Monsieur Bossu's Treatise of the Epick Poem/Dedication
To the Honoured
DOCTOR of PHYSICK,
AND
FELLOW of the College of Physicians
in LONDON.
SIR,
The ensuing Treatise, since it has learned to speak English, seems, by a peculiar kind of Title, to lay a more especial Claim to your Patronage, than to any others. For though the Translator be a perfect Stranger to you, yet the Author, which he has ventur'd to translate, is well known by all to be one you are intimately acquainted with: witness your excellent Prince Arthur, wherein you have in a great measure confin'd your self to the Rules and Precepts which Aristotle and Horace, and even our Bossu, have prescrib'd to the Epick Poem.
'Tis upon this Account, Sir, that I presume to cast this Translation under your Protection; not questioning but, as the good-natur'd Critick is always the Poet's Friend; so now, vice versâ, the generous Poet will stand the Criticks Friend, and suffer his impartial Reflexions to appear in the English World under the Patronage of so great a Name.
I might here run out into high and just Encomiums upon your late extraordinary Performance; but there is no need for it, since the Work loudly speaks forth its own Praises: and I should rather seem unjust in saying too little, than be thought guilty of Flattery for saying too much in its Commendation.
I have, Sir, in the Preface, ventur'd to make some few Reflexions on your Poem, and hope you have Candour enough to excuse the Freedom I have taken therein. If I have offended, or committed any Mistake, I here declare my self willing and ready to retract upon due Conviction; and shall be always forward to submit my self to the Sentence of better Judgments.
All I have more to say, is, to beg Pardon for my Presumption, in desiring to prefix your Name before my weak Performance; which Favour I hope you will grant to,
Honoured Sir,
Your very Oblig'd and
Humble Servant,