Several pieces published in Derrick's edition of Dryden's poetry, being obviously spurious, are here published separately from his authentic poetry, and with a suitable note of suspicion prefixed to each. They might indeed have been altogether discarded without diminishing the value of the work. Some account might be here given of the various editions of Dryden's poems; but notices of this kind have been liberally scattered through the Life and preliminary matter.
Upon the whole, it is hoped, that as the following is the first complete edition of the Works of Dryden, it will be found, in accuracy of text and copiousness of illustration, not altogether unworthy of the time, labour, and expense which have been ungrudgingly bestowed upon an object so important to English literature.
[1] The octavo edition of the "_Annus Mirabilis_" did not fall into my hands till the volume containing it was printed off. It contains two important variations: as, stanza 4, _the year_, read THEIR _year_; stanza 53, _their main_, read MEN; both of which the reader is requested to correct. Also an _erratum_ in verse 104, line 2, where the word _fortune_ should be VIRTUE.
[2] By the hands of Mrs. Jackson, who has honoured me with a note, stating, that they are mentioned in Butler's "Tour through Italy;" that after Butler's death, the translations passed into the hands of the celebrated Dr. Alban, whence they were transferred to those of the present possessor.
[4] Which is, the Essay of Dramatic Poesy, the Defence of that Essay, the Preface to the Mock Astrologer, the Essay on Heroic Plays, the Defence of the Epilogue to the Second Part of the Conquest of Granada, the Grounds of Criticism in Tragedy, and the Answer to Rymer.
SECT. I. Preliminary remarks on the Poetry of England before the Civil Wars--The Life of Dryden from his Birth till the Restoration--His Early Poems, including the Annus Mirabilis
SECT. II. Revival of the Drama at the Restoration--Heroic Plays-- Comedies of Intrigue--Commencement of Dryden's Dramatic Career--The Wild Gallant--Rival Ladies--Indian Queen and Emperor--Dryden's Marriage-- Essay on Dramatic Poetry, and subsequent Controversy with Sir Robert Howard--The Maiden Queen--The Tempest--Sir Martin Mar-all--The Mock Astrologer--The Royal Martyr--The two Parts of the Conquest of Granada-- Dryden's situation at this period