TO CRITICISM.

SISTER of Nature, lovely Criticism,
Whose friendly, exquisite, judicious touch
Softens the blaze of genius, and the work
Of every muse improves; ingenious maid,
Deem not I shun thee with a scornful eye.

Come to my side, and look upon my work:
Be seated by me.
Ruminate my page;
And while my hand is loop'd about thy waist,
And my reclining head in thoughtful ease
Reposes on thy shoulder, mark my faults.
Point to the line which my impatient pen
Has hastily dismiss'd, and blot the word
Which gives offence to decency or truth.
I feel and own that I have much to mend.
Reprove me, and advise me. Thy rebuke
Is ever tender, and so mix'd with love,
'Tis but a precious medicine disguis'd,

Which charms the palate, and restores the man.
Such is thy censure, Cowper, whom my muse
Dares to believe, nor scruples to pronounce,

The fairest critic, and the sweetest bard.

*

CORRIGENDA.

* * Since some of the preceding Articles (now first printed) passed through the press, a more accurate copy in MS. has been found, which suggests the following corrections:

C. WHITTINGHAM, Printer, Goswell-Street, London.

1

BOOKS

IN THE PRESS, AND OTHER WORKS PUBLISHED,

BY

SHARPE AND HAILES,

OPPOSITE ALBANY, PICCADILLY.

I.

THE

HE FAVOURITE VILLAGE, with an additional Poem, now first published, and a Tragedy. By the Rev. James HURDIS, D.D. late Fellow of Magdalen College, and Professor of Poetry, in the University of Oxford. In one vol. 8vo. 10s. 6d. in Boards.

*The above Volume, with the VILLAGE CURATE, &c. forms a complete Edition of HURDIS'S POEtical Works.

II. SELECT BEAUTIES OF ANCIENT ENGLISH POETRY, with an Introduction and Remarks. By the late HENRY HEADLEY, A.B. of Trinity College, Oxford. With a Memoir of Mr. Headley, 2 vols. crown 8vo.

III. MARMION; A TALE OF FLODDEN FIELD. By WALTER SCOTT, Esq. Illustrated by Engravings from the Designs of RICHARD WESTALL, Esq. R.A.

Six finely engraved Plates, in 8vo. with a Vignette, 12s.; Proofs, on 4to. Paper, 17. 4s. ; or,

The Plates, with the Poem in 8vo. 11, 4s. in Boards; Proofs, with the Poem in 4to. 27. 15s. 6d. in Boards.