Page:An Inquiry into the Authenticity of certain Papers and Instruments attributed to Shakspeare.djvu/26

Rh centuries,) would, I apprehend, require a more explicit account of the manner and place in which these deeds were found, than that which has so completely satisfied the profound Scholars, Antiquaries, and Heralds, already mentioned.

, however, these considerations, let us advert to the editor’s statement above given in his own words; the sum and substance of which is, That the unknown gentle- man has behaved most liberally and honourably to him; that he has desired his name to be concealed, lest he should be exposed to the impertinence and cavils of criticism; (in which he seems to be over-scrupulous, for what imputation could fall on him, if it should be proved that all these controverted papers, which by some accident have found their way among his family-deeds, were forged by some undiscovered person;) that therefore the Editor thinks himself bound to act with equal honour to the unknown, and not to divulge his name.

subsequent position, that the disclosure of the name of this gentleman would remove all doubts, is one, I conceive, to