First Sentence

"My first duty is to express my deep sense of gratitude for an honour as unexpected as it is highly appreciated: unexpected for obvious reasons; appreciated because it has been awarded by this Society, because it is associated with the name of Richard Burton who, ever since my youthful thoughts first turned towards a career in Asia, has been one of my heroes and whose Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah and Meccah is still a never-ending source of instruction and delight, and because, when I look at the list of my predecessors, I feel very proud to find myself in such company."