explain the Reasons of her
Conduct; nor do we doubt being able to satisfy the most curious Reader, that
Mrs. Slipslop did not in the least deviate from the common Road in this
Behaviour; and indeed, had she done otherwise, she must have descended below
herself, and would have very justly been liable to Censure.
    Be it known then, that the human Species are divided into two sorts of
People, to-wit, High People and Low People. As by High People, I would not be
understood to mean Persons literally born higher in their Dimensions than the
rest of the Species, nor metaphorically those of exalted Characters or
Abilities; so by Low People I cannot be construed to intend the Reverse. High
People signify no other than People of Fashion, and low People those of no
Fashion. Now this word Fashion, hath by long use lost its original Meaning, from
which at present it gives us a very different Idea: for I am deceived, if by
Persons of Fashion, we do not generally include a Conception of Birth and
Accomplishments superior to the Herd of Mankind; whereas in reality, nothing
more was originally meant by a Person of Fashion, than a Person who drest
himself in the Fashion of the Times; and the Word really and truly signifies no
more at this day. Now the World being thus divided into People of Fashion, and
People of no Fashion, a fierce Contention arose between them, nor would those of
one Party, to avoid Suspicion, be seen publickly to speak to those of the other;
tho' they often held a very good Correspondence in private. In this Contention,
it is difficult to say which Party succeeded: for whilst the People of Fashion
seized several Places to, their own use, such as Courts, Assemblies, Operas,
Balls, etc. the People of no Fashion, besides one Royal Place called his
Majesty's Bear-Garden, have been in constant Possession of all Hops, Fairs,
Revels, etc. Two Places have been agreed to be divided between them, namely the
Church and the Play-House; where they segregate themselves from each other in a
remarkable Manner: for as the People of Fashion exalt themselves at Church over
the Heads of the People of no Fashion; so in the Play-House they abase
themselves in the same degree under their Feet. This Distinction I have never
met with any one able to account for; it is sufficient, that so far from looking
on each other as Brethren in the Christian Language, they seem scarce to regard
each other as of the same Species. This