but, to patronize her more antient Votarys at this time, is not more honourable to our Nation, than neceffary for them: Since fo much Prejudice has been ungratefully rais'd against them, by thofe, who have been most improv'd by their Writings. When therefore I was moved by the BRITISH MUSE to recommend thefe Antients to a Patron moft eminent for Abilities and Inclination to protect them; one of fufficient Knowledge to plead their Merits, and Intereft to promote their Caufe; r was presently by her infpired, to make this Oblation to your LADY SHIP, fo nearly ally'd in Genius and Judgment to her, that I could not diftinguish your your Name, but as another for her own: Whatever Improprieties the Witty or the Wife may find in other Parts of my Choice throughout this Collection, I dare ftand their Test in this. And I am perfuaded, the Authors themselves, could not be better fatiffied with all the Justice that might be paid them, in reviving their Perfor⚫mances; than with fo much Credit as they may receive from your LADYSHIP'S Approbation. I am but their Sollicitor, and could not have the Boldness to fue for your Favour, but under the Umbrage of their Deserts. Alexander faved Part of from Destruction, for the a Ci M only of one Poet: Here the Merits of many Poets fue for the Protection only of one Book. I am, With the most profound Respect, Your Ladyship's most obedient, Humble Servant, THOMAS HAYWARD. THE British Mufe. 225 PANDER. M kept for pleasure, though I never tafte it. For 'tis the ufher's office, ftill to cover His lady's private meetings with her lover. Marfton's Infatiate Countess. 1. At beft 'tis but a goodly pandarism. 2. Shrewd business. Thou child in thrift, thou fool of honesty; Transplanted from their dunghills, fpread on mountains, Not Not fhap'd into a garment fit for wearing, Though in her felf all wonder. John Ford's Fancy chaft and noble. The fquire of dames, devoted to the service In a cafe of pick-tooths: you instruct 'em how Thy fubtile brokages, were to teach in publick Maflinger's Emperor of the Eaft. 226 Crown's Sir Courtly Nice. PARASIT E. Ah, when the means are gone, that buy this praife, The breath is gone whereof this praise is made! Feaft-won, faft-loft: one cloud of winter-fhow'rs Thefe flies are couch'd. 2. The fwallow follows not Summer more willingly, than we your lordship. 1. Nor more willingly leaves winter: fuch fummerBirds are men. May you a better feaft never behold, Shakespear's Timon. You knot of mouth-friends: fmoke, and luke-warm water Is your perfection, This is Timon's laft; Who |