Here, reader, will we travel forth, and in our journey make survey of
all that's interesting and instructive. Man's but the creature of a
little hour, the phantom of a transitory life; prone to every ill,
subject to every woe; and oft the more eccentric in his sphere, as rare
abilities may gild his brow, setting form, law, and order at defiance.
His glass a third decayed 'fore reason shines, and ere perfection crowns
maturity, he sinks forgotten in his parent dust. Such then is man,
uncertain as the wind, by nature formed the creature of caprice, and as
Atropos wills, day by day, we number to our loss some mirth-enlivening
soul, whose talents gave a lustre to the scene.-Serious and solemn,
thoughts be hence away! imagination wills that playful satire reign:--by
sportive fancy led, we take the field.
[Illustration: page004]
~4~~
PREFACE, IN IMITATION OF THE FIRST SATIRE OF PERSIUS.
DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE AUTHOR AND HIS FRIEND.
Author. However dangerous, or however vain, I am resolved.
Friend. You'll not offend again?
Author. I will, by Jove!
Friend. Take my advice, reflect; Who'll buy your sketches 1
Author. Many, I expect.
Friend. I fear but few, unless, Munchausen-like, You've something
strange, that will the public strike: Men with six heads, or monsters
with twelve tails, Who patter flash, for nothing else prevails In this
dull age.
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