Proem

n. [Fr. proème, Sp. & It. proemio, Lat. proœmium, Gr. προοίμιον, from πρό, before, and οἶμος, way, road, the course or strain of a song.] Preface; introduction; preliminary observations; prelude.

Thus much may serve by way of proem; Proceed we therefore to our poem. Swift.