TO GEORGE COLMAN, Esq;
DEAR SIR,
I can never forget the time, when our literary
amusements were so intimately blended, that
we seemed to have one invention, one sentiment,
one expression. The regularity of a periodical
publication led us to a constant intercourse
and communication of ideas: and whatever
may be the fate of this present undertaking,
I shall never regret my having dipt in ink,
since it gave me an opportunity of cultivating
a social as well as literary connection with you.
Instead of prefixing your name to this work,
with the distant air of a dedication, I wished
to have had it coupled along with mine in the
title-page: I wanted you as a comes jucundus, an
agreeable companion, in this new unbeaten track
of translation, which you have so happily struck
out before me. It is therefore in some measure
your own fault, if the present attempt should
fail of success; and the publick, I fear, as well
as myself, will have too much reason to regret
your not joining with me. I, however, heartily
excuse you, as you continue to turn your
thoughts to original composition.
I own, indeed, I shall feel a more than ordinary
disappointment, if I should be judged
unworthy to rank with you in this humbler
branch of literature: for I confess, in the pride
of my heart, that one great inducement to my
engaging in this task was the hope, that our
names would be mentioned together as the
translators of Terence and Plautus, though I
cannot aspire to an equal share of reputation
with the author of the Jealous Wife, or the joint
authors of the Clandestine Marriage.
I am, Dear SIR, Your most affectionate Humble Servant, BONNELL THORNTON.
