Читать книгу An Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela Andrews - Генри Филдинг, Henry Fielding - Страница 2

The Editor to Himself

Dear SIR,

However you came by the excellent Shamela, out with it, without Fear or Favour, Dedication and all; believe me, it will go through many Editions, be translated into all Languages, read in all Nations and Ages, and to say a bold Word, it will do more good than the C – y have done harm in the World,

I am, Sir,

Sincerely your Well-wisher,

Yourself.

John Puff, Esq; to the Editor

SIR,

I have read your Shamela through and through, and a most inimitable Performance it is. Who is he, what is he that could write so excellent a Book? he must be doubtless most agreeable to the Age, and to his Honour himself; for he is able to draw every thing to Perfection but Virtue. Whoever the Author be, he hath one of the worst and most fashionable Hearts in the World, and I would recommend to him, in his next Performance, to undertake the Life of his Honour. For he who drew the Character of Parson Williams, is equal to the Task; nay he seems to have little more to do than to pull off the Parson's Gown, and that which makes him so agreeable to Shamela, and the Cap will fit.

I am, Sir,

Your humble Servant,

John Puff.

Note, Reader, several other commendatory Letters and Copies of Verses will be prepared against the next Edition.