fourth edition of it; and after having passed | of refinement are talking of tranquillity, he his hundredth year, died without pain or possesses it. agony, and like one who falls asleep. The treatise I mention has been taken notice of by several eminent authors, and is written with such a spirit of cheerfulness, religion and good sense, as are the natural concomitants of temperance and sobriety. The mixture of the old man in it is rather a re commendation than a discredit to it. Having designed this paper as the sequel to that upon exercise, I have not here considered temperance as it is a moral virtue, which I shall make the subject of a future speculation, but only as it is the means of health. L. No 196.] Monday, October 15, 1711. True happiness is to no place confin'd, MR. SPECTATOR,-There is a particular fault which I have observed in most of the moralists in all ages, and that is, that they are always professing themselves, and teaching others, to be happy. This state is not to be arrived at in this life, therefore I would recommend to you to talk in an humbler strain than your predecessors have done, and instead of presuming to be happy, instruct us only to be easy. The thoughts of him who would be discreet, and aim at practicable things, should turn upon allaying our pain, rather than promoting our joy. Great inquietude is to be avoided, but great felicity is not to be attained. The great lesson is equanimity, a regularity of spirit, which is a little above cheerfulness and below mirth. Cheerfulness is always to be supported if a man is out of pain, but mirth to a prudent man should always be accidental. It should naturally arise out of the occasion, and the occasion seldom be laid for it; for those tempers who want mirth to be pleased, are like the constitutions which flag without the use of brandy. Therefore, I say, let your precept be, Be easy.' That mind is dissolute and ungoverned, which must be hurried out of itself by loud laughter or sensual pleasure, or else be wholly unactive. 'There are a couple of old fellows of my acquaintance who meet every day and smoke a pipe, and by their mutual love to each other, though they have been men of business and bustle in the world, enjoy a greater tranquillity than either could have worked himself into by any chapter of Seneca. Indolence of body and mind, when we aim at no more, is very frequently enjoyed; but the very inquiry after happiness has something restless in it, which a man who lives in a series of temperate meals, friendly conversations, and easy slumbers, gives himself no trouble about. While men 'What I would, by these broken expressions, recommend to you, Mr. Spectator, is, that you would speak of the way of life which plain men may pursue, to fill up the spaces of time with satisfaction. It is a lamentable circumstance, that wisdom, or, as you call it, philosophy, should furnish ideas only for the learned; and that a man must be a philosopher to know how to pass away his time agreeably. It would, therefore, be worth your pains to place in a handsome light the relations and affinities among men, which render their conversation with each other so grateful, that the highest talents give but an impotent pleasure in comparison with them. You may find descriptions and discourses which will render the fire-side of an honest artificer as entertaining as your own club is to you. Good-nature has an endless source of pleasures in it: and the representation of domestic life filled with its natural gratifications, instead of the necessary vexations which are generally insisted upon in the writings of the witty, will be a very good office to society. "The vicissitudes of labour and rest in the lower part of mankind, make their being pass away with that sort of relish which we express by the word comfort; and should be treated of by you, who are a Spectator, as well as such subjects which appear indeed more speculative, but are less instructive. In a word, sir, I would have you turn your thoughts to the advantage of such as want you most; and show that simplicity, innocence, industry, and temperance, are arts which lead to tranquillity, as much as learning, wisdom, knowledge, and contemplation.-I am, sir, your most humble servant, T. B.' 'Hackney, Oct. 12. 'MR. SPECTATOR,-I am the young woman whom you did so much justice to some time ago, in acknowledging that I am perfect mistress of the fan, and use it with the utmost knowledge and dexterity. Indeed the world, as malicious as it is, will allow that from a hurry of laughter I recollect myself the most suddenly, make a curtsey, and let fall my hands before me, closing my fan at the same instant, the best of any woman in England. I am not a little delighted that I have had your notice and approbation; and however other young women may rally me out of envy, I triumph in it, and demand a place in your friendship. You must, therefore, permit me to lay before you the present state of my mind. I was reading your Spectator of the 9th instant, and thought the circumstance of the ass divided between the two bundles of hay which equally affected his senses, was a lively representation of my present condition, for you are to know that I am extremely enamoured with two young gentlemen who at this time pretend to me. One must hide nothing when one is asking advice, therefore I will own to you that I am very amorous, and very covetous. My lover Will is very rich, and my lover Tom very handsome. I can have either of them when I please; but when I debate the question in my own mind, I cannot take Tom for fear of losing Will's estate, nor enter upon Will's estate, and bid adieu to Tom's person. I am very young, and yet no one in the world, dear sir, has the main chance more in her head than myself. Tom is the gayest, the blithest creature! He dances well, is very civil and diverting at all hours and seasons. Oh! he is the joy of my eyes! But then again Will is so very rich and careful of the main. How many pretty dresses does Tom appear in to charm me! But then it immediately occurs to me that a man of his circumstances is so much the poorer. Upon the whole, I have at last examined both these desires of love and avarice, and upon strictly weighing the matter, I begin to think I shall be covetous longer than fond; therefore, if you have nothing to say to the contrary, I shall take Will. Alas, poor Tom! Your humble servant, T. 'BIDDY LOVELESS.' No. 197.] Tuesday, October 16, 1711. Alter rixatur de lana sæpe caprina, On trifles some are earnestly absurd: Pitt. EVERY age a man passes through, and way of life he engages in, has some particular vice or imperfection naturally cleaving to it, which it will require his nicest care to avoid. The several weaknesses to which youth, old age, and manhood are exposed, have long since been set down by many both of the poets and philosophers; but I do not remember to have met with any author who has treated of those illhabits men are subject to, not so much by reason of their different ages and tempers, as the particular professions or business in which they were educated and brought up. I am the more surprised to find this subject so little touched on, since what I am here speaking of is so apparent, as not to escape the most vulgar observation. The business men are chiefly conversant in, does not only give a certain cast or turn to their minds, but is very often apparent in their outward behaviour, and some of the most indifferent actions of their lives. It is this air diffusing itself over the whole man, which helps us to find out a person at his first appearance; so that the most careless observer fancies he can scarce be mistaken in the carriage of a seaman, or the gait of a tailor. The liberal arts, though they may possibly have less effect on our external mien and behaviour, make so deep an impression on the mind, as is very apt to bend it wholly one way. The mathematician will take little less than demonstration in the most common discourse, and the schoolman is as great a friend to definition and syllogisms. The physician and divine are often heard to dictate in private companies with the same authority which they exercise over their patients and disciples; while the lawyer is putting cases and raising matter for disputation, out of every thing that occurs. I may possibly some time or other animadvert more at large on the particular fault each profession is most infected with; but shall at present wholly apply myself to the cure of what I last mentioned, namely, that spirit of strife and contention in the conversations of gentlemen of the long robe. This is the more ordinary, because these gentlemen regarding argument as their own proper province, and very often making ready money of it, think it unsafe to yield before company. They are showing in common talk how zealously they could defend a cause in court, and therefore frequently forget to keep that temper which is absolutely requisite to render conversation pleasant and instructive. Captain Sentry pushes this matter so far that I have heard him say, he has known but few pleaders that were tolerable company.' The captain, who is a man of good sense, but dry conversation, was last night giving me an account of a discourse, in which he had lately been engaged with a young wrangler in the law. I was giving my opinion,' says the captain, without apprehending any debate that might arise from it, of a general's behaviour in a battle that was fought some years before either the Templar or myself were born. The young lawyer immediately took me up, and by reasoning above a quarter of an hour upon a subject which I saw he understood nothing of, endeavoured to show me that my opinions were ill-grounded. Upon which,' says the captain, to avoid any further contests, I told him, that truly I had not considered those several arguments which he had brought against me, and that there might be a great deal in them.' 'Ay, but,' says my antagonist, who would not let me escape so, there are several things to be urged in favour of your opinion, which you have omitted;' and thereupon begun to shine on the other side of the question. Upon this,' says the captain, ‘I came over to my first sentiments, and entirely acquiesced in his reasons for my so doing. Upon which the Templar again recovered his former posture, and confuted both him No. 197.] THE SPECTATOR. self and me a third time. In short,' says | absurdity: and though possibly you are en- For my own part, I have ever regarded our inns of court as nurseries of statesmen and lawgivers, which makes me often frequent that part of the town with great plea sure. In order to keep that temper which is sc difficult, and yet so necessary to preserve, you may please to consider, that nothing can be more unjust or ridiculous, than to be angry with another because he is not of your opinion. The interests, education, and means by which men attain their knowledge, are so very different, that it is impossible they should all think alike; and he Upon my calling in lately at one of the has at least as much reason to be angry with most noted Temple coffee-houses, I found you, as you with him. Sometimes to keep the whole room which was full of young yourself cool, it may of service to ask your students, divided into several parties, each self fairly, what might have been your opiof which was deeply engaged in some con- nion, had you all the biasses of education The management of the late and interest your adversary may possibly troversy. ministry was attacked and defended with have? But if you contend for the honour of great vigour; and several preliminaries to victory alone, you may lay down this as an the peace were proposed by some, and re-infallible maxim, that you cannot make a jected by others; the demolishing of Dunkirk more false step, or give your antagonists a was so eagerly insisted on, and so warmly greater advantage over you, than by falling controverted, as had like to have produced into a passion. a challenge. In short, I observed that the desire of victory, whetted with the little prejudices of party and interest, generally carried the argument to such a height, as made the disputants insensibly conceive an aversion towards each other, and part with the highest dissatisfaction on both sides. The managing an argument handsomely being so nice a point, and what I have seen so very few excel in, I shall here set down a few rules on that head, which among other things, I gave in writing to a young kinsman of mine, who had made so great a proficiency in the law that he began to plead in company, upon every subject that was started. Having the entire manuscript by me, I may perhaps, from time to time, publish such parts of it as I shall think requisite for the instruction of the British youth. What regards my present purpose is as follows: Avoid disputes as much as possible. In order to appear easy and well-bred in conversation, you may assure yourself that it requires more wit, as well as more good humour, to improve than to contradict the notions of another: but if you are at any time obliged to enter on an argument, give your reasons with the utmost coolness and modesty, two things which scarce ever fail of making an impression on the hearers. Besides, if you are neither dogmatical, nor show either by your actions or words, that you are full of yourself, all will the more heartily rejoice at your victory. Nay, should you be pinched in your argument you may make your retreat with a very good grace. You were never positive, and are now glad to be better informed. This has made some approve the Socratical way of reasoning, where, while you scarce affirm any thing, you can hardly be caught in an * Part i. cant. 1. ver. 69, 70. When an argument is over, how many weighty reasons does a man recollect, which his heat and violence made him utterly forget? It is yet more absurd to be angry with a man because he does not apprehend the force of your reasons, or gives weak ones If you argue for reputation, of his own. this makes your victory the easier; he is certainly in all respects an object of your pity, rather than anger; and if he cannot comprehend what you do, you ought to thank nature for her favours, who has given You may please to add this consideration, you so much the clearest understanding. that among your equals no one values your anger, which only preys upon its master; and perhaps you may find it not very consistent either with prudence or your ease, a fool or a knave. to punish yourself whenever you meet with Lastly, If you propose to yourself the true end of argument, which is information, it may be a seasonable check to your passion; for if you search purely after truth, it will be almost indifferent to you where you find it. I cannot in this place omit an observation which I have often made, namely, That nothing procures a man more esteem and less envy from the whole company, than if he chooses the part of moderator, without engaging directly on either side in a dispute. This gives him the character of impartial, furnishes him with an opportunity of sifting things to the bottom, showing his judgment, and of sometimes making handsome compliments to each of the contending parties. I shall close this subject with giving you one caution. When you have gained a victory, do not push it too far; it is sufficient to is in your power, but that you are too geneX. let the company and your adversary see it rous to make use of it. 1 No. 198.] Wednesday, October 17, 1711. Cervæ luporum præda rapacium, Hor. Lib. 4. Od. iv. 50. We, like weak hinds,' the brinded wolf provoke, And when retreat is victory Rush on, though sure to die. Oldisworth. which I lately heard from one of our Span- An inhabitant of the kingdom of Castile, being a man of more than ordinary prudence, and of a grave composed behaviour, THERE is a species of women, whom I determined about the fiftieth year of his shall distinguish by the name of salaman-age to enter upon wedlock. In order to ders. Now a salamander is a kind of he- make himself easy in it, he cast his eye roine in chastity, that treads upon fire and upon a young woman who had nothing to lives in the midst of flames without being recommend her but her beauty and her hurt. A salamander knows no distinction education, her parents having been reduced of sex in those she converses with, grows to great poverty by the wars which for familiar with a stranger at first sight, and some years have laid that whole country is not so narrow-spirited as to observe whe-waste. The Castilian having made his adther the person she talks to be in breeches dresses to her and married her, they lived or petticoats. She admits a male visitant together in perfect happiness for some time; to her bed-side, plays with him a whole afternoon at picquet, walks with him two or three hours by moonlight, and is extremely husband, or the severity of a parent, that would debar the sex from such innocent scandalized at the unreasonableness of a ral frost. liberties. Your salamander is therefore a perpetual declaimer against jealousy, an admirer of the French good-breeding, and a great stickler for freedom in conversation. In short, the salamander lives in an invincible state of simplicity and innocence. Her constitution is preserved in a kind of natuShe wonders what people mean by temptations, and defies mankind to do their worst. Her chastity is engaged in a constant ordeal, or fiery trial: like good Queen Emma, the pretty innocent walks blindfolded among burning ploughshares, without being scorched or singed by them. It is not therefore for the use of the salamander, whether in a married or a single state of life, that I design the following paper; but for such females only as are made of flesh and blood, and find themselves subject to human frailties. when at length the husband's affairs made As for this part of the fair sex who are Trust not to man; we are by nature false, *Viz. one of the English officers who had been em I might very much enlarge upon this subject, but shall conclude it with a story ployed in the war in Spain. ப கா No. 199.] THE SPECTATOR. 293 dispose of his estate. The renegado, after women, I do not remember that you have only from the laws of custom and modesty are restrained from making any advances towards our wishes, but are also, from the circumstance of fortune, out of all hopes of being addressed to by those whom we love. Under all these disadvantages I am obliged to apply myself to you, and hope I shall prevail with you to print in your very next paper the following letter, which is a declaration of passion to one who has made some faint addresses to me for some time. I believe he ardently loves me, but the inThe renegado, during the husband's ab-equality of my fortune makes him think he sence, so insinuated himself into the good cannot answer it to the world, if he pursues graces of his young wife, and so turned her his designs by way of marriage; and I behead with stories of gallantry, that she quickly thought him the finest gentleman she had ever conversed with. To be brief, her mind was quite alienated from the honest Castilian, whom she was taught to look upon as a formal old fellow, unworthy the possession of so charming a creature. She had been instructed by the renegado how to manage herself upon his arrival; so that she received him with an appearance of the utmost love and gratitude, and at length persuaded him to trust their common friend the renegado with the money he had brought over for their ransom; as not questioning but he would beat down the 'SIR,-After very much perplexity in terms of it, and negociate the affair more to their advantage than they themselves could myself, and revolving how to acquaint you do. The good man admired her prudence, with my own sentiments, and expostulate and followed her advice. I wish I could with you concerning yours, I have chosen conceal the sequel of this story, but since I this way, by which means I can be at once cannot, I shall despatch it in as few words revealed to you, or if you please, lie conas possible. The Castilian having slept cealed. If I do not within a few days find longer than ordinary the next morning, the effect which I hope from this, the whole upon his awaking found his wife had left affair shall be buried in oblivion. But alas! him. He immediately arose and inquired what am I going to do, when I am about to after her, but was told that she was seen tell you that I love you? But after I have with the renegado about break of day. In done so, I am to assure you, that with all a word, her lover having got all things the passion which ever entered a tender ready for their departure, they soon made heart, I know I can banish you from my their escape out of the territories of Algiers, sight for ever, when I am convinced that carried away the money, and left the Cas- you have no inclination towards me but to tilian in captivity: who partly through the my dishonour. But alas! sir, why should cruel treatment of the incensed Algerine you sacrifice the real and essential happihis master, and partly through the unkindness of life to the opinion of a world, that usage of his unfaithful wife, died some few months after. moves upon no other foundation but pro- A celebrated name in Mademoiselle Scudery's MR. SPECTATOR,-Though you are |