The eagle's masque

My dear girls and boys,

If “The Eagle’s Masque” should afford you half the pleasure which I have myself received from “The Peacock at Home,” I will make no further demands upon your approbation.


My Brothers and Sisters in this line of literature are accustomed to distinguish particular passages in their poems by remarks, or explanations at the bottom of the page.—I do not intend, however, to follow their example. What I wish is, that you should first get through all your laughing, without interruption; reserving for you afterwards the useful amusement of picking out further information for yourselves, as you will find it in those books of ivNatural History, with coloured figures, which your Parents, or Tutors, will have the goodness to lay before you for that purpose.


In the next place, I have great pride, and pleasure, in being able to assure you, that I have not, in a single instance, knowingly set down any circumstance relating, in a general way, to the persons, lives, and manners, of my feathered Characters, which you may not find to be strictly true. If some cases should occur, in which this assertion may puzzle, or surprize you, your kind friends above mentioned will make the proper distinctions for you; and then, you will find every thing as it should be.


And so, recommending my Birds, and myself, to your favour and protection,


I remain

your affectionate Friend,

and Play-fellow,

TOM TIT.