TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR RICHARD PEPPER ARDEN, MASTER OF THE ROLLS, AND ONE OF HIS MAJESTY'S MOST HONOURABLE PRIVY COUNCIL. SIR, PERFECTLY sensible of that regard which you entertain for the virtuous character, I experience no difficulty in committing to your patronage a new edition of the following pages.-They contain portraits of genuine excellence, finished by no unskilful artist. Charmed from my earliest years with their captivating beauties, I shall probably be deemed a partial and prejudiced spectator. Be this as it may-when I request your permission to inscribe to you a volume which exhibits a full and adequate representation of persons eminent for their great and amiable qualities, I am confident of your kind indulgence. I am, SIR, with all possible respect, your Honour's most obliged and devoted servant, THOMAS ZOUCH. Wyclife, Jan 16, 1790 |