First Sentence

"IF that great master of language and art, Sir Henry Wotton, the late provost of Eton College, had lived to see the publication of these sermons, he had presented the world with the author's life exactly written ; and 'twas pity he did not, for it was a work worthy his undertaking, and he fit to undertake it : betwixt whom and the author there was so mutual a knowledge, and such a friendship contracted in their youth, as nothing but death could force a separation."