LXXXVII.

Here the twelfth canto of our Introduction Ends. When the body of the Book's begun, You'll find it of a different construction From what some people say 't will be when done; The plan at present 's simply in concoction. I can't oblige you, reader, to read on; That's your affair, not mine: a real spirit Should neither court neglect, nor dread to bear it.

LXXXVIII.

And if my thunderbolt not always rattles, Remember, reader! you have had before, The worst of tempests and the best of battles, That e'er were brewed from elements or gore, Besides the most sublime of--Heaven knows what else; An usurer could scarce expect much more-- But my best canto--save one on astronomy-- Will turn upon "Political Economy."[651]