I am determined
to
dedicate
this Book
and nothing shall turn me from
my Purpose.
DEDICATORY ODE.
I mean to write with all my strength
(It lately has been sadly waning),
A ballad of enormous length—
Some parts of which will need explaining.[1]
Because (unlike the bulk of men,
Who write for fame and public ends),
I turn a lax and fluent pen
To talking of my private friends.[2]