Addison. I have lately read with much
pleasure, the “Essays upon several Subjects”
published by Sir Richard Blackmore.—Swift.
I admire to see such praises from this author to so
insipid a scoundrel, whom I know he despised.
No. 51. June 15, 1716.—Cautions
to be observed in the reading of ancient Greek and
Roman Historians.
Addison. “History of Free-thinking.”—Swift.
Writ by Collins.
Addison. The greatest theorists ... among
those very people [the Greeks and Romans,] have given
the preference to such a form of government, as that
which obtains in this kingdom.—Swift.
Yet, this we see is liable to be wholly corrupted.
No. 52. June 18, 1716.—Of State
Jealousy.
Addison. It is plain, ... that such a
base ungenerous race of men could rely upon nothing
for their safety in this affront to His Majesty, [wearing
a mark on the Pretender’s birth-day,] but the
known gentleness and lenity of his government.—Swift.
Then the devil was in them.
No. 54. June 25, 1716.—Preference
of the Whig Scheme to that of the Tories.
Addison. The Whigs tell us ... that the
Tory scheme would terminate in Popery and arbitrary
government.—Swift. But Tories never
writ or spoke so gently and favourably of Popery,
as Whigs do of Presbytery. Witness a thousand
pamphlets on both sides.
Addison. I shall not impute to any Tory
scheme the administration of King James the Second,
on condition that they do not reproach the Whigs with
the usurpation of Oliver.—Swift.
I will not accept that condition, nor did I ever see
so unfair a one offered.
No. 55. June 29, 1716.—Conclusion.
Addison. The enemies of His present Majesty
... find him in a condition to visit his dominions
in Germany, without any danger to himself, or to the
public; whilst his dutiful subjects would be in no
ordinary concern upon this occasion, had they not the
consolation to find themselves left under the protection
of a prince who makes it his ambition to copy out
his Royal Father’s example.—Swift
Then, why was he never trusted a second time?
Addison. It would indeed have been an
unpardonable insolence for a fellow-subject to treat
in a vindictive and cruel style, those persons whom
His Majesty has endeavoured to reduce to obedience
by gentle methods, which he has declared from the
throne to be most agreeable to his inclinations.—Swift.
And is that enough?
Addison. May we not hope that all of this
kind, who have the least sentiments of honour or gratitude,
will be won over to their duty by so many instances
of Royal clemency?—Swift Not one
instance produced.
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