Even Cerberus, when
he had received the sop, permitted AEneas to pass freely to Elysium.
Had it been offered me and I had refused it, yet still some
gratitude is due to such who were willing to oblige me. But how
much more to those from whom I have received the favours which they
have offered to one of a different persuasion; amongst whom I cannot
omit naming the Earls of Derby and of Peterborough. To the first of
these I have not the honour to be known, and therefore his
liberality [was] as much unexpected as it was undeserved. The
present Earl of Peterborough has been pleased long since to accept
the tenders of my service: his favours are so frequent to me that I
receive them almost by prescription. No difference of interests or
opinion has been able to withdraw his protection from me, and I
might justly be condemned for the most unthankful of mankind if I
did not always preserve for him a most profound respect and
inviolable gratitude. I must also add that if the last AEneid shine
amongst its fellows, it is owing to the commands of Sir William
Trumbull, one of the principal Secretaries of State, who recommended
it, as his favourite, to my care; and for his sake particularly I
have made it mine.
Pages:
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313