To the Reader
ny of its former Imperfections, and working up the Character of Cato with more elevated Strokes of Passion; as far as my weak Capacity could improve the Ideas which I was furnished with by seeing the Tragedy of Cato.
I then found I had been defective in several Points of History, which would illustrate my own Work, and serve to explain some Scenes of the Play, not so well understood by that Part of an Audience who are not vers'd in the Roman Times.
I have to this End touch'd on the Characters of the Numidian Prince Juba, on Portius the Son of Cato, and on the Representation of our Hero's Death in Cæsar's Triumph, And on several other Hints that seem to have an immediate Relation to the Play.
On my own Part, I have nothing further to add; but venture to affirm, that this Account of Cato is fuller than can be met with in any One Author.
THE
