Would you know why the ungrateful reader extols and is fond of many works at home, unjustly decries them without doors? I hunt not after the applause of the inconstant vulgar, at the expense of entertainments, and for the bribe of a worn- out colt: I am not an auditor of noble writers, nor a vindictive reciter, nor condescend to court the tribes and desks of the grammarians. Hence are these tears. If I say that" I am ashamed to repeat my worthless writings to crowded theatres, and give an air of consequence to trifles:"" You ridicule us," says[ one of them]," and you reserve those pieces for the ears of Jove: you are confident that it is you alone that can distill the poetic honey, beautiful in your own eyes. "At these words I am afraid to turn up my nose; and lest I should be torn by the acute nails of my adversary," This place is disagreeable," I cry out," and I demand a prorogation of the contest." For contest is wo nt to beget trembling emulation and strife, and strife cruel enmities and funereal war. 