Whatever those Champions of Ribaldry may write for the future, will avail them very little; less in Comparison, than a Shower into the Sea; nay, tho' they were equal to the renown'd Sir Hudibras!

Who could not ope

His Mouth, but out there flew a Trope.

I remember you told me, that you once acquainted those Gentlemen, whose Names were very apropos fixed to their Letter, that you'd much "rather have Disputes cease, and "assured them it would be a greater Emolument to the Public, if they could supply you with good moral Pieces for your Paper;" but as to your saying, that all you published against them was Nonsense, I will in no wise believe, by its being affirmed by the Reflector, or any of his Adherents; as 'tis evident they are resolved to prejudice you.

And now, Mr. Gaine, let me lay one Injunction on you, namely, not to strive or mediate Answers to a sly, insiduous, restless Set of Men; take it on my Honour, that will only further their Aims; and in my Opinion, the greatest Mortification they can meet with, is, to the Works of so profound Geniuses should pass by unobserved. Pray, what Applause can be expected, when a Man combats a sooty SweepChimney? The Consequence is obvious: You must be oblig'd to him for his Brush and Scraper to disengage yourself of Filth. . . . For the same cogent Reason, neither mind their Vehicle of Dirt, their Dung-Cart, nor its Drivers. They watch all Opportunities and Manifestations of Arguments; which brings to my Memory, a certain Smith in one of Shakespear's plays, resting his Hammer on the Anvil, gaping with an Idiot Look of Expectation for News.

Disdain to stoop to so great a Condescension; be sedulous in your every great Concern; persevere in Justice and Truth to all Men: By this happy Disposition, you'll ellude all the Machinations of your Enemies, from Parson Y . . . r, down to the sorry Drivers of the Paltry and vile Vehicles of Impurities, as well as those unhappy Gentlemen who officiate to the Reflector, and his Adherents, somewhat in

the nature of Clister-Pipes. ... In Regard to any serviceable Genius, they recall to my Mind these Lines of Mr. Pope in his Dunciad.

Dulness delighted, ey'd the lively Dunce,

Remembering she herself was Brightness once.

And in Regard to whose cursed Schemes and evil Genius for Ploding [sic] (which Plots are not known only to themselves) I have an Opportunity to usher in the following beautiful Lines of the famous Milton,

worse

Than Fables yet have feign'd or Fear conceiv'd,
Gorgons, and Hydras, and Chimeras dire!
Par. Lost, B. 2.

In a Word, continue your wonted Diligence, in your own Vocation, and I make no doubt but you will soon see Mr. Philo and the Reflector himself set up for laughing Stocks to the Town, and pitiful Marks for every Fool to Shoot at. I am with all imaginable Zeal, for your Peace and Prosperity, with the same for all the lovers of liberty.

T.... P....

PATENT MEDICINES

SOLD BY

HUGH GAINE

Allusion has already been made to Gaine's dealing in various medicines, and a number of his advertisements are here collected, both to illustrate his own career and the times he lived in.

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PATENT MEDICINES SOLD BY HUGH GAINE

TOUGHTON'S Bitters, Eau de Luce, in Cases, double distilled Lavender and Hungary Water, and the Spirits of Sal Volalite [sic], Hartshorn, and Lavender. Also,

THE PRINCELY BEAUTIFYING LOTION. Whose inimitable Virtues, and Transcendent Excellencies have gained it so much Reputation, that envious Imitators endeavour, though in vain, to counterfeit it.

It beautifies the face, Neck and Hands, to the utmost Perfection, and is in the greatest Esteem among Ladies, &c., of the first Quality. No Words can sufficiently express its virtues; for it is not of the Nature of Paint, which puts a false unnatural Gloss on the Skin, but is a true Remedy, that by its Use really adds a Lustre to the most beautiful by showing the fine features of the Face; and is so safe, not having the least Grain of Mercury in it, that it may be taken inwardly; and if smelled to, is really good against vapours, &c., in Ladies, the very Reverse of all other Remedies of this Kind, which raise the Vapours.

It infallibly kills Worms in the Face, takes away Freckles, Spots, Wrinkles, Pits or Marks of the Small Pox, and assuredly cures any Defects in the Face, giving a charming youthful Lustre, and fine Air to the Feature to Admiration.