of a Northern Ear, which, if it be deficient, as I shall not be very obstinate in its Defence, I beg leave it may at least be permitted the Benefit of Mr.Dryden's Apology, for the Musick of old Father Chaucer's Numbers, "That there is the rude Sweetness of a Scotch Tune in it, which is natural and pleasing, the not perfect."
Sir, I must beg your Pardon for this long Digression, upon a Subject which many will think does not deserve it: but if I have herein discover'd some of the greatest Beauties of our English Poets, it will be more excusable, at least for the respect that is intended to so noble an Art as theirs. But to suspect the worst, considering that I am now writing a Preface, I am provided with another Apology from Mr. Dryden, who cautions his Reader with this Observation, That the Nature of a Preface is Rambling, never wholly out of the way, nor in it. Yet cannot end this Preface, without desiring that such as shall be employ'd in refining and ascertaining our English Tongue, may entertain better Thoughts both of the Saxon Tongue, and of the Study of Antiquities. Methinks it is very hard, that those who labour and take so much pains to furnish others with Materials, either for Writing, or for Discourse, who have not Lesiure, or Skill, or Industry enough to serve themselves, shou'd be allow'd no other Instances of Gratitude, than the reproachful Title of Men of low Genius, of which low Genius's it may be observed, that they carry some Ballast, and some valuable Loading in them, which may be despifed, but is seldom to be exceeded in any thing truly valuable, by Light and fluttering Wits. But it is not to be woner'd, that Men of Worth are to be trampled upon, for other wife they might stand in the way of these Assumers; and indeed were it not for the Modesty of their Betters,and
