G. G. J. and J. ROBINSON, Paternofter-Row,

AND

J. JOHNSON, St Paul's Church-Yard, LONDON.

M.DCC.Xси.

WERE the following tranflation comparable to the elegant original, I should be less solicitous for the reception it may find in the world, and less anxious. to apologize, for having prefumed, without previous communication, thus publicly to introduce it to your Lordship's notice.

As it is usual with authors to address their compositions to fome illustrious friend, or to some name not more distinguished by rank and station than by a generous zeal for the interests of learning and

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virtue, though beyond the circle of their acquaintance, it feemed an example not improper to follow on the present occafion. But, if I do fo, it is rather in my author's name than in my own. Of what themselves have done, few can speak with propriety. To undervalue one's own performances, might perhaps not unjustly be regarded as affectation. To fpeak favourably of them, might be imputed, on the contrary, to an excess of vanity, with which real excellence is, I believe, scarcely ever found to be united.

The Poetics of Vida, as they stand connected with the whole art of criticism; with the wide range of elegant and useful literature; with all that can inform and all that can delight; as they are equally calculated to assist those whom nature has pointed out for the instruction and entertainment of others, and to deter those to whom fuch powers have been denied, from the invasion of a province to which they can have no claim, are not unworthy the public attention. To me, my Lord, it feemed peculiarly proper, to address to your protection this version of an author, who, though of a different church from our's, and as we conceive, not well informed in fome points of christian doctrine, was yet, in defiance of prepossession and superstition, an excellent man and an exemplary bishop; as venerable for his piety as he was respectable for his talents; and whose eminence in each was such, as might have entitled him to distinction in any church or in any nation. To enlarge on fuch a theme, and to purfue a parallel, which will readily be done by those who are best acquainted with your love of letters, and have long been witnesses