The English Parnassus, or, A helpe to English poesie containing a collection of all rhyming monosyllables, the choicest epithets, and phrases : with some general forms upon all occasions, subjects, and theams, alphabeticaly digested : together with a short institution to English poesie, by way of a preface / by Joshua Poole.

TO THE READER.

READER,

THou hast here, what some would count big enough to deserve the name of Booke, and give thee arguments from the indu∣stry in the compiling, and benefit in the use, to work thee to a liking, and extort thy appro∣bation. For my own part, if thou wilt be pleased to pardon the aspiring loftinesse of the title, and to consider for whom it was intended; Nec Suffae∣nus sum, nec inscribo Praxitelem. If thou find∣est any thing here either for thy pleasure or profit, thank not me, but the greatnesse of the volume: for could it have been easily transcribed, or any o∣ther way made generally usefull to all them for whose sakes I have principally taken this pains; it had neither troubled thee, nor the Presse: nor had I added one more to the numberlesse multitude of scriblers. Condemn it as unworthy the light in what words thou pleasest, and I shall owe thee thanks for giving my thoughts expression by thy langnage. If thou disapprovest it and art a wise man; I shall be too proud to know an understanding man of my judgement: if thou beest a foole, I shall not be very sory to see some hopes of an improve∣ment in thy judgement, by beginning in this to

know what justly to condemne. If thou commendes•• any thing, whether thou heest wise or otherwise, •• shall be so far from giving thee thanks, that I sha•• be halfe angry with thee, for so much crossing m•• expectation. Vale.

Qui gravis es nimium potes hic jam Lector abire Quo libet—Mart.