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of an antiministerial tendency; but this is not the consequence of any partiality. It was equally the wish and interest of the Editor to gratify all parties; and that he might do so, he waded through a great number of files of ministerial papers, till he was woefully convinced of the truth of Mr. Burke's observation, that "the balance of intellect is entirely on the side of the Jacobins." The wit and humour of the adverse faction, as far at least as he could judge from the evidence of the Public Journals, may be compared to "two grains of wheat bid in two bushels of chaff; you shall seek all day ere you find them, and when you have them, they are not worth the search*"

The just application of the foregoing words, will, indeed, be manifest to the reader himself, when he sees the inferiority of the few ministerial articles that have been introduced, one or two excepted. They are, however, the best, as has already been intimated, that could be obtained, after long and laborious researches. The opportunity that better liesure may afford, of extending those researches in future years, may probably diminish a dispro

* Shakespeare.

portion,

portion, of which the friends to the present administration will doubtless complain, in spite of the best reasons that can be assigned.

Upon the whole, however, the Editor flatters himself, that he shall be allowed the merit of having extracted from sources, to people in general, perfectly unattainable, and from an enormous mass of chaotic matter, a treat highly gratifying to all, who have any relish for wit or humour. Many of the Effays contained in this volume, are, perhaps, little, if at all, inferior to the best papers in the Spectator; and they have been drawn from publications, of which the purchase would amount to a very considerable sum.

Of the few Notes, and Anecdotes interspersed, he will only say, that he thought the former necessary, and believes the latter true.

Though it might be sufficient praise to have assumed the office of the industrious bee, by collecting sweets from all quarters, the Editor wishes it to be understood, that he had also some share in the original composition. He is the author of a number of the articies, which he will not point out, but which, he confesses, are not likely to be classed with those of superior merit,

It is intended that a similar volume shall appear at the commencement of every year. As there will be more time for its production, the plan will receive every improvement of which it is susceptible; the Notes and Anecdotes will be more copious; and the selection will be made with still greater care.

1

THE EDITOR.

N. B. In afcribing the articles to the various publications whence they have been taken, the Editor is aware, that feveral errors may have been made. In fome cafes he was forced to depend upon memory. In others, he has probably miftaken borrowed articles for originals.

CONTENT S.

E

PIGRAMMATA Bacchanalia, confisting of one

hundred and one Epigrams

Mr. Pitt's Death

Diffection of Mr. Pitt

Page

I

18

25

28

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