This little piece had been sooner in your hands, but that my being in the country, and some other important business that has lain hard upon my hands, has prevented it until now. I have read of a certain painter, who, being to express the sorrow of a bereaved father, thought it best to present him with his face covered, that so he might have that grief to be imagined by them, which he found himself unable to set out to the full. I know I am not able to paint out your great grief and sorrow for the loss of such a wife, of such a child, of such a sister, etc., and I could wish that this piece, which is brought forth to satisfy your importunity, may not make the wound to bleed afresh. However, if it does, thank yourselves, blame not me.