On the conclusion of the war in 1697, William issued a most elaborate proclamation to the same effect, and an address was voted by Parliament, asking his Majesty to see that wickedness was discouraged in high places.

The lively pamphlet in which Defoe lent his assistance to the good work entitled _The Poor Man's Plea_, was written in the spirit of the parliamentary address.

It was of no use to pass laws and make declarations and proclamations for the reform of the common _plebeii_, the poor man pleaded, so long as the mentors of the laws were themselves corrupt.

His argument was spiced with amusing anecdotes to show the prevalence of swearing and drunkenness among members of the judicial bench.

Defoe appeared several times afterwards in the character of a reformer of manners, sometimes in verse, sometimes in prose.