of modern Poets, who have Improved on Ovidian Metamorphosis, 

 seemed, likewise, to have a claim to enlist the fine Arts into her 



service. 



In the humble hope, that this Work, which in its progress has 

 received the smile of the munificent Alexander, Emperor of Russia, 

 will not be found altogether unworthy of your Majesty's countenance, 

 and deeply impressed with the highest consideration of that Honour 

 graciously conferred upon me by your Majesty's most generous 

 Patronage, 



I have the Honour to subscribe myself, 



MADAM! 

 With the highest Gratitude, and profoundest Veneration, 



Your Majesty's most obliged, devoted, 



And dutiful Subject, 



ROBERT JOHN THORNTON. 



