It was dedicated to Anne, Duchess of Monmouth, whom long afterward our author styled his first and best patroness.

"Whom?" enquired Mrs. Isham, calmly.

But let me promise one thing; that if you think me too free, you must not let it run in your head that I am writing of your uncle, or of my mother; but of a couple of old lovers, no matter whom.

There is this merit, at least, among the coarser crew of imported flowers, that they bring their own proper names with them, and we know precisely whom we have to deal with.

Commend but sparingly whom thou dost love: But less condemn whom thou dost not approve; 200 Thy friend, like flatt'ry, too much praise doth wrong, And too sharp censure shows an evil tongue: But let inviolate truth be always dear To thee; e'en before friendship, truth prefer.