THE

PREFACE.

_The many Fictions which have been lately imposed upon the World, under
the specious Titles of_ Secret Histories, Memoirs, &c. &c. _have given
but too much room to question the Veracity of every Thing that has the
least Tendency that way: We therefore think it highly necessary to
assure the Reader, that he will find nothing in the following Sheets,
but what has been collected from_ Original Letters, Private Memorandums,
_and the_ Accounts _we have been favoured with from the Mouths of
Persons too deeply concerned in many of the_ chief Transactions _not to
be perfectly acquainted with the Truth, and of too much Honour and
Integrity to put any false Colours upon it_.

_The Adventures are not so long passed as to be wholly forgotten by
many_ Living Witnesses, _nor yet so recent as to give any Reason to
suspect us of Flattery in the Relation given of them, the Motive of
their Publication being only to_ encourage Virtue _in both Sexes, by
showing the Amiableness of it in_ real Characters. _And if it be true
(as certainly it is) that_ Example has more Efficacy than_ Precept, _we
may be bold to say there are few fairer, or more worthy Imitation.--The
Sons and Daughters of the greatest Families may give additional Lustre
to their Nobility, by forming themselves by the Model here presented to
them; and those of lower Extraction, attain Qualities to attone for what
they want in Birth:--So that we flatter ourselves this Undertaking will
not fail of receiving the Approbation of all who wish well to a
Reformation of Manners, and more especially those who have Youth under
their Care.--As for such who may take it up merely as an Amusement, it