| dc.description.transcription | Lynn Regis, Norfolk.
Febr. 1755
Sir,
Though I have never had the happiness of a personal knowledge of you, I cannot think myself wholly a stranger to a man with whose sentiments I have so long been acquainted: for it seems to me as if the writer who was sincere had affected the plan of that philosopher who wished that [canceled] men had windows at their breasts, through which the affections of their hearts might be viewed.
It is with great self-denial that I refrain from giving way to panegyric in speaking of the pleasure and instruction I have recd. From your admirable writings; but knowing that transcendent merit shrinks more at praise, than either vice or dullness at censure, I shall compress my encomiums into a short compass, & only tell you, that I revere your principles & integrity in not prostituting your genius, learning & knowledge of the human heart, in ornamenting vice or folly wth. Those beautiful flowers of language, due only to wisdom & virtue. I must add that your periodical productions seem to me models of true genius, useful learning, & elegant diction, employed in the service of the purest precepts of religion, & the most inviting morality.
I shall waive any further gratification of my wish to tell you, Sir, how much I have been delighted by your productions, & proceed to the business of this letter; wch. Is no other than to beg the favour of you to inform me, by the way that will give you the least trouble, when, and in what manner, your admirably-planned, & long-wished-for Dictionary, will be published? If it should be by subscription, or if you shd. have any copies [this word lined out, “books above it] at your own disposal, [p. 2] I shall beg of you to favour me with 6 copies for myself & friends, for which I will send you a draft [deleted: for the money, as soon as I shall know the requisite sum].
I ought to beg pardon of the public, as well as yourself, Sir, for detaining you thus long from your useful labours; but it is the fate of men of eminence to be persecuted by insignificant friends, as well as enemies; & the simple cur who barks through fondness & affection is no less troublesome, than if stimulated by anger & aversion.
I hope however that your philosophy will incline you to forgive the intemperance of my zeal & impatience in making these inquiries, as well my ambition to subscribe myself with very great regard,
Sir, your sincere admirer, and most humble servant,
Chas. Burney.
Febr. 16. 1755. | |
