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THE
P R E F A C E.
NOT to detain the reader with many
words to little purpose, I shall only here
observe, that Tom Hodge, with the
rest of his old companions, belonging to
the school of Cockermouth, were walking on a very pleasant morning in May,
and having tired themselves with pranks
and intrigues, towards evening they sat
themselves down on a green bunk, beneath a lovely oak, where they agreed
amongst themselves, that every one
should tell a Tale, or pay a fine; and
because Tom was the eldest scholar,
it was concluded and agreed upon that
he should begin first.
Says Tom, with all my heart,
So I'll begin my part.
