[September/October 1769]

Sir

I have taken the liberty of offering my small poetical tribute to the first Genius in the world.
As nobody has written so well & so forcibly against the principles of intoleration, as Mons^r de Voltaire, I hope he will excuse the excess of Zeal with which I have Indeavor'd to paint in this Ode the Powers of our great dramatic Poet, Shakespeare, Who is both the founder and chief supporter of the English stage.

I am

Sir

Your most Obedient humble Servant & sincere Admirer

D. Garrick