crates, that he brought philosophy down from heaven, to inhabit among men; and I shall be ambitious to have it said of me, that I have brought philosophy out of closets and libraries, schools and colleges, to dwell in clubs and assemblies, at tea-tables and in coffee-houses.

I would, therefore, in a very particular manner, recommend these my speculations to all well-regulated families that set apart an hour in every morning for tea and bread and butter; and would earnestly advise them for their good, to order this paper to be punctually served up, and to be looked upon as a part of the tea-equipage.

Sir Francis Bacon observes, that a well-written book, compared with its rivals and antagonists, is like Moses's serpent, that immediately swallowed up and devoured those of the Egyptians. I shall-not be so vain as to think that, where the Spectator appears, the other public prints will vanish; but shall leave it to my reader's consideration, whether it is not much better to be let into the knowledge of one's self, than to hear what passes in Muscovy or Poland; and to amuse ourselves with such writings as tend to the wearing out of ignorance, passion, and prejudice, than such as naturally conduce to inflame hatreds, and make enmities irreconcileable ! · In the next place, I would recommend this paper to the daily perusal of those gentlemen whom I cannot but consider as my good brothers and allies, I mean the fraternity of spectators, who live in the world without having any thing to do in it; and either by the affluence of their fortunes, or laziness of their dispositions, have no other business with the rest of mankind but to look upon them. Under this class of men are comprehended all contemplative Tradesmen, titular Physicians, Fellows of the Royal Society, Templars that are not given to be contentious, and States

men that are out of business: in short, every one that considers the world as a theatre, and desires to form a right judgment of those who are the actors on it.

There is another set of men that I must likewise lay a claim to, whom I have lately called the Blanks of Society, as being altogether unfurnished with idesuptill the business and conversation of these poor souls plied them. I have often consideration, when I have with an eye of great comr; heard them asking ther , man they have met with, whether there was news stirring ? and by that means gatheri

ner materials for thinking. These nepri

do not know what to talk of till about tw

in the morning; for by that time they are

od judges of the weather, know which w +

ind sits, and whether the Dutch mail be come

they lie at the mercy of the first man they me

ad are grave or impertinent all the day

ing to the notions which they have imbibed in the

morning, I would earnestly intreat them not to stir o it of their chambers till they have read this paper; a nd do promise them that I will daily instil

such sound wholesome sentiments, as shall have a go

bod effect on their conversation for the ensuing twelv. e hours. But the

ere are none to whom this paper will be more use:

ful than to the female world. I have often
here has not been sufficient pains taken in
It proper employments and diversions for
nes. Their amusements seem contrived for
ier as they are women than as they are rea-
eatures; and are more adapted to the sex
e species. The toilet is their great scene of
nd the right adjusting of their hair the prin-

oyment of their lives. The sorting of a suit of rib

bons is reckoned a very good morning's

long acc

thought t. finding ou the fair or them, ratt sonable cri than to the business, a cipal empl

make an excursion to a mercer's

work; and if they make an

great a fatigue mal

or a toy shop, s

crate
to in
have
outc
dwel
coffe

any thing else all the day afi
Occupations are sewing and
greatest dru Igery, t)
meats. This, I say, is the state
though I know there are multit,

the day after. Their more serious

wing and embroidery, and their the preparation of jellies and sweets, is the state of ordinary women;

are multitudes of those of a more versation, that move in an esalted e and virtue, that join all the beau.

ch
sphere of vlevated life and co

wledge a ties of the mind to the and we ornaments of dress and in spire a kind of awe and rester this pamect, as well as love, into their male beholders. I hope ked upon az inc

an increase the number of these by publishing this daily always endeavour to make an interat a well er, which shall

ell-wrif not an improving entertainment, and by that agonists. ; vert the minds of my female reader Vowed',

Wed up ann greater trifles. At the same time, as I would all not

hot be give some finishing touches to those which are alread r.

an appear the most beautiful pieces in human nature, I shallen

nill leave leavour to point out all those imperfections that are the be

Tot muclemishes as well as those virtues which are the embed of the sex. In the mean while, I hope thes , thalishments

and te my gentle readers, who have so much time on this will not grudge throwing away a quarterre in a day on this paper, since they may de this paper, since they may

dico an hour

reds, av it without any hindrance to business. I know several of my friends and well

his paprishers are in great pain for me, lest I should not be an up the spirit of a paper which I oblige my. nish every day; but to make them easy ile cular, I will promise them faithfully to gin. soon as I grow dull. This I know will great raillery to the small wits, who will of the matter of put me in mind of my promise, desire mga word, assure me that it is high time to gia many other little pleasantries of the liker men of a little smart genius cannot forby: Teature, which

me lest I should not be im I cable to keep a paper which I oblige ?I allies.self to fur

to make them easy.e in t this partiomise them faithfully won d eittxe it orer as

romise, desire

le rest | frequently is class, to keep my jadesme over, with

pd Statar throwing