The Dedication.
vain as to Imagine the following Translation deserves to be mention'd in the same Breath with some I cou'd name. But certain it is, the French Genius may be match'd (if not surpass'd) in both, the Pen as well as the Sword; whatever exalted Notions to the contrary Some among us may have, who cou'd relish Slavery it self, if it were but French. I do not intend anything to the disadvantage of our Enemy's Wit and Knowledge, but only to put the Matter in a Way of Issue and let the Country try it. I have endeavour'd with the Assistance of my Friends, to do Monsieur Boileau all possible Justice in this Celebrated Piece of his, the Lutrin; I hope I have us'd him with that Civility which is due to one of the first Figure in the Commonwealth of Learning; I was going to say, with that Generosity our Country-Men treat his at Litchfield and Nottingham.
But my Lord, if it really be so bold an Undertaking to translate the Lutrin, it is unpardonably worse to offer it to Your Lordship, whose Penetration, is equal to
Your
