To William Gregory, of How-Caple, Esq;
The
Author having given me leave to choose
a Patron for his Play, I knew not where to
make a better Choice than You, Sir, who
Inherit the Virtues of your Grandfather, the Worthy
Mr. Justice Gregory, as well as his Estate. He,
who so honourably acquitted himself of the great
Trust of Speaker of the House of Commons: He, who
Exerted the Patriot in the worst of Times, and
shew'd himself an Englishman, when 'twas dangerous
to be so; who chose rather to resign his Place on the
Bench, than oblige an Arbitrary Prince, by putting a
forc'd Meaning on the Laws, to serve his Turn, in
destroying the Subject: But his Virtue was rewarded,
and this happy Revolution saw him in the Chair,
where he discharged the Duty of a Just Judge, a
Good Christian, and a Charitable Benefactor; in
short, who liv'd belov'd and dy'd lamented by all
Men: I could not, Sir, I am sure, oblige the
Author more, than by putting this his first Endeavour
under the Protection of the Heir of this great
Man, who does in nothing degenerate from so Excellent
an Ancestor; and I, Sir, have no less Satisfaction,
in making Use of this Opportunity, to
shew how much I am,
Your Oblig'd Humble Servant, J. Sturton.
