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THE

EDITORS

TO THE

READER.

IT may appear fomewhat strange to the

world, and especially to men of taste and learning, that so many poetical, historical, and other miscellaneous productions of Dr. SWIFT, fhould have lain dormant such a number of years, after the decease of an Author so univerfally admired in all nations of the globe, which have any share of politenefs. However, not to be over and above particular on this occafion; were it of any confequence to relate by

4

what

what extraordinary means these several Papers were rescued from the injurics of time and accidents; or, to infist upon fome other circumstances, which at present, we rather chufe to pass over in filence; it would, perhaps, seem rather more astonifhing, that ever indeed they should have had the good fortune to make their appearance at all. It may fuffice to obferve, That in order to gratify the curiofity of the Public, we shall ascertain these Writings to be genuine; although to every man of taste and judgment they carry their own marks of authenticity. And therefore, as all the original Manufcripts, not to mention two or three Poems taken from the public prints, are in the Doctor's own hand; or, tranfcribed by his Amanuenfis, have the fanction of his indorfement; fome few copies, for which indeed

The EDITORS to the READER. xxxi indeed we have the honour to be obliged to our friends, only excepted; we shall depofite them in the British Museum, provided the Governors will please to receive them into their collection.

LONDON, March 18, 1765.

MEMOIRS

.

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