ion of
the first Coronet.'

_I am_, &c.

_Mr._ SPECTATOR,

'I wish you would write a Philosophical Paper about Natural
Antipathies, with a Word or two concerning the Strength of
Imagination. I can give you a List upon the first Notice, of a
Rational _China_ Cup, of an Egg that walks upon two Legs, and a Quart
Pot that sings like a Nightingale. There is in my Neighbourhood a very
pretty prattling Shoulder of Veal, that squawls out at the Sight of a
Knife. Then as for Natural Antipathies, I know a General Officer who
was never conquered but by a smother'd Rabbit; and a Wife that
domineers over her Husband by the Help of a Breast of Mutton. A Story
that relates to my self on this Subject may be thought not
unentertaining, especially when I assure you that it is literally
true. I had long made Love to a Lady, in the Possession of whom I am
now the happiest of Mankind, whose Hand I shou'd have gained with much
Difficulty without the Assistance of a Cat. You must know then, that
my most dangerous Rival had so strong an Aversion to this Species,
that he infallibly swooned away at the Sight of that harmless
Creature. My Friend Mrs. _Lucy_, her Maid, having a greater Respect
for me and my Purse than she had for my Rival, always took Care to pin
the Tail of a Cat under the Gown of her Mistress, whenever she knew of
his coming; which had such an Effect, that every Time he entred the
Room, he looked more like one of the Figures in Mrs. _Salmon's_
Wax-work, than a desirable Lover. In short, he grew Sick of her
Company; which the young Lady taking Notice of, (who no more knew why,
than he did) she sent me a Challenge to meet her in _Lincoln's-Inn_
Chappel, which I joyfully accepted, and have (amongst other Pleasures)
the Satisfaction of being praised by her for my Stratagem, I am, &c.'

_From the Hoop_.

Tom. Nimble.

_Mr._ SPECTATOR,

'The Virgins of _Great Britain_ are very much oblig'd to you for
putting them upon such tedious Drudgeries in Needlework as were fit
only for the _Hilpa's_ and the _Nilpa's_ that lived before the Flood.
Here's a stir indeed with your Histories in Embroidery, your Groves
with Shades of Silk and Streams of Mohair! I would have you to know,
that I hope to kill a hundred Lovers before the best Housewife in
_England_ can stitch out a Battel, and do not fear but to provide Boys
and Girls much faster than your Discip