If it be now asked to what can we ascribe this superiority of the moderns in all the species of ridicule? I answer, to the improved state of conversation. The great geniuses of Greece and Rome were formed during the times of a republican government: and though it be certain, as Longinus asserts, that democracies are the nurseries of true sublimity; yet monarchies and courts are more productive of politeness. The arts of civility, and the decencies of conversation, as they unite men more closely, and bring them more frequently together, multiply opportunities of observing those incongruities and absurdities of behaviour, on which ridicule is founded. The ancients had more liberty and seriousness; the moderns have more luxury and laughter. * * * * * [Illustration: Title page] THE _Gentleman's Magazine_. OR, MONTHLY INTELLIGENCER, For the YEAR 1732. CONTAINING I. An impartial _VIEW_ of the various _Weekly_ ESSAYS, _Controversial, Humorous_, and _Satirical; Religious, Moral,_ and _Political_. II. Debates in PARLIAMENT. III. Select Pieces of _POETRY_. IV. A succinct Account of the most _remarkable Transactions_ and _Occurrences_, Domestick and Foreign. V. _Births, Marriages, Deaths, Promotions._ VI. The Prices of Goods and Stocks; Bill of Mortality; Bankrupts declared, &_c_. VII. A Register of Books and Pamphlets published. WITH A TABLE of CONTENTS to each Month. ALSO ALPHABETICAL INDEXES of the NAMES of Persons mention'd and Things treated of throughout the Whole. VOL. II. _Collected chiefly from the_ Public Papers _by_ SILVANUS URBAN. _Prodesse & delettare._ [Illustration] _E Pluribus Unum_. _LONDON_, Printed and Sold at ST JOHN'S GATE; by F. JEFFERIES in _Ludgate-street,_ and by most Booksellers in Town and Country. * * * * * OF WIT