The extravagant shepherd, the anti-romance, or, The history of the shepherd Lysis translated out of French.

THE Author to the Reader.

THose that take so much delight in Love∣stories, let them come and see what enter∣tainment this will afford them, which they canot but account as pleasant as those they so much esteem, since it contains alone whatever is remarkable or admirable in all the rest The Incomparable Shepherd here represented, hath endeavored alone to do all that the most passionate Lovers which Books have brought into our acquaintance, have not without difficulty accomplish'd. To tell us that it is an Extravagant Shepherd, and that he hath been ever known by that name, is no argument to cause any to e∣steem him the less; for it is not to be learn'd, that an extra∣ordinary excess of Affection, is not confin'd within the li∣mits of Devoïr, nor observes the Laws of Prudence. Be∣sides that, the most Extravagant actions of our Shepherd-Lover, have for their Presidents those of so many brave Hero's, whom he hath endeavor'd to imitate. So that as to the design he had propos'd to himself, of furnishing materials, to make as noble and as fam'd a Romance as any this age hath brought forth; you see he hath been very fortunate in't: And though they have given the name of Romance to those charming and delightful Histories, and that his pretends more right to the title, as being nothing but charms and delight it self: Yet we have call'd him

the Anti-Romance; and that because Romances contain no∣thing but Fictions, whereas this must be thought a true History. And of this there is yet another Reason, that is, if we consider it is accompanied with most excellent, and important Remarks, wherein are discovered the imperti∣nences of the fault, which pester Romances, and all Poetick and Fabulous works; so that this Book may be said to be a quite contrary thing to them. 'Tis here that you will be fix'd into amazement; O you that are so taken with the reading of feign'd Histories! you knew not till now what Artifice could be us'd to imitate those rare adventures in such a manner as you might not be offended with; and yet that all should tend to an intention far different from the ordinary. You now suspect you are gull'd; be not mi∣staken, assure your selves you shall finde nothing but what shall be for your advantage, and convincing you of your errors shall remove your prejudice. You must therefore resolve your selves to attention and silence; for the Scene opens, the Shepherd enters, and speaks.