The PREFACE.
what a vast, Universal, and Judicious Genius it requires; what surprizing effects it has had in the World when duly perform'd; what encouragement it met with among the Ancients; and the Reasons of its declining state among the Moderns. Nor do I desire, even in this, to dictate any thing, but with all submission refer what I say to the Verdict of better Judgments.
The Excellency of the Epick Poem appears, in that, as we hinted before, 'tis the Principal, and most sublime part of all Poesie. 'Tis that on which the most Commendations, the highest Praises, and the largest, freshest Garlands are, and have been bestow'd. But this only gives us a general notion of its Greatness, we may see it in its clearest Lustre, if we would but take a particular view of its Nature and Design. And because I cannot express it better and more concisely in my own, I shall make bold to use my Author's Words. "The Epopéa, or Epick Poem (says he) is a Discourse or Story invented by Art to form Mens Manners by such Instructions as are disguis'd under the Allegory of some one Important Action, which is related in Verse after a Probable, Diverting, and surprising manner."
Here you have a short, but full and clear Idea of the Nature and Design of the Epick Poem. I shall not here spend time to explain the parts of this Definition; 'tis so fully and clearly done in the ensuing Treatise, that it needs no farther Illustration. Now what, according to this account, can be more Great and Noble? To regulate Mens manners; to purge and refine them from the Dregs, and Corruptions of Vice; to keep their Passions within due bounds, and to make them the Servants, not the Masters of right Reason, has in all Ages been esteemed a piece of the highest Prudence, and a great perfection of Humane Nature. Hence the Moralist himself deservedly derives all his Glory. Butif
