type of "progress poems," in which the modern student finds illuminating
statements as to how the eighteenth century surveyed and evaluated past
literary traditions. The list of Cobb's publications in the _Cambridge
Bibliography_ suggests that he enjoyed some degree of popularity. His
volume, _Poems on Several Occasions_, was published in 1707, and
reprinted in enlarged form in 1709 and 1710. The reproduction herewith
of the Preface "On Criticism" and the versified discourse "Of Poetry" is
from a copy of the 1707 edition in the Newberry Library, in Chicago.

Louis I. Bredvold

University of Michigan




A DISCOURSE ON CRITICISM AND THE LIBERTY OF WRITING.


In a Letter to _Richard Carter_ Esq; late of the _Middle-Temple_, now
living in _Barbadoes_.


SIR,

_The_ Muses _are said to be the Daughters of Memory: A Poet therefore
must lay down his Title to their Favour, who can be forgetful of a
Friend, like You, whose polite Knowledge, instructive Conversation, and
particulur Generosity to my self, have left such strong Impressions upon
my Mind, as defy the Power of Absence to remove them. I scarce believe