University of Virginia Library

ADVERTISEMENT.

On the capture of Quebec, in the year 1759, the author of the following Poem composed an Ode, called BRITAIN's GLORY or GALLIC PRIDE HUMBLED, which, in the year 1764, was, among other pieces of poetry, published, in London, in a pamphlet, entitled The PATRIOT-MUSE; many of which, after his return from thence, were distributed among his friends in America. As early as the year 1777, observing, that a considerable part of that Ode was applicable to the actual events of the contest of the United States with Britain, the author conceived the idea of writing a Parody upon it, and, in that view, actually put pen to paper on some of the most striking passages: And being, as he ever was, confident of the eventual success of the American cause, and therefore, not doubting but that many future occurrences would prove analogous, he proposed, if he should be so happy as to see the end of the war, to parodize every part of the Ode, which might be capable of such an accommodation. Soon after the peace the same idea was spontaneously suggested to him by some of his friends, and he accordingly began to realize it; but the fatigues of a return from a more than seven years exile to the place of his former abode soon interrupted, and, after that, perplexing cares and a multiplicity of business, which required almost the constant labour of body or mind,—a long series of fits of painful illness, and some peculiar troubles, which, from philanthropy, he wishes no others of mankind may experience, as he has done, either by denying him leisure or by discomposing his mind, prevented the execution of his design, until some time in the summer, 1784: And indeed a considerable part of the Poem was composed by him on his bed, while the generality of mankind around him were asleep.

After all, although only a Parody on some particular passages of the original Ode was at first intended (which would have been too diminutive a matter to be offered to the public, except in a magazine or news-paper) the author, animated

by the dignity and interesting nature of his subject, could not confine himself to such narrow bounds; but, as a votary to liberty, gave his genius, such as it was, full scope; and as, in his progress, many new thoughts suggested themselves, the result of the whole proved a Poem of considerable length, of which perhaps seven eighths are intirely original.

It was finished more than seven years ago, and not long after offered for publication; but, by reason of embarrassments occasioned by the war, it was not in the author's power to pay for the impression on the spot (which was a condition insisted upon by every printer he applied to) unless he misapplied money, which his circumstances required him to devote to more necessary purposes. He therefore gave up all thoughts of publishing it and threw it into his scrutoire, where it has since lain dormant; but, as many writers are of late stepping forth into the world, the author has at length taken it into his head to make one in the crowd; and, although the occasion of his Poem be not of a late date, yet, as the present is a season of great political changes in the world, in consequence of the American Revolution, and, as the Independence of the United States is by them annually commemorated with great festivity, so that it is never like to prove, as they say, an old story, he hopes the publication of his Poem, even at this time, will not be thought altogether unseasonable.

Critics, he flatters himself, will be mild in their censures on a Poem composed under so unfavourable circumstances, and candidly excuse faults, which, though he sees them, he has not leisure to correct. Such as the composition is, he hopes it will furnish some entertainment to all true lovers of LIBERTY, and be kindly received by them, as a well-meant endeavour of a sincere friend to his Country.