PREFACE. Vll 



May a long train of joyous pleasures bring, 

 Which he prospectively (as birds the spring, 

 After drear winter's reign) will hail : the joy 

 Which in full tide of health did never cloy 

 My vig'rous frame, did first my thoughts invade 

 To bring down time, (I double murder made, 

 P'rhaps you may say,) and so have plac'd the same 

 On paper, subject to the praise or blame 

 Of all my readers.' ' Very good,' said he, 

 * I in this plain told tale your preface see, 

 And, take my word, that you will find 'twill do 

 As well as most, for mind you, very few 

 More to the purpose say; can you tell who?' 

 At his suggestion I must here preface 

 Th' above 's my herald, or supplies its place. 



B 2 



