Earl of Bute,
Knight of the most Noble Order of
the Garter, &c. &c. My Lord,
I Presume to present to your lordship a compleat edition of the
Works of Ossian. They have already been honored with your approbation, and have been
received with applause by men of taste throughout Europe. This address therefor is not an
endeavour to secure the continuance of the public favor through the sanction of your name.
Little solicitous myself about the reputation of an author, I permit, with no concern, the
Old Bard to take his chances with the world: It proceeds, my Lord, from another cause; the
ambition of being hereafter known to have met with your favor and protection in the
execution of this work; an honor which will be envied me, perhaps, more some time
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hence than at present. I throw
no reflexions on this age, but there is a great debt of fame owing to the Earl of Bute, which hereafter will be amply paid: there is also
some share of reputation with-held from Ossian, which less prejudiced times may bestow.
This familiarity between the Statesman and the Poet, gives propriety to this dedication;
though your Lordship's avowed patronage of literature requires no adventitious aid to
direct to you the address of authors. It is with pleasure I embrace this opportunity of
testifying in public with what perfect attachment,
I am,James Macpherson.
my Lord,
your Lordship's most humble,
most obliged,
and most obedient servant,
