Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 3.djvu/345

Rh of those Faults, of which I have too liberally Arraign'd others.

Tis enough for me, if the Government will let me pass unquestion'd. In the mean time, I am oblig'd in gratitude, to return my Thanks to many of them, who have not only distinguish'd me from others of the same Party, by a particular exception of Grace, but without considering the Man, have been Bountiful to the Poet: Have encourag'd Virgil to speak such English, as I could teach him, and rewarded his Interpreter, for the pains he has taken in bringing him over into Britain, by defraying the Charges of his Voyage. Even Cerberus, when he had receiv'd the Sop, permitted Æneas to pass freely to Elysium. Had it been offer'd me, and I had refus'd it, yet still some gratitude is due to such who were willing to oblige me. But how much more to those from whom I have receiv'd the Favours which they have offer'd to one of a different Perswasion. Amongst whom I cannot omit naming the Earls of Darby and of Peterborough. To the first of these, I have not the Honour to be known; and therefore his liberality as much unexpected, as it was undeserv'd. The present Earl of Peterborough has been pleas'd long since to accept the tenders of my Service: His Favours are so frequent to me, that I receive them almost by prescription. No difference of Interests or Opinion have been able to withdraw his Protection from me: And I might justly be condemn'd for the Rh