The Distrest Mother/Dedication

​

To Her GRACE

THE

Dutchess of Montague.

MADAM,
This Tragedy, which I do my self the Honour to dedicate to Your Grace, is formed upon an Original, which passes for the most finished Piece in this kind of Writing that has ever been produced in the French Language. The principal Action and main Distress of the Play is of such a Nature, as seems more immediately to claim the Patronage of a ​Lady: And, when I consider the great and shining Characters of Antiquity that are celebrated in it, I am naturally directed to inscribe it to a Person, whose Illustrious Father has, by a long Series of glorious Actions, (for the Service of his Country and in Defence of the Liberties of Europe) not only surpassed the Generals of his own Time, but equalled the greatest Heroes of former Ages. The Name of Hector could not be more terrible to the Greeks, than that of the Duke of Marlborough has been to the French.

The refined Taste You are known to have in all Entertainments for the Diversion of the Publick, and the peculiar Life and Ornament Your Presence gives to all Assemblies, was no small Motive to determine me in the Choice of my Patroness. The Charms that shine out in the Person of Your Grace, may convince every one that ​there is nothing unnatural in the Power which is ascribed to the Beauty of Andromache.

The strict Regard I have had to Decency and good Manners throughout this Work is the greatest Merit I pretend to plead in Favour of my Presumption; and is, I am sensible, the only Argument that can recommend it most effectually to Your Protection.

I am with the greatest Respect,

Madam,

Your Grace's most Humble,

and most Obedient Servant,

Ambr. Philips.

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