by sending them some bright genius, "an Epaminondas, a Timoleon, a Nassaw." "Nor is our _Defenceless Sex_ forgotten--we have not only _Banduca's_ and _Zenobia's_, but _Sappho's_, and _Behn's_, and _Schurman's_, and _Orinda's_, who have _humbled_ the most haughty of our Antagonists, and made 'em do Homage to our _Wit_, as well as our _Beauty_." Miss Singer's consent to the publication of this volume was gained only by a promise of strict anonymity, and the "Philomela," then chosen as a pen-name through a naïve adaptation of "Singer," became her permanent appellation. One interesting fact with regard to these early poems is the indication we have of a kind of poetical commerce maintained among the members of a group of persons similarly inclined to verse. Philomela writes a _Pindarick Poem on Habbakuk_ which she sends to "The Athenians" and they respond with a poem beginning, We yield! we yield! the Palm, bright Maid! be thine! She sends a _Poetical Question_ to the Athenians and gets a long answer. _The Vanity of the World_ and _The Wish_ are likewise addressed to the Athenians and have similar responses. In a _Pindarick to the Athenian Society_ she brings as "_Zealous Tribute_," "The early products of a Female muse," praising especially their piety and heroic sentiments and the courage with which they have lashed the darling vices of the times. A friendship so exalted and immense, A _female breast_ did ne'er before commence. A little poem in humorous vein, _To one that persuades me to leave the Muses_, gives some account of her school-days. "I fairly bid the Boarding Schools farewell," "Old Governess farewell with all my heart," are lines indicative of her attitude. Spite of her heart, _Old Puss_ shall damn no more Great _Sedley's_ Plays, and never look 'em o're; Affront my _Novels_, no, nor in a Rage, Force _Dryden's_ lofty Products from the Stage, Whilst all the rest of the _melodious crew_, With the _whole_ System of _Athenians_ too, For Study's sake out of the Window flew. But I, to Church, shall fill her Train no more, And walk as if I sojurn'd by the hour.