Happening one morning to wake more early than ordinary, I quitted my bed, and the weather being fine, and my humour more inclined to seriousness than gaiety, I took a little promenade, not with the least design or expectation of making any discovery of other people's affairs, but merely to think of my own with more liberty than I could do at home. – I met no living creature in my way except some few birds that perch'd upon the twigs of the yet leafless trees, and in melodious notes chanted forth praises to the approaching spring; – these rather indulging than confounding meditation, I pass'd slowly on by the side of the Serpentine-River, where, as I was bury'd in reflection on things which the reader has no business to be acquainted with, my eyes were attracted with the sight of a white sattin pocket lying just before me, – I suppose it might have been dropp'd from some lady's side the night before; for on my taking it up I found it extremely damp with the dew which always falls in absence of the sun.

I look'd upon this as a lawful prize, and that I had a right to keep it; at least 'till I could find somebody that had a better title; – I therefore tied it up in my handkerchief, and after having finish'd my walk took it home with me, where my impatience did not suffer me to continue long without examining what it contain'd; – I shall give a faithful inventory of all the particulars, reserving only one in petto, in order to prevent being imposed upon by any fictitious claimant.

Money being the chief idol of mankind, I shall give that the preference, and begin with the Purse, which had in it five gold ducats, a leaden French shilling, a bent half-crown, and a medal of the Duke of Cumberland in copper, very curious, but by some accident had been crack'd, and the impression in several parts pretty much erased.