INTRODUCTION. Some remarks on the English Amatory Pocts, while they will best explain the principles by which it has been directed, sccm naturally introductory of the Selection now submitted to the public. I. To the laws of Chivalry, which demanded that a knight should be qualified to sing the praises of her for whom he aspired to contend, is probably to be ascribed the partiality for amatorial composition so observable in our early bards. Their songs, however, occupied with descriptive eulogium, or an ostentatious display of the attractions and qualifications of their mistresses, seldom breathe that fervour of heart, that seductive ten. derness, which, as it constitutes the highest charm of |