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that character display itself to my readers, as far as possible, in his own most interesting language. Perhaps no man ever possessed the powers of description in a higher degree, both in verse and prose. By weaving into the texture of these memoirs, an extensive selection of his private letters, and several of his posthumous poems, I trust, that a faithful representation of him has been formed, where the most striking features will appear the work of his own inimitable hand. The result of the whole production will, I am confident, establish one most satisfactory truth, interesting to society in general, and to your Lordship in particular! The truth I mean, is expressed in the final verse of an epitaph, which the hand of friendship inscribed to your excellent relation :

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His virtues förmed the magic of his song."

May the affectionate zeal, with which I have endeavoured to render all the justice in my power to his variety of merit, atone for whatever deficiencies may be found in this imperfect attempt, and lead both your Lordship, and our Country, to honour with some degree of approbation,

Your very

faithful Servant,

WILLIAM HAYLEY.

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