However, the _Mirth_ which results from this Narrative, as it
now stands, is perhaps rather the stronger at first, by the full
_Ridicule_ which lies against _Horace_, and his Adversary;--But, upon
Reflection, there arises a Disgust, at the Impropriety of _Horace's_
exposing his own _Meanness_, as well as at the nauseous _Impudence_
of his Companion.
As to _uncommon_ Words, if any such appear in this _Introduction_,
or in the following _Essay_, I hope they want neither _Propriety_,
_Clearness_, nor _Strength_;--And if the _Length_of this Piece to an
_Essay_ so _short_ shall happen at first to _disturb_ any _Critic_,
I beg leave to inform him, that all, which can be fairly collected
from it, is only, that it may have cost _me_ the more Trouble;--But
upon mentioning the _Length_ of this Piece, what behoves me the most,
is, to return my Thanks to two _Gentlemen_, who suffered me to read to
them the whole, as it was gradually written; And by whose _judicious_
and _friendly Instructions_ in the Course of it, my own _Imagination_
was often prevented from running into _Riots_.
However, I am far from imagining, that I have always been reduced
within just Bounds; And now feel a sufficient Share of _Concern_ and
_Anxiety_, for the _Fate_ of this Work;--Yet, I humbly apprehend, that
_this_ must freely be allowed me, that I have not been a _Plagiary_;
But have constantly delivered my own _original_ Sentiments, without
_purloining_ or _disfiguring_ the Thoughts of others; An _Honesty_,
which, I hope, is laudable in an _Author_; And as I have not _stolen_,
neither have I _concealed_, the _Merit_ of other Writers.
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