Few books in the literature of philosophy have so widely represented the spirit of the age and country in which they appeared, or have so influenced opinion afterwards as Locke's _Essay concerning Human Understanding_. The art of education, political thought, theology and philosophy, especially in Britain, France and America, long bore the stamp of the _Essay_, or of reaction against it. FRASER AN E S S A Y CONCERNING =Humane Understanding=. * * * * * In Four BOOKS. * * * * * _Quam bellum est velle confiteri potius nescire quod nescias, quam ista effutientem nauseare, atque ipsum sibi displicere!_ =Cic. de Natur. Deor.= _l._ 1. * * * * * _L O N D O N:_ Printed by _Eliz. Holt_, for =Thomas Basset=, at the _George_ in _Fleetstreet_, near St. _Dunstan_'s Church. MDCXC. Reduced Leaf in original, 7.18 × 12.62 inches Oh! that your brows my laurel had sustained, Well had I been deposed if you had reigned! The father had descended for the son; For only you are lineal to the throne. * * * * * Yet I this prophesy: thou shalt be seen, (Though with some short parenthesis between,) High on the throne of wit; and, seated there, Not mine (that's little) but thy laurel wear. Thy first attempt an early promise made, That early promise this has more than paid; So bold, yet so judiciously you dare, That your least praise is to be regular. * * * * * Already I am worn with cares and age, And just abandoning the ungrateful stage; Unprofitably kept at heaven's expense, I live a rent-charge on his providence. But you, whom every Muse and Grace adorn, Whom I foresee to better fortune born, Be kind to my remains; and, oh defend, Against your judgment, your departed friend! Let not the insulting foe my fame pursue, But shield those laurels which descend to you: And take for tribute what these lines express: You merit more, but could my love do less. DRYDEN THE Way of the World, A COMEDY.