favorer

Having carried on my work thus far with so little obligation to any favorer of learning, I shall not be disappointed though I should conclude it, if less be possible, with less;

仆自编撰辞书还，既未任何学术赞助人前，则今大功垂成之日，即无丝毫恩赐后，亦当不为憾耳。盖仆昔时固尝陶醉希望之美梦，今则梦醒久矣。