would have fubmitted to fuch an exclufion, is little fhort of an infult on tafte, criticism and common fense. In collecting the materials which compose the prefent Volume, recourfe has been had to the friends of Dr. Johnfon now living, and from them the chief authorities for ascribing the several pieces to him have been derived. For the few notes marked E. the Editor is anfwerable. If they are not very important, they folicit no praife, and are too few to need a long apology. To conclude, the Editor, on a final review of the Volume before it is delivered to the Public, perceives no reason to apprehend that the pieces here restored to their Author ought to have been fuppreffed. Had he the flightest idea that the prefent publication would in the least affect the reputation of Dr. Johnfon, no confideration would have induced him to have been any way acceffary to it. On a fubject of this kind he is fenfible, oppofite opinions will be held by well meaning perfons. To the fenfe of the Public at large, however, all questions of this fort muft ultimately be fubmitted, and he feels no reluctance to abide by the Public opinion, whether it thall end in cenfure or approbation. CON CONTENT S, ARMOR Norfolcienfe; or, an Effay on an ancient prophetical Infcription in Monkish Rhyme, lately difcovered near Lynn, in Norfolk. Compleat Vindication of the Licensers of the Stage. Page 37 Mifcellaneous Obfervatious on the Tragedy of Macbeth. 59 Propofals for a new Edition of Shakespeare. Preface to Lauder's Effay on Milton's Use of the Moderns. Poftfcript. Letter on Milton's Grand Daughter. Letter to the Rev. Mr. Douglas, occafioned by his Vindication of Milton. Preface to Kennedy's Scripture Chronology. An Account of an Attempt to afcertain the Longitude, with a Copper-plate. Reflections upon the State of Portugal. A Project for the Employment of Authors. The Rife, Progrefs, and Perfection of Architecture among the Ancients. 115 116 120 123 125 156 165 190 199 210 216 220 .227 Obfervations on the Treaty between England and Ruffia. 232 Pre |