On the latter Supposition, it would be unnecessary in my
Reply, to regard them as distinct Performances of several Writers; I
therefore address myself to you as the Author of both.
You tell me you have found out by my Letter, that I imagine
myself the Prince and Leader of a mighty People. I wonder how a
Genius so penetrating as yours could be led into so gross an Error:
For, alas! I am but a poor ordinary Mechanick of this City, obliged
to work hard for the Maintenance of myself, my Wife, and several
small Children. When my daily Labour is over, instead of going to
the Alehouse, I amuse myself with the Books of the Library Company,
of which I am an _unworthy_ Member. This Account of my
Circumstances, the Meanness of my Education, and my innocent Manner
of Life, I hope, will effectually remove those _groundless_
Suspicions, which you seemed to entertain, of my being in a Plot
against the State.
You are pleased to inform me, that _you are_ But _a young Man,
Country-born_. In Return for such an _important_ Discovery, I will
let you into another Secret of as great Consequence. -- "Hark in your
Ear," _I am_ But _an old Man not Country-born_. In Respect of Soil,
I presume neither of us will pretend to any Superiority; but the
Pre-eminence being on my Side in Regard to my Age, I shall make Use
of that Privilege to _Document_ you a little.
I shall first consider the argumentative Part of your Letter in
the Gazette.
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