soul from violation, and death, which he might have performed laudably, upon better principles.  But this (say they) seems not sufficient ground for those strong and stinging reproaches he casts upon himself, nor for Eudocia’s rejecting him with so much severity.  It would have been a better ground of distress, considering the frailty of human nature, and the violent temptations he lay under; if he had been at last prevailed upon to profess himself a Mahometan:  For then his remorse, and self-condemnation, would have been natural, his punishment just, and the character of Eudocia placed in a more amiable light.  In answer to these objections, and in order to do justice to the judgment of Mr. Hughes, we must observe, that he formed his play according to the plan here recommended:  but, over-persuaded by some friends, he altered it as it now stands.

When our author was but in the nineteenth year of his age, he wrote a Tragedy, entitled, Amalasont Queen of the Goths, which displays a fertile genius, and a masterly invention.  Besides these poetical productions Mr. Hughes is author of several works in prose, particularly, The Advices from Parnassus, and the Poetical Touchstone of Trajano Boccalini, translated by several hands, were printed in folio 1706.  This translation was revised and corrected, and the preface to it was written by Mr. Hughes.

Fontenelle’s Dialogues of the Dead, translated by our author; with two original Dialogues, published in the year 1708.  The greatest part of this had lain by him for six years.

Fontenelle’s Discourse concerning the ancients, and moderns, are printed with his conversations with a Lady, on the Plurality of Worlds, translated by Glanville.

The History of the Revolutions in Portugal, written in French, by Monsieur L’Abbe de Vertot, was translated by Mr. Hughes.

The Translation of the Letters of Abelard and Heloise, was done by Mr. Hughes; upon which Mr. Pope has built his beautiful Epistle of Heloise to Abelard.

As Mr. Hughes was an occasional contributor to the Tatler, Spectator, and Guardian, the reader perhaps may be curious to know more particularly what share he had in those papers, which are so justly admired in all places in the world, where taste and genius have visited.  As it is the highest honour to have had any concern in works like these, so it would be most injurious to the memory of this excellent genius, not to particularize his share in them.

In the Tatler he writ,

Vol.  II.  Numb. 64.  A Letter signed Josiah Couplet. 
Numb. 73.  A Letter against Gamesters,
signed William Trusty.

Mr. Tickell alludes to this Letter, in a Copy of Verses addressed to the Spectator, Vol.  VII.  No. 532.

From Felon Gamesters, the raw squire is free,
And Briton owes her rescued oaks to thee.

Numb. 113.  The Inventory of a Beau.

In the Spectator.

Vol.  I. Numb. 33.  A Letter on the Art of improving
beauty. 
Numb. 53.  A Second Letter on the same
subject. 
Numb. 66.  Two Letters concerning fine
breeding.