This I will
venture to say, That it will be a glorious campaign for the
allies, wherein the English forces, both by sea and land, will
have their full share of honour: That her Majesty Queen Anne will
continue in health and prosperity: And that no ill accident will
arrive to any of the chief ministry.
As to the particular events I have mention'd, the readers may
judge by the fulfilling of 'em, whether I am on the level with
common astrologers; who, with an old paultry cant, and a few
pothook for planets, to amuse the vulgar, have, in my opinion,
too long been suffer'd to abuse the world: But an honest
physician ought not to be despis'd, because there are such things
as mountebanks. I hope I have some share of reputation, which I
would not willingly forfeit for a frolick or humour: And I
believe no gentleman, who reads this paper, will look upon it to
be of the same cast or mould with the common scribblers that are
every day hawk'd about. My fortune has placed me above the little
regard of scribbling for a few pence, which I neither value or
want: Therefore let no wise men too hastily condemn this essay,
intended for a good design, to cultivate and improve an ancient
art, long in disgrace, by having fallen into mean and unskilful
hands. A little time will determine whether I have deceived
others or myself: and I think it is no very unreasonable request,
that men would please to suspend their judgments till then.
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