In the next Place I must apply my self to my Party-Correspondents,
who are continually teazing me to take Notice of one
anothers Proceedings. How often am I asked by
both Sides, if it is possible for me to be an unconcerned
Spectator of the Rogueries that are committed by the
Party which is opposite to him that writes the Letter.
About two Days since I was reproached with an old
Grecian Law, that forbids any Man to stand as a Neuter
or a Looker-on in the Divisions of his Country.
However, as I am very sensible [my [5]] Paper would
lose its whole Effect, should it run into the Outrages
of a Party, I shall take Care to keep clear of every
thing [which [6]] looks that Way. If I can any
way asswage private Inflammations, or allay publick
Ferments, I shall apply my self to it with my utmost
Endeavours; but will never let my Heart reproach me
with having done any thing towards [encreasing [7]]
those Feuds and Animosities that extinguish Religion,
deface Government, and make a Nation miserable.
What I have said under the three foregoing Heads,
will, I am afraid, very much retrench the Number of
my Correspondents: I shall therefore acquaint
my Reader, that if he has started any Hint which he
is not able to pursue, if he has met with any surprizing
Story which he does not know how to tell, if he has
discovered any epidemical Vice which has escaped my
Observation, or has heard of any uncommon Virtue which
he would desire to publish; in short, if he has any
Materials that can furnish out an innocent Diversion,
I shall promise him my best Assistance in the working
of them up for a publick Entertainment.
This Paper my Reader will find was intended for an
answer to a Multitude of Correspondents; but I hope
he will pardon me if I single out one of them in particular,
who has made me so very humble a Request, that I cannot
forbear complying with it.
To the SPECTATOR.
March 15, 1710-11.
SIR,
’I Am at present so unfortunate,
as to have nothing to do but to mind my own Business;
and therefore beg of you that you will be pleased to
put me into some small Post under you. I observe
that you have appointed your Printer and Publisher
to receive Letters and Advertisements for the City
of London, and shall think my self very much
honoured by you, if you will appoint me to take in
Letters and Advertisements for the City of Westminster
and the Dutchy of Lancaster. Tho’
I cannot promise to fill such an Employment with sufficient
Abilities, I will endeavour to make up with Industry
and Fidelity what I want in Parts and Genius.
I am,
