Sir Roger de Coverley.
—In the first article of the Number of the Quarterly Review just published, on Sir Roger de Coverley, by the Spectator, with Notes and Illustrations, by W. Henry Wills, it is stated,—
"At the suggestion of Swift they took advantage of a popular name, and derided the Knight's descent from the inventor of the celebrated country-dance," &c.
I should like to know the authority for this statement respecting Swift, as, at the time of the Spectator first appearing, he was certainly not on good terms with either Addison or Steele. The first Number of the Spectator was published on the 1st of March, 1710-11. In Swift's journal, sent to Stella, he says, March 6th,—
"I have not seen Mr. Addison these three weeks: all our friendship is over."
On the 16th he says,—
"Have you seen the Spectator yet? a paper that comes out every day. 'Tis written by Mr. Steele, who seems to have gathered new life, and have a new fund of wit; it is in the same nature as his Tatlers, and they have all of them had something pretty. I believe Addison and he club. I never see them," &c.
C. DE D.
Lines on Elizabeth.
—No doubt some of your readers will be able to tell me where I may find these verses:—