says he, _is the order that daily sent me so many subjects revolted?_ ’Tis true, the rogues _Ravillac_ and _Clement_ have a little disgrac’d you, but we don’t value now what they say, for the wits have espoused your quarrel, and blinded the eyes of detraction. Indeed it is no wonder to us, since they sing to _Apollo_’s harp, which had the power to claim the transports of _Jupiter_. Is there any thing so charming as the discourse of [18] _Ariste_ and _Eugene_, and that little _Je ne sçai quoi_, they speak so wittily of? Who can resist the art of good invention in the work of wit, or an exquisite choice of good verses? And who would not be charm’d with all those panegyricks upon the ladies? Is not once reading of them a thousand times more diverting, than those profound writings you so prudently forbid your penitents the perusal of? I own indeed, that this conduct is not altogether so apostolical, but ’tis much easier than to be always puzzling and hammering our parables. ’Tis certain, most reverend father, shou’d you leave the sacred writ open to all readers, it would fare with a thousand good souls, as with king _Ahasuerus_, who became favourable to the true religion, by reading a true chronicle, how many blind wretches think ye would see clear? How many favourites would be hang’d, and _Mordecai_’s raised to honour? And how many _Jesuits_ would be treated as the priests of _Baal_? But you, I’m sure, will take care to hinder that; for truly ’twould be contrary to your ecclesiastical prudence; and it is much safer for you to darken the divine lights, and confound by sophisms the sacred truths of holy writ: for what would become of your church, if the clouds were once dispersed, since it flourishes by their favour, and the protection of ignorance? Nothing can keep up the credit of a repudiated cheat, whose shams are so notorious, and whole equipage so different from that of the legitimate spouse of _Jesus Christ_, that neither he, nor any of his faithful servants know or own her, but ignorance and falshood. I ask your pardon, most reverend father, these expressions flow so naturally from my subject, that they have escaped my sincerity; and I own this is not the style of a flatterer. But to atone for my fault, I will give you some wholsome advice, which is, _to make hay while the sun shines_, for you must not expect much fair weather in these doleful quarters. Those worthy gentlemen called _Confessors_, being looked upon here to be no better than so many _Ignes fatui_, that lead their followers into precipices; for which reason they are not allowed ice with their liquor. This I can allure you to be true, _in verbo histrionis_: Therefore since you know what you must trust to, I need not advise a person of your profound parts, what measures to take. _Amen._ _Father_ la CHAISE_’s Answer to_ HARLEQUIN.