; it was called,
Cleon to Lycidas, a Time Piece; the date not marked by the printer.

Some years before his death, he talked of making a collection of his
works for publication; but postponed it for the finishing some pieces,
which he did not live to effect.

Since his death, four volumes of them have been published by
subscription, for his family. He left one Tragedy, never yet acted;
which was wrote originally about 1737, and intitled Caesar; but since, he
has named it the Roman Revenge:--But as the author was avowedly a great
admirer of Caesar's character, not in the light he is generally
understood (that of a tyrant) but in one much more favourable, he was
advised by several of the first distinction, both in rank and judgment,
to make such alterations in it as should adapt it more to the general
opinion; and upon that advice he in a manner new wrote the play: But as
most first opinions are not easily eradicated, it has been never able to
make a public trial of the success; which many of the greatest
understanding have pronounced it highly worthy of.--The late lord
Bolingbroke (in a letter wrote to the author) has called it one of the
noblest drama's, that our language, or any age can boast.

These few little speeches are taken from the part of Caesar.

'Tis the great mind's expected pain, Calphurnia,
To labour for the thankless.--He who seeks
Reward in ruling, makes ambition guilt;
And living for himself disclaims mankind.

And thus speaking to Mark Anthony;

If man were placed above the reach of insult,
To pardon were no virtue.--Think, warm Anthony,
What mercy is--'Tis, daring to be wrong'd,
Yet unprovok'd by pride, persist, in pity.

This again to Calphurnia.

No matter.--Virtue triumphs by neglect:
Vice, while it darkens, lends but foil to brightness:
And juster times, removing slander's veil,
Wrong'd merit after death is help'd to live.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] This was sent us by an unknown hand.

[2] This play he made a present of to the patentee, and had several fine
scenes painted for it, at his own expence: He indeed gave all his
pieces to the stage; never taking any benefit, or gratuity from the
managers, as an author--'till his last piece, Merope, was brought on
the stage; when (unhappy gentleman) he was under the necessity of
receiving his profits of the third nights; which 'till then, his
generosity, and spirit, had ever declined.

[3] Under the