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viii
The Preface.
and perhaps, the Works of the Learned have been more formal, but not more correct, since Men wrote according to Art. For those who first prescribed the Rules of Writing, did not take Nature stripped and naked for their Copy; but they looked upon her, as she was dressed and adorned by her Adorers: They took off indeed all false Colours, but allowed her a little Paint, and were content she should be set out like any Lady, provided her Dressers did not spoil her native Beauty. They formed their Rules upon the Model of the best Writers; they were so artful as to conceal their Art, and while they seemed to prescribe to others, they were only Copiers
them-
