But the publication of the Reliques of 
Antient Poetry, must be regarded as the 
eat poetical epoch of the present reign. 
hat Percy has been an unfaithful editor 
is certain;.it is equally certain, that a 
scrupulous fidelity would have prevented 
the popularity of his book, and the excel- 
lent effects which it has produced. There 
existed no taste for such antiquities in 
the country at that time; and to him, as 
the founder or reviver of that taste, we 
may apply, with little wresting of its pur- 
_ port, the delightful praise designed for 
_ the ideal character of the poet, by Sir 
_ Philip Sidney; ** for he doth not only 
shew the way, but giveth so sweet a pros- 
pect into the way, as will entice any man 
_ to enter into it; nay, he doth, as.if your 
_ journey should be through a fair vine- 
_ yard, at the first give you a cluster of 
grapes, that full of that taste you may 
. ng to pass further. He begiuneth not 
with obscure definitions, which must 
blurre the margent with interpretations, 
and load the memery with doubtful- 
ness; but he cometh to you with words 
set in delightful proportion, either ac- 
_ companied with, or prepared for the well 
enchanting skill of music, and with a tale 
(forsooth) he cometh unto you, with a 
tale which holdeth children from play, 
and old men from the chimney corner.” 
_ Old English poetry now became a fa- 
_ yourite branch of literature. The num- 
_ ber of imitations which were contained 
_ in Evans’s collection of ballads, evinced 
_ how deep an interest had been excited by 
_ the Reliques. Several of our middle 
_ €ge poets were now published by Da- 
vis, a useful and respectable bookseller, 
whose name deserves this honourable 
“mention; and poor Headley made his 
‘selections, even in his last sickness: 
ie 
Lone blooming from the mournful waste of 
_ ** Intent to rescue some neglected rime, 
L yi 
time; 
~ Andcul! cach scattered sweet, that seemed to 
‘smile 
Like flowers upon’ some long forsaken pile.” 
4 a ~ ~ Bowles. 
-_ A more important task was under- 
"taken by Thomas Warton; but like Jor- 
_ tin, thoughheloved literature wellenough 
fo. elight in collecting materials, he loved 
 4ndolence too well to take the trouble of 
_ ‘atranging them. He prosecuted his his- 
_‘Wory as a dog takes a journey, starting 
aside to pursue chance game, and run- 
g himself out of breath without ad- 
¢the death of Mr. Ritson. Lert: f 
RITSON’S ANCIENT ENGLISH ROMANCES. 
517 
vancing, till he tired himself, and lay 
down to sleep upon the way. He is of-— 
ten inaccurate, sometimes hypothetical 
in his opinions, and sometimes capricious 
in his taste; yet his book contains much 
amusing information, and will be read 
with interest, and consulted with advan- 
tage. 
‘Mr. Ellis has prefixed to his specimens 
of the early English poets, a history im 
every respect better, except in its brevity. 
In this he earnestly recommended the 
publication of some of our metrical ro-~ 
mances, and such a work has now been 
executed by Mr. Ritson, of all men living 
the best qualified for the task, and the 
most trust-worthy.* 
‘© This collection, then, of Ancient Eng- 
Jeish Metrical Romancees consists of such 
rieceés as, from a pretty general acquaintance, . 
eet been selected for the best. Every arti- 
cle is derive’d from some ancient manuscript, 
or old printed copy, of the authenticity of 
which the reader has all possible satisfaction ; 
and is printed with an accuracy, and adhe- 
rence to the original, of which the publick 
has had very few examples. The utmost care 
hath been observe'd in the glossary, and every 
necessary or useful information (to the best 
_ of the editours judgement) is giveén in the 
notes. 
‘* Brought to an end with much industry 
and more attention, in a continue’d state of 
il-health, and low spirits, the editour aban- 
dons it to general censure, with cold indifle- 
rence, expecting little favour, and less profit; 
but certain, at any rate, to be insulted by the 
malignant and calumnious personalitys of a 
base and prostitute gang of lurking assassins, 
who stab in the dark, and whose peisone’d 
daggers he has allready experience’d. 
Mr. Ritson can feel, and confess that 
he feels, the malignity of others. The 
lot of Ishmael may be hard; but if he 
will lift his hand against every man, he 
must expect that every man’s hand will 
be againsthim. ‘The laudable and con- 
scientious accuracy of this editor is well 
known; his Antient Songs, his edition of 
Laurence Minot, and his Robin Hood, 
with his other publications of a like na- 
ture have sufficiently evinced it, The 
unhappy infirmity of his temper is also 
known. The_ offensive “virulence with 
which he insults those from whom he 
_piffers in opinion, and the more offensive 
fanaticism with which he has obtruded 
upon the public his hideous and hateful 
blasphemies. We speak thus of Mr, Rit- 
son with more pity than indignation; la- 
menting that a man of such patient re- 
my 2s , : ; y 
48. ia It is perhaps scareely necessary to remark that es was received by the editor be- 
: be 418 
