er, and by his printer, and laid on his
mistress's breakfast-table the following--

"SPECTATOR.

"No. 341. "Tuesday, April 1, 1712.

Mutato nomine de te Fabula narratur.--HORACE.
Thyself the morain of the fable see.--CREECH.

"Jocasta is known as a woman of learning and fashion, and as one of
the most amiable persons of this court and country. She is at home two
mornings of the week, and all the wits and a few of the beauties of
London flock to her assemblies. When she goes abroad to Tunbridge or the
Bath, a retinue of adorers rides the journey with her; and besides
the London beaux, she has a crowd of admirers at the Wells, the
polite amongst the natives of Sussex and Somerset pressing round her
tea-tables, and being anxious for a nod from her chair. Jocasta's
acquaintance is thus very numerous. Indeed, 'tis one smart writer's work
to keep her visiting-book--a strong footman is engaged to carry it;
and it would require a much stronger head even than Jocasta's own to
remember the names of all her dear friends.

"Either at Epsom Wells or at Tunbridge (for of this important matter
Jocasta cannot be certain) it was her ladyship's fortune to become
acquainted with a young gentleman, whose conversation was so sprightly,
and manners amiable, that she invited the agreeable young spark to visit
her if ever he came to London, where her house in Spring Garden should
be open to him. Charming as he was, and without any manner of doubt
a pretty fellow, Jocasta hath such a regiment of the like continually
marching round her standard, that 'tis no wonder her attention
is distracted amongst them. And so, though this gentleman made a
considerable impression upon her, and touched her heart for at least
three-and-twenty minutes, it must be owned that she has forgotten his
name. He is a dark man, and may be eight-and-twenty years old. His dress
is sober, though of rich materials. He has a mole on his forehead over
his left eye; has a blue ribbon to his cane and sword, and wears his own
hair.

"Jocasta was much flattered by beholding her admirer (for that everybody
admires who sees her is a point which she never can for a moment doubt)
in the next pew to her at St. James's Church last Sunday; and the manner
in which he appeared to go to sleep during the sermon--though from under
his fringed eyelids it was evident he was casting glances of respectful
rapture towards Jocasta--