Page:An Inquiry into the Authenticity of certain Papers and Instruments attributed to Shakspeare.djvu/21

Rh on the river Thames, when in extreme danger of being drowned) and also the Deed of Trust to John Hemynge, were discovered. In pursuing this search he was so fortunate as to meet with some deeds very material to the interest of this gentleman, and such as established, beyond all doubt, his title to a considerable property: deeds of which this gentleman was as ignorant, as he was of his having in possession any of the MSS. of Shakspeare. In return for this service, added to the consideration that the young man bore the same name and arms with the person who saved the life of Shakspeare, this gentleman promised him every thing relative to the present subject, that had been, or should be found either in town, or at his house in the country. At this house the principal part of the papers, together with a great variety of books, containing his MS. notes, and three MS. plays, with part of another, were discovered.

“ as he is with the opinion of the unprejudiced and intelligent, the editor will not allow that it can be presumption in him to say, that he has no doubt of the truth and authenticity of that which he lays before