Page:Fugitive Poetry 1600-1878.djvu/25

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An Epistle to The Editor
from

"Anonymous."

Dear Friend, it does my old heart cheer,To learn the time is drawing nearWhen of my works the world will hearBy your selection:I do not know well what to sayFor th' honour you to me thus pay,May all success 'tend you, I pray,And your collection.
But honest wish may selfish seemTo bid success, and I your theme;Yet when I heard, the Anon, schemeTickled my fancy.I wrote as all the world will knowPurely for good, not fame or show,—Since none for failure write, I trow,—Success enhance ye.
Right glad am I this circumstanceGrants me the leave to make advance:Trust me, I'll use all vigilanceNot to out-runThe care I ever did maintain,Which does my modesty explain,For to the end I will remainYour friend "Anon."
Why would I thus address you? Well,While you would fain my praises swell,I'd have you to the public tellWhat I have doneIn case it is not in your plan,—That you may my life history scanSince e'er this world of ours began,And yet, unknown.
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