SLSL Intro "It is only fair to warn ..."

[Elainemmbell at aol.com]

I can't think of a preface like P's in this case either, but  am reminded of 
Hawthorne's non-apology for the agitation caused by his introduction to the 
Scarlet Letter and his decision to ignore it after all.  Here's Hawthorne 
describing his NOT rewriting his introductory "Custom House" sketch to 
Scarlet Letter  in an additional introductory passage (after which he gives 
us "Custom House" exactly as it was):

"As the public disapprobation would weigh heavily upon him, were he conscious 
of deserving it, the author begs leave to say that he has carefully read over 
the introductory pages with a purpose to alter or expunge whatever might be 
found amiss, and to make the best reparation possible for the atrocities of 
which he has been judged guilty.  But it appears to him, that the only 
remarkable features of the sketch are its frank and genuine good humor, and 
the general accuracy with which he has conveyed his sincere impressions of 
the characters therein described...the author is constrained, therefore, to 
republish his introductory sketch without the change of a word."  (Salem, 
1850)

Elaine M.M. Bell, Writer
(860) 523-9225
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