Thomas Gray to James Dodsley, [c. 1 February 1768]

Let the Title be only Poems by Mr Gray without any mention of notes or additions. you will judge, whether what few notes there are should stand at bottom of each page, or be thrown to the end. all I desire is, that the text be accurately printed, & therefore whoever corrects the press, should have some acquaintance with the Greek, Latin, & Italian, as well as the English, tongues. let the order stand thus, unless you have begun to print already: if so, it is indifferent to me.

• 1. Ode. (Lo, where the rosy-bosom'd &c:)
• 2. Ode, on the death of a favourite Cat.
• 3. Ode, on a distant prospect of Eton-College.
• 4. Ode, to Adversity.
• 5. The progress of Poësy, a Pindaric Ode.
• 6. The Bard, a Pindaric Ode.
• 7. The Fatal Sisters.
• 8. The Descent of Odin.
• 9. The Triumphs of Owen, a fragment.
• 10. Elegy, written in a country church-yard.

You will print the four first & the last from your own large edition (first publish'd with Mr B:s plates) in the 5th & 6th you will do well to follow the edition printed at St:y-hill: I mention this, because there are several little faults of the press in your Miscellanies. remember, the Long Story must be quite omitted. now for the notes.

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I hope, you have not begun to reprint: but if you have, you must throw the notes, &c: to the end, or where you please, omitting the mottoes, wch do not much signify. When you have done, I shall desire you to present in my name a copy to Mr Walpole in Arlington-street, another to Mr Daines Barrington (he is one of the Welch Judges) in the Inner-Temple; & a third to Mr J: Butler at Andover: whether this latter Gentleman be living or not, or in that neighbourhood, I am ignorant: but you will oblige me in making the enquiry. if you have no better means of knowing, a line directed to the Post-mistress at Andover will bring you information. after this you may (if you please) bestow another copy or two on me.