I

The AUTHOR's

PREFACE.

Cannot but think that a Book put into the hands of a reader without any introduction, is like conducting a curious perfon to the entrance of fome new edifice, that he has never feen or heard of before; where, by the style of the building, at its first appearance, he may perhaps expect novelties within; but having had no information of what they may poffibly be, in their form or matter, or for what intent they have been conftructed, whether good or bad, he probably may become indifferent about Proceeding any further,

On this confideration, I determined to fay fomething to the candid reader, by way of apology, and to give him a little information of what he may expect in the following sheets; in hopes fuch acquaintance first made, might prove a means of prevailing with him to give the whole a reading, that perhaps may procure me fome share of his indulgence, before he becomes my judge.

I muft, however, beg leave to premife, that should I be cenfured for offering my thoughts to the public, I have this to plead in my defence, that I can, with all fincerity, fay (what has been often repeated by authors) that when the following poem was firft attempted, I had no

, or, le Acarian Shepherds: A Poem. In

Sixteen Books. 2 vols. in 1, 8vo, calf, RARE,

158

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1772

600077131P