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May it please your Lordship,
COuld I as truly boast I had perform∣ed your Commands in making Ap∣pian English, as I can that I at∣tempted it by your Command, I should with much more confidence (than now I dare) present it to your Lordship: for the least flattering imagination that I were able to make
this excellent Historian speak as well, and prove as plea∣sing to yo••r Lordship in ours, as he does in any other foreign Language, would be apt to create in me a confi∣dence, pardonable only in those who are successful in their obedience, and whose Performances are equal to their Wishes.
But since the knowledge of my own weakness forbids me to entertain any such thoughts, I come with all hu∣mility to lay at your Lordships feet not the effects of my well doing, but of my good will; and though I am suffi∣ciently sensible of my want of power to give height to my desires; yet I rest satisfied in this, that Experience hath taught me, your Lordship can never want goodness to ac∣cept of my intentions. And whilst you have so much of that Heaven about you, I can fear little damage from a∣ny Earthly Defects of mine.
And whilst your Lordship is pleased to own Appian, and undertake his protection in this Humble Dress of mine, what doubt can I harbour of his finding a happy Reception in the World? You, who have been so great an Example of the main subject he treats of, Military Prow∣ess; You, who have so seasonably pressed your self forward,
both in Naval and Land•• Service for the Glory of your King and Country, that no Example of Roman Bravery could ever reach to; You, whom if Appian himself were still alive, he would be proud of the opportunity of ex∣ceeding all he has done (in one of his greatest Excellen∣cies) by giving a Character of so illustrious a Worthy.
For I dare leave it to any impartial Reader of this Age to judge, whether any of his Descriptions of those Hero's, whose Actions he writes, comes not short in many points of what justly might be said of your Lordship, or if any there be (sure I am) none but the two great Scipios can pretend to claim a∣ny Parallel. You like them have uninteressed fought for your Country; and in this have exceeded them, that when your Glory was already at that height made you the envy of ill men, you still thrust your self into those ha∣zards makes you the Admiration of all that have either Goodness or Honour, which together with your other ex∣cellent Qualities deservedly entitles you to that Attribute once given to the Emperour Titus, of being, The De∣light of all Humane Kind.
But why should I strive to tell the World what they al∣ready know, and what none will dispute with me▪ 'Tis an
Honour too great for me, that your Lordship has by laying this Command upon me, given me an occasion to publish the hearty desire I have to acknowledge all your Lordships Fa∣vours, and to assume a liberty (few men living but would be proud to share in) of declaring my self,
My Lord,
Your Lordships Most Humble, most Faithful, And most Obedient Servant I. D.