The Prologue

Book II.

Smart

The plan of Æsop is confined to instruction by examples; nor by Fables is anything elseII.1 aimed at than that the errors of mortals may be corrected, and persevering industryII.2 exert itself. Whatever the playful invention, therefore, of the narrator, so long as it pleases the ear, and answers its purpose, it is recommended by its merits, not by the Author’s name.

For my part, I will with all care follow the method of the sage;II.3 but if I should think fit to insert somethingII.4 of my own, that variety of subjects may gratify the taste, I trust, Reader, you will take it in good part; provided that my brevity be a fair return for such a favour: of which, that my praises may not be verbose, listen to the reason why you ought to deny the covetous, and even to offer to the modest that for which they have not asked.

Smart