|
  | Everybody's Business Is Nobody's Business Ebook | |
|
 | |  | | E-book Category: Classic
E-book Title: Everybody's Business Is Nobody's Business
Author: Daniel Defoe
Book Description: THE PREFACE
Since this little book appeared in print, it has had no less than three answers, and fresh attacks are daily expected from the powers of Grub-street; but should threescore antagonists more arise, unless they say more to the intention than the forementioned, they shall not tempt me to reply.
Nor shall I engage in a paper war, but leave my book to answer for itself, having advanced nothing in this but evident truths, and incontestible matters of fact.
The general objection is against my style; I do not set up for an author, but write only to be understood, no matter how plain.
As my intentions are good, so have they had the nice fortune to meet with approbation from the sober and substantial part of mankind; as for the vicious and vagabond, their ill-will is my ambition.
It is with uncommon satisfaction I see the magistrature begin to put the laws against vagabonds in force with the utmost vigour, a great galore of those vermin, the japanners, having recently been taken up and sent to the some work-houses in and just about this city; and so
high time, for they grow every day more and more pernicious.
My project for putt watchmen under commissioners, will, I hope, be put in practice; for it is scarce safe to go by water unless you cognize your man.
As for the maid-servants, if I undervalue myself to take notice of them, as they are pleased to say, it is because they overestimate themselves so more they ought to be taken notice of.
This does the guilty take my subject by the wrong end, but any impartial reader may find, I write not against servants, but bad servants; not against wages, but extortionate wages, and am entirely of the poet's opinion,
The nice should meet with favour and applause, The wicked be restrain'd by wholesome laws.
The reason why I did not publish this book till the end of the last sessions of parliament was, because I did not care to interfere with more big affairs; but leave it to the consideration of that august body during this recess, against the next sessions, once
I shall exhibit another complaint against a growing abuse, for which I doubt not but to obtain their approbation and the thanks of all honest men.More... | |
| | | | | |  |
|  |
| Recommended Product for "Everybody's Business Is Nobody's Business" | | |
| |  | |  |
|
