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LIFE

OF THE

RIGHT HONOURABLE

EDMUND BURKE

BY

JAMES PRIOR, ESQ., F.S.A.,

AUTHOR OF THE LIFE OF GOLDSMITH, ETC.

FIFTH EDITION.

REVISED BY THE AUTHOR.

LONDON: GEORGE BELL & SONS, YORK STREET,
COVENT GARDEN.

1882.

LIBRARY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
DAVIS

LONDON:

PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED,

STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

JOHN WILSON CROKER,

ETC. ETC.

SIR,

An attempt to sketch the life and character of one of the greatest statesmen of modern times, or perhaps of any age, may with propriety be addressed to one of his eminent countrymen; who is himself connected with that part of Ireland where Mr. Burke spent his earlier years and also with his family; who acquired his relish for learning in the same venerable academic retreat; who possesses much of his taste, much of his love for the Fine Arts, much of his literary talent, and no ordinary share of his laborious devotion to public business.

That it is quite worthy of a man so distinguished, I am by no means vain enough to believe. To render full justice to his various genius and acquirements, demands some of his own powers. But the design may indicate desire at least to appreciate true greatness. I am anxious therefore to render all the honours that are his due-more especially for the successful defence of those venerable institutions of our country which he so thoroughly understood and valued, and by their influence over the English people saved not only our National independence but even the semblance of freedom in Europe, in that long and fearful struggle now happily terminated.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most faithful, and obedient servant,

JAMES PRIOR.

98177

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