Anglus, Astrologorum hujusce Saeculi facile Princeps. Signior
Magliabecchi, the Great Duke's famous library-keeper, spends
almost his whole letter in compliments and praises. 'Tis true,
the renowned Professor of Astronomy at Utrecht, seems to differ
from me in one article; but it is in a modest manner, that
becomes a philosopher; as, Pace tanti viri dixerim: And pag.55,
he seems to lay the error upon the printer (as indeed it ought)
and says, vel forsan error typographi, cum alioquin
Bickerstaffius ver doctissimus, etc.

If Mr. Partridge had followed this example in the controversy
between us, he might have spared me the trouble of justifying
myself in so publick a manner. I believe few men are readier to
own their errors than I, or more thankful to those who will
please to inform me of them. But it seems this gentleman, instead
of encouraging the progress of his own art, is pleased to look
upon all attempts of that kind as an invasion of his province. He
has been indeed so wise to make no objection against the truth of
my predictions, except in one single point, relating to himself:
And to demonstrate how much men are blinded by their own
partiality, I do solemnly assure the reader, that he is the only
person from whom I ever heard that objection offered; which
consideration alone, I think, will take off all its weight.

With my utmost endeavours, I have not been able to trace above
two objections ever made against the truth of my last year's
prophecies: The first was of a French man, who was pleased to
publish to the world, that the Cardinal de Noailles was still
alive, notwithstanding the pretended prophecy of Monsieur
Biquerstaffe: But how far a Frenchman, a papist, and an enemy is