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 and see a Fountain which was in the Midst of the Town, and which the Pythagoreans had often strove in vain to stop up. It was remarkable for the Purity of its Water, and for not suffering any Dirt to settle in it. The more the Pythagoreans labour'd to suppress it, the more it over-flow'd, and grew daily more famous, to their Shame and Confusion. The Reason of their Hatred to it was, that it had so much Virtue, that an hearty Draught of its Water wou'd make the ablest Pythagorean renounce his Principles, if Obstinacy and Prejudice had not usurp'd the Seat of his Understanding. It had restor'd many to their Human Shape, and prov'd an infallible Remedy again the Griping of the Guts; where the Pain was so great, that it made People look as if they were possess'd. It was under the King's immediate Care, who, upon his Coronation, had oblig'd himself to protect it, and well did it deserve to have a Royal Patron, since it was the greatest Blessing that ever had been bestow'd upon the Kingdom. It brought Peace and Plenty wheresoever it flow'd, and guided the People in the true Road of Happiness. It had a Guard continually surrounding it, which was made firm to its Interests by drinking of it. Many times did the Pythagoreans hazard their Lives and Fortunes to a Man, in Hopes of destroying it, and often caus'd such an Effusion of Blood upon its Banks, that it chang'd its Colour for a Time, tho' it never cou'd be corrupted. The Bodies of those that died in the Defence of it, were gently carried down the Stream that issued from it into a remote Country, where they receiv'd new Life, and enjoy'd endless Happiness.

Many had desir'd to draw off its Water into their own Grounds; and to that End, had secretly dug Passages under the Earth, thinking that the Fountain wou'd pour its Water into them, and by that