To the honourable Mrs Cook of Norfolk.

Madam,

Did not some of the brightest and best our sex can boast of encourage attempts of this kind, the snarling cynics might prevail and cry down a diversion, which they themselves participate, though their ill nature makes them grumble at their entertainment, but when they shall see this glorious name in the front, when they shall know a lady beloved by heaven and earth, mistress of all perfections the bounteous powers give or human nature is capable to receive; when, I say they understand you protect and like innocent plays, they must acquiesce and be forced to own so much goodness cannot choose amiss. Queen Catharine, who tasted the vicissitudes of fate, will now forget her sufferings and under such a noble patroness remain fixed in lasting glory. And if my weak pen has failed in the character of that great princess, now I’ve made her an ample recompense, for where could I have found a lady of a more illustrious descent, or more celebrated for her virtues? The name of Cary graces all our English chronicles and is adorned with the greatest honours. Yet that noble stock did never produce a lovelier branch than your fair self and as if Heaven, correspondent to our wishes, designed you its peculiar blessings, you are given to a gentleman, of whom we may venture to say, he merits even you? Oh! May you appear many, many succeeding years, the bright examples of conjugal affection and shame that bare-faced vice out of countenance, which breaks the marriage vows without a blush. May you still remain blessed in each other, pleased to see your beauties and your virtues renewed in your charming race, whilst the admiring world shall wonder at your happiness and reform in hopes to obtain some of those blessings. May everything contribute to your continual satisfaction and amongst your more solid joys, give me leave, Madam, to hope this trifle may find a vacant hour, when you will deign to peruse it and be so good to forgive the author’s presumption in laying it at your feet.

I could not, without a plain contradiction to the history, punish the instruments that made my lovers unhappy; but I know your ladyship will trace Richard the Third into Bosworth Field and find him there, as wretched as he made Queen Catharine.

I dare not add more, knowing how unworthy all I have said, or can say, is of you; therefore, shall only reiterate my prayers for your lasting happiness and beg to subscribe myself,

Madam,

The humblest of your Ladyship’s admirers and most obedient servant,

Mary Pix.