![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() But I confider fuck Acts of Beneficence as Prodigies, recorded rather to raise Wonder than Expectation and content with the Terms that I had ftipulated, had not fuffered my Imagination to flatter me with any other Encouragement, when I found that my Defign had been thought by your Lordship of Importance fufficient to attract your Favour. To the Patrons of fuch Undertakings I willingly paid the Homage of believing that they, who were thus folicitous for the Perpetuity of their Language, had Reason to expect that their Actions would be celebrated by Pofterity, and that the Eloquence which they promoted would be employed in their Praife. ![]() I had read indeed of Times, in which Princes and Statesmen thought it Part of their Honour to promote the Improvement of their native Tongues and in which Dictionaries were written under the Protection of Greatnefs. I was drawn forward with the Profpect of Employment, which, though not fplendid, would be ufeful and which, though it could not make my Life envied, would keep it innocent which would awaken no Paffion, engage me in no Contention, nor throw in my Way any Temptation to disturb the Quiet of others by Cenfure, or my own by Flattery. Yet on this Province, my Lord, I entered, with the pleafing Hope, that, as it was low, it likewife would be fafe. ![]()
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