recentibus odiis
(as
Tacitus
expresses it) with the Passions and Prejudices of a contemporary Author, but make an impartial Distribution of Fame among the Great Men of the present Age.
I cannot forbear entertaining my self very often with the Idea of such an imaginary Historian describing the Reign of
Anne
the First, and introducing it with a Preface to his Reader, that he is now entring upon the most shining Part of the
English
Story. The great Rivals in Fame will then be distinguished according to their respective Merits, and shine in their proper Points of