To the honourable and most accomplished lady Yate, of Harvington in Worcestershire.

Madam,

Since the most weak ought to endeavour the most powerful defenders, I could nowhere elect a person whose accomplishments render them so capable to that requisite as your Ladyship, which motive I only have to hope and plead my pardon by, for my presumption in imploring your protection. Madam, this earthy effect of my ignorant brain, you will find an engine which will give all your perfections and virtues employment in the most eminent degree, since it not only requires your unequalled eloquence and wisdom to oppose the censuring world upon this uncommon action in my sex, but your goodness to pardon the many and high defects, which you will there find to condemn.

Sinners look not upon their own weak merits, but Heaven's bounty, when they implore benefits. For if they should turn their eyes to their inward view and regulate their petitions by their deservings, they would blush and grow dumb to all requests. This line, Madam, I must draw to my own centre, who must wholly owe all your transcending favours, to your generous old noble humour, which makes the world your admirers and fixes unalterably to the power of your commands,

Your most humble servant and kinswoman,

F. Boothby.