THE SEASONS, BY JAMES THOMSON. ΤΟ WHICH IS PREFIXED The LIFE of, the AUTHOR, LONDON: Printed for J. Rivington and Sons, T. Payne and Sons, MDCCLXXXVII. AN EKÖNIGL T is commonly faid, that the life of a good writer IT is best read in his works; which can scarce fail to receive a peculiar tincture from his temper, manners, and habits; the diftinguishing character of his mind, his ruling paffion, at leaft, will there appear undifguifed. But however juft this obfervation may be; and although we might fafely reft Mr. Thomfon's fame, as a good man, as well as a man of genius, on this fole footing; yet the defire which the Public always fhews of being more particularly acquainted with the history of an eminent author, ought not to be disappointed; as it proceeds not from mere curiofity, but chiefly from affection and gratitude to those by whom they have been entertained and inftructed. To give fome account of a deceafed friend is often a piece of juftice 'likewife, which ought not to be refused to his memory: to prevent or efface the impertinent fictions which officious Biographers are fo apt |