The Preface to the Reader.
thought it might not be unwelcome to the World, (A Motive, powerful enough, to incline my Consent;) nor did I Judge it unreasonable for me to expect it, since no less a Novelty, than any this Age hath produced: Yet, I am not so fond, as to believe, there is much got, from entertaining the World in Print; it being too much good Fortune, to hope, that any thing can pass so currant, as not to meet with Detraction, Mistake, or Envy (which never want darts to wound a Merit farr Superior than I pretend to) there being few who are Candid, and truely discerning, whose Judgments have any sway, or not descry'd by the prevalency of Malevolent, or weaker apprehensions. But, since I have sent this Poem abroad to shift for it self, I must submit to what Reception the World will please to allow it; not doubting, but the impartially Judicious may receive no very inconsiderable satisfaction.
Farewell.
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