'Tis to be hoped, that this league betwixt the
learned and conversible worlds, which is so happily begun,
will be still farther improved, to their mutual advantage; and
to that end, I know nothing more advantageous than such Essays
as these with which I endeavour to entertain the public. In
this view, I cannot but consider myself as a kind of resident
or ambassador from the dominions of learning to those of
conversation; and shall think it my constant duty to promote a
good correspondence betwixt these two states, which have so
great a dependence on each other. I shall give intelligence to
the learned of whatever passes in company, and shall endeavour
to import into company whatever commodities I find in my
native country proper for their use and entertainment. The
balance of trade we need not be jealous of, nor will there be
any difficulty to preserve it on both sides. The materials of
this commerce must chiefly be furnished by conversation and
common life: the manufacturing of them alone belongs to
learning.
As 'twould be an unpardonable negligence in an ambassador not
to pay his respects to the sovereign of the state where he is
commissioned to reside; so it would be altogether inexcusable
in me not to address myself, with a particular respect, to the
fair sex, who are the sovereigns of the empire of
conversation.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9