It is rally arife from the fubject. true, that the tranfactions of this Prince are fo connected with those of his royal Father, that whoever reads the reign of that King in the history of England, cannot be unacquainted with the general events of his life; yet as they are there only given by way of epifode (if I may fo term it) many of the incidents to be found in the annexed hiftory are neceffarily omitted or contracted. The memoirs of great and renowned perfons fhould be delivered to pofterity in the most explicit manner; that whilft they amufe and inftruct fucceeding ages, they may raife in them a fpirit of emulation, and prompt them to act with equal propriety in fimilar circumftances. In the annals of what nation shall we find a character fo fraught with every requifite a 4 requifite to answer thefe purposes ? where meet with fo perfect an example as the Black Prince, whose life, from the brilliancy of it, was one continued scene of inftruction? From the various characters here exhibited, but more particularly from that of the Hero of the work, may be drawn various precepts: the Prince and the subject may at the fame time receive leffons for the regulation of their conduct; to the former they teach a true elevation of mind, foftened by affability-firmnefs in the profecution of war---punctuality in fulfilling engagements---patience under adverfe fortune, or moderation when crowned with fuccefs---and that general propriety of deportment which will enfure them the affections of their people, with the applaufe of the world. To the latter, due fubordi nation nation---filial refpect---conjugal tendernefs---that humility which exalts--and that piety which can alone produce genuine fortitude. The Warrior alfo might learn from the battles herein defcribed, that fuccefs does not always depend on numbers; but that a few undaunted troops may withstand a formidable army, if unanimity and an attachment to their leader be not wanting. How futile the modern obfervation, that it is not poffible for a Sovereign or his Delegates fo to act as to gain univerfal approbation! The principal characters before us (I fpeak of King Edward whilst in the vigour of his life, before he was incapacitated by age and infirmities from attending to the interest of his people) prove, that a propriety of conduct will enfure unbounded refpect and applaufe: but to effectuate effectuate this, it is neceffary that a Prince fhould not give himself blindly up to the direction of a few, by which means the actions of the most faithful of his fubjects are too often viewed through a falfe medium; his fimiles, like the invigorating rays of the fun, fhould be unconfined, and merit alone the paffport to his favour. The prudence of the Prince of Wales and his great Father prompted them to avoid this deftructive partiality; whilft his weaker Son, who loft too foon the benefit of his noble Sire's inftructions and example, fell into the error he had fo wifely fhunned, and found in a premature death the fatal effects of it. The ftriking contraft between the Prince of Wales and his Son King Richard, and the different eftimation they were held in by the people, are convincing proofs that it is the conduct of the Prince, not the elevated ftation, Atation, that attracts refpect. The activity, prudence, integrity, temperance, and manly dignity of the one, procured him unfeigned homage whilft living, and the pureft blasts of Fame when the fates had fevered his thread of life; whereas indolence, diffipation, and extravagance, with a fondness for trivial amusements, and an attachment to degrading affociates, brought on the other contempt through the greatest part of his life, and a cold tranfient pity, when the tragic fcene was closed. How firm the throne which is fupported, like that of King Edward, by the fubjects love. Almoft every other reign of the English Monarchs was disturbed by intestine divisions; but, charmed with his penetration, fortitude, munificence, and courtesy, his people were ever ready to facrifice |