The Editor prefents to his Fair Patroneffes this little piece, rather as a specimen of that species of poetry he wishes to fee cultivated by perfons of fuperior genius and learning, than as a production in itself compleat: he is fully fenfible he has much to fear, if judged by the strict rules of severe criticifm; though he cannot relinquish the flattering hope, that this little Story, and it's intended Moral, may in fome degree contribute to the entertainment of his kind Friends-the only idea under which he will attempt to juf tify the infertion of any performance of his own, in a Collection fo truly refpectable. The Editor begs leave to add, that his Story has, at least, the claim of NOVELTY—and, if it should be found to meet with the general approbation of his numerous friends, he means to lay before them, at the commencement of each future volume, fomewhat of a different kind, the best he may be able to produce. E British Fair, whose gentle bosoms know Whose radiant orbs, when black misfortunes lour, And, Phoebus like, thro' wat'ry clouds lament Approach |