To Richard Turbutt, esq.
Worthy Sir,—He who sits down to write anything for the public benefit, without fixing on the person to whom he shall dedicate it, knows little of the art of authorizing, for perhaps when he has finished his work he may not know any person to whom the subject may be agreeable, or that has generosity enough to pay for washing the clean ruffles he is obliged to put on when he waits on him to implore his protection. But I generally take another way, and make my Patron before I begin my work, and suit the subject according to his capacity and genius. As, for example, if I write a book of History and Politics, I have Mr. Alderman Smith[151] for that; if of Love and Gallantry, who can be so good a judge as your neighbour Mr. Taylor; if of Wit and Humour, I have Mr. Alderman Cave[152] in my eye; if of Sobriety and Temperance, no one can be so proper as the Rev. Mr. Willatts;[153] if I write in praise of and recommend the practice of Generosity, Public Spirit, and Patriotism, and urge the indispensable duty of a good subject, not only to hazard his fortune, but even his person, for the good of his country, no man can be so proper as Richard Turbutt, esq.,[154] as all those virtues are conspicuous in him in the highest degree. It is for this reason I humbly lay the inclosed lines at your feet, and implore your patronage of them. Should I say any more in your praise it would offend your known modesty, which has always been remarkably impatient at hearing yourself praised, even for those things for which some people (otherwise greedy of praise) would think they deserved no praise at all. But, to be serious with you, I wish this trifle may divert you during your unhappy confinement. To make you and your young ladies laugh, it will more than answer the most sanguine expectations of, &c. &c. John Ellerker.[155]
Non tali auxilio, nec defensoribus istis
Tempus eget.
When Britain's arms by War's fell chance
Were baffled by the arms of France,
And Louis threat'ned in bravado,
T' invade us with a huge armado,
Not of your men-of-war, but floats