One Dilworth, an innocent English soul (from whom our grandfathers used to learn ARITHMETIC, I think), writing on the spot some years after Voltaire, has this useful passage: "It is the great failing of a strong imagination to catch greedily at wonders.

Voltaire was misinformed; and would perhaps learn, by a second inquiry, a truth less splendid and amusing.

A Contribution was, by News-writers upon their own authority, fruitlessly proposed.

It ended in nothing: the Parliament voted a supply;"-- that did it, Mr.Dilworth; supplies enough, and many of them! "Fruitlessly, by News-writers on their own authority;" that is the sad fact.

[_The Life and Heroick Actions of Frederick III._ (SIC, a common blunder), by W.H.Dilworth, M.A.