THE SAUNTERER, PERIODICAL PAPER. By HEWSON CLARKE. Mores et Studia dicam. Haud facile emergunt quorum virtutibus obstat Dewcaftle : PRINTED BY K. ANDERSON FOR THE AUTHOR. Sold by T. Oftell, Ave-Maria-Lane, London. DEDICATION. I TO NOBODY. KNOW not to whom the Saunterer can be with fo much propriety dedicated as to one who has enforced its precepts by his life and converfation. To you, indeed, I have more particular inducements for addreffing this trifling testimony of refpect. I cannot refift that warmth by which I am impelled to acknowledge the inftructor of my infant mind, the guardian of my fame, and the friend and patron of my literary labours. To you I have been indebted for affiftance and correction in the progrefs of my work, and for a munificent reward of that attention by which I have concluded it. From your ge nerofity I have reafon to expect that independence of fortune which may enable me to despise, in fecurity, the in folence of wealth and the pride of ignorance. When I thus addrefs myfelf to you, I labour, indeed, under no common difficulties. That energy of thought and splendour of genius, by which you are fo eminently diftinguished, are fo much graced by that modefty which is always the attendant on extraordinary merit, that I am obliged to restrain that ardour with which the contemplation of your talents and virtues has infpired me. I know that if I wish to preferve your patronage I must repress my enthusiasm, and admire in filence. I cannot conclude without expreffing my belief that you will judge of the SAUNTERER with your accustomed kindnefs. I have no doubt, indeed, (though my opinion may appear too vain,) that you will find in it much to admire, and little to condemn; that you will praise its beauties without unwillingness, and cenfure only when cenfure is neceffary. Should the little bark which I have now ven tured upon the ftream of time, be wafted by the gale of favour to future ages, the praise of its success must be long to you. PREFACE. MAN ANY of the following effays were first given to the world through the medium of the Tyne Mercury. The approbation with which they were received has induced me to revife the re.naining numbers, and to publish them collectively. For all the papers, except thofe figned X. I must be refponfible. I have been indebted for the latter, which form perhaps the most valuable part of this volume, to a gentleman whofe name and talents would do honour to any undertaking. The criticisms on Master Betty, though not confiftent with the original plan, are inferted by the defire of their former readers. I have tranflated all the mottoes, except A 3 |