i returned to my first object, and, after a long search, i perceived on the mirrour a spot of land which seemed wrapped in a cloud. there issued from thence a confused noise like the murmurs of an ebbing tide. the sun quickly dispersed the vapours, and i saw babylon.

i saw there spectacles wherein the calamities of past times are lamented, in order to forget the calamities of the present; i saw academies where they should examine and discuss, but where they dispute and quarrel; temples that are built against the restoration of religion; orators, 74who foretell to the seduced people the most terrible disasters, and hearers who measure the expressions and criticize the style; a palace wherein are placed magistrates for the security of your property, and where you are conducted by guides who fleece you.

i cast my eyes on the publick walks and gardens, ever open to idleness, coquetry and recreation. i beheld sitting alone on the grass a person who, with a smile, was penning down his ideas. i fixed the paper, and read what follows:

“one day jupiter proclaimed through the whole earth, that he had resolved to distribute different talents to the different nations; that on such a day the distribution would be made at 75olympus; and that the geniuses of the several nations should repair thither.

“the genius of babylon stayed not till the day appointed, but came the first of all to jupiter’s palace. he made his appearance with that air of confidence which is natural to him; he uttered i know not how many very handsome and well-turned compliments, and made presents to all the celestial court with a grace peculiar to him.

“he gave the father of the gods a quintal of wild-fire of a late invention, that his thunder may be more effectual and people begin to have faith: to apollo a babylonian grammar, that he may reform the oddities of the 76language: to minerva a collection of romances, that she may correct their licentiousness and teach the romancers to write decently: to venus two small votive pictures, to thank her for that the last year there were at babylon but two hundred thousand inhabitants who bore the long and painful marks of her favours.

“he made his court to the gods, wheedled the goddesses, said and did so many handsome and pleasant things, that nothing was talked of at jupiter’s court but the agreeableness of the genius of babylon.

“mean while, the day appointed was come: and jupiter, having advised with his council, made the distribution of the different talents to the 77geniuses of the several nations. to this he assigned the gift of philosophy: to that, the gift of legislation; and to another the gift of eloquence. he said to one, be thou the most ingenious; to another, be thou the most learned, and thou, the most frugal; and thou, the most warlike; and thou, the most politick: and be thou (said he, speaking to the genius of babylon) whatever thou chusest to be.

“delighted with his success, and returning home, the genius of babylon is at all. he framed i know not how many schemes, and executed none. he made most excellent laws, and afterwards embroiled them with numberless explanations and comments.

78“he would likewise turn theologist, and engaged in disputes which proved fatal to him.

“he traded, gained much, enlarged his expences, and became richer and less easy.

“orator, poet, merchant, philosopher, he was every thing; and in many things he attained to perfection, but never could keep his ground.”