 remember, are very apt to abuse
particular Persons; yet they never cast any Reflection on Human Nature in
general.« The old Gentleman spoke this so warmly, that as Jones despaired of
making a Convert, and was unwilling to offend, he returned no Answer.
    The Day now began to send forth its first Streams of Light, when Jones made
an Apology to the Stranger for having staid so long, and perhaps detained him
from his Rest. The Stranger answered, »He never wanted Rest less than at
present; for that Day and Night were indifferent Seasons to him, and that he
commonly made use of the former for the Time of his Repose, and of the latter
for his Walks and Lucubrations. However,« said he, »it is now a most lovely
Morning, and if you can bear any longer to be without your own Rest or Food, I
will gladly entertain you with the Sight of some very fine Prospects, which I
believe you have not yet seen.«
    Jones very readily embraced this Offer, and they immediately set forward
together from the Cottage. As for Partridge, he had fallen into a profound
Repose, just as the Stranger had finished his Story; for his Curiosity was
satisfied, and the subsequent Discourse was not forcible enough in its Operation
to conjure down the Charms of Sleep. Jones therefore left him to enjoy his Nap;
and as the Reader may perhaps be, at this Season, glad of the same Favour, we
will here put an End to the Eighth Book of our History.
 

                                    Book IX

                            Containing twelve Hours.
 

                                   Chapter I

  Of those who lawfully may, and of those who may not write such Histories as
                                     this.
 
Among other good Uses for which I have thought proper to institute these several
introductory Chapters, I have considered them as a Kind of Mark or Stamp, which
may hereafter enable a very indifferent Reader to distinguish, what is true and
genuine in this historic Kind of Writing, from what is false and counterfeit.
Indeed it seems likely that some such Mark may shortly become necessary, since
the favourable Reception which two or three Authors have lately procured for
their Works of this Nature from the Public, will probably serve as an
Encouragement to many others to undertake the like. Thus a Swarm of foolish
Novels, and monstrous Romances will be produced, either to the great
impoverishing of Booksellers, or to the great Loss of Time, and Depravation of
Morals in the Reader; nay, often to the spreading of Scandal and Calumny, and to
the Prejudice of the Characters of many worthy and honest People.
    I question not but the ingenious Author
