John Todd and How He Stirred His Own Broth-Pot (Classic Reprint): A Tale Worth Telling

Excerpt from John Todd and How He Stirred His Own Broth-Pot

Some critics say that in no case A book should be without preface, As always something, less or more, Which bears the name should go before. Not even a pamphlet or Zibellas Should be without one, as they tell us. But if an author hath not got Wherewith to make one, then why not 9 Why should he, if so pinched or placed, Not let his book go unprefaced? When thus nonplussed, to take the pains Of cudgelling his barren brains, In hope of beating out what may Pass for a preface in its way, But which would not the public make The wiser, were a grand mistake. And lest I should fall into it, All prefacing I must omit.