But to return where I left off: before I took my leave of her, perceiving the temper of this brave noble Spirit, and that it was Poetically inclined, out of my true resentment of her due merit, I gave her these lines, which she thankfully received, though modestly denied to concern her in the least. _Stand back ye _Muses_, _Mars_, come guide my Pen, To rank this Female Heroe ’mongst thy Men. So, so, ’tis well. Now let us to the matter, ’Tis such a subject that I cannot flatter. The Pantalooners strut, and Muffetoons; Taking great pains for to appear Buffoons. They do seem men, and like ’em wear their Swords: But dare not draw; such may be kill’d with words: These love a Lady, and affect perfumes: Who _lighter_ are, (then what they wear) their _Plumes_. Thou scornst such shadows, or _Chimæra’s_, which Are good for nothing, but a Womans itch. Thou lovest that man alone, that dares in spight Of fate, scorn _Death_ himself in fight. Thy actions speak thee _man_, who dares deny it? Believe this truth, or if you dare, then try it; ’Twill be a favour to her, for they’l find. That never man injoy’d so brave a mind._ Bidding this my _Minerva_ and her associates adieu, I rid on in the next road, without meeting any I thought requisite to fasten on. At length I came to an Inn, where I was very well acquainted, and intended there to have refresht my self; but the Hostler prevented it, not suffering me to alight, telling me hastily, that there was a Gentleman not an hour since baited there, who had in his Portmantue a considerable purchase; that he was a poor spirited fellow, whom he knew, and that he ever had an absolute antipathy to a naked Sword, and that he was gone such a road, _&c._ I stay’d not so long as to drink, but with all possible expedition made after him; ascending a small Hill, I discovered him, who rid an ordinary pace, wherefore I slacked mine to cool my Horse; however I soon overtook him, and rode by him, not without viewing him well; riding down the Hill I did alight, purposely that he might overtake me, which he did; being past I mounted, and at the very bottom I bid him stand and deliver instantly, or he was a dead man. Sis, sis, sir, (said he lisping very much) I-I-I-I am going home. I bid him not make these proposed delays, lest he smarted, and therefore wisht him to dispatch and give me his money, for I was informed (I told him) that he had a sum behind him. T-t-t ’tis true (he reply’d) b-b-but it is my Fathers m-m-money. Hang your Father and his fluttering Coxcomb too, (said I) I must have what you have. W-wh-why then you shall, (said he) and with that drew out a pocket-pistol and fired it at me; which made my horse start, and very much surprizing me, expecting not the least resistance from such a seemingly ignorant and cowardly fellow; by that means he had time and