
Having read them, with due Attention; Mr.
Clement,
says he, I perceive that you are a learned and ingenious young Gentleman; but I find that you are better acquainted with the Republics of
Greece,
than with the Nature and Constitution of our limited Monarchy. Hence, alone, hath proceeded some Lapses, and Misapplications, that your Adversaries would lay hold of. Yet, there is nothing, grossly, scurrilous or malicious, throughout; nor what may amount to the incurring of a Praemunire, by the most violent Constraint or Wresting of the Sense. If you are inclined, says he, to proceed in the Course of these Papers, I would advise you to put in Bail, and to stand the Action. But, as I am persuaded that the Court have commenced this Prosecution as a Matter, merely
in terrorem,
to deter you from a Work that gives them great Disgust, if you have any genteel Friend, who would solicit in your Favour, and promise a future Conduct, more amenable to Power, you would, undoubtedly be discharged, without further Cost or Trouble.
I returned my warm Acknowledgments to the Serjeant for his friendly Counsel, and told him I would consider of it, before I gave him further Trouble. When he was gone, I dispatched a Letter to Mrs.
Graves,
wherein I gave her an Account of my present Situation, in a Manner, as little alarming as possible. I requested her to provide Bail for my Appearance at Bar; but insisted that, till this was done, neither she nor
Arabella
should come to my Prison; and, that I had given express Orders that they should not be admitted.
Alas! had they complyed with my Directions, how happy might we have been, all together, at this Day. But, the Excess of their Goodness was the Cause of our common Ruin. Their Affection would not be satisfied with simple Bail; and they resolved never to rest, till they had procured my full Discharge.
They went about to all their Customers of any Distinction. They solicited, petitioned, and bribed without Measure. They borrowed Money to the utmost Extent of their Credit; and pawned, or sold all their Effects under prime Cost. They gave a Purse to one, to bring them acquainted with another, on whom they bestowed a larger Sum, to introduce them to a third. Having, at length, made their Way to Lord
Stivers,
an Agent of the Minister, he thought he saw an Advantage in granting their Request, and my Discharge was made out, without further Delay.
On the fifth
