Robert Dodsley

Dodsley's [Collection of Poems] was, I believe, the last decent thing of the kind, and his had great success in its day, and lasted several years; but then he had the double advantage of editing and publishing; — the Spleen, and several of Gray's odes, much of Shenstone, and many others of good repute, made their first appearance in his collection. Now, with the support of Scott, Wordsworth, Southey, etc., I see little reason why you should not do as well; and, if once fairly established, you would have assistance from the youngsters, I dare say.