^Appendix 



Preface to " Thealma and Clear chus " 



(1678) 



THE PREFACE 



THE Reader will find in this Book, what the Title declares, A Pastoral 

 History, in smooth and easie Verse ; and will in it find many Hopes and 

 Fears finely painted, and feelingly express'd. And he will find the first so 

 often disappointed, when fullest of desire and expectation ; and the later, so 

 often, so strangely, and so unexpectedly reliev'd, by an unforeseen Providence, 

 as may beget in him wonder and amazement. 



And the Reader will here also meet with Passions heightned by easie and 

 fit descriptions of Joy and Sorrow ; and find also such various events and 

 rewards of innocent Truth and undissembled Honesty, as is like to leave in 

 him (if he be a good natur'd Reader) more sympathizing and virtuous 

 Impressions, than ten times so much time spent in impertinent, critical, and 

 needless Disputes about Religion : and I heartily wish it may do so. 



And, I have also this truth to say of the Author, that he was in his time a 

 man generally known, and as well belov'd ; for he was humble, and obliging 

 in his behaviour, a Gentleman, a Scholar, very innocent and prudent : and 

 indeed his whole life was useful, quiet, and virtuous. God send the Story 

 may meet with, or make all Readers like him. 



I. W. 



May 7, 1678. 



" Thealma and Clearchus " ends abruptly with this fragmentary line : 



" Thealma lives " 



on which Walton makes the characteristic note : 



And here the Author dy'd^ and I hope the Reader will be sorry. 



374 



