fended with a certain loyalty. This is her case as to the world. In her domestic character, she is the companion, the friend, and confident of her mother, and the object of a pleasure, something like the love between angels, to her father. Her youth, her beauty, her air, are by him looked upon with an ineffable transport beyond any other joy in this life, with as much purity as can be met with in the next.

Her brother William, at the same years, is but in the rudiments of those acquisitions which must gain him esteem in the world. His heart beats for applause among men; yet he is fearful of every step towards it. If he proposes to himself to make a figure in the world, his youth is damped with a prospect of difficulties, dangers, and dishonours; and an opposition in all generous attempts, whether they regard his love or his ambition.

In the next stage of life, she has little else to do, but (what she is accomplished for by the mere gifts of nature) to appear lovely and agreeable to her husband, tender to her children, and affable to her servants. But a man, when he enters into this way, is but in the first scene, far from the accomplishment of his design. He is now in all things to act for others as well as himself. He is to have industry and frugality in his private affairs, and integrity and address in public. To these qualities, he must add a courage and resolution to support his other abilities, lest he be interrupted in the prosecution of his just endeavours, in which the honour and interest of his posterity are as much concerned as his own personal welfare.

having intelligence of the enemy's passing the Scarp on the twenty-ninth in the evening, and their march towards the plains of Lens, had put the confederate army in motion, which was advancing towards the camp on the north side of that river, between Vitry and Henin-Leitard. The confederates, since the approach of the enemy, have added several new redoubts to their camp, and drawn the cannon out of the lines of circumvallation in a readiness for the batteries.

It is not believed, notwithstanding these appearances, that the enemy will hazard a battle for the relief of Douay; the siege of which place is carried on with all the success that can be expected, considering the difficulties they meet with, occasioned by the inundations. On the twenty-eighth at night we made a lodgment on the salient angle of the glacis of the second counterscarp, and our approaches are so far advanced, that it is believed the town will be obliged to surrender before the eighth of the next month.

No. 176.] Thursday, May 25, 1710.
Nollum numen abest, si sit prudentia.

Juv. Sat. x. 369.
Whoe'er takes Prudence for his guard and guide,
Engages ev'ry guardian beside.

From my own Apartment, May 23.

THIS evening, after a little ease from the raging pain caused by so small an organ as an aching tooth (under which I have behaved myself so ill as to have broke two pipes and my spectacles) I began to reflect with admiration on those heroic spirits, which in the conduct of their lives seem to live so much above the condition of our make, as not only under the agonies of pain to forbear any intemperate word or gesture, but also in their

This little sketch may, in some measure, give an idea of the different parts which the sexes have to act, and the advantageous as well as inconvenient terms on which they are to enter upon their several parts of life. This may also be some rule to us in the examination of their conduct. In short, I shall take it for a maxim, that a woman who resigns the pur-general and ordinary behaviour, to resist the pose of being pleasing, and the man who gives up the thoughts of being wise, do equally quit their claim to the true causes of living; and are to be allowed the diet and discipline of my charitable structure, to reduce them to reason. On the other side, the woman who hopes to please by methods which should make her odious, and the man who would be thought wise by a behaviour that renders him ridiculous, are to be taken into custody for their false industry as justly as they ought for their negligence.

N. B. Mr. Bickerstaff is taken extremely ill with the toothach, and cannot proceed in this discourse.

St. James's Coffee-house, May 22. Advices from Flanders of the thirtieth instant, N. S. say, That the duke of Marlborough,

impulses of their very blood and constitution. This watch over a man's self, and the command of his temper, I take to be the greatest of hu man perfections, and is the effect of a strong and resolute mind. It is not only the most expedient practice for carrying on our own designs; but is also very deservedly the most amiable quality in the sight of others. It is a winning deference to mankind, which creates an immediate imitation of itself wherever it appears; and prevails upon all, who have to do with a person endued with it, either through shame or emulation. I do not know how to express this habit of mind, except you will let me call it Equanimity. It is a virtue which is necessary at every hour, in every place, and in all conversations; and it is the effect of a regular and exact prudence. He that will look back upon all the acquaintances he has had in his whole life, will find, he has seen more men

disgrace seen an instance of the contrary carriage in so high a degree, that I am out of countenance that I ever read Seneca. When I look upon the conduct of others in such oc

in the general tenor of their life, it very much abates the self-love, which is seldom well governed by any sort of men, and least of all by us authors.

The fortitude of a man, who brings his will to the obedience of his reason, is conspicuous, and carries with it a dignity in the lowest state imaginable. Poor Martius, who now lies lan

the faintest moments of his distemper such a greatness of mind, that a perfect stranger, who should now behold him, would indeed see an object of pity, but at the same time, that it was lately an object of veneration. His gallant spirit resigns, but resigns with an air that speaks a resolution which could yield to nothing but fate itself. This is conquest in the philo. sophic sense; but the empire over ourselves is, methinks, no less laudable in common life, where the whole tenor of a man's carriage is in subservience to his own reason, and in conformity both to the good sense and inclination of other men.

capable of the greatest employments and performances, than such as could, in the general bent of their carriage, act otherwise than according to their own complexion and humour. But the indulgence of ourselves, in wholly giv-currences, as well as behold their equanimity ing way to our natural propensity, is so unjust and improper a licence, that when people take it up, there is but very little difference, with relation to their friends and families, whether they are good or ill-natured men: for he that errs by being wrought upon by what we call the sweetness of his temper, is as guilty as he that offends through the perverseness of it. It is not therefore to be regarded what menguishing in the most violent fever, discovers in are in themselves, but what they are in their actions. Eucrates is the best-natured of all men; but that natural softness has effects quite contrary to itself; and, for want of due bounds to his benevolence, while he has a will to be a friend to all, he has the power of being such to none. His constant inclination to please, makes him never fail of doing so; though, without being capable of falsehood, he is a friend only to those who are present; for the same humour which makes him the best companion, renders him the worst correspondent. It is a melancholy thing to consider, that the most engaging sort of men in conversation, are frequently the most tyrannical in power, and the least to be depended upon in friendship. It is certain this is not to be imputed to their own disposition; but he that is to be led by others, has only good luck if he is not the worst, though in himself the best man living. For this reason, we are no more wholly to indulge our good than our ill dispositions. I remember a crafty old cit one day speaking of a well-natured young fellow, who set up with a good stock in Lombard-street; 'I will,' says he, 'lay no more money in his hands; for he never denied me any thing.' This was a very base, but with him a prudential, reason for breaking off commerce; and this acquaintance of mine carried this way of judging so far, that he has often told me ' he never cared to deal with a man he liked; for that our affections must never enter into our business.'

When we look round us in this populous city, and consider how credit and esteem are lodged, you find men have a great share of the former, without the least portion of the latter. He who knows himself for a beast of prey, looks upon others in the same light; and we are so apt to judge of others by ourselves, that the man who has no mercy, is as careful as possible never to want it. Hence it is, that in many instances men gain credit by the very contrary methods by which they do esteem; for wary traders think every affection of the mind a key to their cash.

* Aristæus is, in my opinion, a perfect master of himself in all circumstances. He has all the spirit that man can have; and yet is as regular in bis behaviour as a mere machine. He is sensible of every passion, but ruffled by none. In conversation he frequently seems to be less knowing to be more obliging, and chooses to be on a level with others rather than oppress with the superiority of his genius.. In friendship, he is kind without profession. In business, expeditious without ostentation. With the greatest softness and benevolence imaginable, he is impartial in spite of all importunity, even that of his own good-nature. He is ever clear in his judgment; but, in complaisance to his company speaks with doubt; and never shows confidence in argument but to support the sense of another. Were such an equality of mind the general endeavour of all men, how sweet would be the pleasures of conversation? He that is loud would then understand, that we ought to call a constable; and know, that spoiling good company is the most heinous way of breaking the peace. We should then be relieved from those zealots in society, who take upon them to be angry for all the company, and quarrel with the waiters to show they have no respect for any body else in the room. To be in a rage before you is, in a kind, being angry with you. You may as well stand naked before company, as to use such fami.

* Steele, with a delicacy dictated by genuine friendship, seems to have taken toe opportunity of Addison's absence from England, to treat the public with this me picture of

But what led me into this discourse, was my Impatience of pain; and I have, to my great | hum

panegyrical things which I know not how to
return, for want of better acquaintance with
the lady, and consequently being out of a ca-
pacity of giving her praise or blame; all there-
fore that is left for me, according to the fore-
going rules, is to lay the picture of a good and
evil woman before her eyes, which are but mere
words if they do not concern her. Now you
are to observe, the way in a dedication is, to
make all the rest of the world as little like the
person we address to as possible, according to
the following epistle.
MADAM,

worthy. Were it otherwise, blame might be | piece to me, wherein she would make my name, as much in the same hands. Were the good as she has others, the introduction of whatever and evil of fame laid upon a level among man-is to follow in her book; aud has spoke some kind, the judge on the bench and the criminal at the bar would differ only in their stations; and if one's word is to pass as much as the other's, their reputation would be much alike to the jury. Pliny, speaking of the death of Martial, expresses himself with great gratitude to him, for the honours done him in the writings of that author; but he begins it with au account of his character, which only made the applause valuable. He indeed in the same epistle says, 'It is a sign we have left off doing things which deserve praise, when we think commendation impertinent.' This is asserted with a just regard to the persons whose good opinion we wish for; otherwise reputation would be valued according to the number of voices a man has for it, which are not always to be insured on the more virtuous side. But

But M

-Memorabile nu..um
Fœmineâ in pœnâ est.-

Sheer-lane, May 29.

however we pretend to model these nice affairs, No. 178.] Tuesday, May 30, 1710. true glory will never attend any thing but truth; and there is something so peculiar in it, that the very self-same action done by different the most ingenious Don Quixote of la Mancha, WHEN We look into the delightful history of men, cannot merit the same degree of applause. and consider the exercises and manner of life The Roman, who was surprised in the enemy's of that renowned gentleman, we cannot but camp before he had accomplished his design, admire the exquisite genius and discerning and thrust his bare arm into a flaming pile, spirit of Michael Cervantes; who has not only telling the general, there were many as deter-painted his adventurer with great mastery in mined as himself, who, against sense of danger, had conspired his death, wrought in the very enemy an admiration of his fortitude, and a dismission with applause. But the condemned slave who represented him in the theatre, and consumed his arm in the same manner, with the same resolution, did not raise in the spec-lances, halberds, and morions; his food, lentils; tators a great idea of his virtue, but of him whom he imitated in an action no way differing from that of the real Scævola, but in the motive to it.

Thus true glory is inseparable from true merit; and whatever you call men, they are no more than what they are in themselves; but a romantic sense has crept into the minds of the generality, who will ever mistake words and appearances for persons and things.

The simplicity of the ancients was as conspicuous in the address of their writings, as in any other monuments they have left behind them. Cæsar and Augustus were much more high words of respect, when added to occasions fit for their characters to appear in, than any appellations which have ever been since thought of. The latter of these great men had a very pleasant way of dealing with applications of this kind. When he received pieces of poetry which he thought had worth in them, be rewarded the writer; but where he thought them empty, he generally returned the compliment made him with some verses of his own.

This latter method I have at present occasion to imitate. A female author has dedicated a

the conspicuous parts of his story, which relate to lore and honour; but also intimated in his the infallible symptoms he gave of his growing ordinary life, in his economy and furniture, frenzy, before he declared himself a Knight Errant. His hall was furnished with old

his dress, amorous. He slept moderately, rose early, and spent his time in hunting. When by watchfulness and exercise he was thus qualified for the hardships of his intended peregrinations, he had nothing more to do but to fall hard to study; and before he should apply himself to the practical part, get into the methods of making love and war by reading books of knighthood. As for raising tender passions in him, Cervantes reports, that he was wontence; and when they listened at his studyderfully delighted with a smooth intricate sendoor, they could frequently hear him read loud, 'The reason of the unreasonableness, which against my reason is wrought, doth so weaken my reason, as with all reason I do justly complain of your beauty. Again, he would pause until he came to another charming sentence, and, with the most pleasing accent imaginable, be loud at a new paragraph: high heavens, which with your divinity, do

The

Mrs. D. Manley published at this time one of her scandalous chronicles, in 8vo. under the title of Memoirs of Europe towards the Close of the eighth Century, written by Eginardus, secretary &c. to Charlemagne, and doue into English by the Translator of the New Atalantis,'

fortify you divinely with the stars, make you deserveress of the deserts that your greatness deserves.' With these and other such passages, says my author, the poor gentleman grew distracted, and was breaking his brains day and night to understand and unravel their sense.

of those that love to have a great many on their side. Nay, I will say that for this paper, he makes the most natural inferences of any of them all.' The elector of Bavaria, being uneasy to be without any command, has desired leave to come to court, to communicate a certain project to his majesty.- -Whatever it be, it is said, that prince is suddenly expected; and then we shall have a more certain account of his project, if this report has any foundation.' Nay, this paper never imposes upon us; he goes upon sure grounds; for he will not be positive the elector has a project, or that he will come, or if he does come at all; for he doubts, you see, whether the report has any foundation.'

6

took from under his elbow honest Icabod Dawks's Letter; and there, among other speculations, the historian takes upon him to say, That it is discoursed that there will be a battle in Flanders before the armies separate, and many will have it to be to-morrow, the great battle of Ramelies being fought on a Whitsunday. A gentleman, who was a wag in this company, laughed at the expression, and said, By Mr. Dawks's favour, I warrant you, if we meet them on Whitsunday or Monday we shall not stand upon the day with them, whether it be before or after the holidays.' An

As much as the case of this distempered knight is received by all the readers of his history as the most incurable and ridiculous of all frenzies; it is very certain, we have crowds among us far gone in as visible a madness as his, though they are not observed to be in that condition. As great and useful discoveries are sometimes made by accidental and small beginnings, I came to the knowledge of the most epidemic ill of this sort, by falling into a coffeehouse, where I saw my friend the upholsterer, What makes this the more lamentable is, whose crack towards politics I have heretofore that this way of writing falls in with the imamentioned. This touch in the brain of the ginations of the cooler and duller part of her British subject, is as certainly owing to the majesty's subjects. The being kept up with reading of newspapers, as that of the Spanish one line contradicting another; and the whole, worthy above-mentioned to the reading of after many sentences of conjecture, vanishing works of chivalry. My contemporaries, the no-in a doubt whether there is any thing at all in velists, have, for the better spinning out para- what the person has been reading, puts an orgraphs, and working down to the end of their dinary head into a vertigo, which his natural columns, a most happy art in saying and un- dulness would have secured him from. Next saying, giving hints of intelligence, and inter-to the labours of the Post-man, the upholsterer pretations of indifferent actions, to the great disturbance of the brains of ordinary readers. This way of going on in the words, and making no progress in the sense, is more particularly the excellency of my most ingenious and renowned fellow-labourer, the Post-man; and it is to this talent in him that I impute the loss of my upholsterer's intellects. That unfortunate tradesman has, for years past, been the chief orator in ragged assemblies, and the reader in alley coffee-houses. He was yesterday surrounded by an audience of that sort, among whom I sat unobserved, through the favour of a cloud of tobacco, and saw him with the Post-admirer of this gentleman stood up, and told man in his hand, and all the other papers safe under his elbow. He was intermixing remarks, and reading the Paris article of May the thirtieth, which says,' That it is given out that an express arrived this day with advice, that the armies were so near in the plain of Lens, that they cannonaded each other.' Ay, ay, nere we shall have sport.' And that it was highly probable the next express would bring us an account of an engagement.' They are welcome, as soon as they please.' Though some others say, that the same will be put off until the second or third of June, because the marshal Villars expects some further reinforcements from Germany, and other parts, before that time.' 'What a-pox does he put it off for? Does he think our horse is not marching up at the same time? But let us see what he says further. They hope that Monsieur Albergotti, being encouraged by the presence of so great an army, will make an extraordinary defeuce.' 'Why then, I find, Albergotti is one

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a neighbour at a distant table the conceit; at which indeed we were all very merry. These reflections, in the writers of the transactions of the times, seize the noddles of such as were not born to have thoughts of their own, and consequently lay a weight upon every thing which they read in print. But Mr. Dawks concluded his paper with a courteous sentence, which was very well taken and applauded by the whole company. We wish,' says he, all our customers a merry Whitsuntide and many of them.' Honest Icabod is as extraordinary a man as any of our fraternity, and as particular. His style is a dialect between the familiarity of talking and writing, and his letter such as you cannot distinguish whether print or manuscript, which gives us a refreshment of the idea from what has been told us from the press by others. This wishing a good Tide had its effect upon us, and he was commended

Dawks's Letter' was circulated in MS.