The Rambler

Cur tamen hoc potius libeat decurrere campo, Per quem magnus equos Auruncæ flexit alumnus, Si vacat, et placidi rationem admittitis, edam. Juv.

Why to expatiate in this beaten field, Why arms oft us’d in vain, I mean to wield; If time permit, and candour will attend, Some satisfaction this essay may lend. Elphinston.

THE difficulty of the first address on any new occasion, is felt by every man in his transactions with the world, and confessed by the settled and regular forms of salutation which necessity has introduced into all languages. Judgment was wearied with the perplexity of being forced upon choice, where there was no motive to preference; and it was found convenient that some easy method of introduction should be established, which, if it wanted the allurement of novelty, might enjoy the security of prescription.

Perhaps few authors have presented themselves before the public, without wishing that such ceremonial modes of entrance had been anciently established, as might have freed them from those dangers which the desire of pleasing is certain to produce, and precluded the vain expedients of softening censure by apologies, or rousing attention by abruptness.