I have often thought, that if the several Letters, which are written to me under the Character of SPECTATOR, and which I have not made use of, were published in a Volume, they would not be an unentertaining Collection. The Variety of the Subjects, Styles, Sentiments, and Informations, which are transmitted to me, would lead a very curious, or very idle Reader, insensibly along, through a great many Pages. I know some Authors, who would pick up a Secret History out of such Materials, and make a Bookseller an Alderman by the Copy. [1] I shall therefore carefully preserve the Original Papers in a Room set apart for that Purpose, to the end that they may be of Service to Posterity; but shall at present content my self, with owning the Receipt of several Letters, lately come to my Hands, the Authors whereof are impatient for an Answer.
CHARISSA, whose Letter is dated from Cornhill, desires to be eased in some Scruples relating to the Skill of Astrologers. Referred to the Dumb Man for an Answer.
J. C. who proposes a Love-Case, as he calls it, to the Love-Casuist, is hereby desir'd to speak of it to the Minister of the Parish; it being a Case of Conscience.
The poor young Lady, whose Letter is dated October 26, who complains of a harsh Guardian, and an unkind Brother, can only have my good Wishes, unless she pleases to be more particular.
The Petition of a certain Gentleman, whose Name I have forgot, famous for renewing the Curls of decayed Perriwigs, is referred to the Censor of small Wares.
The Remonstrance of T. C. against the Profanation of the Sabbath by Barbers, Shoe-cleaners, &c. had better be offer'd to the Society of Reformers.
A learned and laborious Treatise upon the Art of Fencing, returned to the Author.
To the Gentleman of Oxford, who desires me to insert a Copy of Latin Verses which were denied a Place in the University Book. Answer. Nonumque prematur in annum.
To my learned Correspondent who writes against Master's Gowns, and Poke Sleeves, with a Word in Defence of large Scarves. Answer. I resolve not to raise Animosities amongst the Clergy.
To the Lady, who writes with Rage against one of her own Sex, upon the Account of Party Warmth. Answer. Is not the Lady she writes against reckoned Handsome?
I desire Tom Truelove, (who sends me a Sonnet upon his Mistress, with a desire to print it immediately) to consider, that it is long since I was in Love.
I shall answer a very profound Letter from my old Friend the Upholsterer, who is still inquisitive whether the King of Sweden be living or dead, by whispering him in the Ear, That I believe he is alive.
Let Mr. Dapperwit consider, What is that long Story of the Cuckoldom to me?
At the earnest Desire of Monimia's Lover, who declares himself very penitent, he is recorded in my Paper by the Name of The Faithful Castalio.
The Petition of Charles Cocksure, which the Petitioner styles very reasonable--Rejected.
The Memorial of Philander, which he desires may be dispatched out of Hand, Postponed.
I desire S. R. not to repeat the Expression under the Sun so often in his next Letter.
The Letter of P. S. who desires either to have it printed entire, or committed to the Flames. Not to be printed entire.
[Footnote 1: Charles Lillie published, in 1725, 'Original and Genuine Letters sent 'to the Tatler and Spectator during the time those Works were publishing, none of which have been before printed.']
Translation of motto: