An Epistle to The Editor
from
"Anonymous."
Dear Friend, it does my old heart cheer,
To learn the time is drawing near
When of my works the world will hear
By your selection:
I do not know well what to say
For th' honour you to me thus pay,
May all success 'tend you, I pray,
And your collection.
But honest wish may selfish seem
To bid success, and I your theme;
Yet when I heard, the Anon, scheme
Tickled my fancy.
I wrote as all the world will know
Purely for good, not fame or show,—
Since none for failure write, I trow,—
Success enhance ye.
Right glad am I this circumstance
Grants me the leave to make advance:
Trust me, I'll use all vigilance
Not to out-run
The care I ever did maintain,
Which does my modesty explain,
For to the end I will remain
Your friend "Anon."
Why would I thus address you? Well,
While you would fain my praises swell,
I'd have you to the public tell
What I have done
In case it is not in your plan,—
That you may my life history scan
Since e'er this world of ours began,
And yet, unknown.
