[1] Jonathan Birch. Nr. 12. Henrietta Street,Brunswick Square,7th January 1840.Permit the honour of presenting to the „Inimitable Translator of Shakespeare“ my attempt to render the immortal Goetheʼs Faust into English verses. – It is with the utmost diffidence I place it before your eyes, conscious, that my best endeavours but imperfectly show forth its beauties of thought diction.You Sir, who know the english language so thoroughly, know the difficulties I have had to encounter, especially as it determines at starting to tread as nearly as possible in your footstep, as relates to keeping closed to my Author.I have, as you will perceive commenced the „second Part of Faust“ and in increasing difficulties stare me in the face, yet by the plan it have adopted of publishing it in portions and not binding myself down to any stated periods, I feel better able to cope with it, and I have the sanguine hope that it shall succeed. – If you will honour me with your candid opinion of the „Part“ done, I shall feel grateful – should it be favorable it will me cheer on – if unfavorable it may curb my ambition and prevent me much labours of thought and outlay of money.I have the honour to beSir, Your most obedient servantJonathan Birch.[2]