town of Brecknockshire, in Wales, located near the confluence of the rivers Wye and Dulas. It was a town of good note in the time of the Romans; it being then fortified with a castle and a wall, which were ruined in the rebellion of Owen Glendower. It is at present a pretty good town; and the market is large for corn, cattle, and provisions. W. Long. o. 56. N. Lat. 52. 10.

Hay (William, Esq.), an agreeable English writer, was born at Glenburne in Sussex, about 1700, as is conjectured; and educated at Heasley-school. In 1730, he published a poem, called Mount Cuburn, dedicated to the duchess of Newcastle; in which he describes the beauties of his native country, and celebrates the virtues of his friends. When lord Hardwicke was called up to the house of lords in 1734, he was chosen to succeed him in representing the borough of Seaford among the commons; and he represented this borough for the remainder of his life. He defended the measures of Sir Robert Walpole, and was the supposed author of a ministerial pamphlet, intitled, A Letter to a Freeholder on the late Reduction of the Land-tax to one Shilling in the Pound; which had been printed in 1732. In 1735, he published Remarks on the Laws relative to the Poor, with Proposals for their better Relief and Employment; and at the same time brought in a bill for the purpose. He made another attempt of this kind, but without effect. May 1738, he was appointed a commissioner of the Victualling-office. In 1753, appeared Religio Philosopha; or, the Principles of Morality and Christianity, illustrated from a View of the Universe, and of Man's Situation in it. This was followed, in 1754, by his Essay on Deformity; in which he rallies his own imperfection in this respect with much liveliness and good humour. "Bodily deformity (says he), is very rare. Among 558 gentle-

men in the House of Commons, I am the only one that is so. Thanks to my worthy constituents, who never objected to my person, and I hope never to give them cause to object to my behaviour." The same year, he translated Hawkins Browne De Immortalitate Animalium. In 1755, he translated and modernized some Epigrams of Martial; but survived this publication only a short time, dying June 19, the same year. A little time before, he had been appointed keeper of the Records in the Tower; and it is said that his attention and assiduity during the few months he held that office were eminently serviceable to his successors.—He left a son, who inherited the imperfect form of his father. This gentleman went into the service of the East India company, where he acquired rank, fortune, and reputation; but being one of those who opposed Colston Alley Kawn, and unfortunately falling into his hands, was, with other gentlemen, ordered to be put to death at Patna, Oct. 5, 1793.