a state of degradation it was fallen, may be easily guessed, from the circumstance of its containing several inscriptions and poems in honour of Marat! For the last two or three years, it has been gradually recovering its antient credit.

The plan was next adopted in Germany, but in what year is unknown to the editor of the Poetical Register. Two volumes are still annually published in that country: they are edited by Schiller and Voss. That which is under the care of Schiller is, devoted principally, if not entirely, to the compositions of young authors, which receive the corrections of the editor.

It has long been a subject of surprize to the editor, that no collection similar to that of our Gallic neighbours was formed in England. Two volumes have, indeed, been published within the last three years, professedly in imitation of the French work, but, in reality, differing from it very considerably. The volume, which is now submitted to the public, is an enlargement, and, it is hoped, an improvement, of the plan on which the Almanach des Muses is conducted. That work includes only poetry and criticism; the first in great part original, and the latter to a very limited extent. In the Poetical

Register, it is purposed to include every subject connected with poetry.

What share of praise is due to the execution of the task imposed on himself by the editor, the public will decide. The difficulty of procuring compositions of poetical excellence, for a first volume, must be sufficiently obvious. One merit he can with justice claim-that of having strenuously endeavoured to render the work not unworthy of that flattering support which it has been promised from all quarters; and which, should this volume be favourably received, will render the next still more worthy of approbation.

The editor has now to perform the pleasing duty of acknowledging his obligations. For the very gratifying and effectual kindness of Thomas Park, Esq. of Hampstead, and Dr. R. Anderson, of Edinburgh, he has to return his warmest thanks. Many of the best pieces in the volume were obtained for it by their influence. To S. E. Brydges, Esq. he is also indebted for much valuable assistance. The poems of Miss Brydges and Dr. Beauvoir were furnished by that gentleman, as was also the whole of what is to be found under the title of "Antient Poetry,"

with the single exception of the poems and biogra phical notice of Robert Green. How much the volume owes to the contributions of Miss Seward will be readily perceived. The value of the favour could only be enhanced by the manner in which.it was conferred. The other numerous and respectable contributors are requested to accept the sincere acknowledgments of the editor. It may not be improper in this place to observe, that the "Lines (in page 78) on receiving a Chinese MS." are by the author of the beautiful "Epistle from Lady Grange to Edward D, Esq. written during her confinement in St. Kilda."

For the critical opinions, delivered in this work, unless otherwise specified, the editor alone must be held responsible.

As it is intended, for the future, to publish the Poetical Register in the month of February, correspondents are desired to transmit their contributions as early as possible to the editor, that sufficient time may be allowed for the arrangement of the materials. It is also desired, that pieces meant for insertion in the "Fugitive. Poetry," may be so described. Contributions will be received by Messrs. Rivingtons,

ADVERTISEMENT

TO THE

THIRD EDITION.

THE opportunity which is afforded him, by the publication of a third edition of his first volume, the Editor gladly seizes, to return his thanks to the Public, for the liberal and gratifying patronage which has been bestowed on his work. On his part, he flatters himself that no exertion has been spared, to render the Poetical Register not unworthy of the reception which it has experienced. The original poetry, of the eight volumes, will be found to contain numerous compositions, in almost every species of poetry, from the pens of writers honourably distinguished by their poetical talents. Perhaps it is not too much to say that no similar collection cau be named, which contains as large a portion as it does of original pieces, of undoubted merit.

In the department of "Fugitive Poetry" the Editor has preserved, among others, a great number of poems which, from the mode and form of their first appearance, or from peculiar circumstances, had become extremely scarce, and would soon, in all probability, have been no longer procurable.

As an instance of this may be adduced the spirited poem of "The Devoted Legions," by Day, which finds a place in the eighth volume, and which, having been originally printed in a sixpenny quarto, is now so rarely to be met with that the Editor was unable to obtain a copy, till after a search of several years. The Editor trusts that, in the course of time, his work will be a complete body of all such fugitive poetry as deserves to be rescued from oblivion.

The Criticisms were originally intended merely to give a general view of the poetic and dramatic productions of the year; and it is hoped that they have answered that purpose. Whether any of the sentences passed by the Editor are erroneous, he leaves to his readers to decide; but he can boldly declare that not one of them was ever dictated by prejudice, passion, or any other reprehensible feeling or motive. He may have been dull, or mistaken; but he has never been partial or malicious.

In this edition of the first volume it will be seen that some alterations have been made in the arrangement of the poems. Nothing, however, has been added or taken away.

The ninth volume is now preparing for the press, and will be published at an early period of the Spring.

January, 1815.