то THE RIGHT HON. JAMES CRAGGS, ESQ. HIS MAJESTY's PRINCIPAL SECRETARY OF STATE. I DEAR SIR, CANNOT wish that any of my writings fhould laft longer than the memory of our friendship and, therefore, I thus publicly bequeath them to you, in return for the many valuable inftances of your affection. That they may come to you with as little difadvantage as poffible, I have left the care of them to one*, whom, by the experience of fome years, I know well qualified to answer my intentions. He has already the honour and happiness of being under your protection; and, as he will very much stand in need of it, I cannot wish him better, than that he may continue to deferve the favour and countenance of fuch a patron. I have no time to lay out in forming such compliments, as would but ill fuit that familiarity between us, which was once my greatest pleasure, and will be my greatest honour hereafter. Inftead of them, accept of my hearty wishes, that the great reputation you have acquired fo early, may increafe more and more: and that you may long ferve your country with thofe excellent talents, B 2 * Mr. Tickell. and and unblemished integrity, which have fo powerfully recommended you to the moft gracious and amiable Monarch that ever filled a throne. May the franknefs and generofity of your fpirit continue to foften and fubdue your enemies, and gain you many friends, if poffible, as fincere as yourself. When you have found fuch, they cannot wish you more true happinefs than I, who am, with the greatest zeal, Dear Sir, Your most entirely affectionate friend, and faithful obedient fervant, June 4, 1779, J. ADDISON OW long, great Poet, fhall thy facted lays tranfcend our praife? Can neither injuries of time, or age, Damp thy poetic heat, and quench thy rage? Grief chill'd his breast, and check'd his rifing thought Prevailing warmth has ftill thy mind possest, Now Ovid boasts th' advantage of thy fong, Thy charming verfe, and fair translations, show And frighted at himself, ran howling through the woods. may'st thou still the noble task prolong, Nor age, nor fickness, interrupt thy song : Have liv'd a fecond life, and different natures try'd. Magd. College, Oxon. June 2, 1693. The Author's age 22. A POEM A PO E M то HIS MAJESTY *. PRESENTED TO THE LORD REEFR. TO THE RIGHT HON. SIR JOHN SOMERS. LORD KEEPER OF THE GREAT SEAL, I 1695. F yet your thoughts are loofe from state affairs, Nor feel the burden of a kingdom's cares; To you, my Lord, these daring thoughts belong you, in your immortal ftrains, Defcribe his conduct, and reward his pains : B 4 *King William. Attend |