e words of his own mouth, and
fell by the sword of Solomon the chief ruler.[330]Furthermore, I do
not remember to have heard in the days of my youth and vanity, when,
like thine, my conversation was with the Gentiles, that the men of
Rome, which is Babylon, ever sued unto the men of Carthage for
tranquillity, as thou dost aver: neither was Hannibal, the son of
Hamilcar, called home by his countrymen, till these saw the sword
of their enemies at their gates; and then was it not time for him,
thinkest thou, to return? It appeareth therefore that thou dost
prophecy backwards; thou dost row one way, and look another; and
indeed in all things art thou too much a time-server; yet seemest
thou not to consider what a day may bring forth. Think of this, and
take tobacco.

"Thy Friend,
"AMINADAB."

If the zealous writer of the above letter has any meaning, it is of too
high a nature to be the subject of my Lucubrations. I shall therefore
waive such high points, and be as useful as I can to persons of less
moment than any he hints at. When a man runs into a little fame in the
world, as he meets with a great deal of reproach which he does not
deserve, so does he also a great deal of esteem to which he has in
himself no pretensions. Were it otherwise, I am sure no one would offer
to put a law case to me: but because I am an adept in physic and
astrology, they will needs persuade me that I am no less a proficient in
all other sciences. However, the point mentioned in the following letter
is so plain a one, that I think I need not trouble myself to cast a
figure to be able to discuss it.

"MR. BICKERSTAFF,

"It is some years ago since the entail of the estate of our family
was altered, by passing a fine in favour of me (who now am in
possession of it) after some others deceased. The heirs-general,
who live beyond sea, were excluded by this settlement, and the
whole estate is to pass in a new channel after me and my heirs. But
several tenants of the lordship persuade me to let them hereafter
hold their lands of me according to the old customs of the barony,
and not oblige them to act by the limitations of the last
settlement. This, they say, will make me more popular among my
dependants, and the ancient vassals of