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uniform, but of different Sizes, &c. according to the different Geniuses and Difpofitions of those who are to to be admitted. In this Point too the Situa tion of the Chambers ought to be observed; for Inftance, the Compilers of Vade-mecum's, Abridgmentmakers, &c. fhould be ftationed in the Cellars under Ground; the Ode Writers next to the Sky-light; the Tranflators on the Ground-Floor; and the Epic and Dramatic Authors on the firft and second Stories. In the Midft of the Whole I would have a large Hall, where the whole Society fhould meet three Times a Day, to be provided at every Meal with Difhes adapted to their Conftitutions; for Care must be had, that the Gentlemen who foar "above the vifible diurnal Sphere," do not eat of Beef or any other Meat, that is fubject to clog the Intellects, but be fed, as Pindar and the Bards of old were, with Food that elates and puts the Fancy on the Wing. This College fhould be governed by a Prefident and Twelve Directors, all of whom have been Bookfellers in London for the Space of feven Years before the Time they are elected fuch, that they may be thereby qualified to judge properly of the Pretenfions of the Candidates to this Charity. Every Candidate muft have the Recommendation of one or more of the Directors, and a Certificate under the Hands and Seals of four of the Company of Stationers, that he has been Mufe-rid for ten Years, in fuch a Manner as to be entirely incapacitated for any other Vocation in Life. If thefe Things feem clear, the Perfon fhall be admitted without any farther Trouble, except it is proved he is worth Money, for a rich

Man

Man must be as incapable to enter this Hospital as the Kingdom of Heaven.

We next come to the Choice of proper Servants and Attendants. Now, as there are in the three Kingdoms innumerable Footmen, and Chamber Maids, who spend beft part of their Time with Lee and Otway, and daily condemn Fate for having placed People of their uncommon Talents in fuch a Situation, as to be fubject to be called every Moment from the heroic Company of Alexander and Roxana, and fent to converse, much against their Inclinations, with the Dregs of the People; I would have all fuch as are difpofed to live retired, and to have frequent Opportunities of converfing not only with dead Poets but living Wits, come and offer their Service to the Hofpital; where they fhall be furnished with every thing neceffary for Life, and be allowed, after the little Labour that fhall be required of them is over, ftated Hours for their favourite Studies.

When these things all are settled, and a handsome Subfcription opened, the Legislature, no doubt, will give Encouragement to fo noble, useful, and charitable a Foundation, by establishing the Lands and Funds raised for its Support by parliamentary Authority; and if it would not be looked upon as Prefumption to give a Hint to fo wife and august an Affembly, a Tax might be laid, which would bring in vaft Sums annually, and at the fame Time be no Burthen to the industrious Subject, but on the contrary tend to promote every Branch of Trade in the

Nation.

Nation. The Tax I mean fhould be laid upon that unprofitable Commodity, that abounds fo much in thefe Kingdoms, commonly called Scribbling. There should be in every Parish an Inspector into this Manufactory, (suppose the Parfon) who should take his Rounds once a Week, like the Excifeman, to visit those that are Dealers, and receive the limited Duty; and to obviate any Fraud, very large Penalties fhould be laid upon all fuch, as fhould clandeftinely make Verfe or Profe, or a Mixture of both, (which I think is most in request at present) without previoufly acquainting the ecclefiaftical Officer, or at least informing him immediately after. This Expence would hinder many an Attorney's Clerk, and Prentice from Phillifing away his Time, and keep him from being reduced at laft to the Hospital.

Should it be objected by the Proprietors of the Magazines, or other periodical Miscellanies, that fuch a Tax would deprive them of many an ingenious Performance both in Verfe and Profe, the Grievance may be redreffed by applying to the Directors, and compounding with them for fo much a Year for all their Authors in a Lump, as thofe People do with Commiffioners of Turnpikes, who live near the Gate. Thus, Sir, having thrown together fome lofe Thoughts of my own, I leave you and the Reader to make what farther Improvements upon the Project you are able.

I am
Your moft Humble Servant, &t.
A PAR-

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In the manner of PLUTARCH:

Between a most celebrated

Man of FLORENCE;

And ONE, fcarce ever heard of, in

ENGLAND.

By the Reverend Mr. SPENCE.

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