_LONDON_:
Printed for T. BICKERTON, at the _Crown_ in _Pater-noster-Row._
M. DCC. XX.
Price One Shilling.
_PREFACE to MR. POPE_
Sir,
About two Years ago, upon a slight Misapprehension of some
Expressions of yours, which my Resentment, or perhaps my Pride,
interpreted to the Disadvantage of a Poetical Trifle, I had then
newly publish'd, I suffer'd myself to be unreasonably
transported, so far, as to inscribe you an angry, and
inconsiderate Preface; without previous Examination into the
Justness of my Proceeding. I have lately had the Mortification to
learn from your own Hand that you were entirely guiltless of the
fact charg'd upon you; so that, in attempting to retaliate a
suppos'd Injury, I have done a real Injustice.
The only Thing which an honest Man ought to be more asham'd of
than his faults, is a Reluctance against confessing them. I have
already acknowledg'd mine to yourself: But no publick Guilt is
well aton'd, by a private Satisfaction; I therefore send you a
Duplicate of my Letter, by way of the World, that all, who
remember my Offence, may also witness my Repentance.
Sir,
I am under the greatest Confusion I ever felt in my Life, to
find by your Letter, that I have been guilty of a Crime, which
I can never forgive Myself, were it for no other Reason, than
that You have forgiven it.
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