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.
The Pet.i.tion of _Charles c.o.c.ksure_, which the Pet.i.tioner styles _very reasonable--Rejected_.
The Memorial of _Philander_, which he desires may be dispatched out of Hand, _Postponed_.
I desire _S. R._ not to repeat the Expression _under the Sun_ so often in his next Letter.
The Letter of _P. S._ who desires either to have it printed entire, or committed to the Flames. _Not to be printed entire_.
[Footnote 1: Charles Lillie published, in 1725, "Original and Genuine Letters sent "to the _Tatler_ and _Spectator_ during the time those Works were publishing, none of which have been before printed."]
No. 620. Monday, November 15, 1714. Tickell.
"Hic Vir, hic est, tibi quem promitti saepius audis."
Virg.
Having lately presented my Reader with a Copy of Verses full of the False Sublime, I shall here communicate to him an excellent Specimen of the True: Though it hath not yet been published, the judicious Reader will readily discern it to be the Work of a Master: And if he hath read that n.o.ble Poem on _The Prospect of Peace_, he will not be at a Loss to guess at the Author.
[The ROYAL PROGRESS.]
"When_ BRUNSWICK _first appear"d, each honest Heart, Intent on Verse, disdain"d the Rules of Art; For him the Songsters, in unmeasur"d Odes, Debas"d_ Alcides, _and dethron"d the G.o.ds, In Golden Chains the Kings of_ India _led, Or rent the Turban from the_ Sultan"s _Head.
One, in old Fables, and the_ Pagan _Strain, With_ Nymphs _and_ Tritons, _wafts him o"er the Main; Another draws fierce_ Lucifer _in Arms, And fills th" Infernal Region with Alarms; A Third awakes some_ Druid, _to foretel Each future Triumph from his dreary Cell.
Exploded Fancies! that in vain deceive, While the Mind nauseates what she can"t believe.
My [Muse th" expected [1]] Hero shall pursue From Clime to Clime, and keep him still in View; His shining March describe in faithful Lays, Content to paint him, nor presume to praise; Their Charms, if Charms they have, the Truth supplies, And from the Theme unlabour"d Beauties rise.
By longing Nations for the Throne design"d, And call"d to guard the Rights of Human-kind; With secret Grief his G.o.d-like Soul repines, And_ Britain"s _Crown with joyless l.u.s.tre shines, While Prayers and Tears his destin"d Progress stay, And Crowds of Mourners choak their Sovereign"s Way.
Not so he march"d, when Hostile Squadrons stood In Scenes of Death, and fir"d his generous Blood; When his hot Courser paw"d th"_ Hungarian _Plain, And adverse Legions stood the Shock in vain.
His Frontiers past, the_ Belgian _Bounds he views, And cross the level Fields his March pursues.
Here pleas"d the Land of Freedom to survey, He greatly scorns the Thirst of boundless Sway.