be _shattered_ upon any Occasion, I hope it will appear (if I may be
allowed the Expression) that I have fairly _charged_ the Subjects.

Having offered these Circumstances in my Favour, I must frankly
acknowledge, that I am not able to plead any _Hurry_ or _Precipitancy_
in the publishing of this Work, in Excuse of its Errors; Though
I clearly understand, that by making this Discovery, I absolutely
deprive myself of the most _genteel_ and _fashionable Screen_ now used
by Authors;--But I imagined, that it became me to spare no Labour or
Attention upon a Work, which I should presume to offer to the World;
Happening to esteem this _Care_ and _Concern_, a _Respect_ due to the
_Public_, and the proper Species of _Humility_ and _Modesty_ in an
_Author_.


* * * * *

An
ESSAY
on
Wit, Humour, Raillery, & c.


WIT is the LUSTRE resulting from the quick ELUCIDATION of one
Subject, by a _just_ and unexpected ARRANGEMENT of it with
another Subject.

This _Definition_ of WIT will more clearly appear by a short
Explanation.