[71] Leveridge composed the music for this song.
[72] It is interesting to compare this constable with the Dogberry and Verges of Much Ado about Nothing, especially Act IV. Scene ii.
[73] The following dialogue is adapted from Le Menteur, V. i. Cf. Foote's Liar, II. iv.
[74] Steele himself made experiments in alchemy.
[75] There is a similar scene in Fielding's Amelia, Book I., chap. iii., and particulars of the system of garnish may be found in the works of John Howard.
[76] This condemnation of duelling is the first of a long series in Steele's works.
[77] The hearer should ponder over more things than he sees.
[78] When this dedication was written, Addison had recently (December, 1704) published his successful poem, The Campaign, and was preparing his Remarks on Italy for the press.
[79] Wilks was Captain Clerimont.
[80] "The next place of resort wherein the servile world are let loose, is at the entrance of Hyde Park, where the gentry are at the Ring" (Spectator, No. 88). This favourite drive and promenade was partly destroyed when the Serpentine was formed. The servants gathered round the gate, while their masters and mistresses stared at or ogled each other in the Ring.