As to the want of a precedent, that is easily supplied. Pardons for all sorts and sizes of crimes were commonly bought and sold in the reign of James I.; nay, pardon granted in anticipation of crimes to be at a future time committed.
After all, you see, Mr. Dyer’s idea was not altogether original.
Your affectionate friend,
CHRISTOPHER SLY.
Pump Court.
P.S.—Permit me to congratulate you on the determination you have come to, of entering the literary world. Your modesty may be alarmed, but I must tell you that several of our “popular and talented” authors are commonly thought to be greatly indebted to you. They are said to derive valuable hints from you, particularly in their management of the pathetic.
Keep a strict eye upon your wife, Judith. You say she will superintend your notices of the fashions, &c.; but I fear she has been already too long and exclusively employed on certain newspapers and other periodicals. Her style is not easily mistaken.
WHIG-WAGGERIES.
The Whigs must go: to reign instead
The Tories will be call’d;
The Whigs should ne’er be at the head—