ENTERED AT STATIONERS HALL.

THE publication of the following sheets is in compliance with the request of many of Mr. Byrom's friends, who were much pleased with some of his poetical compositions, which had casually circulated in his life-time. Much might here be said of the author's learned and poetical talents; but it does not seem to be the business of an editor to endeavour to anticipate the reader's judgment. By its own intrinsic worth, and the candid opinion of the public, the following work is left to stand or fall.

A deference due to the public may, however, make it necessary to assure them, that the poems here presented, are the genuine production of Mr. Byrom. They are carefully transcribed from his own manuscripts; but as many of them were written rather for private than for public perusal, it is hoped that all favourable allowance will be made for small inac curacies.

The reader may be surprized perhaps to find in these volumes so many learned and critical questions discussed in verse. This is indeed a singularity almost peculiar to our author; but he had so accustomed himself to the language of poetry, that he always found it the easiest way of expressing his sentiments upon all occasions. He himself used to give this reason to his friends for treating such subjects in so uncommon a method; and it is presumed, that, if they are not found deficient in other respects, the novelty of the manner will be rather a recommendation than otherwise.

At a time when party disputes are so happily subsided, it may seem to want an apology, that in the following collection, some few pieces are inserted, which appear to be tinctured with a party spirit. A small attention however will convince the warmest partizan, that what Mr. Byrom has written of this cast was intended to soften the asperity, and prevent the mischiefs of an over-heated zeal. Since this was the author's chief motive for writing, it is imagined no other apology will be necessary for the publication of such pieces.

The great truths of christianity had made, from his earliest years, a deep impression upon the author's mind; and as it was his manner to commit his sentiments, of every kind, to verse, so he had a peculiar pleasure in employing his pen upon serious subjects. To the purposes of instruction, and the interests of virtue, all his abilities were ever made subservient. This will appear, more particularly, from the second volume of the following sheets, in which it was thought proper to select such pieces as treat on subjects of a deeper and more important nature. The reader, it is not doubted, will be pleased to find that the author's natural talent for wit and humour, has so often given place to something more solid and substantial.

1.

ERRATA.

Page 221 Note, for the person read the imaginary personage.

226 Note, for one read our.