Volume Iii Part 110 (1/2)

I might here mention an Epistolary Poem, just published by Mr. _Eusden_ on the King's Accession to the Throne: Wherein, amongst many other n.o.ble and beautiful Strokes of Poetry, his Reader may see this Rule very happily observed.

No. 619. Friday, November 12, 1714.

'--dura Exerce imperia, et ramos compesce fluentes.'

Virg.

I have often thought, that if the several Letters, which are written to me under the Character of SPECTATOR, and which I have not made use of, were published in a Volume, they would not be an unentertaining Collection. The Variety of the Subjects, Styles, Sentiments, and Informations, which are transmitted to me, would lead a very curious, or very idle Reader, insensibly along, through a great many Pages. I know some Authors, who would pick up a _Secret History_ out of such Materials, and make a Bookseller an Alderman by the Copy. [1] I shall therefore carefully preserve the Original Papers in a Room set apart for that Purpose, to the end that they may be of Service to Posterity; but shall at present content my self, with owning the Receipt of several Letters, lately come to my Hands, the Authors whereof are impatient for an Answer.

_CHARISSA_, whose Letter is dated from _Cornhill_, desires to be eased in some Scruples relating to the Skill of Astrologers. _Referred to the Dumb Man for an Answer._

_J. C_. who proposes a Love-Case, as he calls it, to the Love-Casuist, is hereby desir'd to speak of it to the Minister of the Parish; it being a Case of Conscience.

The poor young Lady, whose Letter is dated _October 26_, who complains of a harsh Guardian, and an unkind Brother, can only have my good Wishes, unless she pleases to be more particular.

The Pet.i.tion of a certain Gentleman, whose Name I have forgot, famous for renewing the Curls of decayed Perriwigs, is referred to _the Censor of small Wares_.

The Remonstrance of _T. C._ against the Profanation of the Sabbath by Barbers, Shoe-cleaners, _&c._ had better be offer'd to _the Society of Reformers_.

A learned and laborious Treatise upon the Art of Fencing, _returned to the Author_.

To the Gentleman of _Oxford_, who desires me to insert a Copy of _Latin_ Verses which were denied a Place in the University Book. Answer.

_Nonumque prematur in annum_.

To my learned Correspondent who writes against Master's Gowns, and Poke Sleeves, with a Word in Defence of large Scarves. Answer. _I resolve not to raise Animosities amongst the Clergy_.

To the Lady, who writes with Rage against one of her own s.e.x, upon the Account of Party Warmth. Answer. _Is not the Lady she writes against reckoned Handsome_?

I desire _Tom Truelove_, (who sends me a Sonnet upon his Mistress, with a desire to print it immediately) to consider, that it is long since I was in Love.

I shall answer a very profound Letter from my old Friend the Upholsterer, who is still inquisitive whether the King of _Sweden_ be living or dead, by whispering him in the Ear, _That I believe he is alive_.

Let Mr. _Dapperwit_ consider, _What is that long Story of the Cuckoldom to me_?

At the earnest Desire of _Monimia's_ Lover, who declares himself very penitent, he is recorded in my Paper by the Name of _The Faithful_ Castalio.