Prologue

Book II.

Riley

The way of writing Esop chose,

Sound doctrine by example shows;

For nothing by these tales is meant,

So much as that the bad repent;

And by the pattern that is set,

Due diligence itself should whet.

Wherefore, whatever arch conceit

You in our narratives shall meet

(If with the critic’s ear it take,

And for some special purpose make),

Aspires by real use to fame,

Rather than from an author’s name.

In fact, with all the care I can,

I shall abide by Esop’s plan:

But if at times I intersperse

My own materials in the verse,

That sweet variety may please

The fancy, and attention ease;

Receive it in a friendly way;

Which grace I purpose to repay

By this consciousness of my song;

Whose praises, lest they be too long,

Attend, why you should stint the sneak,

But give the modest, ere they seek.

Riley