In the next place, I have great pride, and pleasure, in being able to assure you, that I have not, in a single instance, knowingly set down any circumstance relating, in a general way, to the persons, lives, and manners, of my feathered Characters, which you may not find to be strictly true. If some cases should occur, in which this assertion may puzzle, or surprize you, your kind friends above mentioned will make the proper distinctions for you; and then, you will find every thing as it should be.
And so, recommending my Birds, and myself, to your favour and protection,
I remain
your affectionate Friend,
and Play-fellow,
TOM TIT.
[5]
] THE
EAGLE’S MASQUE.
WHEN “The Butterfly’s Ball,” and the “Grass-hopper’s Feast,”
Had resounded abroad from the west to the east,
The Peacock, whose bosom is vanity’s station,