through the whole; and, indeed, the author was so distinguished for his
veracity, that it became a sort of proverb among his neighbors at
Redriff, when any one affirmed a thing, to say it was as true as if Mr.
Gulliver had spoken it.

By the advice of several worthy persons, to whom, with the author's
permission, I communicated these papers, I now venture to send them into
the world, hoping they may be, at least for some time, a better
entertainment than the common scribbles about politics and party.

This volume would have been at least twice as large if I had not made
bold to strike out innumerable passages relating to the winds and tides,
as well as to the variations and bearings in the several voyages;
together with the minute description of the management of the ship in
the storms, in the style of sailors; likewise the account of longitudes
and latitudes; wherein I have reason to apprehend that Mr. Gulliver may
be a little dissatisfied; but I was resolved to fit the work as much as
possible to the general capacity of readers. However, if my own
ignorance in sea affairs shall have led me to commit some mistakes, I
alone am answerable for them, and if any traveller hath a curiosity to
see the whole work at large, as it came from the hand of the author, I
will be ready to gratify him.

As for any farther particulars relating to the author, the reader will
receive satisfaction from the first pages of the book.

RICHARD SYMPSON.

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