tated in several fongs. Thefe are fuch as in common language would be peculiarly entitled odes, from their high ftrain of fancy and poetical diction. That of Prior, THE fimple pathetic of Tibullus and the writers of elegy, is moft fweetly manifested in that charming fong of Dr. Percy's, "O Nancy wilt thou go with me" which has scarcely its equal for real tenderness in this or any other language. OTHER resemblances might be pointed out, but I imagine it is unneceffary to go farther. What has been already obferved may serve to put a reader of taste upon remarking those niceties of composition, and and delicate variations, which he might otherwise have paffed over; and I would not anticipate the pleasure he will receive from his own difcoveries of this kind. An ample ftore of beauties lies open for his inspection, and he will probably find reafon to flatter himself, that in this species of poetry, as well as in every other, the English follow the claffic antients with a bold and vigorous ftep, and ftrain hard for the palm of victory. PAS PASSIONATE AND DESCRIPTIVE SON G S. B LEST as th' immortal Gods is he,* The youth that fondly fits by thee; 'Twas this depriv'd my foul of reft, My *THOUGH it may feem irregular to begin a collection of English fongs with an ode of Sappho, yet I am tempted to do it on account of the excellence of the tranflation, which has almost the merit of an original, and that the reader may have fo nearly in his view a pattern of perfection with which he may compare the reft, My bosom glow'd, a subtle flame Ran quick thro' all my vital frame; In dewy damps my limbs were chill'd, PHILLIPS. TH HY fatal fhafts unerring move, I feel the foft refiftlefs flame For while I gaze, my bofom glows, My fault'ring tongue attempts in vain My tongue fome fecret magic ties, Condemn'd to nurfe eternal care, SMOLLETT. H! the fhepherd's mournful fate! When doom'd to love, and doom'd to languish, To bear the fcornful fair one's hate, Nor dare difclofe his anguish. Yet eager looks, and dying fighs, While rapture trembling thro' my eyes Reveals how much I love her. The tender glance, the redd'ning cheek, A thoufand various ways they fpeak A thousand various wishes. For |