Although established practice might, on this occasion, justify my
holding a language to your Grace which I never before used, yet you have
nothing of that kind to fear; it is as inconsistent with my disposition
to offer adulation, as it is contrary to yours to desire it.—Nor does
this address proceed from a vain belief that the lustre of your name
will dispose the Public to wink at the blemishes of my performance.
The highest titles do not screen even those to whom they belong from
contempt, when their personal characters are contemptible; far less can
they shelter the dulness or folly of others.
I am prompted to offer this View of Society and Manners to your Grace,
by sentiments of the most sincere esteem and attachment; and, exclusive
of all considerations of that nature, it is presented with peculiar
propriety to you, as no other person has had equal opportunities of
knowing how far the objects it comprehends are just, and faithfully drawn
from nature.
Some perhaps may imagine, that I should have displayed more prudence in
offering this work to a less competent judge; but I am encouraged in my
desire of prefixing your Name to these imperfect sketches, by the fond
persuasion that nobody can be more inclined to afford them the indulgence
of which I am sensible they stand in so much need.