And obedient humble servant, ⸺. Another Dedication was submitted to the noble Lord’s deliberation, but neither did this altogether satisfy him, as appears from the following expression of his opinion. Dear Sir, I scarce know how to reply to your new flattering proposal. I am afraid of appearing guilty of affected modesty, and yet I must beg your pardon, if I most sincerely and seriously entreat you to drop all thoughts of complimenting me, and my house and collection. If there is truth in man, it would hurt, not give me satisfaction. If you could see my heart, and know what I think of myself, you would be convinced that I think myself unworthy of praise, and am so far from setting value on any thing I have done, that could I recall time, and recommence my life, I have long been persuaded, that, thinking as I do now, nothing would induce me to appear on the stage of the public. Youth, great spirits, vanity, some flattery, (for I was a Prime Minister’s son) had made me believe I had some parts, and perhaps I had some, and on that rock I split; for how vast the distance between some parts and genius, original genius, which I confess is so supremely my admiration, and so honest is my pride, for that I never deny, that being conscious of not being a genius, I do not care a straw in which rank of mediocrity I may be placed. I tried before I was capable of judging myself, but having carefully examined and discovered my extreme inferiority to the objects of my admiration, I have passed sentence on my trifles, and hope nobody will think better of them than I do myself and then they will soon obtain that oblivion, out of which I wish I had never endeavoured to emerge. All this I allow, Sir, you will naturally doubt, yet the latter part of my life has been of a piece with my declaration. I have not only abandoned my mistaken vocation, but have been totally silent to some unjust attacks, because I did not choose my name should be mentioned when I could help it. It will be therefore indulgent in a friend, to let me pass away unnoticed as I wish, and I should be a hypocrite indeed, (which indeed I am not) if it were possible for me to receive compliments from a gentleman, whose abilities I respect so much as I do yours. I must have been laying perfidious snares for flattery, or I must be sincere. I trust your candour and charity will at least hope I am the latter, and that you will either punish my dissimulation, by disappointing it, or oblige me, as you will assuredly do, by dropping your intention. I am perfectly content with the honour of your friendship, and beseech you to let these be the last lines that I shall have occasion to write on the disagreeable subject of ⸺.