Of them who, wrapt in Earth fo cold,

No more the smiling day shall view,
Shou'd many a tender tale be told,
For many a tender thought is due.

LANGHORNE.

DAVID GARRICK, Esq.

IT

SIR,
T is scarcely possible that any one should

entertain a more humble opinion of the following little Production, than she who presents it to you. It is a trifle which, she confesses, has but a very slender claim to your protection; but she considers that

your

Name will be an ornament to her Book, as your Friendship has been an honour to its Author.

Where merit is incontestible, and characters are decided by the concurring fuffrage of mankind, praise becomes almost impertinent. It is absurd to be industrious in proving truths so felf-evident, that no one ever thought of controverting them.

I may be accused of advancing a startling proposition, when I declare that you are an enemy to the Muses; but if it be allowed that description and invention are the very soul of Poetry I shall be justified by the world

L

in general, who constantly behold you displaying talents which cannot be described, and exhibiting excellences which leave nothing to be imagined.

Whatever reason I may find to regret my having ventured these little Poems into the world, I shall at least have no common pleasure in recollecting one circumstance attende ing them, since they furnish me with an occa. fion of assuring you with what esteem and admiration

I am, SIR,

Your most obedient,
and very humble Servant,

HANNAH MORE.
BRISTOL,
Dec. 14. 1775.

SIR ELDRED OF

The BOWER,

A

LEGENDARY TALE.

PART 1. O nostra Vita. ch'e si bella in vista! Com' perde agevolmente in un momento, Quel. ch'en molt anni a grand penas' acquista!

PETRARCA.

TH
HERE was a young and valiant Knight,

Sir ELDRED was his name,
And never did a worthier wight

The rank of knighthood claim.
Where gliding Tay her stream sends forth,

To feed the neighbouring wood,
The ancient glory of the North,

SIR ELDRED's castle ftood.

The youth was rich as youth might be

In patrimonial dower ; And

many a noble feat had he Atchieved, in hall, and bower.