interpreted as an open renunciation of littleness, and the criminal shall be instantly expelled. Note, The form to be used in expelling a member shall be in these words, 'Go from among us, and be tall if you can!'

'It is the unanimous opinion of our whole society, that since the race of mankind is granted to have decreased in stature from the beginning to this present, it is the intent of nature itself, that men should be little; and we believe that all human kind shall at last grow down to perfection, that is to say be reduced to our own measure.

I am, very literally,

Your humble servant,

Bob Short.'

THE FREE-THINKER

One of the best of the followers of the Spectator was the Free-Thinker, conducted by Ambrose Philips. It was published semi-weekly, from March 24, 1718 to September 28, 1719, for a total of 159 numbers. Probably the title had much to do with the popularity of the paper, for the author of the first essay humorously commented upon his courage in using it a synonym in those days for "atheist" and emphasized its application to the most intelligent minds of the age. "All the ways of men and women fall under the cognizance of the Free-thinker. He is by nature curious and inquisitive, tied to no party, nor place, nor profession-neither rich nor poor.' In this undertaking, Philips had able assistance. Dr. Hugh Boulter, later Lord Primate of Ireland, wrote on education and learning; Richard West, later Lord Chancellor of Ireland, treated politics; Dr. Gilbert Burnet, son of the great bishop, and

himself chaplain to George I, was the author of papers on superstition and "enthusiasm" as enemies of religion; and the Reverend Henry Stephens is credited with five papers. Most of the others were by Philips. The Free-Thinker contained a better quality of writing than most of the followers of the Spectator, and conformed strictly to the single-essay type established and popularized by Steele and Addison. The student will do well to compare the accompanying essay with No. 116 of the Tatler (p. 86). The essays were reprinted in three volumes in 1722.

No. 44.

Friday, August 22, 1718.

I have a little piece of secret history to communicate to my readers. The singularity of it may recommend it; and if they are not better for it, the blame will not be mine. In the mean time they are at liberty to give what credit they please to the relation.

In a full assembly of ladies, where there was a mixture of several ages, the convenience and inconveniences of the hoop-petticoat happened to be canvassed with great freedom of conversation. There were only four gentlemen present, two of which spoke earnestly in the debate, one against the other. Florio, a mettled spark, of great volubility of speech, employed his wit in defence of the mode. Sophronio, of riper years and fewer words, reasoned against the extravagancy of the fashion. The opinions of the assembly were much divided. In order, therefore, to come to a fair determination, the ladies laid their injunctions upon the two champions to consider

the subject maturely, and to be ready by that day sennight1 to deliver their sentiments upon the merits of the cause, at which time they engage themselves to give them a hearing, at nine in the evening. The appointed hour being come, the company ranged themselves on either hand, according to their different inclinations. On the right sat the grave matrons, and on the left the blooming virgins; both parties equally assured of success and equally confiding in the abilities of their orator. The damask settee was placed in the center, at a convenient distance from the audience; when Florio, observing a profound silence and an impatience in the looks of the sprightly patronesses, made his reverences, and mounting the silken rostrum, harangued the assembly in the following manner.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I congratulate my good fortune, in that I have the honour to speak before so polite an audience, on a theme whose diameter and circumference affords so large a scope to eloquence. Were I to handle it inch by inch, my speech would dwell in proportion to the amplitude of my subject, and I would find myself encompassed with a luxuriant circle of tropes and figures, round and magnificent as the hoop I attempt to praise.

I have enquired at the most flourishing warehouses, and consulted the most knowing coopers of the female sex; but I cannot distinctly learn to whose excellent genius the ladies are indebted for this invention of the hoop-petticoat. The learned writers of antiquity are silent upon the occasion, which makes me conjecture that the glory of this pompous piece of elegancy is due to the moderns. Monsieur Tournefort, in his voyage through the Levant, gives the description and figure of a very magnificent

petticoat worn by the ladies of Myconia (fair islanders like yourselves) which may probably have been the original of yours; that, indeed, is full of plaits, and quilled from top to bottom; whereas yours are plain, which is after the Grand Gusto in the structures of every kind.

When I consider the changing drapery of our grandmothers, and compare it with the spreading coats of this assembly, I do not much wonder at the rudeness of the former, as I am astonished at the politeness of the present, age. They crept along as it were in fetters: and a woman with her head peeping out of a sack could hardly be more confined, or make a more grotesque figure. On the other hand, the cupola-coat allows all the freedom of motion, the graceful walk and majestic step-not to mention the beauty and the splendor of the foot, which plays visibly within the circle, and ravishes the watchful eyes of the beholder.

When I survey the structure of this silken dome, and contemplate the convex, or the concave of the building, I am struck with admiration at the ingenuity of mankind. A fabric so ample, and withal so portable, is stupendous! And after-ages, who perhaps may see this contrivance only in the paintings of some great masters, shall with pain believe what the justness of the pencil represents.

Were I to enumerate the conveniences and ornaments which accrue to the sex from the use of the hoop, the tapers would require snuffing before my speech would draw to an end. Therefore, I shall only touch upon two observations. The first is that the compass of the coat serves to keep men at a decent distance, and appropriates to every lady a spacious verge, sacred to herself. In the next place, the compliment, allowed at all time, of comparing a

beauty to a star, will now gradate in every respect, when it may properly be said of every female that she moves in her orb, and shines in her sphere in proportion to a star of the first magnitude.

I might here mention the vast benefit the public reaps from this dress, and take notice of the great number of hands employed in building and repairing the beautiful edifices, were it not too well known to my hearers. I cannot, however, pass over in silence. the particular encouragement this mode has given to whale fishing, no inconsiderable branch of British commerce.2

Go on, then, Adorable Creatures, to cherish and improve an ornament, every way praiseworthy. Suffer not your selves to be persuaded to your downfall by those who would undermine your main support. Suspect the artifices of such as would narrow your foundation; and resolve to maintain the establishment of your charms upon a wide, spreading bottom, to the last.

As soon as Florio had finished his declamation, a young damsel of fifteen made two exorbitant steps (measuring at each the compass of her hoop) quite across the room, and with her slender fingers tied a gold cord with two large tassels of gold to his sword -a present, it seems, which the youthful part of the assembly had bespoke for their orator. This gallantry performed, Sophronio stood up, and modestly bowing, went to the settee; where, standing upon the floor, he took his turn to speak, over it, as follows: Gentlemen and Ladies,

I perceive by the applauding smiles and triumphant display of the fans from the gay side of this bright circle that the prejudices of youth will weaken the force of any arguments I may draw from reason to