“There is another matter I am foreseeing an ill consequence from, but may be timely prevented by prudence; which is, that for the last fortnight, prodigious shoals of volunteers have gone over to bully the French, upon hearing the peace was just signing; and this is so true, that I can assure you, all engrossing work about the Temple is risen above 3_s_. in the pound for want of hands.  Now as it is possible some little alteration of affairs may have broken their measures, and that they will post back again, I am under the last apprehension, that these will, at their return, all set up for ‘pretty fellows,’ and thereby confound all merit and service, and impose on us some new alteration in our nightcap-wigs[280] and pockets, unless you can provide a particular class for them.  I cannot apply myself better than to you, and I am sure I speak the mind of a very great number as deserving as myself.”

The pretensions of this correspondent are worthy a particular distinction:  he cannot indeed be admitted as a “pretty,” but is, what we more justly call, a “smart fellow.”  Never to pay at the playhouse, is an act of frugality, that lets you into his character.  And his expedient in sending his children a-begging before they can go, are characteristical instances that he belongs to this class.  I never saw the gentleman; but I know by his letter, he hangs his cane on his button;[281] and by some lines of it, he should wear red-heeled shoes;[282] which are essential parts of the habit belonging to the order of “smart fellows.”

My familiar is returned with the following letter from the French king: 

“Versailles, June 13, 1709.

#"Louis XIV. to Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq.[283]#

“SIR,

“I have your epistle, and must take the liberty to say, that there has been a time, when there were generous spirits in Great Britain, who would not have suffered my name to be treated with the familiarity you think fit to use.  I thought liberal men would not be such time-servers, as to fall upon a man because his friends are not in power.  But having some concern for what you may transmit to posterity concerning me, I am willing to keep terms with you, and make a request to you, which is, that you would give my service to the nineteenth century (if ever you or yours reach to them), and tell them, that I have settled all matters between them and me by Monsieur Boileau.  I should be glad to see you here.”

It is very odd this prince should offer to invite me into his dominions, or believe I should accept the invitation.  No, no, I remember too well how he served an ingenious gentleman, a friend of mine,[284] whom he locked up in the Bastille for no reason in the world, but because he was a wit, and feared he might mention him with justice in some of his writings.  His way is, that all men of sense are preferred, banished, or imprisoned.  He has indeed a sort of justice in him, like that of the gamesters; if a stander-by