, since the world has been told all
that is new and novel. But the Reviewers (the cunning wights!) have adopted an
ingenious expedient, to give a freshness to the most trite idea. They clothe it
in a language so obscure and metaphysical, that the reader is not about to
comprehend their pages without some labour. This is called a great range of
thought; and not improperly, as I can testify; for, in my own case, I have
frequently ranged the universe of ideas, and come back again in as perfect
ignorance of their meaning as when I set out. It is delightful, to see the
literati of a circulating library get hold of one of these difficult periods!
Their praise of the performance is exactly commensurate with its obscurity.
Every body knows that to seem wise is the first requisite in a great man.
    A common word in the mouths of all Reviewers, readers of magazines, and
young ladies, when speaking of novels, is keeping; and yet there are but few who
attach the same meaning to it. I belong, myself, to the old school, in this
particular, and think that it applies more to the subject in hand, than to any
use of terms, or of cant expressions. As a man might just as well be out of the
world as out of keeping, I have endeavoured to confine myself, in this tale,
strictly to its observance. This is a formidable curb to the imagination, as,
doubtless, the reader will very soon discover; but under its influence I have
come to the conclusion, that the writer of a tale, who takes the earth for the
scene of his story, is in some degree bound to respect human nature. Therefore I
would advise any one, who may take up this book, with the expectation of meeting
gods and goddesses, spooks or witches, or of feeling that strong excitement that
is produced by battles and murders, to throw it aside at once, for no such
interest will be found in any of its pages.
    I have already said, that it was mine own humour that suggested this tale;
but it is a humour that is deeply connected with feeling. Happier periods, more
interesting events, and, possibly, more beautiful scenes, might have been
selected, to exemplify my subject; but none of either that would be so dear to
me. I wish, therefore, to be judged more by what I have done, than by my sins of
omission. I have introduced one battle, but it is not of the most Homeric kind.
As for