 they would be thought.
 
Where if the Metre would suffer the Word Ridiculous to close the first Line, the
Thought would be rather more proper. Great Vices are the proper Objects of our
Detestation, smaller Faults of our Pity: but Affectation appears to me the only
true Source of the Ridiculous.
    But perhaps it may be objected to me, that I have against my own Rules
introduced Vices, and of a very black Kind into this Work. To which I shall
answer: First, that it is very difficult to pursue a Series of human Actions and
keep clear from them. Secondly, That the Vices to be found here, are rather the
accidental Consequences of some human Frailty, or Foible, than Causes habitually
existing in the Mind. Thirdly, That they are never set forth as the Objects of
Ridicule but Detestation. Fourthly, That they are never the principal Figure at
that Time on the Scene; and lastly, they never produce the intended Evil.
 
Having thus distinguished Joseph Andrews from the Productions of Romance Writers
on the one hand, and Burlesque Writers on the other, and given some few very
short Hints (for I intended no more) of this Species of writing, which I have
affirmed to be hitherto unattempted in our Language; I shall leave to my
good-natur'd Reader to apply my Piece to my Observations, and will detain him no
longer than with a Word concerning the Characters in this Work.
    And here I solemnly protest, I have no Intention to vilify or asperse any
one: for tho' every thing is copied from the Book of Nature, and scarce a
Character or Action produced which I have not taken from my own Observations and
Experience, yet I have used the utmost Care to obscure the Persons by such
different Circumstances, Degrees, and Colours, that it will be impossible to
guess at them with any degree of Certainty; and if it ever happens otherwise, it
is only where the Failure characterized is so minute, that it is a Foible only
which the Party himself may laugh at as well as any other.
    As to the Character of Adams, as it is the most glaring in the whole, so I
conceive it is not to be found in any Book now extant. It is designed a
Character of perfect Simplicity; and as the Goodness of his Heart will recommend
him to the Good-natur'd; so I hope it will excuse me to the Gentlemen of his
Cloth; for whom, while they are worthy of their sacred Order, no Man can
possibly have a greater Respect. They will therefore excuse me, notwithstanding
the
