day, and hour of our deaths: This, I think, is sporting with
great men, and publick spirits, to the scandal of religion, and
reproach of power; and if sovereign princes and astrologers must
make diversion for the vulgar ---- why then farewel, say I, to
all governments, ecclesiastical and civil. But, I thank my better
stars, I am alive to confront this false and audacious predictor,
and to make him rue the hour he ever affronted a man of science
and resentment. The Cardinal may take what measures he pleases
with him; as his excellency is a foreigner, and a papist, he has
no reason to rely on me for his justification; I shall only
assure the world he is alive ---- but as he was bred to letters,
and is master of a pen, let him use it in his own defence. In the
mean time I shall present the publick with a faithful narrative
of the ungenerous treatment and hard usage I have received from
the virulent papers and malicious practices of this pretended
astrologer.

A true and impartial account of the proceedings of Isaac
Bickerstaff, Esq; against me ----

The 28th of March, Anno Dom. 1708, being the night this
sham-prophet had so impudently fix'd for my last, which made
little impression on myself; but I cannot answer for my whole
family; for my wife, with a concern more than usual, prevailed on
me to take somewhat to sweat for a cold; and, between the hours
of eight and nine, to go to bed: The maid, as she was warming my
bed, with a curiosity natural to young wenches, runs to the
window, and asks of one passing the street, who the bell toll'd
for? Dr. Partridge, says he, that famous almanack-maker, who died
suddenly this evening: The poor girl provoked, told him he ly'd