tle consequence in the world, it
is not much matter what I do: so I seldom fret or fume at all about it:
Nor does it much disturb my rest, when I see such great Lords and tall
Personages as hereafter follow;--such, for instance, as my Lord A, B, C,
D, E, F, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, and so on, all of a row, mounted
upon their several horses,--some with large stirrups, getting on in a
more grave and sober pace;--others on the contrary, tucked up to their
very chins, with whips across their mouths, scouring and scampering it
away like so many little party-coloured devils astride a mortgage,--and
as if some of them were resolved to break their necks.--So much the
better--say I to myself;--for in case the worst should happen, the
world will make a shift to do excellently well without them; and for
the rest,--why--God speed them--e'en let them ride on without opposition
from me; for were their lordships unhorsed this very night--'tis ten
to one but that many of them would be worse mounted by one half before
tomorrow morning.

Not one of these instances therefore can be said to break in upon my
rest.--But there is an instance, which I own puts me off my guard, and
that is, when I see one born for great actions, and what is still more
for his honour, whose nature ever inclines him to good ones;--when I
behold such a one, my Lord, like yourself, whose principles and conduct
are as generous and noble as his blood, and whom, for that reason, a
corrupt world cannot spare one moment;--when I see such a one, my Lord,
mounted, though it is but for a minute beyond the time which my love
to my country has prescribed to him, and my zeal for his glory
wishes,--then, my Lord, I cease to be a philosopher, and in the first
transport of an honest impatience, I wish the Hobby-Horse, with all his
fraternity, at the Devil.

'My Lord, I maintain this to be a dedication, notwithstanding its
singularity in the three great essentials of matter, form and place: I
beg, therefore, you will accept it as such, and that you will permit
me to lay it, with the most respectful humility, at your Lordship's
feet--when you are upon them,--which you can be when you please;--and
that is, my Lord, whenever there is occasion for it, and I will add, to
the best purposes too. I have the honour to be,

My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
and most devoted,
a