To Her Highness, the princess royal.

Madam,

In presuming to dedicate this imperfect piece to the most accomplished princess of the Earth, I confess to show much more ambition then discretion, more rashness then solid reason and moderation; but seeing ordinarily that the greatest persons have the least pride and the most charity, I cast myself wholly upon your clemency and fly the test of your judgment, which being so exact, would doubly condemn me, first in the design itself, next in the conduct and consequence of it, as being a composition weak and unworthy of so high a patronage. If it may serve to divert Your Highness in some vacant hour when your sublime thoughts are suspended, I have the only end I aim at and shall glory in the honour and happiness to introduce something with the New Year, which may give you the least satisfaction. My conclusion is a most humble petition for pardon and a favourable censure of the bold ambition, which I have to entitle myself,

Madam,

Your Highness’s most humble, most obedient and most faithful servant,

William Lower.