numerous followers and admirers, as the best model of writing, and the only standard of purity and elegance in the English tongue; and what is worse, are actually thought to be so by nine readers of ten in the nation. Hence the question plainly comes to this refult: Whether we shall continue to write and speak the language transmitted down to us by our ancestors, who have hardly derived more honour to their country, from their numberless victories obtained, and gallant exploits performed in every quarter of the globe, than from their inimitable writings in every branch of science and literature; or whether we shall adopt, I will not say a new language, but a barbarous jargon, attempted to be imposed upon us, by a few School-mafters and Pedants, who owe all their credit to their petulance and impudence, who are equally ignorant of books and men, and who think they have done a fine thing when they have tack'd an English termination to a Latin word, and have huddled together a parcel of quaint unmeaning phrafes, whose only effect is to make the stupid reader stare, and cry 'tis mighty fine!

'Tis true, that in the Dialogue I have reprefented the overthrow of Lexiphanicism as a very desperate undertaking indeed. And though this might be partly done to heighten its humour, yet I must confefs, that such were in a great measure my real sentiments at the time. But since, and within thefe few months, I have seen many late performances, written in a pure and manly style, and which I have the pleasure to fee, from the number of their editions, have met with deferved fuccefs. From hence, and from fome other circumstances, I incline to believe, that the true taste and Lexiphanicism are at present pretty nearly on a

balance, and that an additional weight, thrown

I

thrown into the right scale, would at once decide the business. And this weight none is so proper, or has fo much interest, to throw in as your Lordship.

Befides, should the advocates for plainness and fimplicity be greatly outnumbered by their adverfaries, they are armed with a weapon, which the Lexiphanefes have not to use against them, and against which, they have at the same time no defence. It is not grave, folid reasoning from the genius of our language, the authority of our best writers, and so forth; for in that cafe, you would foon be overpowered by a torrent of hard words and terms of art, which the ignorant multitude would immediately conftrue into deeper learning. But it is Ridicule. And this powerful engine I have therefore employed against them. With what fuccefs, your Lordship and the publick must foon determine.

But

But should I prove unfuccefsful, you, my Lord, whose concern it ought fo much to be, can easily recommend the task to another, who may poffefs happier talents, and perform it in a more fatisfactory manner. As for me, I shall account it fufficient honour, to have started the game, tho' I should be thrown out in the chace, and should not even be present at the death.

Having troubled you so long, I must conclude this Address as abruptly as it began, indulging, at the fame time, a favourite piece of vanity, by declaring, in this publick manner, that I have the good sense, tafste and judgment, to be

Your Lordship's

Sincere Admirer,

And most Obedient

b

Humble Servant.