ut of the window, and jestingly tell them (as Cato did
Nasica), 'Mrs. Astell is not at home'; and in good earnest keep them
out, not suffering such triflers to make inroads upon her more serious
hours" (Ballard's "Memoirs of British Learned Ladies," 1775, p. 309).
For Swift's attacks on Mary Astell, see Nos. 32, 63.]

[Footnote 241: "Monter une perruque" is a French barber's phrase.]

[Footnote 242: See Nos. 26, 29. Duvillier or Devillier was a
hairdresser.]

[Footnote 243: May Day. In the _Spectator_ (No. 365) Budgell says: "It
is likewise on the first day of this month that we see the ruddy
milkmaid exerting herself in a most sprightly manner under a pyramid of
silver tankards, and like the virgin Tarpeia, oppressed by the costly
ornaments which her benefactors lay upon her." Similarly, Misson
("Travels in England," p. 307) says: "On the first of May, and the five
or six days following, all the pretty young country girls that serve the
town with milk, dress themselves up very neatly, and borrow abundance of
silver plate, whereof they make a pyramid, which they adorn with ribands
and flowers, and carry upon their heads, instead of their common
milkpails. In this equipage, accompanied by some of their fellow
milkmaids, and a bagpipe and fiddle, they go from door to door,
dancing before the houses of their customers."]

[Footnote 244: "There is a Pastoral Masque to be performed on the 27th
inst., in York Buildings, for the benefit of Mr. Clayton, and composed
by him. This gentleman is the person who introduced the Italian opera
into Great Britain, and hopes he has pretensions to the favour of all
lovers of music, who can get over the prejudice of his being their
countryman" (_Tatler_, original folio, No. 163).

Thomas Clayton, in association with Haym and Dieuport, began a series of
operatic performances at Drury Lane Theatre in 1705, commencing with
"Arsinoe," which was a success. In 1707 he produced a setting of
Addison's "Rosamond," but it was played only three times. The opera
performances were continued until 1711, after which Clayton gave
concerts in York Buildings (see _Spectator_, No. 258). He died about
1730.]

[Footnote 245: In the Strand. In 1713 Steele started a scheme for "a
noble entertainment for persons of refined taste," in York Buildings.]

[Footnote 246: At Charing Cross, with a back door into Spring Gardens.]

[Footnote 247: See Nos. 153, 157, 168.]

[Footnote 248: In the _Daily Courant_ for