Sheridan, Richard Brinsley, 1751-1816. An ode to the genius of scandal. London: printed for G. Kearsly, 1781. [2],18p.; 4⁰. (ESTC T41991; OTA K041189.000)

    • AN ODE TO THE GENIUS OF SCANDAL.

    [PRICE ONE SHILLING.]

    • AN ODE TO THE GENIUS OF SCANDAL.

    QUI CAPIT, FACIT.
    I SAY NOTHING!

    LONDON: PRINTED FOR G. KEARSLY, AT NO. 46, IN FLEETSTREET. M.DCC.LXXXI.

    • THE Author of the following ODE, intending it solely for the amusement of his intimate acquaintance, printed only the requisite number of copies. One who has long been happy in his friendship, and who was favoured with the poem, thought a more enlarged publication might prove beneficial to mankind, in correcting an evil of which every one complains. With this view he offers it to the world, and he hopes the intention will justify the act.

    If those who, with a taste for satire, possess the powers of ridicule, are, by the perusal, awakened to a sense of the unhappiness the indiscriminate exercise of that dangerous talent may possibly occasion to innocence and worth; and if the tranquility of an individual is preserved, the writer's wishes will be gratified.

    To the Author no suitable excuse can be offered — but the motive. This, if his delicacy rejects, his heart must approve. To the Public no apology will be thought necessary; the spirit and elegance of the composition, the philanthropy it breathes, must recommend it to encomium, and secure to it the applause it so justly merits.

    Cambridge,Oct. 30, 1781.
  • AN ODE TO THE GENIUS OF SCANDAL.