These lines are from an edition of 1624, printed in the Harl. Misc., i. 415. Skelton died in 1529, and according to the generally received accounts, tobacco was not introduced into this country till 1565, or thereabouts; so the lines cannot be Skelton's. They are part of an introduction to the tale of Eleanor Rummin. Is the author known?
Erica.
Warwick.
"SHAKSPEARE IN THE SHADES:" A BALLAD.
The ballad, entitled "Shakspeare's Bedside," inserted in your pages (Vol. vii., p. 104.), was printed (probably for the first time) in a collection of poems called The Muse's Mirrour, 2 vols. 8vo., printed for Robert Baldwin, 1778. It occurs at p. 90. of the first volume; and at p. 159. of the same volume I find another Shakspearian ballad, which, as the book is rare, I transcribe for the benefit of your readers. The work in question contains a number of clever effusions by the poets and wits of the last half of the eighteenth century. The anonymous compiler thus commences his preface:
"The editor and collector of the following poems does not conceive it necessary to make any apology for what he has done; but arrogates to himself the right of some attention for the collecting of such pieces as would have died upon their births, although the productions of the best poets and men of genius for the last twenty years."
"SHAKSPEARE IN THE SHADES.
"As Shakspeare rang'd over the regions below,
With the Muses attending his side,