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ADVERTISEMENT

TO THE EDITION OF 1783.

THE Bookfellers having determined to publish a Body of English Poetry, I was perfuaded to promise them a Preface to the Works of each Author; an undertaking, as it was then prefented to my mind, not very extenfive or difficult.

My purpose was only to have allotted to every Poet an Advertisement, like those which we find in the French Mifcellanies, containing a few dates and a general character; but I have been led beyond my intention, I hope, by the · honeft defire of giving useful pleasure.

In this minute kind of History, the fucceffion of facts is not easily discovered; and I am not without fufpicion that fome of Dryden's works are placed in wrong years. I have followed Langbaine, as the best authority for his plays; and, if I fhall hereafter obtain a more correct

A 3

correct chronology, will publish it; but I do
not yet know that my account is erroneous*.

Dryden's Remarks on Rymer have been
fomewhere printed before. The former edi-
tion I have not feen. This was tranfcribed for
the prefs from his own manufcript.

As this undertaking was occafional and un-

foreseen, I must be supposed to have engaged

in it with lefs provifion of materials than might

have been accumulated by longer premedita-

tion. Of the later writers at least I might, by

attention and enquiry, have gleaned many

particulars, which would have diverfified and

enlivened my Biography. Thefe omiffions,

which it is now ufclefs to lament, have been

often fupplied by the kindnefs of Mr. Steevens

and others; and great affiftance has been given

me by Mr. Spence's Collections, of which I

confider the communication as a favour worthy

of publick acknowledgement.

* Langbaine's authority will not fupport the dates affigned to

Dryden's Plays. Thefe are now rectified in the margin by re-

ference to the original Editions, the only guides to be relied on. R.

In the Edition of Beaumont and Fletcher, by Mr. Colman. R.

CON-