Dedication
TO
HIS EXCELLENCY
DON RICARDO WALL,
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY OF STATE TO HIS MOST CATHOLICK MAJESTY,
LIEUTENANT GENERAL OF THE ARMIES OF SPAIN,
COMMENDARY OF PENAUZENDE IN THE ORDER OF SAINT JAGO, &C.
AND HERETOFORE
AMBASSADOR AND PLENIPOTENTIARY AT THE COURT OF GREAT BRITAIN.
SIR,
The permission I obtained to inscribe the following Translation of Don Quixote to your Excellency, while you resided in this Capital, affords me a double pleasure; as it not only gives me an opportunity of expressing that profound respect and veneration with which I contemplate your Excellency’s character; but also implies your approbation, which cannot fail to influence the publick in behalf of the performance.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your Excellency’s most obedient,
Humble Servant,
T. SMOLLETT.
London, Feb. 7, 1755.