With respect to one or two of the first and earliest, there appears no manner of necessity for concealment or disguise. They have long settled their accounts with respect to reputation, and their names are not yet quite forgotten. The first introduction of the kind was to John Home, the author of Douglas, who was then, on account of the success of this tragedy, in considerable reputation as a dramatic author. He was an enlightened and agreeable man; and though he had not the dexterity or the power to conciliate the good graces of Garrick, he had the better fortune of being complimented by Hume the historian on his rivalling Shakespeare in genius. Alas! neither his contemporaries, nor posterity acceded, or will accede to this eulogium. He wrote other things for the stage, but this of Douglas alone succeeded, and this, it is to be apprehended, will not perpetuate his name. The communication with the amiable and accomplished translator of Ariosto and Tasso, was much more frequent, as well as more familiar. When his disadvantages of early education are taken into consideration, for as Dr. Johnson facetiously observed, he was _regularly_ brought up in Grub street, it may reasonably excite surprize, that his progress in knowledge should be so considerable and so diversified. He was a very respectable scholar, and his acquaintance with the Italian language in particular was remarkably accurate. His versions of the three great Italian poets, still retain no contemptible portion of the public favour; his Metastasio more than either, attracted notice and obtained applause. But his original compositions were few, and not very much distinguished by the animation of genius. His name has not undeservedly found a place in the annals of modern biography, but they who are most partial to his memory, however they may have been delighted with his mild and engaging manners, must be satisfied with having their favourite comprehended in the class of our minor poets. The next person who was classed among the poets of his day, and rather in the first rank than the second, should perhaps in point of accuracy have preceded those who are here placed before him. This was Soame Jenyns. It would be superfluous to say any thing here of his literary character or pretensions. The public taste has long since decided upon the station to which he is entitled among authors. But he was a poet, and personally known to the Sexagenarian, and therefore not improperly introduced on this occasion.