OF

WILLIAM COWPER, Esq.

AUTHOR OF THE TASK, &c.

In whom was happily united,

The true GENIUS of the POET,

And the real SPIRIT of a CHRISTIAN;

Whence, in an eminent Degree,

He beautifully combined

All the Elegance and Charms of Poetry,

With the purest Maxims of Chriftian Morality, This little COLLECTION, which was first published With his friendly Approbation,

Is now INSCRIBED,

As an unfeigned Tribute of affectionate Regard,
And a Token of fincere Respect for

His Genius and Virtues,

By T. WOOLSTON.

The following Sonnet

Was prefixed to the First Edition, and as at that time Mr. Cowper expressed his pleasure, by receiving it as a respectful compliment, the Editor hopes he may be permitted to give it a place in this new Edition.

ΤΟ

WILLIAM COWPER, Esq.

AUTHOR OF THE TASK, &c.

WHERE mild Throckmorton's* venerable groves

Extend their fhades to nurfe poetic fire;

While COWPER rapt in contemplation roves,
And pours fweet transport from the dulcet lyre:

His gentle mind, I truft, will not disdain,
These votive Lays, felected-to impart

To Youth a taste for Nature's purest strain-
To warm and meliorate the human heart.

From lovely fertile vales, and stately bow'rs,

Where Genius blooms, unconscious of decay, I cull'd this Wreath of amaranthine Flow'rs; Still breathing fragrance ever young and gay. Accept the Gift ;-your kind approving smile Will beft reward the well meant pleasing toil.

T. WOOLSTON.

* J. C. Throckmorton, Esq. of Weston-Underwood.