recommends itself by deciding wagers at cards, and giving good advice to
shopkeepers and their apprentices," an interesting comment in view of
Gay's own possible connection with this journal (cf. Irving, pp. 40-56).
It is these casual remarks, as well as the more extensive critical
comments on the present state of "wit," which give Gay's pamphlet a
permanent interest.

The typescript copy of the _Present State of Wit_ is taken from the
pamphlet owned by the Henry E. Huntington Library.

Donald F. Bond

University of Chicago




THE

PRESENT STATE

of

WIT, &c.


SIR,

You Acquaint me in your last, that you are still so busie Building at
-----, that your Friends must not hope to see you in Town this Year; At