T 0 1 SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS. SIR, I AM happy in having your permiffion to infcribe to you this complete edition of the truly poetical works of your late ingenious friend OLIVER GOLDSMITH. They will prove a lasting monument of HIS GENIUS. Every lover of science must deeply lament that this excellent writer, after long struggling with adversity, finished his mortal career just as his reputation was firmly established, and he had acquired the friendship of SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS, DR. JOHNSON, MR. EDMUND BURKE, the DEAN of DERRY, MR. BEAUCLERC, and MR. CUMBERLAND, names which ADORN our age and nation. It is, Sir, being merely an eccho of the PUBLIC VOICE to celebrate your admirable productions, " In which to latest times the artist lives." Had i Had Dr. Goldsmith understood the art of painting, of which he modestly declares himself ignorant, his pen would have done justice to the merits of your pencil-he chose a nobler theme, by declaring his ardent affection for the virtues of your heart. That you may long continue, Sir, the ornament of your country, and the delight of your friends, is the fincere wish of, Strand, Jan. 1, Your most obliged, Humble servant, T. EVANS. CON CONTENTS TO VOLUME THE FIRST. |
