselves which way they pleased, if they had any to do; I hope I may be excused in the following exhortation from using the words conscience or Church, HEAVEN, or HELL, election and reprobation, or any secret known terms of art, and from teazing you with the dignity of your office, which you yourselves are industrious enough to bla zon and extol, or from squandering away your patience in tormenting you before your time-first, with necessity of, and then, secondly, with the danger of not discharging your pastoral care, like men of honour, and beg leave to clear up all points to you of much nearer concern, and of greater importance. As to your bodily persons, by what observations I have been able to make of you, there needs but little to be said to you upon this subject; only give me leave to hint to you―to manage your refreshment after such a manner, as not to incur the gout in your feet, or to propagate that abominable heathenish custom of wearing red faces, or carrying a bottled nose. My particular aversion to an odd or an ugly face is very well known, insomuch that had not I sworn the peace against the malign aspect of a little lawyer of this city, about the time that King William's statue was disgraced, I had been put out of countenance all the days of my life-if not struck quite dead. But consider, gentlemen, are not rubies and carbuncles, when set by way of beauty, on the outward visage directly against the canon which forbids any ornaments on the head, such as laced nightcaps, &c. For I am sure the face is a material part of the head, if I understand any thing of anatomy; which being so, I'll leave it to your own consideration whether you'll persist any longer thus to break through church discipline. It being out of dispute, therefore, that red noses and ruby faces are against the canons, consider how far the ring on the little finger, which arises out of a glove, about the time of the opening of a text, may be concerned in this prohibition. But let me entreat you (for avoidment of the former) that you drink not any liquor when bottled too high; such liquor being apt not only to raise fumes in the inner parts of the scull, but to cause fermentations and risings also on the outward part of the head called the face, which leads me to the other thing I proposed to discourse on, and that is the gout in the toes; but a learned friend amongst our dissenting brethren has so fully treated upon this head, the feet, in a discourse called Sure Footing-that I don't think any established parson has ever out-gone-so I'll only advise you to keep pace with his arguments, and ever to consult him upon the subject of slipping. As for your office, I don't think it polite to insist as rigidly as usual on the words sacred functions, Royal Priesthood, Ambassadors from Heaven, Kings spiritual, and the like; and for my part, since the world will have it so, think it more than equivalent that, in lieu of these stiff distinctions, the laity admits you on a level with themselves, and lets you smoke a pipe, or crack a jest, without censure or dislike. But, however, since it is fit to be serious, now and then I am to advise you, in the Liturgy, be sure to read as solemnly as if you really prayed heartily, and for God's sake not to let the people sleep above half an hour in their seats, when you are dreaming in the pulpit. About politics I need not say much to you; non-resistance and passive obedience will carry us safe through all the Governments in the world. As Kings go, our Prince is as good as any King of them all; nay, we are not likely to have any other, and therefore I humbly advise immediate obedience to the higher powers. No doubt we have struggled hard for another to reign over us, and perseverance is a Christian duty; but there can be no perseverance when a thing is at an END; besides, conviction is a sign, at least, of good sense. What a d-1, should we suffer ourselves to be thought fools and blockheads any longer? For my own part, I don't see that I have any thing to do but to step out WHIG all at once. If the whole world was dead but myself, I don't know but I should curse my company; and is it not worse, when the whole world is good company, and of one mind, if I sullenly bury myself alive, and won't do as the world does? Yes, yes, and believe me, the contrary is wild and mad: since, then, I can't convince my contemporaries, I am e'en resolved they shall convince me. As for you, my brethren, now is your very time to take my advice. Your Metropolitan (who has been ever tenacious on the side that is right at present) is now absent. Send one unanimous volley of conversion out of the pulpit next Sunday, to show that it is your own act and deed, and not interest, or over-persuasion from your spiritual Colonel. As for honour and engagements to a certain injured foreign youth; LORD, why should you have any for him? He has none himself; and as to the breach of sacred ties, and vows amongst yourselves, to uphold, stand by, and abet one another, there is nothing in it now. I'll write a paper to justify you; when public perjury was warrantable, breach of private faith can never be a crime. There is a saying in "Mirometus de fabrica Mundi," cap. 5, par. 3, line 16, cum vero fieri aliquid dedignatur, id demum sapiens statuere debet: faciendum id, quod fieri potest-that is, E'en drive the nail that will go. Chrysostom was against the world, and the world against Chrysostom; but, I think this too great odds for a Clergy that don't speak Greek. Hark ye, 'tis a damned dull simple thing to be the same thing always. Change of mind is as healthful to the conscience, and necessary to the well being of our infant man, as the change of weather is to the health of the body, and producing of the fruits of the earth to comfort and regale the outward. Two women, indeed, pretended to be semper eadem; one of them I knew, GOD rest her soul! Never woman made changes as she did; and to carry on the humour, just as she was going to make another, she changed a corruptible crown for I know not what. But now we men never pretend to these things; I would no more live without the privilege of discarding an old opinion, than I would of turning off an old servant, which, let me tell you, if you don't sometimes do, they'll both be your masters. I once compared conscience (especially a tender conscience) to a pair of breeches, which are sometimes let down to ease one's self. Pray suffer me now to compare it to an hooped petticoat, which is easily taken up to ease one's self too. Now, conscience, 1st, is like an hooped petticoat, because of its elastic virtue, whereby it contracts and dilates as occasion serves; and this if conscience cannot do, conscience is of no use or value at all. 2d, because of its composition, being made of hemp and whalebone. The latter shows it should bend without breaking; the former, that if you won't often stretch it, you may chance to stretch for it. And 3d, from its great capacity, wherein are contained things lawful and unlawful, clean and unclean. Pray, gentlemen, consider the whole universe about you. Is any thing the same for one moment, but a parcel of sullen fixed stars, which the rest of the orbs roll away from as fast as they can, refusing to keep them company? I have often wondered at our poets for not making an exacter judgment of that pattern of human life, Proteus. They describe him to be no better than an Irish postureman or a Welch jack-pudding; and if they do raise him to a Pinkethman or Bullock-this is a compliment of the highest elevation; whereas, alas! he was really a wise, prudent, learned, and fine gentleman; he had wit and sense enough even to adapt himself to the company he kept, and to the scene of affairs which at that present entertained him. In France he would not stir one step out of wooden shoes; in England, he wore red-led third tops; with the High Church he used the forms of excommunication to embellish his language; and this served instead of swearing. With the low, he spoke in the language of the law, and that passed for learning and liberty; or in that of the Gospel, and this passed for religion and wit. When he conversed with Saturn, he appeared like an Alderman; when with Neptune, a sea Captain; when with Mars, a Major of dragoons; and when with Jupiter or Venus, a pretty fellow. And who the devil would not be a Proteus; one day high and the other low-now swearing, then singing-sometimes in a bob-wig, at others in full length an Alderman or parson-a poet or a pretty fellow ? Id demum sapientia est, says Sallust; and let me tell you, of all societies, you are the men who have persisted the longest in one old unprofitable and unfashionable humour. What, then, do you stop at? Doth not all the learned world consent that mutability is so far from being shameful, that it is lawful, because unavoidable. Horace says, "Quid placet aut odio est, quod non mutabile credas?" In which case two extremes are to be avoided; one, in regard to the opinion you quit. Then observe what a very learned, wise, and ancient author says, "Semper in rerum mutationibus eo spectandum, ut antiquarum rerum umbra aliqua retineatur, i. e. Don't become such arrant Whigs as to give up the power of the keys too soon, nor don't be flattering the Prince, although you are not allowed to maintain unlimited obedience. As to the opinion you embrace, take heed of excess here, as you were to avoid defeat before, and remember my old friend Horace again "Qui variare cupit rem prodigialiter unam, Delphinum in Sylvis appingit," &c. &c. i. e. Do not, because you condescend to become Low Church men, own yourselves Presbyterians all at once. But why do I dwell thus among heathen authors? Does not a better author bid you "Be all things to all men?" and how will you answer this command, if ye that were Tories under Queen Anne are not Whigs under King George? Is not the text plain? Is not the application obvious also? But is it not your interest? I remember, when things went as I directed, the parsons were courted and junquetted, were preferred and bribed, and bought and sold, and we carried the day. Ay, and so we may still; but will ye tire the world always with the repetition of the same way of reasoning? No, no, change the medium; variety pleases, and wrangle con now what you wrangled for pro before, pour vous en divertir; and to show your good manners and education as well as learning. The present set of pretendents have held it long enough; they have been more than two years plundering the great seal, and running after its institutions and inductions. In short Smy shall no longer say grace at Lord In―s, or be witty with the Secretary of War; nor the Hon. L- Luttrell tell stories to the head of the Church, and make a certain Admiral die with laughter. Dr. B―r no longer shall grace Westminster Hall, nor W-t dispense opium from W-r pulpit, but we shall have all opportunities to try our talents, if we have grace to turn. Begin, then, from this lucky hour, to account for the happy change, and seek humility (to help your honest endeavour); I here present you with a set of phrases, fitted to your purpose. DIFFERENT TERMS FOR EXPRESSING THE CHANGE OF ONE'S MIND, and ALTERING THEIR BEHAVIOUR AS WELL AS PRINCIPLES, BY J. S., D. D., AND DEAN OF ST. PATRICK'S, DUBLIN. The sailor tacks about-the lawyer reverses-the soldier says as you were-face about to the right. You yourselves may go on in your own established way, and say repent if you will, but the fashionable tolerated word is recant. The cobbler says this last will not do, and if you would have a new sole, you must (whipstitch) pack up your old alls, wax new creatures, and then you will gain your ends. The tailor says you must take a new measure- the brewer, be not beguiled any longer-the baker bids you consider that half a loaf is better than no bread, especially since your cake has been dough so long. The saddler thinks, too, that you have bit a pretty while upon the bridle, and that your furniture wants this new reigne. Pope advises to form one's muse according to the genius of the present times: Lintott thunders "Revise and be damned to you, if you would have the impression go off." and swears there is no profit got but by the second edition; nay, will sometimes encourage a third, and if that won't do, a new title-page and index at last. I have seen Ingram very rogueishly rub his nose, and retorting the inner corner of his right eye, ask a parson that came to have his jacket turned-Sir, what trimmings will you have? Sly interrogates what the eyes and the hearts of the Tories have felt lately, they are now so very fond of a Carolina? If you go to Sir Christopher Wren's executors, you may have models for some of the fifty new churches; Mr. King can draw you a plan of principles, and Mr. Gibbon, the statuary, will polish your antiquated politics. You may learn from the ocean to say-if your principles won't ebb and flow, betide you. To my knowledge, the political barometer was taken from yourselves. In King James the Second's time, your sublimation was highest; in King William's lowest; at the beginning of Queen Anne's moderate hot; at the end burning; continued so at the beginning of King George's; tends to moderate again; will end very cold. I have omitted speaking on the head of learning: I don't think it a necessary qualification for you in this age. I am certain you have read lately the whole set of Grumblers, and might by this time have gone through the Art of Contentment. This, with an application of yourselves to answer Peter, Lord Bishop of Cork's books, about drinking healths, and King William's memory, with a competent knowledge of Whiston's address to all the Kings of the earth, will give you reputation enough this way; provided you neglect not the Gazette and Daily Courant; for, as to books, though several gentlemen have died lately, and left good libraries behind them, yet for what use will be made of them in this century, they might as well have taken them along with them. The little learning that I am master of, I tell you freely I don't know how to dispose of; and when I have ventured to give you the same advice that I had taken myself, I'll relieve you. I most heartily, therefore, recommend to you the single art of punning; play at it if you intend to rise; let it be your study at night, and meditation in the morning, and so bid adieu to Moses, &c. and also to the neglected Muses of Great Britain. "Nec sale perfrictus, lepida nec mente beatus, Funde souos similes et dira crepundia vocum."- Cato. POSTSCRIPT.-To encourage you under this laudable carriage, I am to tell you that I design to pay a speedy visit to London, when I can promise to make your names acceptable. I see most plainly the spirit which at present reigns there the few honest men may be rewarded in due time; but number is our argument, and we'll press down all before us. The worst that can happen to me is a hue and cry after me in this place; but hang you, there is not one amongst you all (all you subaltern generations of Priests) who can write anything that will live above half-an-hour; and as to my English Journalist, I'll wait upon him, introduce him to some of the Lords and Dukes, and so stop his mouth. I can laugh, ridicule, and flatter them into what I please; some I'll bamboozle-others I'll drink into compliance-and, in short, whilst punning, wit, and impudence, are above ground, never fear. Pray hold Ja-ky Gr-n in readiness to follow me! He is my Mercurius dulcis. And if M-m comes along with him, the set is made up at ombre, and we refresh after fatigue. So go home, become honest and loyal directly, and leave the rest to me. I bid you heartily farewell, and am your friend, brother, and countryman, JONATHAN SWIFT. |