ADVERTISEMENT. T HE intent of the following Volumes is to preserve to the Public thofe poetical performances, which feemed to merit a longer remembrance, than what would probably be fecured to them by the MANNER wherein they were originally published. This defign was firft függested to the Editor, as it was afterwards conducted, by the opinions of fome Gentlemen, whofe names it would do him the highest honour to mention. He defires in this place also to make his acknowledgments to the Authors of feveral pieces inferted in these Volumes, which were never before in print; and which, he is perfuaded, would be thought to add credit to the most judicious collection of this kind in our language. He hath nothing farther to premise, but that the Reader must not expect to be pleafed VOL. I. A 164949 pleased with every particular poem which is here prefented to him. It is impoffible to furnish out an entertainment of this nature, where every part fhall be relished by every gueft: it will be fufficient, if nothing is fet before him, but what has been approved by thofe of the most acknowledged taste Fronde fuper MITRA M, et fælici comptus oliva. VIRG, kings, and fields of death, too long Have been the fubject of the British fong, Who hath not read of fam'd Ramilia's plain, Bavaria's fall, and Danube choak'd with flain? Exhausted themes! A gentle note I raise, And fing returning Peace in fofter lays Their fury quell'd, and martial rage allay'd, And warring pow'rs in friendly leagues combin'd; Well fends our Queen her mitred BRISTOL forth, By leagues to foften earth, and heav'n by pray'r; So when great Mofes, with JEHOVAH's wand, O thou, from whom these bounteous bleflings flow, To whom, as chief, the hopes of peace we owe, (For next to thee, the man whom kings contend To ftile companion, and to make their friend, Great STRAFFORD, rich in every courtly grace, With joyful pride accepts the second place) From |