ADVERTISEMENT. THE present volume contains Cowper's Translations from Madame Guion, the Pieces originally published as the second volume of his Poems, and a few of those minor Poems which were not published till after his decease. The Translations from Madame Guion appeared with the following Title, Dedication, and Preface. LONDON: PRINTED FOR J. JOHNSON AND CO. NO. 72, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD. It seems needless, if not impertinent, in an obscure individual, to say any thing in praise of the Author of the Task. It is of more consequence to inform the reader of the circumstances that have led to this publication. About twenty years ago, a very dear and venerable friend' introduced me to the truly great and amiable Mr. Cowper. This gave rise to a friendship, which increased with every repeated interview; and for several years I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with him every week. At length this delightful intercourse was terminated, by his removal to a distant situation, and the painful approaches of that event which dissolves every social connexion. The Rev. John Newton, Rector of St. Mary Woolnoth,' London. |