Poetical recreations consisting of original poems, songs, odes, &c. with several new translations : in two parts / part I, occasionally written by Mrs. Jane Barker, part II, by several gentlemen of the universities, and others.

To the Ingenious AUTHOUR, Mrs. IANE BARKER, ON HER POEMS.

I.

AS in the ancient Chaos, from whose Womb The Universe did come; All things confus'd, disorder'd were, No signs o'th' luster, which did after grace The whole Creation's face; Nothing of Beauty did appear, But all was a continu'd boundless space, Till the Almighty's powerfull Command, Whose Action ev'r more quick than thought, The Infant World out of confusion brought; Whose all-commanding hand, With Beasts & Trees did bounteously adorn the fruit∣full Land.

II.

So where my Thoughts, if Thoughts can be Design'd from Wit, and Poetrie, Nothing but Ignorance appear'd, Dull ignorance, and folly too, With all that Crew, And home-bred Darkness held the regencie, Till your Almighty Pen This Chaos clear'd, And of old arm'd Men, Strange Miracles rose out o'th' Earth: So to your charming Wit I owe These Verses, 'tis your Word that makes them so; Which rais'd from such a barren ground, Strive to resound Your praise, who by such harmless Magick gave them Birth.

III.

And as the Heav'ns, to which we all things owe, Scarce own those Bounties which they do bestow: So you're as kind as they, Submit your kinder influence, To be by us determin'd, us obey;

And still from them Give us ev'n for our weakness a reward, Without regard To Merit: Or if any thing we doe, Worth praise, though solely it proceed from you, Yet for our smallest diligence you doubly do repay. St. Iohn's Colledge.

EXILIUS.