Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 3.djvu/347

Rh in Cambridge, and in the same College. The Seventh Æneid was made English at Burleigh, the Magnificent Abode of the Earl of Exeter: In a Village belonging to his Family I was born, and under his Roof I endeavour'd to make that Æneid appear in English with as much lustre as I cou'd: though my Author has not given the finishing strokes either to it, or to the Eleventh, as I perhaps cou'd prove in both, if I durst presume to Criticise my Master.

By a Letter from Will. Walsh of Abberley Esq (who has so long honour'd me with his Friendship, and who, without flattery, is the best Critick of our Nation,) I have been inform'd that his Grace the Duke of Shrewsbury has procur'd a Printed Copy of the Pastorals, Georgics, and six first Æneids, from my Bookseller, and has read them in the Country, together with my Friend. This Noble Person having been pleas'd to give them a Commendation, which I presume not to insert; has made me vain enough to boast of so great a favour, and to think I have succeeded beyond my hopes; the Character of his Excellent Judgment, the acuteness of his Wit, and his general Knowledge of good Letters, being known as well to all the World, as the sweetness of his disposition, his Humanity, his easiness of access, and desire of obliging those who stand in need of his protection, are known to all who have approach'd him; and to me in particular, who have formerly had the honour of his Conversation. Whoever has given the World the Translation of part of the third Georgic, which he calls The Power of Rh