whose family
Did heretofore the kingly race improve.

V.

Adorns the nation still, and guards the throne,
In noble Somerset, whose generous breast,
Concenters all his ancestors in one,
That were in church, and state, and arms profest.
VI.

Yet 'midst the plaudits of a grateful land,
His heaven-born soul reviews his pristine state;
And in obedience to divine command,
Numberless poor are feasted at his gate.

VII.

Thrice happy greatness, true philosophy,
That does so well the use of riches know,
And can by charity transpire the sky,
Encompass'd round with splendour here below.

VIII.

O may posterity from such a pair,
Enjoy a progeny almost divine,
Great as their fire, and as their mother fair,
And good as both, till last extent of time.

[Footnote A: See the Memoirs of Mrs. Thomas's Life, prefixed to a
volume of Letters between her and Mr. Gwynnet; the only account that
is preserved concerning her.]

* * * * *

ELIJAH FENTON,

This worthy gentleman was born at Shelton, near Newcastle under the
Line, in Staffordshire[A]. In this county, though there are several
families of the name of Fenton, yet they are all branches from one
flock, which is a very antient and opulent family: Our author's mother
being immediately descended from one Mare, an officer in William the
Conqueror's army.

Our poet was the youngest of twelve children, and was intended by his
parents for the ministry: He was sent to the university of Cambridge,
where he embraced the principles very opposite to the government, by
which he became disqualified for entering into holy orders. We find
him soon after his quitting the university, secretary to the earl of
Orrery, but how long he remained in that station we cannot ascertain.
After he quitted the service of this noble peer, it was his custom to
perform a visit annually to his eldest brother's house in the country,
who possessed an estate of 1000 l. per annum. He was caressed in the
country, by all his relations, to whom he endeared himself, by his
affable and genteel behaviour. Mr. Fenton was a man of the most tender
humanity, and discovered it upon every proper occasion: A gentleman
resident in that county, who has transmitted to us some account of Mr.
Fenton, has given us the following instance of his humane disposition.

He had a great number of sisters, some of whom were less happ