MR. GRAY'S Elegy in the Country Church Yard, before it appeared in print, was handed about in manufcript; and amongst other eminent perfonages who faw and admired it, was the Lady Cobhain, who refided at the Manfion-house at StokePogeis. The performance induced her to wifh for the author's acquaintance; and Lady Schaub and Mils Speed, then at her house, undertook to effect it. These two ladies waited upon the author at his aunt's folitary thanfion, where he at that time refided; and not finding him at home, they left a card behind them. Mr. Gray, furprifed at fuch a compliment, returned the vifit. And as the beginning of this acquaintance wore a little of the face of romance, he foon after gave a fanciful and pleasant account of it in the following copy of verses, which he entitled A LONG STORY. ALTHOUGH this performance certainly poffeffes great humour, yet it is not immediately perceived; and has not been univerfally relished. The author perceived this himself, and owned it candidly. "The verfes," he writes to Dr. Wharton, " you "fo kindly try to keep in countenance, were writ"ten merely to divert Lady Cobham and her family, and fucceeded accordingly; but being "fhewed about in town, are not liked at all." This laft confideration induced Mr. Gray to reject them in the Collection which he himfelf made of his poems. 66 MR. GRAY'S Executor having thought fit to reftore them, they are retained here. Published 12 August 1770 Page Sculp And with a Master's Hand, and Prophet's Fire, Struck the deep Sorrows of his Lyret!? on A LONG STORY. IN Britain's ifle, no matter where, To raise the ceiling's fretted height, Full Full oft within the spacious walls, The Seal and Maces danc'd before him. His bushy beard, and fhoe-strings green, What, in the very firft beginning! Your Hift'ry whither are you fpinning? A House there is, (and that's enough) *Hatton, preferr'd by Queen Elizabeth for his graceful perfon and fine Dancing. A brace |