I looked for a friend who, having the discerning taste of Mr.Burke and the critical sagacity of Doctor Johnson, would bestow upon my MS.

the attention requisite to form his opinion, and would then favour me with the result of his observations; and it was my singular good fortune to obtain such assistance--the opinion of a critic so qualified, and a friend so disposed to favour me.

I had been honoured by an introduction to the Right Hon.

Charles James Fox, some years before, at the seat of Mr.Burke; and being again with him, I received a promise that he would peruse any work I might send to him previous to its publication, and would give me his opinion.
At that time I did not think myself sufficiently prepared; and when afterwards I had collected some poems for his inspection, I found my right honourable friend engaged by the affairs of a great empire, and struggling with the inveteracy of a fatal disease.

At such time, upon such mind, ever disposed to oblige as that mind was, I could not obtrude the petty business of criticising verses; but he remembered the promise he had kindly given, and repeated an offer which though I had not presumed to expect, I was happy to receive.
A copy of the poems, now first published, was sent to him, and (as I have the information from Lord Holland, and his Lordship's permission to inform my readers) the poem which I have named _The Parish Register_ was heard by Mr.Fox, and it excited interest enough by some of its parts to gain for me the benefit of his judgment upon the whole.