Seneca has well said, "The three main points in the question of
benefits, are, first, a judicious choice in the object; secondly, in the
matter of our benevolence; and thirdly, in the manner of expressing it."
Of the first, it would not be becoming in me to speak; of the second,
you are the rightful judge; of the third, I beg leave thus publicly to
state, that not only in requesting permission to publish this lecture at
your own expense but _on many other occasions_, you have fully come up
to Seneca's idea of what a benefactor ought to be.
I shall not attempt describing what I hope you give me credit for;
_Furnius_ never gained so much upon _Augustus_ as by a speech, upon the
getting of his father's pardon for siding with _Anthony_, "THIS GRACE,"
says he, "IS THE ONLY INJURY THAT EVER CÆSAR DID ME; FOR IT HAS PUT ME
UPON A NECESSITY OF LIVING AND DYING UNGRATEFUL."
Allow me to dedicate the little volume to you, and believe me, ever to
remain,
Your obedient and faithful Servant,