To Henry Irving, Esq.
Richard Francis Burton translation
My Dear Irving,
To a consummate artist like yourself I need hardly suggest that The Nights still offers many a virgin mine to the Playwright; and I inscribe this volume to you, not only in admiration of your genius but in the hope that you will find means of exploiting the hidden wealth which awaits only your "Open Sesame!"
Every yours sincerely,
Richard F. Burton.
London, August 1, 1886.