The second edition of Pamela: or, Virtue Rewarded was published on 14 February 1741. It featured a new introduction, consisting mostly of excerpts of letters to Richardson from Aaron Hill, in which Hill answered objections to the novel and its heroine raised by other readers; it concluded with a commendatory poem, also by Hill. Its length and additive, pastiche-like structure may be explained by the fact that Richardson had as much as a sheet (twelve leaves or twenty-four pages) to fill up and kept adding materials until he ran out of space. Hill's peculiar style and cantankerous tone became fodder for detractors of the novel, beginning with Henry Fielding, who, in Shamela (published 2 April 1741), took aim not only at the hypocritical posturing of Richardson's heroine, but also at the bathetic earnestness of her most enthusiastic apologist.

INTRODUCTION TO THIS SECOND EDITION.

The kind Reception which this Piece has met with from the Publick, (a large Impression having been carried off in less than ThreeMonths) deserves not only Acknowlegdment, but that some Notice should be taken of the Objections that have hitherto come to hand against a few Passages in it, that so the Work may be rendered as unexceptionable as possible, and, of consequence, the fitter to answer the general Design of it; which is to promote Virtue, and cultivate the Minds of the Youth of both Sexes.

But Difficulties having arisen from the different Opinions of Gentlemen, some of whom applauded the very Things that others found Fault with, it was thought proper to submit the Whole to the Judgment of a Gentleman of the most distinguish’d Taste and Abilities; the Result of which will be seen in the subsequent Pages.

We begin with the following Letter1, at the Desire of several Gentlemen, to whom, on a very particular Occasion, it was communicated, and who wish’d to see it prefixed to the New Edition. It was directed,

To the Editor of PAMELA.

Dear Sir,

You have agreeably deceiv’d me into a Surprize, which it will be as hard to express, as the Beauties of PAMELA.