_Thy Talents here excell:_
_All shining brass thou dost outshine,_
_To play the cheat so well._
_Who sees thee in ~Iago~’s part,_
_But thinks thee such a Rogue?_
_And is not glad with all his heart,_
_To hang so sad a Dog?_
_When ~Bays~ thou play’st, thy self thou art,_
_For that by nature fit,_
_No blockhead better suits the part,_
_Than such a coxcomb wit,_
_In ~Wronghead~ too, thy brains we see,_
_Who might do well at plough;_
_As fit for Parliament was he,_
_As for the Laurel thou._
_Bring thy protected verse from Court,_
_And try it on the Stage;_
_There it will make much better sport,_
_And set the town in rage._
_There beau’s, & wits, & cits, and smarts,_
_Where hissing’s not uncivil,_
_Will shew their parts to thy deserts,_
_And send it to the devil._
_But, ah! in vain ’gainst thee we write,_
_In vain thy verse we maul;_
_Our sharpest satyr’s thy delight,_
_For [4]~Blood!~ thou’lt stand it all_!
_Thunder, ’tis said, the Laurel spares,_
_Nought but thy brow could blast it,_
_And yet! O curst provoking Stars!_
_Thy comfort is, thou ~hast~ it._
[4] Epilogue to the _Non-juror_.
An ODE to Sir _Robert Walpole_, for New-Year’s-Day, 1731.
I.
Guardian of _Britannia’s_ glory,
Life and soul of _Europe’s_ peace,
Greatest name in modern story,
May thy happy years increase!
Brighter still thy genius shining,
Richer blessings yet designing.
II.
Thee, the sacred muses hailing,
Dulness seal’d in slumber lies;
Arts and wealth thro’ thee prevailing,
Faction far confounded flies;
Happy prince in thee confiding:
Happy people of thy guiding!
III.
Viewing present, past, and future,
As thou keep’st eternal watch,
_Janus_ say (for thou are neuter)
Hast thou seen our _Walpole’s_ match?
_Phœbus_ in thy radiant journey,
Canst thou to a greater turn thee?
IV.
Lucky omens, minutes smiling,
All the friendly cares appear?
Every discontent beguiling,
Crown the _Patriot_’s coming Year:
In his person strongly guarded,
Counsels blest, and works rewarded.
_An Epitaph on Mrs. OLDFIELD._
Hic Juxta requiescit,
Tot inter poetarum laudata nomina,
ANNA OLDFIELD.
Nec ipsa minore laude digna,
Quippe quæ eorum opera
In scenam quories prodivit,
Illustravit semper, & nobilitavit.
Nunquam ingenium idem ad partes diversissimas
Habilius fuit.
Ita tamen ut ad singulas.
Non facta, sed nata esse videretur.
In tragediis
Formæ splendor, oris dignitas, incessus majestas
Tantâ vocis suavitate temperabantur,
Ut nemo esset tam agrestis, tam durus spectator,
Quin in admirationem totus raperetur.
In comedià autem
Tanta vis, tam venusta hilaritas, tam curiosa felicitas
Ut neque sufficerent spectando oculi,
Neque plaudendo manus.
English’d thus.
_Near this place rests the body of ~Anne Oldfield~, amidst so many
celebrated Poets, herself not less deserving to be celebrated; for
whene’er she trod the stage, her actions always illustrated and
ennobled their compositions. Never was one Genius so adapted to the
most different parts; she seem’d not made but born for each distinctly.
In tragedy her noble presence, elevated speech, and majestic step,
temper’d with so peculiar a sweetness of voice, never fail’d to
transport the most rustic and insensible into admiration. In comedy she
discover’d such a winning air, such a sprightly and becoming gayety,
and so happy an address, that neither eyes were satisfied with seeing
her, nor hands weary of applauding._
_Another._
Fashion’d alike by nature and by art,
To please, engage, and int’rest ev’ry heart:
In publick life, by all who saw, approv’d;
In private life, by all who knew her lov’d.
_Another._
OLDFIELD lies here retir’d, undrest,
The curtain drawn, her part is done;
Ye that remain to act your best,
Must also make your exit soon;
How happy then, if worthy praise,
Ye can such lasting plaudits raise!
_Another._
EXIT
Anna Oldfield;
Valete & plaudite.
_Another._
Hic jacet _Anna Oldfield_.
Jam mea preacta est,
Mox vestra agetur fabula.
Vos valete & plaudite.
_Mrs. ~B--rb--r~, to Mrs. ~C--f--r~, at Bath._
When lately you invited me,
With _Carteret_ I din’d;
And in return, most gen’rously
To _Onslow_ I resign’d.
On Opportunity we seize,
For search the Nation round,
Such _Commoners_ and _Peers_ as these
Are rarely to be found.
Our Situation chang’d, you see
How pleasure fleets away;
But yesterday you envy’d me;
I envy you to day.
_EPIGRAM on a LADY, stung by a BEE._
To heal the wound the Bee had made
upon my _Delia’s_ face,
Its honey to the wound she laid,
and bid me kiss the place.
Pleas’d I obey’d, and from the wound
suck’d both the sweet and smart;
The honey on my lips I found,
the sting went thro’ my heart.
THE
_Monthly Intelligencer._
JANUARY, 1731.
Friday, _January 1_.
Their Majesties received the compliments of the Nobility for the
New-Year; among the rest, of the Lord _Carteret_, who was graciously
receiv’d.
At the same time the Ode for the Day, compos’d by _Colly Cibber_, Esq;
Poet-laureat, was perform’d; the Musick by Mr. _Eccles_, and the vocal
by Mr _Hughs_, Mr. _Gates_, &c. [_See the said ~Ode~, ~p. 20~, and
Remarks on it, ~p. 10, 11~._]
Forty mathematical Boys, educated in _Christ’s Hospital_, in the school
founded by K. C. II. were, according to annual Custom, presented to his
Majesty.
His Majesty order’d 30 l. _per. Ann._ to be paid out of the Treasury
towards the support of the Poor of the Parish of St. _Mary le Strand._
Saturday, _Jan. 2_.
Great talk of an Experiment to be made on _Charles Ray_ in _Newgate_,
a Malefactor repriev’d on that Occasion. It was said to be in order to
discover whether Deafness is not to be cured by purging. The _Tympanum_
was to be cut by an Instrument, in order to demonstrate whether the
Hearing proceeds from the _Tympanum_, or the _Nerves_ that lie between
_that_ and the _Conceptor_ of the Ear; it being the Opinion of some
that Deafness is principally occasion’d by Obstructions in the said
Nerves, _See_ p. 10, 18, 19.
_Geo. Burrington_, Esq; Gov. of _North Carolina_, set out to embark for
his Government.
Sunday, _Jan. 3_.
Dr. _Greenwood_, newly appointed Chaplain, preached before their
Majesties, the Pr. of _Wales_, and three eldest Princesses, at the
Chapel-royal at St. _James_’s; the Nobility attended in their Robes and
Collars, and the Duke of _Dorset_ Lord Lieut. of _Ireland_ carried the
Sword of State.
Monday, _Jan. 4_.
The Lady _Chaplin_, Relict of Sir _John Chaplin_, of _Tathwel_ in
_Lincolnshire_, Bar., brought to bed of a Daughter. This Lady had a
Writ _de Ventre inspiciendo_ issued against her some Months ago, by the
Heirs at Law; and by her not having an Heir Male, 3000 l. _per. ann._
descends with the Title to _Thomas Chaplin_, Esq; and an Estate of
about 2000 l. _per. ann._ to Sir _John_’s two Sisters, after a 3d Share
to Mrs _Chaplin_.
Advice came of 3 Incendiaries, or as there call’d, _Bristol Firemen_,
being taken up at _Barnstaple_, and conducted to _Exeter_ Gaol. One was
handsomely dress’d, and had a considerable Sum about him.
Two Hundred Recruits sent from the _Savoy_, to reinforce the Garrisons
of _Gibraltar_ and _Port Mahon_.
Tuesday, _Jan. 5_.
The Corpse of the late Earl of _Delorain_ was a few Nights since
privately interr’d at _Leadwell_ in _Oxfordshire_.
Wednesday, _Jan. 6_.
This being Twelfth-day, his Majesty, the Prince of _Wales_, and the
Kts Companions of the _Garter_, _Thistle_, and _Bath_, appeared in
the Collars of their respective Orders. Their Majesties, the Prince
of _Wales_, and three eldest Princesses, preceded by the Heralds,
_&c._ went to the Chapel-royal, and heard Divine Service. The D. of
_Manchester_ carried the Sword of state. The King and Prince made the
offerings at the altar, of gold, frankincense and myrrh, according to
annual custom. At night their Majesties, _&c._ play’d at _Hazard_ with
the nobility, for the benefit of the _Groom-porter_; and ’twas said the
K. won 600 guineas, the Q. 360. Pr. _Amelia_ 20, Pr. _Carolina_ 10, the
E. of _Portmore_, and D. of _Grafton_ several thousands.
At night Mr. _Sharpless_, high constable of _Holborn_ division,
together with several of his petty constables went to search a
notorious gaming-house behind _Grays-Inn-walks_, by vertue of a warrant
under the hands and seals of the Rt. Hn. Ld. _Delawar_ and eleven other
of his Majesty’s justices of the peace for the County of _Middlesex_,
but the gamesters having previous notice, they all fled, except the
master of the house, who was apprehended, and bound in a recognizance
of 200 _l._ penalty, pursuant to the old statute of 33 _H._ VIII.
It may be some sort of amusement to present our readers with the
following list of officers established in the most notorious
gaming-houses.
1. A _Commissioner_, always a proprietor, who looks in of a night, and
the week’s accompt is audited by him and two others of the proprietors.
2. A _Director_, who superintends the Room.
3. An _Operator_, who deals the cards at a cheating game called _Faro_.
4. Two _Crowpees_, who watch the cards, and gather the money for the
Bank.
5. Two _Puffs_, who have money given them to decoy others to play.
6. A _Clerk_, who is a check upon the puffs, to see that they sink none
of the money that is given them to play with.
7. A _Squib_, is a puff of a lower rank, who serves at half salary,
while he is learning to deal.
8. A _Flasher_, to swear how often the bank has been stript.
9. A _Dunner_, who goes about to recover money lost at play.
10. A _Waiter_, to fill out wine, snuff candles, and attend the
gaming-room.
11. An _Attorney_, a _Newgate_ solicitor.
12. A _Captain_, who is to fight any gentleman that is peevish for
losing his money.
13. An _Usher_, who lights gentlemen up and down stairs, and gives the
word to the Porter.
14. A _Porter_, who is generally a soldier of the foot guards.
15. An _Orderly man_, who walks up and down the outside of the door, to
give notice to the porter, and alarm the house, at the approach of the
constables.
16. A _Runner_, who is to get intelligence of the justices meeting.
17. _Link-boys_, _Coachmen_, _Chairmen_, _Drawers_, _or others_, who
bring the first intelligence of the justices meetings, or of the
constables being out, at half a guinea reward.
18. _Common bail_, _Affidavit-men_, _Ruffians_, _Bravoes_, _Assassins_,
cum multis aliis.
At a meeting of the society for propagating christian knowledge, held
at _Edinburgh_, the several officers for the year ensuing were chosen,
the stock amounted to 12,563 _l._ 12 _s._ 5 _d._ number of schools,
132; and they resolved to send three missionaries to preach the Gospel
to the _Indians_ on the borders of _New-England_; to which they are
encouraged by a gift of Dr. _Daniel Williams_, late a presbyterian
minister in _England_.
Thursday, _Jan. 8_.
_Charles du Bois_, chosen governor of the corporation for smelting
down lead with sea-coal and pit-coal. And _Samuel Beachcroft_, Esq;
deputy-governor of the same.
Mr _Franklin_ was taken into custody for printing and publishing the
_Craftsman_ of the same day; as were likewise 3 persons for publishing
it.
Ended the sessions for _Westminster_, when Sir _J. Gouson_ was again
chosen chairman, and desired to print his charge.
_Terence Magrahe_, a young man in the _French_ interest, having
inveigled many _Irish_ papists to enter into that service, and it being
soon known by their refusing to work, the magistrates of _Birr_ in
_Ireland_, assembled a _Posse_ to secure them, but they were not able
to apprehend above three, the rest escaped with their Captain, and took
shipping near _Dublin_.
Saturday, _Jan. 9_.
The new-born son and heir of _W. Pulteney_, Esq; baptized by the
name of _William_; the E. of _Berkeley_, and E. of _Winchelsea_
and _Nottingham_, being Godfathers, and the Dutchess-dowager of
_Marlborough_ Godmother.
Sunday, _Jan. 10_.
Dr. _Lynch_ preached before their Majesties at St. _James’s_ chapel;
the Earl of _Orkney_ carried the sword of State.
Monday, _Jan. 11_.
The corpse of the lady _Dolben_, wife of the rev. Sir _John Dolben_,
lately arrived from _France_, was carried out of town to be interr’d,
at _Finedon_ in _Northamptonshire_. Sir _John_ had also buried 4 sons
in 8 months past.
Tuesday, _Jan. 12_.
Sir _Isaac Shard_, Kt. and _Jn. Fuller_, Esq; the present sheriffs,
went to _Woodstreet_ compter, and distributed a considerable sum of
money to the poor debtors confined there.
Wednesday, _Jan. 13_.
The merchants having resolved to pay nothing for receipt of debenture
money, for the 15 _per Cent._ and other duties, this day a great many
were paid off without any abatement for pretended fees.
Thursday, _Jan. 14_.
The noted _Mary Harvey_, alias _Machaig_, broke out of the
_Kings’s-bench_, where she was confined for keeping a disorderly house.
Friday, _Jan. 15_.
Began the sessions at the _Old baily_, when Mr _Maynee_, a clerk to the
Bank was arraigned upon two indictments for erasing and altering 2 bank
notes, and pleaded guilty, upon which the Statute was read that makes
it felony without benefit of clergy. _See_ p. 216, 403.
His Majesty order’d a pension of 20 _l._ _per. Ann._ to such of the
late King’s superannuated livery servants who are not provided for on
the present establishment.
_Cork, Jan. 15._ This day one _Tim. Groneen_ was, for the murder and
robbery of Mr. _St. Leger_ and his wife at _Bally volane_, sentenc’d
to be hang’d 2 minutes, then his head to be cut off, his bowels to be
taken out and thrown in his face; and his body divided in 4 quarters to
be placed in 4 cross ways. He was servant to Mr. _Leger_, and committed
the murder with the privity of _Joan Condon_ the servant maid, who was
sentenced to be burnt, also of the gardener, whom he knock’d on the
head to deprive him of his share of the booty. When he was taken, he
said _he would have all catholick servants use their protestant masters
so, if they would merit heaven_. But after Trial, made the following
declaration. _The Devil was too great with me, I first resolved only to
rob my Master, but when I went into the room shot him in his Bed, and
gave my Mistress 5 stabs. The Gardener consented to go with me and held
the Candle. I took 20 l. and the watch out of my Masters pocket_, and
then rode off, (having first kill’d the gardener, and given the maid a
small share of the money.)
Sunday, _Jan. 17_.
The Rev. Dr. _Clark_ preached before their Majesties, &c. in the royal
chapel at St. _James’s_; the Lord _Delawar_ carried the Sword of State.
Monday, _Jan. 18_.
Eight persons who were taken up at _Norwich_, for handing about a
treasonable paper, intitled, _The D. of ~Wharton’s~ Reasons_, &c. were
admitted to bail about this time.
Tuesday, _Jan. 19_.
The KING’s most excellent Majesty elected governor of the royal
_African_ company, Sir _Robert Sutton_, Knt. of the _Bath_,
sub-governor, and Sir _Biby Lake_, Bar. deputy-governor; as also, the
following Directors or Assistants.
_Solomon Ashley_, Esq;
_John Baker_, Esq;
*_Tho. Bradshaw_, Esq;
_Tho. Bodicoate_, Esq;
_Christian Cole_, Esq;
*_Ro. Cruikshank_, Esq;
_Jos. Danvers_, Esq;
_Rich. Evans_, Esq;
_Dan. Finch_, Esq;
*_Cha. Lloyd_, Esq;
_Peter Meyer_, Esq;
Hon. _Fr. Negus_, Esq;
*_James Oglethorpe_, Esq;
_Hen. Parsons_, Esq;
_Benj. Perin_, Esq;
_Tho. Revel_, Esq;
Hon. Sr _Tho. Saunderson_, Knt. of the _Bath_.
_Jn. Thompson_, Esq;
_Fran. Townly_, Esq;
_Henry Vander Esk_, Esq;
*_Tho. Watts_, Esq;
*_Wardel-George Westby_, Esq;
Those mark’d thus * are in the room of _Edward Barker_, _Wm Corbet_,
_George Johnson_, _Adr. Reynardson_, _John Torriano_, and _Philip
Wilkinson_, Esqs.
Wednesday, _Jan. 20_.
The Pr. of _Wales_ entering into the 25th year of his age, there was
a splendid appearance of the nobility, and a ball at Court, which was
open’d by his Royal Highness and the Princess Royal.
20. The Duke of _Richmond_ went to court and resign’d his post of
Aid-de-camp to his Majesty; and also his Commission of Captain of a
Troop in the Royal Regiment of Horse-Guards blue, commanded by the Duke
of _Bolton_.
_Robert Coke_, Esq; brother to the Lord _Lovel_, resign’d his
commission of cornet in the said Regiment.
Several parts of the northern Roads were so cover’d with Snow, that the
_Scotch_ peers and commoners in their way to Parliament, were obliged
to alight and walk many Miles on foot; and in some places the Snow was
so deep, that 50 Men were employ’d to remove it to make it passable.
The Snow was deeper in _Lancashire_ than it had been for 20 years past.
Thursday, _Jan. 21_.
The Parliament met, when his Majesty open’d the Sessions with a most
gracious Speech to both houses.
The Ld. _Raymond_ was introduced to the house of Peers, between the Ld
_Delawar_, and the Ld _Bingley_.
Friday, _Jan. 22_.
The house of Lords waited upon his Majesty with an Address of thanks to
his most gracious Speech from the Throne; to which they received the
following Answer.
_My Lords_,
_I thank you for this loyal and dutiful Address. The enabling me
to fullfil my engagements with my Allies in all events, will not
only effectually secure and continue to my People the advantages
stipulated for them by Treaties, but may greatly contribute to
the obtaining a general pacification._
Saturday, _Jan. 23_.
About this time a medal was struck at the Tower, having on one side the
Head of Sir _Isaac Newton_, with this Motto, _Felix cognoscere causas_;
on the reverse a Figure representing the Mathematicks. _See_ p. 64.
Sunday, _Jan. 24_.
The Rev. Dr. _Birch_ preached before their Majesties, and the Lord
_Gallway_ carried the Sword of State, and the Rev. Dr. _Clark_ preach’d
before his Highness the Duke, and the two young Princesses.
The Ld _Cavendish_ rode a trial (on a hunter) from _Hide Park_ corner
to the lodge in _Windsor Forest_, in an hour and six minutes: There was
a wager depending between him and Sir _Robert Fagg_, that his Lordship
did not perform the same in an hour and five minutes. It is 21 Miles,
and upwards of 5000 _l._ betted. [His Lordship performed it on the 7th
of _February_.]
Monday, _Jan. 25_.
Admiral _Cavendish_, lately arrived with his Squadron from _Gibralter_,
waited on his Majesty, and was graciously received.
Several Prisoners were released out of _Woodstreet_ compter, by Mr.
_Webb_, executor to the late Ld. Chief Baron _Pengelly_, who, by his
Will bequeath’d 500 _l._ for that purpose.
A duel was fought on the new walk in the upper park at St. _James’s_
between the Rt. Hon. the Ld. _Hervey_ and the Rt. Hon. _Wm. Pulteney_,
Esq; who having closed in, after several passes on both sides, were
parted and disarm’d by Sir _John Rushout_, Bart. and _Hen. Fox_, Esq;
their two Friends who attended them. ’Tis said that the Ld. _Hervey_
had two or three slight wounds, and Mr. _Pulteney_ a small hurt in
his left Hand; and that his Lordship gave the Challenge on account of
Mr. _Pulteney’s_ being the reputed Author of a Pamphlet; entituled,
_A proper reply to a late scandalous Libel, ~call’d~ Sedition and
Defamation display’d_.
A Printer at _Newcastle_ upon _Tyne_ taken into Custody, for
re-printing some parts of the _Craftsman_.
In pursuance of the late Act for the better regulation of Juries in the
sittings in _Middlesex_ the names of the several Persons summon’d and
impanell’d were written on distinct pieces of Parchment, and put into a
box, and were drawn out one after another, until 12 Persons whose names
were drawn did appear.
The Snows were so deep in some parts of _Derbyshire_, that the Roads
were hardly passable.
As Workmen were digging in the Gardens of _Charles Child_, Esq; of
_Waverlay_ in _Surry_ (where an a Abbey was founded above 600 Years
ago, by _Wm. Giffard_ then Bp. of _Winchester_, and Abbot of _Waverlay_
as appears by the _Monasticon Anglicanum_, vol. 1. p. 703) they found
a leaden pot, in which the Heart of a man was preserved in Spirits,
supposed from an Inscription on a Tomb in the Cathedral Church of
_Winchester_, to be the Heart of the said Bishop, which was not in the
least decayed.
Tuesday, _Jan. 26_.
His Majesty’s ship _Biddeford_, of 20 guns, put in commission, and
Capt. _Bernard_ appointed commander. Also the _Spence_ Sloop, and the
Command given to Lieut. _Swale_.
Money sent to _Deptford_ to pay 2 Months wages to the Officers and
Seamen of his Majesty’s Yatchts.
Wednesday, _Jan. 27_.
His R. H. the D. of _Cumberland_, stood Godfather in Person to the
new-born Son and Heir of the Ld _Archibald Hamilton_.
Two publishers were taken into Custody of his Majesty’s Messengers
for publishing a Libel intitled, _The Divine catastrophe of the Royal
Family of the ~Stewarts~, &c._ and the next Day were admitted to Bail.
Thursday, _Jan. 28_.
Sig. _Vignola_, resident from the republick of _Venice_, had a private
Audience of leave of the King and Queen.
At Night was a Ball at the _Opera-house_ in the _Hay-market_.
Brigadier _Clayton_ arrived in Town from _Gibralter_.
The new Church at _Bloomsbury_ was consecrated by the Bishop of
_London_, by the name of St _George’s Bloomsbury_, as was also the
burying-ground in the Fields adjoyning. The Divine Service was
performed by Dr. _Crew_, and afterwards the Sacrament was administred.
Signior _Claudio Re_, Minister of the Duke of _Parma_, was at Court,
and notified to his Majesty the death of the said Duke.
Friday, _Jan. 29_.
Sig. _Vignola_ had private Audience of leave of the Prince and Duke.
Ended the Poll for a Member of Parliament for _Bedford_, the numbers
were, for:
Sir. _Jer Vanaker Sambroke_, Bar. 375
Dr. _Thomas Brown_, 346
29. The court received advice that on the death of the duke of
_Parma_, the dutchess his widow had declared herself four months gone
with child; that the duke had made a will in favour of _Don Carlos_,
declaring him lawful heir to his dominions in failure of male issue to
his said dutchess, and that the dutchess has likewise made another will
to the same purport; and that 10,000 Imperialists had taken possession
of the dutchies of _Parma_ and _Placentia_, on pretence of the dutchess
being with child.
A justice of the peace, who had challeng’d Mr. _York_, a council
against him in a certain affair, came to _Westminster-hall_, and asked
pardon in open court, upon which by consent the rule for an information
against him was withdrawn.
About 3 o’clock this morning a woman of distinction fell in labour at
the masquerade, was carried home in her habit, and deliver’d of a son
in two hours after.
Saturday, _Jan. 30_.
This being the anniversary of the martyrdom of K. _Cha._ I. Dr.
_Middleton_ preached before the Ld Mayor and Aldermen of this City,
at St. _Paul_’s; the Bp. of _Peterborough_, before the Lords at
_Westminster Abby_, and Dr. _Littleton_ at St. _Margaret_’s before the
Commons.
Sunday, _Jan. 31_.
His Majesty did not go to chapel, nor dine in publick.
Divine service was performed in the new church of St. _George’s
Bloomsbury_, for the first time since the consecration, by the Rev.
Mr. _Vernon_ in the forenoon, and by the Rev. Mr. _Capper_ in the
afternoon.
_Domestick Occurences in ~JANUARY, 1731~._
Melancholy Effects of Credulity in Witchcraft.
For _Burlington_ in _Pensilvania_ we have an account, that the owners
of several Cattle believing them to be bewitch’d, caused some suspected
men and women to be taken up, and trials to be made for detecting them.
Above 300 people assembled near the governor’s house, and a pair of
scales being erected, the suspected persons were each weigh’d against
a large Bible; but all of them vastly outweighing it, the accused
were then to be tied head and feet together, and put into a river, on
supposition that if they swam they must be guilty. This trial they
offer’d to undergo, in case as many of their accusers should be served
in the like manner; which being done, they all swam very buoyant,
to the no small diversion of the spectators, and clearing of the
accused.--This has revived a like transaction in _Somersetshire_ in
_Sept._ last, and another in _France_.