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;

撰辞书还，既未受惠于任何学术赞助人于前，则于今大功垂成之日，即无丝毫恩赐于后，亦当不为憾耳。盖昔时固尝陶醉于希望之美梦，今则梦醒久矣。