Page:An Inquiry into the Authenticity of certain Papers and Instruments attributed to Shakspeare.djvu/22

the publick. Of this fact he is as fully satisfied, as he is with the honour that has been observed towards him, throughout the whole communication made to him upon this subject. So circumstanced, he should not feel justified in importuning or any way requesting a gentleman, to whom he is known only by obligation, and not personally, to subject himself to the impertinence and licentiousness of literary curiosity and cavil, unless he should himself voluntarily come forward. But this is not all. It was not till after the mass of papers received became voluminous, that Mr. Ireland had any idea of printing them: he then applied to the original possessor for his permission so to do; and this was not obtained but under the strongest injunction that his name should not appear. This injunction has, throughout all the stages of this business, been uniformly declared: and, as this gentleman has dealt most liberally with the editor, he can confidently say, that in his turn he has with equal openness and candour conducted himself towards the publick; to whom, immediately upon every communication made, every thing has been submitted without reserve.