Epigrams then, of a ligitimate structure, for thou shouldst be forewarned that they do not spring from Chaos, should consist of three qualities, namely— BREVITY, BEAUTY, and POINT, to each of which I shall advert in order: and first in regard to Brevity, they are not limited to any determinate number of lines, though the shorter they are in general the better, as thou in thy sapience and discernment wilt readily allow; unless when a great share of spirit is diffused over the expanded surface, which will not often be the case, when the brain is not impregnated with a superabundant quantity of etherial fire.

Secondly, the beauty that thou art to look for in an Epigram, consists in the harmony and apt agreement of all its parts; and in the simplicity and purity of its language.

Thirdly, and lastly, the point is a thing that must be felt, or it will be idle to attempt to explain it to thee; yet this may be affirmed of it, that it should lie in a sharp, lively, and unexpected turn of wit, at the close of the composition; in conformity to the definition given by an odd fellow to an agreeable lady, on being questioned by her what constituted a good Epigram?

An Epigram's good, when like you Mrs. Frail,
It is pretty and short, with a sting in its tail.

Or to take our ideas from a little insect, scarcely Jess sweet or less dangerous at times than the ladies:

The qualities rare in a BEE that we meet,
In an EPIGRAM never should fail :-
:---
The body should always be little and sweet,
And a sting should be left in its tail.

There are indeed some other prescriptions for the composition of an Epigram, which have been given by our ENGLISH wits; and it behoves me to insert them in this place, as well to shew my own reading, as to contribute to thy information; and if have succeeded in drawing from various sources, an extract corresponding with the recipes I am adducing as a test, thou mayest congratulate thyself on being furnished with a genuine article, in the following pages.

MASTER THOMAS WARTON, of delectable memory, thus gives an EPIGRAM on an EPIGRAM, which is full of quaint and pleasant simile:

One day in CHRIST CHURCH meadow walking,
Of poetry and such things talking,
Says Ralph, a merry wag,
An Epigram, if smart and good,
In all its circumstances should,

Be like a jelly bag.

Your simile I own is new,

But how wilt make it out? says Hugh.
Quoth Ralph, I'll tell thee, friend;
Make it at top both wide and fit,

To hold a budget full of wit,-
And point it at the end.

And though last not least in the prescribing tribe, friend ASHBY, who seems to have had a particular connection with the little sharp instrument from which he draws his metaphor, gives us, in my opinion, as good an idea, not only of the ingredients, but the use also of an Epigram, as any who have ever sat on the bench of criticism.

Take a portion of wit,

And fashion it fit,

Like a needle, with point and with eye:

A point that can wound,

An eye to look round,

And at folly or vice let it fly.

Let this suffice, as to the art of compounding ar Epigram; and now let me observe to thee, with all possible modesty and humility, that, subject to the laws already laid down, Epigrams may admit of all manner of subjects, though they are generally employed in praise or satire-in tickling the young and the handsome, or in rubbing up the old, ugly,

and ill-natured, for which they are admirably adapted. Indeed we have in English, many good compositions of this kind, on every possible theme-some remarkable for their delicate turn and simplicity of expression, others for their salt and sharpness, their equivoques, or pleasing allusions; and it is hoped this fact will be made as plain to thee as the nose on thy face, by the copious display, which I have with much toil been enabled to bring into one focus, from a vast variety of our prime wits.

. And when thou art told, courteous reader, that RAFIN declared it sufficient for an individual writer to produce one good Epigram, thou wilt not be surprised that so many authors should have been gleaned from, in order to produce a collection of such magnitude as I now present to thy clemency.

It may likewise assist to ingratiate me with thee, gentle reader, and to evince the importance of my labours in thy service, to be informed, on the authority of Jemmy Boswell of facetious spirit, that the great Sam Johnson of everlasting remembrance, not only wrote several Epigrams himself, but even had it in contemplation to publish a collection of pieces of this kind, with notes and observations. Now with all due deference to such high and redoubtable

authority, I humbly conceive, that if wit cannot be seen without a candle held close to its tail, or if humour wants a commentary to make it understood, it is a proof that it is of a spurious stamp; and such I have rejected from my cabinet of curiosities.

These are what I wished, most kind, courteous, and gentle reader, to advertise thee of; and if after all my congèes and civilities, thou hast any dislike to the mode of introduction, I flatter myself we shall have many a hearty laugh together, when thou sittist down to the entertainment, which my best care and cunning have provided for thy delectation.... So-Farewell!

Nearly one half of the EPIGRAMS in this Anthology are by anonymous writers; for wit, like precious metal, passes by its intrinsic value, not by the name that may happen to be stamped upon it. Yet the following

List of known Authors,

from whose works assistance has been derived on the present occasion, will prove that this country is rich in EPIGRAMMATISTS, as well as in writers in every other line of composition.

Atterbury Bishop.

Bishop Rev. Samuel.

Blackburne, Rev. Francis.