(A hardish job, as some may view it,

Yet some of you know how to do it);

Or Master's cane may go to wrack,

To keep it off the stoker's back!

Still 'one more word': I do beseech you,

If disapproving aught I teach you,—

(Which I not only won't resent,

But deem my highest compliment,

The true intent 'no how' mistook,

With which I really wrote this book,)