of squaring the circle, or by what means the perpetual motion, or
longitude, may be discovered, we believe has honesty, and we are sure
that he has skill enough to say that he knows--nothing of the matter." A
moral philosopher who has "discovered a _perpetuum mobile_ of
government." An eminent virtuoso who understands "what is the best
pickle to preserve a rattle-snake or an Egyptian mummy, better than the
nature of the government he lives under, or the economy and welfare of
himself and family." Lastly, a _man of mode_. "Him the beaus and the
ladies may consult in the affairs of love, dress, and equipage."

There is a great deal of good answering to tolerably rational questions,
mixed with some attempts at humour, and other eccentricities, and
occasionally a freedom, both of question and answer, by which we might,
were it advisable, confirm the fact, that the decorums of 1736 and of
1850 are two different things.{194}

First, as an instance of a question and answer, which might do as well
(if the record be correct) for the present publication.

"Q. We read in our public papers of the Pope's Bull and the
Pope's Brief; pray, Gentlemen, what is the difference between
them?

"A. They differ much in the same manner as the Great Seal and
Privy Seal do here in England. The Bull being of the highest
authority where the papal power extends; the Brief is of less
authority. The Bull has a leaden seal upon silk affixed to the
foot of the instrument, as the wax under the Great Seal is to
our letters patent. The Brief has _sub annulo piscatoris_ upon
the side."