DEDICATION. To the POLISH COUNT, SIR, TH HE ufual ftile of Dédications is that of flattery, attended with selfish views, fince the firft addrefs of the fort, which, it feems, was produced from the fervile pen of indigence, and it plainly appears, that Authors, in the moment of adulation, erect a confequence to themselves; and while they diftrefs the favour of their Mecanas, or put their Hero to the blush, they facrifice to their own vanity. At the fame time that it must be admitted, that great and diftinguished characters command admiration and respect from the public, it cannot be paffed over in filence, that the greatest adept in Eulogy would be at a lofs to add the leaft fpark of luftre to yours, without derogating from a 2 iv DEDICATION. from it. The eminent talents which adorn themselves in you, not only have gained you admiffion, but a candid reception into the principal Courts of Europe; while the graces and virtues look up to you as their darling. Whence arifes, that Je-ne-fai-quoi, and complacency of manners, which, like a ray of the fun, beams on those who are so happy as to fall within the sphere of your acquaintance. The Editor of this common place Mifcellany is aware, left, while he attempts to do you justice, he fhould make an attack upon your feelings, which would be the fame as to commit a felo de fe on his own. He therefore concludes in the words of the immortal Poet: Nay, do not think I flatter, "For what advancement may I hope from thee, "That no revenue haft, but thy good spirits, "To feed and cloathe thee." SHAKSPEAR. PRE TH PREFACE. HIS Fugitive Mifcellany of Bon Mots and Anecdotes naturally look up to the public for protection, as the motive of its being compiled was merely to afford Amufement to the Hour of Leisure, Unbend the Brow of Care, and Banifh ENNUI.*—It is no Small point gained if it has the effect to make the reader fmile, which, according to Sterne, may add a year to his life. I will not take upon me to determine the nature or origin of WIT. Mr. Pope has defined it to be a clear conception, with an eafy delivery. Some have had recourse to the innate principle for its existence, and traced it to the third ftory of the imagination; others have placed it in a fartled trope. Some have reduced it to a fyftem, and have found the Cream of the Fest where * ENNUI will not admit of a translation, though the French fay it is an English Malady. |