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PART of this poem had the honour of your Lord

ship’s perufal when in manuscript; and it was no small pride to me, when it met with approbation from fu diftinguithing a judge: flould the ieft find the like indulgence, I thall bare ro occafion (whatever its fuccels may be in the world) to repent the labour it has coit ine--But my intention is not to pursue a discorrie on my own performance; no, my Lord, it is to einbrace this opportunity of throwing out lentiments that relate to your Lordihip’s goodness, the generosity of which, give me leave to say, I have greatly experienced.

I offer it not as a new remark, that dependance on the Great, in former times, generally terminated in

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disappointment; nay, even their bounty (if it could be called such) was, in its very nature, ungenerous. It was, perhaps, with - held, through an indolent or wilful neglect, till those, who lingered in the want of it, grew almost past the sense of comfort. At length it came, too often, in a manner that half canceled the obligation, and, perchance, must have been acquired too by some previous act of guilt in the receiver, the consequence of which was remorse and infamy.

But that I live, my Lord, is a proof that dependance on your Lordship, and the present Ministry, is an afsurance of success. I am persuaded, distress, in many other instances, affects your foul with a compassion, that always shews itself in a manner most humane and active; that to forgive injuries, and confer benefits, is your delight; and that to deserve your friendship js to deserve the countenance of the best of men. To be admitted into the honour of your Lordship’s conversation (permit me to speak but justice) is to be elegantly introduced into the most inftructive, as well as entertaining, parts of literature ; it is to be furnished with the finest observations upon human nature, and to receive, froin the most unaffuming, sweet, and winning candour, the worthiest and most polite maximsm such as are always enforced by the actions of your own life. I could also take notice of your many public-spirited services to your country in Parliament, and your constant attachment to Liberty, and the Royal, Illustrious House of our Most Gracious Sovereign; but, my Lord, believe me, your own deeds

are

are the noblest and fittest orators to speak your praise, and will elevate it far beyond the power of a much abler writer than I am.

I will therefore turn my view from your Lord hip’s virtues to the kind influence of them, which has been so lately sed upon me; and then, if my future morals and writings shall gain any approbation from men of parts and probity, I must acknowledge all to be the product of your Lord chip's goodness to me. I must, in fine, say with Horace,

Quod {piro, & placeo, (si placeo) tuum eft,
I am, with the highest gratitude and veneration,

MY LORD,

Your Lordship’s most dutiful

and devoted servant,

RICHARD SAVAGE.