Dear Sir, BY Y infcribing this flight performance to you, I do not mean fo much to compliment you as myself. It may do me fome honour to inform the public, that I have lived many years in intimacy with you. It may ferve the interests of mankind also to inform them, that the greatest wit may be found in a character, without impairing the most unaffected piety. I have, particularly, reafon to thank you for your partiality to this performance. The undertaking a comedy, not merely fentimental, was very dangerous; and Mr. Colman, who faw this piece in its various stages, always thought it fo. However I ventured to truft it to the public; and though it was neceffarily delayed till late in the feafon, I have every reafon to be grateful. I am, Dear Sir, Your most fincere friend, And admirer, OLIVER GOLDSMITH, |