Poems upon various occasions: Written for the entertainment of the author, and printed for the amusement of a few friends, prejudic'd in his favour. By William Shenstone, gent.

INSCRIPTION.

To the Memory Of A. L. Esquire, Justice of the Peace for this County

Who, in the whole Course of his Pilgrimage Thro' a trifling ridiculous World, Maintaining his proper Dignity, Notwithstanding the Scoffs of Ill-dispos'd Persons, And Wits of the Age, That ridicul'd his Behaviour, Or censur'd his Breeding; Following the Dictates of Nature, Desiring to ease the afflicted, Eager to set the Prisoner at Liberty, Without having for his End The Noise, or Report such Things generally cause In the World, (As he was seen to perform them of none) But the sole Relief and Happiness, Of the Party in distress;

Himself resting Easy, When He cou'd render that so; Not griping, or pinching himself, To hoard up Superfluities; Not coveting to keep in his Possession What gives more Disquietude, than Pleasure; But charitably diffusing it To all round about him: Making the most sorrowful Countenance To Smile, In his Presence; Always bestowing more than he was ask'd, Always imparting before he was desir'd; Not Proceeding in this Manner, Upon every trivial suggestion, But the most mature, and solemn Deliberation; With an incredible Presence, and undauntedness Of Mind; With an inimitable Gravity and Economy Of Face; Bidding loud defiance To Politeness and the Fashion, Dar'd let a F_…_…t.