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, it does my old heart cheer, To learn the time is drawing near When of my works the world will hear By your selection: I do not know well what to say For th' honour you to me thus pay, May all success 'tend you, I pray, And your collection.

But honest wish may selfish seem To bid success, and I your theme; Yet when I heard, the Anon, scheme Tickled my fancy. I wrote as all the world will know Purely for good, not fame or show,— Since none for failure write, I trow,— Success enhance ye.

Right glad am I this circumstance Grants me the leave to make advance: Trust me, I'll use all vigilance Not to out-run The care I ever did maintain, Which does my modesty explain, For to the end I will remain Your friend "Anon."

Why would I thus address you? Well, While you would fain my praises swell, I'd have you to the public tell What I have done In case it is not in your plan,— That you may my life history scan Since e'er this world of ours began, And yet, unknown.