The Remarks of Zoilus.
of. If he must use one, Protagoras is in the right; if not, I am: This I hold for true Criticism, notwithstanding the Opinion of Aristotle against us. Nor let any one lay a Stress on Aristotle in this Point; he alas! knows nothing of Poetry but what he has read in Homer; his Rules are all extracted from him, or founded in him. In short, Homer's Works are the Examples of Aristotle's Precepts; and Aristotle's Precepts the Methods Homer wrought by. From hence it is to be concluded as the Opinion of this Critick, that whoever wou'd intirely destroy the Reputation of Homer, must renounce the Authority of Aristotle before-hand. The Rules of Building may be of Service to us, it we design to judge of an Edifice, and discover what may be amiss in it for the Advantage of future Artificers; but they are of no Use to those who only intend to overthrow it utterly.
After the Word [Song,] in the first Line the Original adds, [What I have written in my Tablets.] These Words, which are dropp'd in the Translation as of no Consequence, the Great Zoilus has thought fit to expunge; asserting for a Reason, without backing it with farther Proof, That Tablets were not of so early Invention. Now, it must be granted, this Manner of proving by Affirmation is of an extraordinary Nature, but however it has its End with a Set of Readers for whom it is adapted. One Part of the World knows not with what Assurance another Part can express it-self.
