This sort of Impertinents the _Coffee-houses_ are every day full of; nay, so far has this contagious Impertinence spread it self, that _Private Houses_, and _Shops_, nay, the very _Streets_ and _Bulks_ are infected and pester’d with Politicks and News. Not a Pot cou’d go glibly down, or a flitch go merrily forward without _Namur_, a while ago; ’twas _Spice_ to the _Porter’s Ale_, and _Wax_ to the _Cobler’s Thread_; the one suspended his Draught, and the other his Awl to enquire what was become of the _Rogue_, and were very glad to hear he was taken, and expected no doubt he shou’d come over and make ’em a _Holy-day_ at his Execution. They were mightily rejoyc’d at the Arresting of the Mareschal _Boufflers_, and made no question but they shou’d see him amongst the rest of the _Beasts_ at _Bartholomew Fair_ for Two Pence. This Folly of the _Mob_ was in some measure excusable, because their Ignorance led ’em into an expectation of seeing what had given the World so much Trouble. But those that have better knowledge of things have no such _Plea_, they ought to have been wiser, than to have busied themselves so much and so earnestly about affairs, which all their care and Sollicitude could have no more influence upon, than over the Weather. ’Twas pleasant to see what Shoals the report of the arrival of a _Holland_, or _Flanders Mail_, brought to the _Secretary’s Office_, the _Post Office_, and the _Coffee-Houses_; every one Crowding to catch the News first, which as soon as they had, they posted away like so many Expresses to disperse it among their Neighbours at more distance, that waited with Ears prickt up to receive ’em, or walk’d uneasily with a Foolish Impatience to and from the Door, or Window, as if their looking out so often wou’d fetch ’em the sooner. Most Men in their News are like _Beau_’s in their Diet, the worst is welcome while ’tis fresh and scarce, and the best is not worth a Farthing when it has been blown upon; and commonly they fare like _Beau_’s, are fond of it while ’tis young and insipid, and neglect it when ’tis grown up to its full, and true relish. No sooner is it rumour’d that a Breach is made in the _Castle Wall_, or the _White Flag_ hung out, but a _Council of War_ is call’d in every _Coffee-house_ in Town; the _French_, and _Dutch Prints_, their Intelligencers are call’d for immediately, and examin’d, and not a Shot is mention’d but they start as if the Ball whizz’d just then by their Ears. After this follows a serious debate about a general Assault, and whether they shall storm immediately, or not; who shall begin the Attack; what Conditions shall be granted on Capitulation. The Castle of _Namur_ thus taken, or Surrender’d, they proceed to take their Measures, and settle the next Campaign, and whatever harm we suffer by those mischeivous _French_ in the Field, they are sure to take sufficient Revenge, and pay ’em off Swingingly in the _Coffee-houses_: But as if this were not enough, Our