tion whereof does so invite, and rarely contribute to the effecting of it. But if the Avarice of the men of this Age, be so far deplorable, that we may not hope for so absolute a cure of all that is offensive; at least let such, whose Works are upon the Margent of the Thames, and which are indeed the most intollerable, be banished further off, and not once dare to approach that silver Channel (but at the distance prescrib'd) which glides by her stately Palaces, and irrigates her welcome Banks.
What a new Spirit would these easie Remedies create among the Inhabitants of London? what another Genius infuse in the face of things? and, there is none but observes, and feels in himself the Change which a serene and clear day produces; how heavy and lesse dispos'd to motion; Yea, even to good humour and friendly inclinations, we many times find our selves when the Heavens are clowded, and discompos'd? when the South-winds blow, and the humours are fluid, for what we are when the Skie is fair, and the Aer in good temper? And there is reason, that we, who are compos'd of the Elements, should participate of their qualities: For as the Humours have their sourse from the Elements; so have our Passions from the Humors, and the Soul which is united to this Body of ours, cannot but be affected with its Inclinations: The very dumb creatures themselves being sensible of the alteration of the Aer, though not by ratiocination, yet by many notorious Symptomes.
But I forbear to Philosophise farther upon this Subject, capable of very large and noble reflections; having with my promis'd brevity, endevoured to shew the Inconveniencies and the Remedies of what does so universally offend, and obscure the Glory of this our renowned Metropolis; and which, I hope, may produce some effects towards the reforming of so publick a Nuisance. At least, let the continual sejourn of our Illustrious CHARLES, who is the very Breath of our Nostrills, in whose health all our happinesse consists, be precious in our Eyes, and make our Noble Patriots now assembled in Parliament, consult for the speedy removal of this universal grievance.
It is certainly of far greater concernment (however light and aery it may appear to some) then the drayning of a Fen, or beautifying an Aquæduct, for which some have received such publick honours, Statues and Inscriptions; and will (if ever any thing did) deserve the like acknowledgements both of the present and
