valet. But on the contrary, every harsh word sounded smooth in a Greek's mouth: They might sound "Apes, Apes," with an air, tho' they made the same syllable in the same word to be, first, long, and with the same breath, short. This, Martial wittily observes of them, and at the same time. as wittily laments the over-rigid severity of his own Country Muses:—
"Nobis non licet esse tam disertis
Musas qui colimus severiores."
But with all their severity, if Martial had been acquainted with the obstinate coy, and incompliant temper of our British Awen, he would certainly have taken the Roman Muses for a bevy of City Courtezans. Besides, our Muse, by long disuse has almost forgot to converse with Princes, at least in the mode and language of the present times. No wonder then that my performance should fall short of the pattern given me; if I have kept the sense of my Original, and dressed it in true (tho' homely) language, I hope it may be thought sufficient. If this manner of address is already customary, I commend it; and will, if desired, provide something better, if I live, against next. year. Let me know whether such an address might not be agreeable on the Prince's Birth—day. I think I could (with a little rubbing over) get the rust off my Latin Muse on such an Occasion—But Cantabs have it fresh and fresh.
Eich rhwymedig Wasanaethwr
GRONWY DDU GYNT O Fôn.
