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Printed in the Journals, 1730

WHEREAS, upon occasion of certain pieces relating to the gentlemen of the Dunciad, some have been willing to suggest as if they look upon them as an abuse, we can do no less than own it is our opinion that to call these gentlemen "bad authors" is no sort of abuse, but a great truth. We cannot alter this opinion without some reason; but we promise to do it in respect to every person who thinks it an injury to be represented as no wit or poet, provided he procures a certificate of his being really such from any three of his companions in the Dunciad, or from Mr Dennis singly, who is esteemed equal to any three of the number.

From Alexander Pope's Dunciad Variorum, 1743 edition.