l speculations in particular, however just
and important, are of so dry and austere a nature, that they will not
go down with the public without frequent seasonings of this kind. The
work may be well performed, but will never take, if it is not set off
with proper scenes and decorations. A mere Politician is but a dull
companion, and, if he is always wise, is in great danger of being
tiresom or ridiculous.

Besides, papers of entertainment are necessary to increase the
number of readers, especially among those of different notions and
principles; who by this means may be betrayed to give you a fair
hearing, and to know what you have to say for yourself. I might
likewise observe, that in all political writings there is something
that grates upon the mind of the most candid reader, in opinions which
are not conformable to his own way of thinking; and that the harshness
of reasoning is not a little softned and smoothed by the infusions of
mirth and pleasantry.

Political speculations do likewise furnish us with several objects
that may very innocently be ridiculed, and which are regarded as such
by men of sense in all parties; of this kind are the passions of our
States-women, and the reasonings of our Fox-hunters.

A Writer who makes fame the chief end of his endeavours, and would be
more desirous of pleasing than of improving his readers, might find
an inexhaustible fund of mirth in politics. Scandal and satire are
never-failing gratifications to the public. Detraction and obloquy
are received with as much eagerness as wit and humour. Should a writer
single out particular persons, or point his rallery at any order of
men, who by their profession ought to be exempt from it; should he
slander the innocent, or satirize the miserable; or should he, even
on the proper subjects of derision, give the full play to his mirth,
without regard to decency and good-manners; he might be sure of
pleasing a great part of his readers, but must be a very ill man, if
by such a proceeding he could please himself.

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