PAGE 3
No. 050 [from The Spectator]
by
The Author then proceeds to shew the Absurdity of Breeches and Petticoats, with many other curious Observations, which I shall reserve for another Occasion. I cannot however conclude this Paper without taking notice, That amidst these wild Remarks there now and then appears something very reasonable. I cannot likewise forbear observing, That we are all guilty in some Measure of the same narrow way of Thinking, which we meet with in this Abstract of the Indian Journal; when we fancy the Customs, Dress, and Manners of other Countries are ridiculous and extravagant, if they do not resemble those of our own.
C.
[Footnote 1: Swift writes to Stella, in his Journal, 28th April, 1711:
‘The SPECTATOR is written by Steele, with Addison’s help; ’tis often very pretty. Yesterday it was made of a noble hint I gave him long ago for his Tatlers, about an Indian, supposed to write his travels into England. I repent he ever had it. I intended to have written a book on that subject. I believe he has spent it all in one paper, and all the under hints there are mine too; but I never see him or Addison.’
The paper, it will be noticed, was not written by Steele.]
[Footnote 2: The four kings Te Yee Neen Ho Ga Prow, Sa Ga Yean Qua Rash Tow, E Tow O Koam, and Oh Nee Yeath Ton Now Prow, were chiefs of the Iroquois Indians who had been persuaded by adjacent British colonists to come and pay their respects to Queen Anne, and see for themselves the untruth of the assertion made among them by the Jesuits, that the English and all other nations were vassals to the French king. They were said also to have been told that the Saviour was born in France and crucified in England.]
[Footnote 3: polished Marble]
[Footnote 4: those]
[Footnote 5: Men of the greatest Perfections in their Country]
[Footnote 6: There was, among other fancies, a patch cut to the pattern of a coach and horses. Suckling, in verses ‘upon the Black Spots worn by my Lady D. E.,’ had called them her
… Mourning weeds for Hearts forlorn,
Which, though you must not love, you could not scorn,]