In retracing the brighter moments of life, the festive
scenes of past times, the never to be forgotten pleasures of his halcyon
days, when youth, and health, and fortune, blest his lot, he has no
tongue for scandal--no pen for malice--no revenge to gratify, but is only
desirous of attempting a true portraiture of men and manners, in the
higher and more polished scenes of life. If, in the journey through
these hitherto unexplored regions of fancy, ought should cross his path
that might give pain to worthy bosoms, he would sooner turn aside than
be compelled to embody the uncandid thought.
"Unknowing and unknown, the hardy Muse
"Boldly defies all mean and partial views;
"With honest freedom plays the critic's part,
"And praises, as she censures, from the heart."
And now, having said nearly as much as I think prudent of myself, and
considerably more than my
~17~~
bookseller usually allows by way of prefatory matter, I shall conclude
this chapter by informing the reader of some facts, with which I ought
to have commenced it, namely--For my parents, it must suffice that my
father was a man of talent, my mother accomplished and esteemed, and,
what is more to their honour, they were affectionate and kind: peace to
their manes! I was very early in life bereft of both; educated at one of
the public schools, I was, in due time, sent to matriculate at Oxford,
where, reader, I propose to commence my Eccentric Tour.
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