_An infallible scheme to pay the public debts. Swift._ Circumstances in a period resemble small stones in a building employ’d to fill up vacancies among those of a larger size. In the arrangement of a period, such under-parts crowded together make a poor figure; and never are graceful but when interspersed among the capital parts. I shall illustrate this rule by the following example. It is likewise urged, that there are, by computation, in this kingdom, above 10,000 parsons, whose revenues, added to those of my Lords the bishops, would suffice to maintain, _&c._ _Argument against abolishing Christianity. Swift._ Here two circumstances, _viz. by computation_ and _in this kingdom_, are crowded together unnecessarily. They make a better appearance separated in the following manner. It is likewise urged, that in this kingdom there are, by computation, above 10,000 parsons, _&c._ If there be room for a choice, the sooner a circumstance be introduced, the better. Circumstances are proper for that coolness of mind, with which a period as well as a work is commenced. In the progress, the mind warms, and has a greater relish for matters of importance. When a circumstance is placed at the beginning or near the beginning of the period, the transition from it to the principal subject is agreeable: it is like ascending or mounting upward. On the other hand, to place it late in the period has a bad effect; for after being engaged in the principal subject, one is with reluctance brought down to give attention to a circumstance. Hence evidently the preference of the following arrangement, Whether in any country a choice altogether unexceptionable has been made, seems doubtful, before this other, Whether a choice altogether unexceptionable has in any country been made, _&c._ For this reason the following period is exceptionable in point of arrangement: I have considered formerly, with a good deal of attention, the subject upon which you command me to communicate my thoughts to you. _Bolingbroke of the study of history, letter 1._ which, with a slight alteration, may be improved thus: I have formerly, with a good deal of attention, considered the subject, _&c._ The bad effect of placing a circumstance last or late in a period, will appear from the following examples. Let us endeavour to establish to ourselves an interest in him who holds the reins of the whole creation in his hand. _Spectator_, Nº 12. Better thus: Let us endeavour to establish to ourselves an interest in him, who, in his hand, holds the reins of the whole creation. Virgil, who has cast the whole system of Platonic philosophy, so far as it relates to the soul of man, into beautiful allegories, _in the sixth book of his Æneid_, gives us the punishment, _&c._