" AND BE THESE JUGGLING FIENDS NO MORE BELIEV'D,

THAT PALTER WITH US IN A DOUBLE SENSE;

THAT KEEP THE WORD OT PROMISE TO OUR LAR,
66 AND BREAK IT TO OUR HOPE.

SHAKESPEAR.

THE SECOND EDITION.

London:
PRINTED FOR JOHN HATCHARD, BOOKSELLER TO
THE RUBEN, NO. 173, PICCADILLY.

1800

B055

Apr 1800

AMONG the various causes which

may

be assigned for the extraordinary corruption of the human race, one of the most powerful has, perhaps, in all ages, been the perversion of language. Did Vice stalk abroad unveiled in her native deformity, few, whose minds were not under the immediate influence of some impetuous passion, would have sufficient boldness to meet the terrors of her aspect; few could resolve to incur the infamy which would inevitably cover those who appeared in her train. To such, therefore, as would seize the fatal pleasures which she boasts her power to offer, no expedient can occur. by which they may more effectually evade the reproaches of their own consciences, and the just cenfure of the world, than to invent a new vocabulary; to call evil good, and good evil; and when, by the use of these false terms,

they

A 2