TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS

FREDERICK, PRINCE OF WALES,

This Poem.

CORRECTED, AND MADE LESS UNWORTHY OF HIS

PROTECTION, IS, WITH THE UTMOST

GRATITUDE AND VENERATION.

INSCRIBED,

BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS'S MOST OBEDIENT AND

MOST DEVOTED SERVANT,

JAMES THOMSON.

SPRING.

Et nunc omnis ager, nunc omnis parturit arbos, Nunc frondent silvæ, nunc formosissimus annus.

VIRG.

VOL. IL

1

[The First Edition of Spring was dedicated as follows.]

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE

COUNTESS OF HERTFORD.

MADAM.

I HAVE always observed that, in addresses of this nature, the general taste of the world demands ingenious turns of wit, and disguised artful periods, instead of an open sincerity of sentiment flowing in a plain expression. From what secret impatience of the justest praise, when bestowed on others, this often proceeds, rather than a pretended delicacy, is beyond my purpose here to inquire. But as nothing is more foreign to the disposition of a soul sincerely pleased with the contemplation of what is beautiful and excellent, than wit and turn, I have too much respect for your Ladyship's character, either to touch it in that gay, trifling manner, or venture on a particular detail of those truly amiable qualities of which it is composed. A mind exalted, pure, and elegant, a heart overflowing with humanity, and