Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/205



My Lord,

Cannot begin my Address to your Lordship, better than in the words of Virgil, Quod optanti, Divum promittere Nemo Auderet, volvenda Dies, en, attulit ultrò.

Seven Years together I have conceal'd the longing which I had to appear before you: A time as tedious as Æneas pass'd in his wandring Voyage, before he reach'd the promis'd Italy''. But I consider'd, that nothing which my meanness cou'd produce, was worthy of your Patronage. At last this happy Occasion offer'd, of Presenting to you the best Poem of the best Poet. If I balk'd this opportunity, I was in despair of finding such another; and if I took it, I was still uncertain whether you wou'd vouchsafe to accept''