The PREFACE.
abusive and scurillous Farces, Lascivious Odes; and wanton Sonnets; they think they have reason to look upon Poets with contempt, and to stile them the scum of mankind. And it were well if their Censures went no farther, and only touch'd those that deserv'd them; but they go on, and conclude that Poetry it self is in all the fault, and that 'tis This that is the cause of so much extravagancy and debauchery in the World. But it does not follow, because many, that pretend to Poetry, do by their infamous practices bring a scandal upon it; and because an ill natured multitude, that has little or no relish for such sort of things, casts dirt upon it; I say it does not follow from thence, that Poetry is ever the worse. For at this rate Religion it self, though the best thing in the World, yet is vilified and scandaliz'd by too many, and would fall under the same uncharitable Censure. In spite therefore of Malice, Envy, and Detraction of its Enemies, and notwithstanding all the Contempt and Scandal cast upon it, by its pretended Friends and Votaries, it has been, and will still be accounted a Noble thing by the Wiser and the better part of Mankind.
Now whatever is said in favour of Poetry in General, may in a great measure be applied to the Epick Poem in Particular; That being the Principal and most sublime part of all Poesie, and what Rapin with a great deal of Reason affirms to be the greatest Work Humane Wit is capable of. I might here shew at large how far it does excel the other two parts of Great Poetry, Tragedy and Comedy: But this every one acknowledges, even those who are the greatest Admirers of, and pretenders to the Drama; and 'tis this that my Author sufficiently makes out in several Passages of his Treatise; so that I think my self excus'd from that invidious task. My present business shall be only to consider, how excellent it is in its own Nature;what
