s be not less
suspicious of the author's right and title to the honorary distinction
annexed:
~14~~
let him beware how he indulges in such chimeras, before he has fully
entered into the spirit of the volume before him, lest, on perusal,
conviction should compel him to retract the ungracious thought. To be
plain, he is not desirous of any higher honorary distinction than the
good opinion of his readers. And now, sons and daughters of Fashion!
ye cameleon race of giddy elves, who flutter on the margin of the
whirlpool, or float upon the surface of the silvery stream, and, hurried
forwards by the impetus of the current, leave yourselves but little time
for reflection, one glance will convince you that you are addressed by
an old acquaintance, and, heretofore, constant attendant upon all the
gay varieties of life; of this be assured, that, although retired from
the fascinating scene, where gay Delight her portal open throws to
Folly's throng, he is no surly misanthrope, or gloomy seceder, whose
jaundiced mind, or clouded imagination, is a prey to disappointment,
envy, or to care. 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, sen