IT is so long since the reader of this rhapsodical work has
been parted from the midwife, that it is high time to mention
her again to him, merely to put him in mind that there is
such a body still in the world, and whom, upon the best
judgment I can form upon my own plan at present,-I am
going to introduce to him for good and afl: But as fresh
matter may be started, and much unexpected business fall
out betwixt the reader and myself, which may require im-
mediate dispatch;-'twas right to take care that the poor
woman should not be lost in the meantime;-because when
she is wanted, we can no way do without her.
I think I told you that this good woman was a person of no
small note and consequence throughout our whole village
and township;-that her fame had spread itself to the very
out-edge and circumference of that circle of importance, of
which kind every soul living, whether he has a shirt to his
back or no has one surrounding him;-which said circle,
by the way, whenever 'tis said that such a one is of great
weight and importance in the world,- I desire may be en-
larged or contracted in your worship's fancy, in a compound
ratio of the station, profession, knowledge, abilities, height
and depth (measuring both ways) of the personage brought
before you.
In the present case, if I remember, I fixed it about four or
five miles, which not only comprehended the whole parish,
but extended itself to two or three of the adjacent hamlets
in the skirts of the next parish; which made a considerable
thing of it. I must add, That she was, moreover,, very well
looked on at one large grange-house and some other odd
houses and farms within two or three miles, as I said, from
the smoke of her own chimney:-But I must here, once
for all, inform you, that all this will be more exactly deli-
neated and explained in a map, now in the hands of the
engraver, which, with many other pieces and developments
to this work, will be added to the end of the twentieth
volume,-not to swell the work,-I detest the thought of
such a thing;-but by way of commentary, scholium, illus-
tration, and key to such passages, incidents, or innuendos
as shall be thought to be either of private interpretation, or
of dark or doubtful meaning after my life and my opinions
shall have been read over, (now don't forget the meaning of
the word) by all the world;-which, betwixt you and me, and
in spite of all the gentlemen reviewers in Great Britain, and
of all that their worships shall undertake to write or say to
the contrary,-I am determined shall be the case.-I need
not tell your worship, that all this is spoke in confidence.