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The Publishers, to Mr. Henry Purcell.
SIR,
HAving had the good Fortune to meet with the Score or Original Draught of your Incomparable Essay of Musick compos'd for the Play, call'd The Indian Queen. It soon appear'd that we had found a Jewel of very great Value; on which account we were un∣willing that so rich a Treasure should any longer lie bury'd in Oblivion; and that the Common-wealth of Musick should be depriv'd of so considerable a Benefit. Indeed we well knew your innate Modesty to be such, as not to be easily pre∣vail'd upon to set forth any thing in Print, much less to Patronize your own Works, although in some respects In∣imitable. But in regard that (the Press being now open) any one might print an imperfect Copy of these admirable Songs, or publish them in the nature of a Common Ballad, We were so much the more emboldned to make this Attempt, even without acquainting you with our Design; not doubting but your accustomed Candor and Generosity will induce you to pardon this Presumption: As for our parts, if you shall think fit to condescend so far, we shall always endeavour to approve our selves,
Your Obedient Servants, J. May, J. Hudgebutt.