Epistle XVIII. To Tranquillus.
by
Mr. Henley.
You write, that you apprehend some ill Fate in your Cause, on the alarm of a Dream:
And desire me to get an adjournment of it for some Days. 'Tis difficult to
excuse a hearing to Morrow; however, I will make a Trial:
For Dreams themselves are from the Hand of Jove.
Yet it is of consequence to reflect, whether the usual Event be agreeable,
or reverse to it. When I think upon mine, what is dreadful to you, seems to portend a Successful Action.
I had undertaken the Cause of Julius Pastor, when my Mother-in-Law
appear'd to me, in my Sleep, imploring upon her Knees, that I would not be employ'd in it.
I was a young Fellow; the Action was Quadripartite, laid before a Bench,
consisting of four different Courts in one; my Antagonists were Men of the greatest Power in the Town,
and of nearness to the Emperor. Any of which Articles might shake my Courage after so Melancholly a Dream;
Yet I appeared in it; thinking of the Verse;
The happiest Omen is to Guard my Country:
For my Duty to my Friend was as dear to me as my Country, and this is to my Soul the most darling Consideration;
it ended luckily. And that very Action spread my Name abroad, and open'd the Doors of Fame.
Look, if you can imitate this Pattern, and convert your Dream to advantage:
Or if you think the Rule of the most wary sort of Men to be most secure,
write me back your Scruples. I will find out
some turn or other, and so manage your Affair, that you may your self pursue it,
when you please. For in truth, your Case is different from mine; since the Judgment of the Centumvirate cannot be delay'd;
your Process may be suspended, tho' with great difficulty.
Farewel.
