TO

MADAME

THE COUNTESS

OF ***

A decorative woodcut initial letter 'M' featuring floral and foliate patterns.
Madame,

The particular favors for which I am indebted to You, and the kindnesses with which You continually honor me, do not allow me to address to anyone but You the sole testimony of gratitude of which a man of my profession The author, Jean Terrasson, was a member of the clergy (an Abbé) and a scholar; "my profession" refers to his life as a man of letters and a priest. is capable. Beneficent virtue original: "vertu bienfaisante." This term was highly popular in the 18th century to describe a proactive, charitable morality that seeks the well-being of others., which is the principal or rather the only subject of this Work, has made me hope, MADAME,