Song, Beauty, Youth, Love, Virtue, Joy! this group
Of bright Ideas, Flow'rs of Paradife,

As yet unforfeit in one blaze we bind,
Kneel, and prefent it.

YOUNG.

LONDON:

Printed and Sold by W. STAFFORD, Bookfeller, and Stationer, Market Street, Oxford Road.

[Price Seven Shillings and Six-pence, in Boards.]

(5)

PREFACE.*

THESE volumes are perhaps the most solid compliment that can posfibly be paid to the Fair Sex. They are a standing proof that great abilities are not confined to the men, and that genius often glows with equal warmth, and perhaps with more delicacy, in the breaft of a female. The Ladies, whofe pieces we have here collected, are not only an honour to their fex, but to their native country; and there can be no doubt of their appearing to advantage together, when they have each severally been approved by the greateft writers of their times. It is indeed a remarkable circumstance, that there is fcarce one Lady,

*To the Collection of Meffrs Colman, and Thornton.