Northern Antiquities/Dedication

by Paul Henri Mallet

TO HIS GRACE

THE

DUKE

OF

NORTHUMBERLAND.

My Lord,

THE following work is inscribed to your Grace with the most genuine respect, and, I flatter myself, not without propriety, since it may possibly afford amusement to one of the most polished Noblemen of the present age, to observe from what rude and simple beginnings our highest improvements have been derived; and to trace, to their source, those peculiarities of character, manners and government, which so remarkably distinguish the Teutonic nations.

Among the historical digressions which our Author has scattered through his work, is a full relation of the first settlement of the Normans in France. This cannot but be interesting to your Grace, as the great Family, which you so nobly represent, derived their origin from one of the Northern Chiefs, who assisted in that conquest. From the place of their residence in Lower Normandy^[1], they took the name of Percy; a name, which was afterwards eminently celebrated in our English annals, and which you have revived with additional lustre.

Among the many shining and amiable qualities which distinguish your Grace and the Dutchess of Northumberland, none have appeared to me more truly admirable than that high respect and reverence, which you both of you show for the heroic Race whose possessions you inherit.

Superior to the mean and selfish jealousy of those, who, conscious of their own want of dignity or worth, consign to oblivion the illustrious dead, and wish to blot out all remembrance of them from the earth; you, my Lord, have, with a more than filial piety, been employed for many years in restoring and reviving every memorial of the Percy name.

Descended, yourself, from a most ancient and respectable Family; and not afraid to be compared with your noble predecessors the Earls of Northumberland, you have repaired their monuments, rebuilt their castles, and replaced their trophies: and whatever appears to be any way connected with them, is sure to attract your attention and regard.

With this generosity of mind, added to your taste, munificence, and love of the arts, can we wonder that your name is the delight and ornament of the English nation? or that it is equally dear to a sister country, where your upright and disinterested plan of government, your politeness and magnificence established your dominion over every heart; and where the engaging and exalted virtues of the Dutchess have left an impression never to be effaced.

That you may both of you long enjoy those distinguished honours and that princely fortune, which you so highly adorn: That they may be transmitted down, in your own posterity, to the latest ages, is the sincere and fervent wish of

My Lord,

Your Grace’s

Most humble, and

mdcclxx. Most devoted servant,

The editor.

1. Near Villedieu, in the district of St. Lo.