INTRODUCTION 
LETTER I. 
To Mrs. O * * * * * 
Madam, 
Y OU and your fair companion have reduced me to a 
great dilemma. From the moment I gave my word, 
you had a right in what I promifed, and I can no 
more retain it, without your leave, than I dare convert the pro- 
perty of my neighbor to my own ufe. But I am bound alfo in 
gratitude to comply with your requell. You to whom I am in- 
debted for the happinefs of eight days : a happinefs fo much 
beyond what falls to the lot of common mortals ; you, to whom 
I am thus indebted, may furely challenge the {lender fervices of 
my pen. But if in an evil hour, I made a rafh promife ; or if I 
miftook an inclination, for a capacity, as often happens in fuch 
cafes, you muft anfwer with me for the event : the lefs I have 
faid to the purpofe, the lefs I fhall anfwer the ends of writing. 
It is true, Bnce I have been more my own mailer, than men 
of my level, in point of fortune, are generally difpofed to make 
themfelves ; inftead of reaping improvement from other mens 
labors, vanity, which no man, but efpecially no author, is with-' 
B out, 
