looked more like one of the Figures in Mrs. Salmon’s Wax-work, than a desirable Lover.  In short, he grew Sick of her Company; which the young Lady taking Notice of, (who no more knew why, than he did) she sent me a Challenge to meet her in Lincoln’s-Inn Chappel, which I joyfully accepted, and have (amongst other Pleasures) the Satisfaction of being praised by her for my Stratagem, I am, &c.’

  From the Hoop.

  Tom.  Nimble.

  Mr. SPECTATOR,

’The Virgins of Great Britain are very much oblig’d to you for putting them upon such tedious Drudgeries in Needlework as were fit only for the Hilpa’s and the Nilpa’s that lived before the Flood.  Here’s a stir indeed with your Histories in Embroidery, your Groves with Shades of Silk and Streams of Mohair!  I would have you to know, that I hope to kill a hundred Lovers before the best Housewife in England can stitch out a Battel, and do not fear but to provide Boys and Girls much faster than your Disciples can embroider them.  I love Birds and Beasts as well as you, but am content to fancy them when they are really made.  What do you think of Gilt Leather for Furniture?  There’s your pretty Hangings for a Chamber; [2] and what is more, our own Country is the only Place in Europe where Work of that kind is tolerably done.  Without minding your musty Lessons:  I am this Minute going to Paul’s Church-Yard to bespeak a Skreen and a Set of Hangings; and am resolved to encourage the Manufacture of my Country.’

  Yours,

  CLEORA.

[Footnote 1:  Oct. 20, 1714, was the day of the Coronation of George I.]

[Footnote 2:  There was at this time a celebrated manufactory of tapestry at Chelsea.]

* * * * *

No. 610 Friday, October 22, 1714.

  ’Sic, cum transierint mei
  Nullo cum strepitu dies,
  Plebeius moriar senex. 
  Illi mors gravis incubat,
  Qui, notus nimis omnibus,
  Ignotus moritur sibi.’

  Seneca.

I have often wondered that the Jews should contrive such a worthless Greatness for the Deliverer whom they expected, as to dress him up in external Pomp and Pageantry, and represent him to their Imagination, as making Havock amongst his Creatures, and acted with the poor Ambition of a Caesar or an Alexander.  How much more illustrious doth he appear in his real Character, when considered as the Author of universal Benevolence among Men, as refining our Passions, exalting our Nature, giving us vast Ideas of Immortality, and teaching us a Contempt of that little showy Grandeur, wherein the Jews made the Glory of their Messiah to consist!