occasion from almost all the models of other writers, the more worthy I shall be of your Lordship's approbation and esteem.
Many have politically prostituted praise to unworthy objects, with a view to their future establishment in life. I have not their prudence; nor do I wish to have it. Others, with a more airy, more innocent, and more mistaken folly, have imagined that a sounding title, and the flaming ensigns of heraldry prefixed to their works, would procure them success, and awe the world into an admiration of dulness. Whereas, in a free community like ours, where tyranny cannot check the generous impression of the Muses, it is certainly more the privilege of the poet to ennoble the peer, than of the peer to give credit to the poet.
The early excellence of your abilities, and morals at the University, and my intimacy with you there, have dictated tome
