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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INDEX.