of his wits. In a short time after he appeared abroad, and confirmed the report by falling into the oddest whimsies, that ever a sick brain conceived.
And now the little boys in the streets began to salute him with several names. Sometimes they would call him Jack the bald[1]; sometimes, Jack with a lantern[2]; sometimes, Dutch Jack[3]; sometimes, French Hugh[4]; sometimes, Tom the Beggar[5]; and sometimes, Knocking Jack of the north[6]. And it was under one, or some, or all of these appellations, which I leave the learned reader to determine, that he has given rise to the most illustrious and epidemick sect of Æolists; who, with honourable commemoration, do still acknowledge the renowned JACK, for their author and founder. Of whose original, as well as principles, I am now advancing to gratify the world with a very particular account.
————Mellæo contingens cuncta lepore.