The post-boy rob'd of his mail, or, The pacquet broke open consisting of five hundred letters to persons of several qualities and conditions, with observations upon each letter / publish'd by a gentleman concern'd in the frolick.

LETTER LXXVII.

From a Gentleman, to a Fop that desir'd to know how he should salute, and comple∣ment his Mistriss. 'Twas directed to Mr. Tipping, to be left at Sarah's Coffee-house near Queen-street in Cheapside, London.

Poor Lover,

Leicester, June 1692.

I'M sorry I should just go out of Town as you ar∣riv'd thither on the account of Matrimony, and Courtship. You tell me you want me, to instruct you how you should complement, and entertain your Mistriss, when you wait on her; but I can give you choice Instructions, at this distance, in the matter, which if you follow, you will gain the Reputation with the Lady, of a very accomplish'd Spark; 'tis the newest Mode of Wooing. You must be sure to carry a piece of Crape in your Pocket, to wipe the Dust from your Shoes before you approach her, and to have your Comb ready to adjust your Wig. If you sit, be sure place your self where you may look in the Glass, and be very-diligent in giving the genteel turn to the Curles of your Perruque, or the Ribbons of your Cravat-string, and seem not to take much notice of your Mistriss; admire your own Dress, your own Person, and Parts; for to tell her she's pretty, is to make her proud, and so stand off the longer. If you don't sit, and indeed Mo∣tion is more natural for a Lover, so it be but grace∣ful, you must be continually upon the trip, often

visiting the Glass, asking your Mistriss how she likes this Ribbon, that Cutt of the Sleeve, this Stocking, that Cravat, and which she thinks becomes you best. This will give her occasion to praise your Shape, your Legg, your Face, or some, or all the parts about you; then strike in, and tell her they are all at her service, that you are wondrously smitten with her, and so the Suit is over. I wish you good Success, which you can't fail of, if you observe the Directions of,

SIR,

Your Friend, and Servant, R. Arnold.

A pritty Method (said Winter) to win a fair Lady; And yet this Method (reply'd Grave) shall win more fair Ladies than Senc••, and Reason. Right, (pursu'd Church) this they call an airy modish Beau. An accomplish'd Gentleman (added Brook) learned i•• Dress, and Meen. They hate the whining Lover, (said Summer) except in a Play or Romance. They will have (added Temple) this airy way, as they call it, more natural, Because (assum'd Fountain) more ••ensless; Which is (continu'd River) doing Business without any regard to it, or minding quite another thing. I know not (said I) but we are equal with them there too. Right (concluded Chappel) for a noisy Coquet shall gain a Train of Admirers, with her ugly Face, when a modest charming sensible Lady shall scarce have enough to keep her from l••ading Apes in Hell.