Page:The Plays of William Shakspeare (1778).djvu/118



Earle of, &c. Lord Chamberlaine to the Kings most Excellent Majestie;

Earle of, &c. Gentleman of his Majesties Bed-chamber.

Both Knights of the Moft Noble Order of the Garter, and our singular good.

,

HILST we studie to be thankfull in our particular, for the many favors we have received from your L. L. we are falne upon the ill fortune, to mingle two the most diverse things that can be, feare, and rashnesse; rashnesse in the enterprize, and feare of the successe. For, when we value the places your H. H. sustaine, wee cannot but know the dignity greater, than to descend to the reading of these trifles: and, while we name them trifles, we have deprived ourselves of the defence of our dedication. But since your L. L. have been pleased to thinke these trifles something, heeretofore; and have prosequuted both them, and their authour living, with so much favour: we hope (that they out-living him, and he not having the fate, common with some, to be exequutor to his owne writings) you will use the same indulgence toward them, you have done unto their parent. There is a great difference, whether any