should look upon these Persons in the same degree Enemies to my particular state of Happiness, as ever the French were to that of the Publick, and I would be at an annual Expence in Spies to observe their Motions.  Whenever I should be surprized with a Visit, as I hate Drinking.  I would be brisk in swilling Bumpers, upon this Maxim, That it is better to trouble others with my Impertinence, than to be troubled my self with theirs.  The Necessity of an Infirmary makes me resolve to fall into that Project; and as we should be but Five, the Terrors of an involuntary Separation, which our Number cannot so well admit of, would make us exert our selves, in opposition to all the particulars mentioned in your Institution of that equitable Confinement.  This my way of Life I know would subject me to the Imputation of a morose, covetous and singular Fellow.  These and all other hard words, with all manner of insipid Jests, and all other Reproach, would be matter of Mirth to me and my Friends:  Besides, I would destroy the Application of the Epithets Morose and Covetous, by a yearly Relief of my undeservedly necessitous Neighbours, and by treating my Friends and Domesticks with an Humanity that should express the Obligation to lie rather on my side; and for the word Singular, I was always of opinion every Man must be so, to be what one would desire him.

  Your very humble Servant,
  J. R. [3]

  Mr.  SPECTATOR,

About two Years ago I was called upon by the younger part of a Country Family, by my Mother’s side related to me, to visit Mr. Campbell, the dumb Man; [4] for they told me that that was chiefly what brought them to Town, having heard Wonders of him in Essex.  I, who always wanted Faith in Matters of that kind, was not easily prevailed on to go; but lest they should take it ill, I went with them; when to my surprize, Mr. Campbell related all their past Life, (in short, had he not been prevented, such a Discovery would have come out, as would have ruined the next design of their coming to Town, viz. buying Wedding-Cloaths.) Our Names—­though he never heard of us before—­and we endeavoured to conceal—­were as familiar to him as to our selves.  To be sure, Mr.  SPECTATOR, he is a very learned and wise Man.  Being impatient to know my Fortune, having paid my respects in a Family-Jacobus, he told me (after his manner) among several other things, that in a Year and nine Months I should fall ill of a new Fever, be given over by my Physicians, but should with much difficulty recover:  That the first time I took the Air afterwards, I should be address’d to by a young Gentleman of a plentiful Fortune, good Sense, and a generous Spirit. Mr.  SPECTATOR, he is the purest Man in the World, for all he said is come to pass, and I am the happiest She in Kent.  I have been in quest of Mr. Campbell these three Months, and cannot find him out.  Now hearing you are a dumb Man too,