the exact observation of which will, perhaps, contribute to render this species of poetry more correct and regular, without retrenching any part of its _discriminating_ beauties, and without straitning too much the Genius of the Poet. With this view I have endeavoured to characterize impartially the pindaric manner, by pointing out _its excellencies_, by enumerating _its defects_, and by enquiring from what particular causes the latter are to be deduced. I consider it, my Lord, as a circumstance particularly agreeable on the present occasion, that the Persons who are most capable to observe the _defects_ of an Author, are likewise commonly the readiest to _excuse them_. Little minds, like the fly on the Edifice, will find many inequalities in _particular members_ of a work, which an enlarged understanding either overlooks as insignificant, or contemplates as _the mark of human imperfection_. I am, however, far from intending to insinuate, that feelings of this nature will prevail on your Lordship to consider real blemishes merely as the effects of an inadvertency, which is excusable in proportion to the intricacy of a subject. I have been induced to throw together the preceding remarks, with an intention to rescue Lyric Poetry from the contempt in which it has been unjustly held by Authors of unquestioned penetration, to prove that it is naturally susceptible of the _highest poetic beauty_; and that under proper regulations, it may be made subservient to purposes as beneficial as any other branch of the Art. These facts will indeed be sufficiently obvious to persons unacquainted with the Ancients, by perusing the works of eminent _Poets_ of the present age, whose names it would be superfluous to mention. I dismiss this attempt, and the pieces which accompany it, to the judgment of the public, with that timidity and diffidence which the review of so many great names, and the sense of Inexperience are fitted to inspire. Whatever may be the fate of either, I shall remember, with pleasure, that they have afforded me an opportunity of testifying that high and respectful esteem, with which I have the Honour to be, MY LORD, Your Lordship’s Most Obliged, and Most Obedient Servant, J. OGILVIE. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Errata (Noted by Transcriber): a native of Bæotia [_error for Bœotia_] [Footnote 32] Ὡς εφασαν Ηουραι [_error for Κουραι_] [Footnote 34] Ζευ σε μεν Ι’ δαιοισιν ... [_error for Ἰδαιοισιν_] [Pindar, Pythian X] Εγκαμιων γαρ αωτες Υυμνων [_error for ὑμνων_] [Ariosto] _Le Donne, e Cavalieri, l’arme, gli amore, Le Cortesie l’audaci impresi io canto._ [_errors for amori ... imprese_] [Odyssey] Πλαγκθη [_error for Πλαγχθη_] [Footnote 97] Gavina [_error for Gravina_] Supplementary Notes: 1. Handwriting