"Thomas Hobbes was borne at Malmesbury, Apr. ... 1588[70]"
be the initiall and, as it were, textuall, line?
Shall I in the first place putt Mr. H. life donne by himselfe? (If so, whether in Latin, or English, or both?) Or else, shall I intersperse it with these animadversions?
I could begin with a pleasant description of Malmesbury, etc., (all new and untoucht) 14 leaves in 8vo, which his verses will lead me to, and which Ant. Wood seemes to desire.
Pray be my Aristarchus, and correct and marke what you thinke fitt. First draughts[71] ought to be rude as those of paynters, for he that in his first essay will be curious in refining will certainly be unhappy in inventing.
Doctor, I am your affectionate and humble servant.
J. A.
I will speake to Fleetwood Shepherd to engage the earl of Dorset to write in the old gentleman's praise.
Should mine be in Latin or English or both? (And by whome the Latin, if so?) Is my English style well enough[72]?'