time to grow into the notice of the world, it happened very luckily, that, a little before I had resolved upon this design, a gentleman had written predictions, and two or three other pieces, in my name, which had rendered it famous through all parts of Europe; and by an inimitable spirit and humour, raised it to as high a pitch of reputation, as it could possibly arrive at."

the

These predictions were written by Swift, for year 1708, who wanting a ludicrous name to adorn them with, accidentally observed a sign over a Locksmith's house with the name of Bickerstaff underneath it. This struck him as adapted to his purpose, and adding the no very common christian name of Isaac, he imagined he had formed an unprecedented conjunction; in this, however, he was mistaken, for sometime afterwards a man was found in London who owned both names.

Under the character of an adept in Astrology, the Bickerstaff of Swift satirizes, with infinite humour, the common credulity of his times; and is particularly severe upon John Partridge, the most celebrated almanack maker of the day, who pretended to predict the events of each ensuing year. As the astrological reputation of Bickerstaff is supported with much pleasantry by Steele, in his Tatler, and as he has frequently

introduced Partridge and his supposed death, in conformity to the ludicrous account of the Dean, especially in Nos. 7, 11, 35, 44, 56, 59, 96, 99, and 118, &c. it will probably not be deemed irrelevant to our subject, should we dwell a little longer upon this famous prediction, and its laughable consequences.

The title of the pamphlet, which obtained so much celebrity as to be burnt by the Inquisition in Portugal, who condemned its author and its readers, runs thus: "Predictions for the year 1708: Wherein the month, and the day of the month, are set down, the persons named, and the great actions and events of next year particularly related, as they will come to pass. Written to prevent the people of England from being farther imposed on by vulgar almanack makers, By Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq."

The prediction relative to the great philomath, and which takes precedence of a very long list, is written in the following terms.

My first prediction is but a trifle, yet I will mention it, to shew how ignorant these sottish pretenders to astrology are in their own concerns it relates to Partridge the almanack maker; I have consulted the star of his nativity by my own rules, and find he will infallibly die upon the 29th of March next, about eleven at

night, of a raging fever; therefore I advise him to consider of it, and settle his affairs in time."*

This was followed up by "An Answer to Bickerstaff," and another pamphlet called "The Accomplishment of the first of Mr. Bickerstaff's predictions, being an account of the death of Mr. Partridge, the almanack maker, upon the 29th instant," both written by Swift, with his usual exquisite humour.

It is astonishing what a number of persons built their faith on the prediction, and actually believed the accomplishment had taken place in all respects according to the relation. The wits of the time too, among whom were Steele and Addison, supported Swift, and uniformly affirmed that Partridge had died on the day and hour predicted.

The distress and vexation of Partridge. himself upon this occasion were beyond measure ridiculous; and he absolutely had the folly to insert the following advertisement, which is copied in the Tatler, at the close of his next year's almanack.

"Whereas it has been industriously given out by Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq. and others, to prevent the sale of this year's almanack, that John Partridge

* Swift's Works, Vol. v. p. 16. 8vo. edition in 19 vols. by Nichols.

is dead this may inform all his loving country men, that he is still living, in health, and they are knaves that reported it otherwise."

Steele, who was fond of the subject, both as it afforded much scope for ingenious raillery, and was intimately connected with the fictitious character he had adopted, has, in a succeeding paper, again introduced poor Partridge and his pretended decease.

"Whereas a commission of interment has been awarded against Doctor John Partridge, philomath, professor of physic and astrology; and whereas the said Partridge hath not surrendered himself, nor shewn cause to the contrary; these are to certify, that the company of upholders will proceed to bury him from Cordwainer's-hall, on Tuesday the twenty-ninth instant, where any six of his surviving friends, who still believe him to be alive, are desired to come prepared to hold up the pall.

"Note; we shall light away at six in the evening, there being to be a sermon.Ӡ

The most entertaining account, however, of the singularly comic consequences of this prediction, was drawn up by the Rev. Dr. Yalden, preacher of Bridewell, Mr. Partridge's near

neighbour. It is entitled, Squire Bickerstaff detected; or, the astrological impostor convicted: by John Partridge, student in physic, and astrology." As it contributed, perhaps, more than any other production on the subject, to circulate the fame of Bickerstaff, and consequently to render the assumption of his name by Steele more popular and successful, and as it is written with genuine wit, and now only to be found in the voluminous edition of Swift by Nichols, I shall transcribe it for the reader's amusement.

"It is hard, my dear countrymen of these united nations, it is very hard, that a Briton born, a protestant astrologer, a man of revolution principles, an assertor of the liberty and property of the people, should cry out in vain for justice against a Frenchman, a papist, and an illiterate pretender to science, that would blast my reputation, most inhumanly bury me alive, and defraud my native country of those services which, in my double capacity, I daily offer the public.

"What great provocations I have received, let the impartial reader judge, and how unwillingly, even in my own defence, I now enter the lists against falsehood, ignorance, and envy: but I am exasperated, at length, to drag out this Cacus from the den of obscurity where he lurks, detect him by the light of those stars he has so