the latter engendered swarms of bees, the former immediately produced whole swarms of little satirical scribblers.

"One of these authors called himself the GROWLER; and assured us, that, to make amends for Mr. STEELE's silence, he was resolved to growl at us weekly, as long as we should think fit to give him any encouragement. Another gentleman, with more modesty calls his paper the WHISPERER, and a third, to please the ladies, christened his the TELL-TALE.

"At the same time came out several TATLERS; each of which, with equal truth and wit, assured us, that he was the genuine Isaac Bickerstaff.

"It may be observed, that when the Squire laid down his pen, though he could not but foresee that several scribblers would soon snatch it up, which he might, one would think, easily have prevented, he scorned to take any further care about it, but left the field fairly open to any worthy successor. Immediately some of our wits were for forming themselves into a club, headed by one Mr. HARRISON, and trying how they could shoot in this bow of Ulysses;' but soon found that this sort of writing requires so fine and particular a manner of thinking, with so exact a knowledge of the world, as must make them utterly despair of success.

66

They seemed indeed at first to think, that what was only the garnish of the former TATLERS was that which recommended them, and not those substantial entertainments which they every where abound in.

"Accordingly they were continually talking of their Maid, Night-cap, Spectacles, and Charles

Lillie. However there were now and then some faint endeavours at Humour, and sparks of Wit, which the Town, for want of better entertainment was content to hunt after, through an heap of impertinences: but even those are at present become wholly invisible, and quite swallowed up in the blaze of the SPECTATOR."

THE

GUARDIAN.

ORIGINAL DEDICATION TO VOL. I.

TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CADOGAN.

SIR,

In the character of Guardian, it behoves me to do honour to such as have deserved well of society, and laid out worthy, and manly qualities, in the service of the public. No man has more eminently distinguished himself this way, than Mr. Cadogan; with a contempt of pleasure, rest, and ease, when called to the duties of your glorious profession, you have lived in a familiarity with dangers, and with a strict eye upon the final purpose of the attempt, have wholly disregarded what should befall yourself in the prosecution of it; thus has life risen to you, as fast as you resigned it, and every new hour, for having so frankly lent the preceding moments to the cause of justice and of liberty, has come home to you, improved with honour: This happy distinction, which is so very peculiar to you, with the addition of industry, vigi

VOL. XVI.

lance, patience of labour, thirst, and hunger, in common with the meanest soldier, has made your present fortune unenvied. For the public always reaped greater advantage, from the example of successful merit, than the deserving man himself can possibly be possessed of; your country knows how eminently you excel in the several parts of military skill, whether in assigning the encampment, accommodating the troops, leading to the charge, or pursuing the enemy: the retreat being the only part of the profession which has not fallen within the experience of those, who learned their warfare under the Duke of Marlborough. But the true and honest purpose of this Epistle is to desire a place in your friendship, without pretending to add any thing to your reputation, who, by your own gallant actions, have acquired that your name through all ages shall be read with honour, wherever mention shall be made of that illustirous captain.

I am, Sir,

Your most obedient,

and most humble servant,

THE GUARDIAN.

ORIGINAL DEDICATION TO VOL. II.

TO MR. PULTENEY.*

SIR,

THE greatest honour of human life, is to live well with men of merit; and I hope you will pardon me the vanity of publishing, by this means, my happiness in being able to name you among my friends. The conversation of a gentleman, that has a refined taste of letters, and a disposition in which those letters found nothing to correct, but very much to exert, is a good fortune too uncommon to be enjoyed in silence. In others, the greatest business of learning is to weed the soil; in you, it had nothing else to do, but to bring forth fruit. Affability, complacency, and generosity of heart, which are natural to you, wanted nothing from literature, but to refine and direct the application of them. After I have boasted I had some share in your familiarity, I know not how to do you the justice of celebrating you for the choice of an elegant and worthy acquaintance, with whom you live in the happy communication of generous sentiments, which contribute, not only to your own mutual entertainment and improvement, but to the honour and service of your country. Zeal for the public good is the characteristic of a man of honour, and a gentleman, and must take place of pleasures, profits, and all other private gratifications. Whoever wants this motive, is an open enemy, or an inglorious neuter to mankind, in proportion to the

*Afterwards Earl of Bath.