Lastly, a true critic in the perusal of a book is like a dog at a
feast, whose thoughts and stomach are wholly set upon what the
guests fling away, and consequently is apt to snarl most when there
are the fewest bones {89}.

Thus much I think is sufficient to serve by way of address to my
patrons, the true modern critics, and may very well atone for my
past silence, as well as that which I am like to observe for the
future. I hope I have deserved so well of their whole body as to
meet with generous and tender usage at their hands. Supported by
which expectation I go on boldly to pursue those adventures already
so happily begun.



SECTION IV.--A TALE OF A TUB.



I have now with much pains and study conducted the reader to a
period where he must expect to hear of great revolutions. For no
sooner had our learned brother, so often mentioned, got a warm house
of his own over his head, than he began to look big and to take
mightily upon him, insomuch that unless the gentle reader out of his
great candour will please a little to exalt his idea, I am afraid he
will henceforth hardly know the hero of the play when he happens to
meet him, his part, his dress, and his mien being so much altered.

He told his brothers he would have them to know that he was their
elder, and consequently his father's sole heir; nay, a while after,