ctise it, as a necessary Piece of
Self-Defence. 'Tis true I have carried it a little further than
they, and with greater Reason, because I have not forgot in how bad
a Light I stood when _Fowls_ of Parts sway'd the publick Counsels,
with what Sagacity they saw thro' all my private Views and Designs,
and with what Facility they brought about my Disgrace; and
therefore, when I have discover'd in any of those concern'd with me
in Business, a fine Discernment, and a Genius for great Affairs, I
have from that Minute look'd upon such as dangerous, and for that
Reason either procured their Disgrace, or under the Pretence of
doing them Honour, prevail'd upon the Emperor to confer upon them
the Government of some distant Province, where they are removed too
far from the Imperial Counsels, to be able to do me any
Harm.

"But to come nearer to my present Purpose; my Design of placing you
at Court, is to serve as a Spy for me upon the _Squabbaws_; for my
Enemies, who have tried in vain all other Means to overturn me, may
perhaps at last attempt it that Way; and the Avarice of these
_Squabbaws_, which has hitherto been my Support, may one Time or
other (if I am not very vigilant) prove my Ruine. For if my Enemies
should bribe them, to be privately introduced to confer with the
Emperor, there is an End of my Reign; for I am not insensible, that
his Imperial Majesty has no Personal Affection for me, and it is his
own Ease and Indolence that hinders him from looking out for some
other Servant to supply my Place; for Alterations cannot be made
without some little Trouble.

"Be therefore vigilant for my Interest, as you value your own: Be
always quick in your Intelligence, watch every Step and Motion of
the _Squabbaws_, and acquaint me with every thing that passes in
their most secret Transactions. Let me know who are their Advisers,
their Favourites, their Companions; but above all, be quick in
informing me, if any Person should be admitted to confer with the
Emperor; and if possible, hear what is the Subject of their
Discourse. Your grotesque Form may recommend you to the _Squabbaws_;
for Animals sometimes become Favourites amongst us, only for the
Oddness of their Figure. They will say or do any thing before you,
because they will never imagine you capable of making any Remarks;
for the _Cacklogallinians_ have such a Notion, that no Creatures are
endued wit