Odes on Several Subjects/Dedication

MY LORD,

Every species of Adulation carries with it something so apparently absurd, and ridiculous, that the abundance of it, to be met with in most Dedications, can be attributed to nothing but Vanity, and Self-love. The former of these spreads a kind cataract over the eyes of the Author, and the latter holds up a flattering mirrour to the Patron: so that the one can see no imperfections in his writings, nor the ​other any in himself. Thus it happens that the deception becomes mutual, and that, which is presented with confidence, is received with approbation.

Unluckily for me, your Lordship is an exception to this general reasoning; and so far from assuming to yourself Virtues, which you have not, would even blush to have those published to the world, you really have: as if they were of the same nature with the Rosicrucian lamps, which we are told would burn underground for ages together; but as soon as they were brought into the open air expired immediately. From this strange singularity in your Lordship's temper, all the castles I have been building are vanish'd; the new, and elegant compliments, which I have invented with incredible pains, lie dead upon my hands;—and there they must continue, 'till I can find out a Person, which I despair of ever doing, who hath all your Lordship's good qualities, except your humility, and modesty. 'Tis these, my Lord, which will not suffer me to expatiate here, to the extent of my wishes; but even hinder me from reaching out my hand, where the harvest is so plentiful as to overcome the reaper.

​Yet you will pardon me, my Lord, if in this frugality of your praises, I mention one part of your character, which cannot be too publicly known, or too generally admired; I mean that invariable Loyalty, and love for the present happy Establishment, which appears in all your actions. To overlook, and take no notice of this, could not so properly be attributed to the severity of truth, as of detraction: besides it would be robbing the Public of the benefit, which arises from a good example; and that is a piece of injustice, which nothing can excuse, or palliate. As to your Lordship's other Virtues, which are many and amiable, I shall leave you to the silent applause of your own conscience.—And this of all others is the best, and most desireable Panegyrick.

But how can I safely descend (I fear it is too Pindaric a transition) from this subject, to apologize for these idle labours, which I have the honour of presenting to your Lordship? They were written at very different times, when the mind was very differently affected;—and to this is owing their chief merit, a freedom from that sameness of thought and expression, which is too often to be found in com​positions of this nature. This will plead my excuse likewise, for any little levity, which the prying eyes of the morose, and mortify'd, may imagine they discover.———

Whatever may be the fate of these Pieces, I can never repent of the trouble they cost me, since that is more than repay'd, by the honour I have of owning myself,