ор PREFACE. THE title of this book may be deemed an affected one. Next to the reality, the Author (if he understands himself) would in every thing shun the appearance of such foppery; yet, if the plain truth will not clear him, he must suffer the discredit in this instance. His former publications being respectively known by their leading subjects, it seemed necessary that this supplement to them should be characterised according to its general contents. Wherefore, after sufficient perplexity of choice, none more appropriate occurring, he adopted the present designation, as implying that the volume consists of miscellaneous and fugitive pieces, which MAY 2918 ALLEN 243 502901 (with many others) have been accumulating on his hands, during a period, when no recollection of past success could embolden him to attempt greater things. But it would be affectation, indeed, equally vain and disingenuous, were he to make a show of disparaging what he now submits alike to favour and to censure. In small things as well as in great, it is the duty of him who assumes to be a poet never to offer less than his best to the public. Having endeavoured to do so, on this occasion, the writer, with all deference, leaves the issue to be determined by those who may please to become his judges. Sheffield, |