ADVERTISEMENT.

I CANNOT fuffer this Edition to appear, without publicly returning my thanks to Henry Penruddock Wyndham esq. M. P. Rev. William Coxe, canon and archdeacon of Salisbury, Rev. Mr. Todd, Joseph Cooper Walker efq. Samuel Rogers esq. Parry Okeden esq. Uvedale Price esq. the Proprietors of Gilbert Wakefield's Works, Rev. Mr. Polwhele, and in particular to Alexander Chalmers efq. to whom the public is indebted for the notes marked C.

The drawing of Pope's perfon has been retained, not because it is the "libelled shape," but because it is an exact representation, which may gratify curiofity, but furely cannot provoke the malignity of spleen. The notes by Warton have been revised, and much which he had admitted has been rejected; though it is hoped that all which is truly valuable has been retained. The offensive epistle is excluded; and if the chapter of the "double Mistress," after some hesitation,

has

has found a place, it has been on account of its exquifite humour, and because, though offensive to delicacy, it is not seductive or dangerous to principles.

In the tenth volume, the original letters to the two Miss Blounts, from the light they throw on Pope's early connexions, will be read with interest.

Some original papers have been, for obvious reasons, omitted. Those which have been published I do not think can detract from the moral character of the writer. What man, indeed, if all the errors of his youth were feverely scanned, could escape cenfure ? In other respects, the letters are natural, interesting, and creditable to his feelings. Among the omiffions I now fincerely with I had included the farce of "Three Hours after Marriage;" but it was printed when I was afflicted with illness, and was scarcely able to judge for myself. I think it right to express my forrow, though too late: the rest I leave to the candour of the public.