This latter method I have at present occasion to imitate. A female author has dedicated a piece to me,[281] wherein she would make my name (as she has others) the introduction of whatever is to follow in her book; and has spoke some panegyrical things which I know not how to return, for want of better acquaintance with the lady, and consequently being out of a capacity of giving her praise or blame. All therefore that is left for me, according to the foregoing rules, is to lay the picture of a good and evil woman before her eyes, which are but mere words if they do not concern her. Now you are to observe, the way in a dedication is to make all the rest of the world as little like the person we address to as possible, according to the following epistle:
"Madam, "But, M——
"——Memorabile nullum
Fœminea in pœna est.——"[282]
FOOTNOTES:
[278] Writer of news.
[279] "Epist." iii. 21.
[280] Livy, ii. 12.
[281] Mrs. Manley's "Memoirs of Europe ... by the translator of the 'New Atalantis.'" See Nos. [35], 63.