Now, when I write full, --I write as if I was never to write fasting again as long as I live; ----that is, I write free from the cares as well as the terrors of the world. ----I count not the number of my scars, --nor does my fancy go forth into dark entries and bye-corners to antedate my stabs. ----In a word, my pen takes its course; and I write on as much from the fulness of my heart, as my stomach.----
But when, an' please your honours, I indite fasting, 'tis a different history. ----I pay the world all possible attention and respect, --and have as great a share (whilst it lasts) of that under-strapping virtue of discretion as the best of you. ----So that betwixt both, I write a careless kind of a civil, nonsensical, good-humoured _Shandean_ book, which will do all your hearts good------
----And all your heads too, --provided you understand it.
Now, when I write full, I write free from the cares and terrors of the world. I count not my scars; nor does my fancy go forth into dark corners. In a word, I write as much from the fullness of my heart, as my stomach.
But when I am fasting, 'tis a different story. I pay the world all possible attention and respect - so that betwixt both, I write a careless kind of a civil, nonsensical, good-humoured Shandean book, which will do all your hearts good-
- And your heads too, provided you understand it.