ON THE DEATH OF THE LORD PROTECTOR.

Our poetry was not quite harmonized in Waller's time; so that this, which would be now looked upon as a slovenly sort of versification, was, with respect to the times in which it was written, almost a prodigy of harmony. A modern reader will chiefly be struck with the strength of thinking, and the turn of the compliments bestowed upon the Usurper. Every body has heard the answer our poet made Charles II. who asked him how his poem upon Cromwell came to be finer than his panegyric upon himself. "Your majesty," replies Waller, "knows, that poets always succeed best in fiction."

THE STORY OF PHŒBUS AND DAPHNE, APPLIED. The French claim this as belonging to them. To whomsoever it belongs, the thought is finely turned.

NIGHT THOUGHTS, BY DR. YOUNG.

These seem to be the best of the collection; from whence only the two first are taken. They are spoken of differently, either with exaggerated applause or contempt, as the reader's disposition is either turned to mirth or melancholy.

SATIRE I.

Young's Satires were in higher reputation when published, than they stand in at present. He seems fonder of dazzling than pleasing; of raising our admiration for his wit, than our dislike of the follies he ridicules.

A PASTORAL BALLAD.

The ballads of Mr. Shenstone are chiefly commended for the natural simplicity of the thoughts, and the harmony of the versification. However, they are not excellent in either.

PHOBE, a Pastoral.

This, by Dr. Byron, is a better effort than the preceding.

"

A SONG.

Desparing besides a clear stream."

This, by Mr. Rowe, is better than any thing of the kind in our language.

AN ESSAY ON POETRY.

This work, by the Duke of Buckingham, is enrolled among our great English productions. The precepts are sensible, the poetry not indifferent, but it has been praised more than it deserves.

CADENUS AND VANESSA.

This is thought one of Dr. Swift's correctest pieces; its chief merit, indeed, is the elegant ease with which a story, but ill conceived in itself, is told.

ALMA; OR THE PROGRESS OF THE MIND.

Πάντα γέλως, και πάντα κόνις, και πάντα τὸ μηδέν·
Πάντα γὰρ ἐξ ἀλόγων ἐςὶ τὰ γιγνόμενα.

What Prior meant by this poem I can't understand: by the Greek motto to it one would think

it was either to laugh at the subject or his reader. There are some parts of it very fine; and let them save the badness of the rest.

PREFACE

ΤΟ

A COLLECTION OF POEMS

FOR YOUNG LADIES,

DEVOTIONAL, MORAL, AND ENTERTAINING.

First printed in the Year 1767.