University of Virginia Library

PREFACE.

I am not aware that any attempt has been before made at a metrical version of the Birds of Aristophanes in English. Mr. Mitchell, who has lately favoured us with an entire translation of the Wasps, and of several scenes from the Acharnians and Knights, leaves it uncertain, in the preface to his last volume, whether he will proceed with the remainder of the plays.

It is trusted that the present version will be found, in the dialogue part, tolerably close to the original, except where one of the following cases seemed to warrant a departure from it; first, when the grossness of the poet is such as our manners would not admit of, which happens in two or three

instances; next, when there is some play on words, which it would be impossible to preserve exactly in another language; and lastly, when the names of birds are introduced, in which latter case it is sometimes not known what birds are meant, and sometimes the English names, when known, are such as would not conveniently come into the verse. Throughout the lyrical parts in general more liberty has been taken.