THE LIFE AND OPINIONS OF TRISTRAM SHANDY GENTLEMAN Ταράσσει τοὺς ̓Ανθρώπους οὐ τὰ Πράγματα, Αλλά τὰ περὶ τῶν Πραγμάτων Δόγματα. for it is written in a bye corner of the kingdom, and in a retired thatched house, where I live in a constant endeavour to fence against the infirmities of ill health, and other evils of life, by mirth; being firmly persuaded that every time a man smiles, -but much more so, when he laughs, it adds something to this Fragment of Life. I humbly beg, Sir, that you will honour this book, by taking it (not under your Protection, -it must protect itself, but)—into the -into the country with you; where, if I am ever told, it has made you smile; or can conceive it has beguiled you of one moment's pain-I shall think myself as happy as a minister of state;- -perhaps much happier than any one (one only excepted) that I have read or heard of. I am, great sir, (and what is more to your Honour) Your Well-wisher, and most humble Fellow-subject, THE AUTHOR. |