Sir,

Reiterated Favours claim a Repetition of Acknowledgments; should thelatter be as frequent as the former, they might prove rathertroublesome to you, than acceptable. I have therefore resolv’donce for all to express how sensible I am of the many Obligations I lyeunder. You would not perhaps be pleas’d, should I go about toenumerate them, because great Minds never look back upon whatCourtesies they have bestow’d, being always intent upon whatfarther Acts of Generosity they may perform.

Among the many other Testimonies of your Bounty, there is one I amhere oblig’d particularly to mention, which is your havingadmitted of the Dedication of so small a Work as the Translation ofCieza’s Travels in Peru. Your Acceptance of thatPart has encourag’d me to prefix your Name to the Whole, nowgrown up into two Volumes, that it may honour them both in the Front,as it gives Reputation to the first in that Place, where it shallremain as a Demonstration of your Condescension, as this is of yourRight and my Gratitude. I shall therefore avoid any Repetition of whatis there said, or adding more here to display your Merit. Neither am Icapable of giving your Character, nor will you consent to it, whichputs me upon a Necessity of cutting short; lest my own Inclination andyour Desert insensibly draw me on to attempt what I am notqualify’d to go through with. True Virtue can be no moreconceal’d than the Splendor of the Sun, nor does it stand in needof outward Ornaments to set it off; you have render’d your selftoo conspicuous to be unknown, and can receive no Addition from my poorEndeavours. The Design of these Lines is, at the same Time, to honourmy Work with your Patronage, and to express my Acknowledgment andGratitude for all Favours already receiv’d; wishing this maystand a perpetual Monument of both, and to you all Increase ofHappiness; and I shall always own my self

Sir,

Your most Obliged, and most

Devoted Humble Servant

JOHN STEVENS.