"Tis ridiculous for a Lord to print verses; 'tis well enough to make them to please himself, but to make them publicke is foolish."-John Selden (1584-1654)

".....Tis ridiculous for a Lord to print verses; 'tis well enough to make them to please himself, but to make them publicke is foolish."-John Selden (1584-1654)

"But this I offer to your lordship's farther consideration, desiring your favourable censure of my fancy herein; which, with whatsoever ability I may pretend to, shall ever be desirious to serve you, to whom I shall perpetually own myself."

Your lordship's most humble servant,
J. Selden

From the Temple, February 14, 1621