try dances and puppet plays to apply it to that use. This
was not very grateful to the esquire; therefore, as the last experiment,
he was resolved to send Signior Benenato, master of his foxhounds, to
Mrs. Bull to try what good he could do with her. This Signior Benenato
had all the qualities of a fine gentleman that were set to charm a
lady's heart, and if any person in the world could have persuaded her
it was he. But such was her unshaken fidelity to her husband, and the
constant purpose of her mind to pursue his interest, that the most
refined arts of gallantry that were practised could not seduce her
heart. The necklaces, diamond crosses, and rich bracelets that were
offered she rejected with the utmost scorn and disdain. The music and
serenades that were given her sounded more ungratefully in her ears than
the noise of a screech owl. However, she received Esquire South's letter
by the hands of Signior Benenato with that respect which became his
quality. The copy of the letter is as follows, in which you will observe
he changes a little his usual style:--

MADAM,--The Writ of Ejectment against Philip Baboon (pretended Lord
Strutt) is just ready to pass. There want but a few necessary forms and
a verdict or two more to put me in the quiet possession of my honour and
estate. I question not but that, according to your wonted generosity and
goodness, you will give it the finishing stroke: an honour that I would
grudge anybody but yourself. In order to ease you of some part of the
charges, I promise to furnish pen, ink, and paper, provided you pay
for the stamps. Besides, I have ordered my stewards to pay out of the
readiest and best of my rents five pounds ten shillings a year till
my suit is finished. I wish you health and happiness, being with due
respect,

Madam, your assured friend,

SOUTH.

What answer Mrs. Bull returned to this letter you shall know in
my second part, only they were at a pretty good distance in their
proposals; for as Esquire South only offered to be at the charges of
pen, ink, and paper, Mrs. Bull refused any more than to lend her barge*
to carry his counsel to Westminster Hall.

* Sending the English Fleet to convoy the forces to
Barcelona.

PART II.

THE PUBLISHER'S PREFACE.

The world is much indebted to the famous Sir Humphry Polesworth for his
ingenious and impartial account of John Bull's lawsuit. Yet there is
just cause of complaint against him, in that