| Citation |
NECO.724.004
17-24 Feb 1724:11,12,21 (134)
Plymouth, Feb. 18. Father Janus, Doubtless an occurrence
from this part of the world, will be like the news from the
moon; and indeed were it so, it would be no ways strange,
considering the Lunatick transaction of which I design'd to
give you the account. In order thereunto I'll make bold to
borrow an anagram which I met with in one of your papers
some time since, viz.
Thou Poor Ass
A poor ass is the subject of my discourse. Know then,
Father Janus, that in the last great storm, whether by
stress of whether or the invitation of a few beasts it is
not certain, a poor ass came into our town; and being the
first of his kind that ever was seen in these parts, he was
much admired among the herd, who all followed him, full of
admiration; for it was given out that he was wonderfully
gifted, and could bray an hour together by Rote. The ass
being proud of these commendations, calls a conventicle
about two miles out of town, and gathers to him a few simple
creatures of the forrest, who all stand amazed to behold the
performance of the ass; and he being so much taken with the
applause of his hearers, we fear he will prove very
troublesome to the town; for you must understand that he and
his crowd make up a compleat troop, and unless timely
suppress'd may prove very detrimental to the inhabitants.
Now, old Father Janus, being well satisfy'd of your ability
and readiness to crack hard questions, I would beg the
favour of you to resolve us by what method we shall get rid
of this troublesome ass and his troopers, and you will
oblige
Your humble servant, T.T.
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