A RECORD OF THE PYRAMIDS: A Drama, in Ten Scenes. BY JOHN EDMUND READE, AUTHOR OF "ITALY," "CATILINE," ETC. "VITAM IMPENDERE VERO." LONDON: SAUNDERS AND OTLEY, CONDUIT STREET. MDCCCXLII. 2347712 23498.12.108.25 1863 Etpul 30. Fist of How John Gorham Parpey, BATH: PRINTED BY GEORGE WOOD AND SONS. ΤΟ THE RIGHT HON. SIR ROBERT PEEL, BART., FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY, ETC., ETC., ETC. SIR, LORD BACON has said, that "books should have no patrons but truth and reason;" but he adds, immediately afterwards, that, "if dedicated to any great person, it should be such as the subject suited.” I was hesitating in what form I should commence my Dedication of the Drama to you, when this passage met my eye and confirmed me. I do conceive, then, that the subject of this Poem is peculiarly suited to you in your present transcendent position; for the chief character therein depicted is that of a patriot whose principles and character remain unchanged and unshaken through every reverse of fortune. I believe, also, that among those who are most opposed to you there does not exist one who ever questioned your personal disinterestedness or abstract love of your country. The practical truths and opinions everywhere inculcated throughout the Drama require no apology. I am convinced they are such as will not only meet your coincidence and approbation, but that of every lover of truth and of his kind. Your acceptation of my Dedication of the Poem of Italy to you was an earnest of the success which it finally attained, thus ratifying your expressed opinion of it; a success which, I trust, and fully believe, will be further confirmed by time. Perhaps your accordance of the same honour to the present Drama may entail on it, also, the like auspices. I have the honour to remain, SIR, With the highest sentiments of respect, Your obliged Servant, JOHN EDMUND READE. |