as true Gold from counterfeit by the weight. But besides the unworthiness of the action which deterred me from it (there being nothing so base as to rob the dead of his re∣putation) I am satisfi'd I could never have receiv'd so much honour in being thought the Author of any Poem how excellent soever, as I shall from the joining my imper∣fections with the merit and name of Shakespear and Sir William Davenant.Decemb. 1. 1669.JOHN DRIDEN.0