Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 2).pdf/15

 been only to walk before him, I have conceived a higher Notion of his Dignity, than I have felt on eeing him in a common Situation. But there is one Intance which comes exactly up to my Purpoe. This is the Cutom of ending on a Baket-woman, who is to precede the Pomp at a Coronation, and to trew the Stage with Flowers, before the great Peronages begin their Proceion. The Antients would certainly have invoked the Goddes Flora for this Purpoe, and it would have been no Difficulty for their Priets or Politicians to have peruaded the People of the real Preence of the Deity, though a plain Mortal had peronated her, and performed her Office. But we have no uch Deign of impoing on our Reader, and therefore thoe who object to the Heathen Theology, may, if they pleae, change our Goddes into the above-mentioned Basket-woman. Our Intention, in hort, is to introduce our Heroine with the utmot Solemnity in our Power, with an Elevation of Stile, and all other Circumtances proper to raie the Veneration of our Reader. Indeed we would, for certain Caues, advie thoe of our Male Readers who have any Hearts, to read no farther, were we not well aured, that how amiable oever the Picture of our Heroine will appear, as it is really a Copy