Phili's+, Ambrose, 1675? - 1749= A COLLECTION OF OLD BALLAD S. Corrected from the best and most Let no nice Sir defpife the hapless Dame, With rough Majestick Force they mov'd the Heart, LONDON: Printed for 7. Roberts; and fold by 7. Brotherton in Cornhill; A. Bette/worth in Pater-Nofter-Row; 7. Pemberton in Fleetfreet; J. Woodman in Bowfreet, Covent Garden; and J. Stag in WestminsterHall. M DCC XXIII. THE PREFACE. HERE is not a more ungrateful Tribute any where paid, than what is generally expected by the Publick, from an Author in his Preface. Something he must say, tho' he cannot say any thing to the Purpose; and a half Sheet of Paper at least must be taken up, with pointA 2 ing 950001 ing out the Beauties of his Book, and begging the courteous Reader not to damn it: Tho' probably the poor Writer does not know where to find out these Beauties, or has not the leaft Reafon to expect, but what his Book will be damn'd. The fulfome Praifes which a Modern Author is often obliged to bestow in a Dedication, must certainly be very grating to a generous Soul; but then the Hopes of being well paid for his Pains, is fome Eafe to his Confcience: But to court and flatter every Reader and not have a Farthing the more for one's Trouble is hard, is unconscionable. As for my Part, I have not been accuftomed to fervile Fawning, and begging the Question; and am fully determin'd not to begin now. I would always put my felf upon the Level with a Reader, and think my felf under no manner of Obligation: I have his Money, and he has my Works; and I am fure he may keep the one in his Study, much longer than I fhall the other in my Pocket. If there |