66 INTRODUCTION to an ODE of Mr COLLINS. 



were, for a week or two, together on a vifit. Mr BARROW wag 

 paymafter in America, in the war that commenced in 1756, and 

 died in that country. 



I THOUGHT no more of the poem, till a few years ago, when, 

 on reading Dr JOHNSON'S life of COLLINS, I conjectured that 

 it might be the very copy of verfes which he mentions, which 

 he fays was much prized by fome of his friends, and for the 

 lofs of which he exprefles regret. I fought for it among my 

 papers ; and perceiving that a flanza and a half were wanting, 

 I made the moft diligent fearch I could for them, but in vain. 

 Whether or not this great chafm was in the poem when it firfl 

 came into my hands, is more than I can remember, at this di- 

 fiance of time. 



As a curious and valuable fragment, I thought it could not 

 appear with more advantage than in the Collection of the Royal 

 Society. 



I am, Sir, 



Your moft obedient fervant, 



I 



ALEX. CARLYLE. 



