G. G. J. and J. ROBINSON, Paternofter-Row, AND J. JOHNSON, St Paul's Church-Yard, LONDON. M.DCC.XCIII. 1 TO THE HONOURABLE AND RIGHT REVEREND SHUTE, BY DIVINE PROVIDENCE, LORD BISHOP OF DURHAM. MY LORD, WERE the following tran flation comparable to the elegant original, I fhould be lefs folicitous for the reception it may find in the world, and lefs anxious. to apologize, for having prefumed, without previous communication, thus publicly to introduce it to your Lordship's notice. As it is ufual with authors to addrefs their compofitions to fome illuftrious friend, or to fome name not more diftinguished by rank and ftation than by a generous zeal for the interefts of learning and virtue, though beyond the circle of their acquaintance, it feemed an example not impro per 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 fpeak with propriety. To under value 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 excefs of vanity, with which real excellence is, I believe, fcarcely ever found to be united. The Poctics of Vida, as they stand connected with the whole art of criticifm; 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 affist those whom nature has pointed out for the inftruction 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 seemed peculiarly proper, to address to your protection this verfion 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 prepoffeffion and fuperstition, an excellent man and an exemplary bishop; as venerable for his piety as he was refpectable for his talents; and whofe eminence in each was fuch, as might have entitled him to distinction in any church or in any nation. To enlarge on fuch a theme, and to pursue a parallel, which will readily be done by those who are beft acquainted with your love of letters, and have long been witneffes |