SIR ELDRED OF THE BOWER, AND THE BLEEDING ROCK, TWO LEGENDARY TALES. BY MISS HANNAH MORE. Of them who, wrapt in Earth fo cold, LANGHORNE. DAVID GARRICK, Esq. SIR, T is fcarcely poffible that any one should IT entertain a more humble opinion of the following little Production, than fhe who prefents it to you. It is a trifle which, fhe confeffes, has but a very flender claim to your protection; but she confiders that your Name will be an ornament to her Book, as your Friendship has been an honour to its Author. Where merit is inconteftible, and characters are decided by the concurring fuffrage of mankind, praise becomes almost impertinent. It is abfurd to be industrious in proving truths so felf-evident, that no one ever thought of controverting them. I may be accused of advancing a startling propofition, when I declare that you are an enemy to the Mufes; but if it be allowed that defcription and invention are the very foul of Poetry I shall be justified by the world L in general, who conftantly behold you displaying talents which cannot be defcribed, and exhibiting excellences which leave nothing to be imagined. Whatever reason I may find to regret my having ventured thefe little Poems into the world, I fhall at least have no common pleafure in recollecting one circumstance attend. ing them, fince, they furnish me with an occa. fion of affuring you with what esteem and admiration I am, SIR, Your most obedient, and very humble Servant, HANNAH MORE. BRISTOL, Dec. 14. 1775. SIR ELDRED OF THE BOWER, A LEGENDARY TALE. PART I. O noftra Vita. ch'e fi bella in vista! Quel ch'en molt anni a grand penas' acquista! TH PETRARCA. HERE was a young and valiant Knight, And never did a worthier wight The rank of knighthood claim. Where gliding Tay her ftream fends forth, SIR ELDRED's caftle ftood. The youth was rich as youth might be And many a noble feat had he |