To these let me add the Testimony of that Darling of the Muses, Mr.
_Prior_, with whom all the Poets of ancient and modern Times of other
Nations, or our own, might seem to have intrusted the chief Secrets, and
greatest Treasures of their Art. I shall speak only concerning our own
Island, where his Imitation of _Chaucer_, of _Spencer_, and of the old
_Scotch Poem_, inscribed the _Nut-Brown Maid_, shew how great a Master
he is, and how much every thing is to be valued which bears the Stamp of
his Approbation. And we shall certainly find a great deal to countenance
the use of _Monosyllables_ in his Writings. Take these Examples;

Me all too mean for such a Task I weet.

Again,

Grasps he the Bolt? we ask, when he has hurl'd the Flame.

And,

Nor found they lagg'd too slow, nor flew too fast.

And again,

With Fear and with Desire, with Joy and Pain
She sees and runs to meet him on the Plain.

And,

With all his Rage, and Dread, and Grief, and Care.

In his Poem in answer to Mrs. _Eliz. Singer_, on her Poem upon _Love_
and _Friendship_,

And dies in Woe, that thou may'st live in Peace.

The only farther Example of _Monosyllabick Verses_ I shall insert here,
and which I cannot well omit, is what I wou'd desire the Author to apply
to his own Censure of _Monosyllables_, they are these which follow;

Then since you now have done your worst,
Pray leave me where you found me first.

Part of the seventh Epistle of the first Book of _Horace_
imitated, and address'd to a noble Peer, _p. ult_.

After so many Authorities of the Gentlemen, these few Instances from
some of our Female Poets, may I hope be permitted to take place. I will
begin with Mrs. _Philips_ on the Death of the Queen of _Bohemia_;

Over all Hearts and her own Griefs she reign'd.

And on the Marriage of the Lord _Dungannon_,

May the vast Sea for your sake quit his Pride,
And grow so smooth, while on his Breast you ride,
As may not only bring you to your Port,
But shew how all things do your Virtues court.

To _Gilbert_ Lord Archbishop of _Canterbury_,

That the same Wing may over her be cast,
Where the best Church of all the World is plac'd.

Mrs. _Wharton_ upon the Lamentations of _Jeremiah_;

Behold those Griefs which no one can repeat,
Her Fall is steep, and all her Foes are great.

And my Lady _Winchelsea_ in her Poem entituled, _The P