PREFACE. 



< A book without a preface, who e'er heard 

 Of such a nondescript] 'tis quite absurd.' 

 ' How so V in answer to a friend, said I, 

 ' For few read prefaces of works they buy, 

 'Tis time spent uselessly the writing such, 

 The reading more so still, for seldom much 

 From them is glean'd ; besides, to tell the truth, 

 And shame the De'il, 'twixt you and I, insooth, 

 I've nought to say.' ' That matters not,' replied 

 My unseed mentor, ' it can't be denied 

 'Twere better if you had ; but may I. ask,' 

 Continued he, ' what set you on this task V 



