TO
HIS GRACE
JOHN DUKE OF BEDFORD,
&c. &c. &c.
MY LORD,
I am happy in this opportunity of dedicating the CHRONICLES OF MONSTRELET to your grace, to show my high respect for your many virtues, public and private, and the value I set on the honour of your grace’s friendship.
One of MONSTRELET’S principal characters was JOHN DUKE OF BEDFORD, regent of France; and your grace has fully displayed your abilities, as regent, to be at least equal to those of your namesake, in the milder and more valuable virtues. Those of a hero may dazzle in this life; but the others are, I trust, recorded in a better place; and your late wise, although, unfortunately, short government of Ireland will be long and thankfully remembered by a gallant and warm-hearted people.
I have the honour to remain,
Your grace’s much obliged,
Humble servant and friend,
Thomas Johnes.
CASTLE-HILL,
March 13, 1808.