When these Memoirs first appeared in publick, I remember the Criticks in Town were much divided in their Sentiments about them; some found fault with the Stile, as too luscious and affected; others censured the Digressions, as Foreign to the Business in hand, and particularly the Story of Prince Maurice's Parrot, that (to use Sir William's own Expression, p. 58.) spoke, and asked, and answered common Questions, like a reasonable Creature. Lastly, the Graver sort of People were scandalized to see several Persons eminent both for their Station and Quality, and some of them still Living, treated with so much Freedom, and with so little Ceremony; adding, that the Author every where appeared too full of himself, which I find is the very Character, which the French Relator of the Negotiation at Nimeguen, has been pleased to bestow upon him.
Indeed, as for the Language of the Memoirs, a Man needs but turn over half a dozen Pages to be convinced that the first Objection is just and reasonable. Every Leaf almost stands charged with Gallicisms, more or less; and indeed 'tis odd enough to see a Man of Sir William Temples's Constitution, who all along declares such an invincible Aversion to the French Nation, so fondly doting upon their Expressions, even where he had no necessity to use them. But at the same time, I confess, I am of opinion, that his Digressions are not so faulty, it being not amiss in a just History, but especially in Memoirs, to relieve a serious Scene, now and then, with something that is diverting and agreeable. As for the last Objection, I have nothing to say to it at present, since it is not improbable but that the following Book of Monsieur de Cross may prevail with him to attempt his own Justification.
FINIS.
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE
Long "s" has been modernized. Apart from that, printer's inconsistencies in spelling and punctuation have been retained.