I will detain you, sir, no longer. Indeed I have
run into a preface, while I professed to write a dedication.
But how can it be otherwise? I dare not praise
you; and the only means I know of to avoid it, when
you are in my thoughts, are either to be entirely silent,
or to turn my thoughts to some other subject.
Pardon, therefore, what I have said in this epistle,
not only without your consent, but absolutely against
it; and give me at least leave, in this public manner,
to declare that I am, with the highest respect and
gratitude,—
Sir,
Your most obliged,
Obedient, humble servant,
Henry Fielding.
The History of Tom Jones, A foundling.
Containing as much of the
birth of the foundling as
is necessary or
proper to acquaint the reader
with in the beginning of this
history.
The introduction to the work, or bill of fare to the
feast.
An author ought to consider himself, not as a gentleman
who gives a private or eleemosynary treat, but rather
as one who keeps a public ordinary, at which all persons
are welcome for their money. In the former case,
it is well known that the entertainer provides what
fare he pleases; and though this should be very indifferent,
and utterly disagreeable to the taste of his company,
they must not find any fault; nay, on the contrary,
good breeding forces them outwardly to approve and
to commend whatever is set before them. Now the
contrary of this happens to the master of an ordinary.
Men who pay for what they eat will insist on gratifying
their palates, however nice and whimsical these may
prove; and if everything is not agreeable to their
taste, will challenge a right to censure, to abuse,
and to d—n their dinner without controul.
To prevent, therefore, giving offence to their customers
by any such disappointment, it hath been usual with
the honest and well-meaning host to provide a bill
of fare which all persons may peruse at their first
entrance into the house; and having thence acquainted
themselves with the entertainment which they may expect,
may either stay and regale with what is provided for
them, or may depart to some other ordinary better
accommodated to their taste.
As we do not disdain to borrow wit or wisdom from
any man who is capable of lending us either, we have
condescended to take a hint from these honest victuallers,
and shall prefix not only a general bill of fare to
our whole entertainment, but shall likewise give the
reader particular bills to every course which is to
be served up in this and the ensuing volumes.
