London drollery, or, The wits academy being a select collection of the newest songs, lampoons, and airs alamode : with several other most ingenious peices [sic] of railery, never before published / by W.H.

THE EPISTLE TO LONDON DROLLERY.

Reader,

THe other Drolleries going so swift away, Why should I think that this should make a stay; For this by several Criticks has been scan'd, And Stationer to, before he'd tak't in hand; And being well approv'd before it came to th' Press, I cannot think that it will have a less Esteem abroad then any of the rest, Because it has endur'd so severe a test. Suspend thy Censure till thou'st fully seen't, I do not doubt but thou'lt find something in't Will please thy Pallet: Is thy mind Jocose, Here's that will please, unless thou'rt too Morose: 〈1 page missing〉〈1 page missing〉

And being suited to all humours so, 'Nought but but Impartiality can have a low Esteem for it; The envious I value not, For they in Peccadillo things will be so hot, And wreak their spight on any, though unknown, And all forsooth because 'tis not their own. If ought do please thee, then I'am well apaid, For all these things unto that end was made: If not, then leave it, 'tis all one to Will, I was VV. H. and so shall be still.

Dated on May-day when so lowd it Thundered,
In Anno Seventy three and Sixteen hundred.