The Dedication.
Great Events are made Ridiculous by the meanness of the Character, and the oddness of the Numbers, such is the Hudibras of our Excellent Butler.
Boileau, like Horace, was born equally for Satyr and for Praise. The Lutrin partakes of Both. The Satyrical Part, as 'tis very severe upon those of his own Church, so I cou'd wish it were applicable to the Romish Clergy only and none other.
As for the Panegyricks so frequent in it, I know not why they should not as well become the Queen of France as the French King, the Prince of Mindleheim as the Prince of Conde, and the Atticus of Dr. Garth as the Aristus of Boileau.
I am
Your Lordship's most Obedient
and most Humble Servant,
