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ness of his writings from the injurious treatment of those who have, either through malice or ignorance, ascribed some of them to other persons.

The true account of his family is as follows, viz. Mr. Pomfret's father was Rector of Luton in Bedfordshire, and himself was preferred to the living of Malden in the same county. He was liberally educated at an eminent grammar-school in the country, from whence he was sent to the university of Cambridge, but of what college he was entered I know not. There he wrote most of his poetical compositions, took the degree of Master of Arts, and very early accomplished himself in most kinds of polite literature.

It was shortly after his leaving the University that he was preferred to the living of Malden above mentioned; and so far was he from being in the least tinctured with fanaticism, that I have often heard him express his abhorrence of the destructive tenets maintained by those people, both against our religious and civil rights.

This imputation, it seems, was cast on him by there having been one of his sirname, though not any way related to him, a dissenting teacher, who died not long ago *: so far distant from the accusation were the principles of this 'excellent man.

*Mr. Samuel Pomfret, who published some rhymes. upon Spiritual Subjects, as they are pleased to call them.

POETICAL WORKS

OF

JOHN POMFRET.

WITH THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR.

If Heav'n the grateful liberty would give,
That I might chuse my method how to live-----
Near some fair town I'd have a private seat,
Built uniform; not little, nor too great----
I'd have a clear and competent estate,

That I might live genteelly, but not great--...
I'd have a little vault, but always stor'd
With the best wines each vintage could afford----
I'd chuse two friends, whose company would be

A great advance to my felicity----

Would bounteous Heav'n once more indulge, I'd chuse
(For who would so much satisfaction lose

As witty nymphs in conversation give?)

Near some obliging modest fair to live.---.

THE CHOICE.

LONDON:

PRINTED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF J.BELL, BRITISH LIBRARY, STRAND, BOOKSELLER TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES.

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I'd be concern'd in no litigious jar;
Belov'd by all, not vainly popular.
Whate'er assistance I had pow'r to bring,
T'oblige my country, or to serve my king,
Whene'er they call'd, I'd readily afford

My tongue, my pen, my counsel, or my sword---
If Heav'n a date of many years would give,
Thus I'd in pleasure, ease, and plenty, live..........
And, when committed to the dust, I'd have
Few tears, but friendly, dropp'd into my grave:
Then would my exit so propitious be,

All men would wish to live and die like me.

THE CHOICE.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR J. BELL, BOOKSELLER TO HIS
ROYAL HIGHNESS

THE PRINCE OF WALES.

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