ΤΟ THE EARL OF GUILFORD. MY LORD, It is not without some hesitation that I follow the impulse of my wishes, in inscribing to your Lordship this volume of my. Imaginary Conversations. Hitherto I have dedicated my labours, either to those against the accomplishment of whose glory there lie many and great impediments, or those who have suffered much worse privations and indignities in the cause of freedom and humanity. But may I not unblamably join my voice to that of thousands, in every language of Europe, who select one name unanimously from the English Peerage, and pour on it their praises and blessings? who see private wealth bestowed with equal liberality and discernment, in the furtherance of public good, in rendering back civility and science to the descendents of those from whom we first received them, and in preparing the enjoyments of liberty by teaching temperance in the use of it. Habits of study and of reflexion do this; nothing else can. The University your Lordship has founded in the Ionian Islands, under every disadvantage, every discouragement, the library you have given it, the professors you have formed for it, the constant attention and indefatigable zeal with which you have superintended it, the voyages you have made to promote its interests, at the danger of health, the deprivation of friends, of society, of power and authority in parliament, will register your name imperishably, in that page which contains the fewest . . among the patriots of no faction, the philosophers of no sect, among the unassuming guides and unambitious benefactors of mankind. I have the honour to be, My Lord, &c. &c. WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR. Florence, August 18, 1826. |