The Massachusetts Spy

From Bingley's Journal.

An Anecdote.

Alphonso IV. King of Portugal, was such a keen sportsman, as sometimes to be whole months from Lisbon; and at his return, all he talked of was how many beasts he had killed or taken, and other particulars of his sport.

After a long patience under these circumstances, one of his Counsellors, accompanied by many of the like rank, addressed him in the following manner:

"Sire, be pleased to permit your kingdom to make known its mind, through my mouth.

Remember what you are, and what we are; that it is not as to a sportsman, but as to a King, that we owe you the faithful obedience which we have always paid you; that you will not be accountable to God, for killing, or not killing hags and wild boars, but for the manner in which you govern your people, who are every day sacrificing their fortunes or their lives for your interest and glory. So Sire, turn over a new leaf, and reign like a King; if you will not, let me tell you, that we are determined, and indeed it is our duty, to look out for another."

"Look out for another!" answered Alphonso, flaming with indignation.

Here the whole body of remonstrants echoing the Counsellor, the irritated Monarch told them, "it was an insolent and criminal speech," and abruptly turned his back on them.

His reason however soon resuming its due ascendency, he saw into the justice of their complaint, and acknowledging their boldness to be a laudable effect of their zeal, he, according to their phrase, did in reality turn over a new leaf, and entirely applied himself to the good government of his dominions.