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own mind, what is left in a ſeeming poſture of neglect and inconnexion."
If therefore the delineation of the character of the Man of Birth, who, with every advantage of natural abilities and amiable diſpoſition, is at once loſt to the Public and Himſelf, if this character has its beginning, middle, and end, the Poem has all the unity that propriety requires: how far ſuch unity is attained, may perhaps be ſeen at one view in the following Argument.
After an innovation to the Genius of Spenſer, and propoſition of the ſubject, the Knight's firſt attachment to his Concubine, his levity, love of pleaſure, and diſſipation, with the influence over him which on this ſhe aſſumes, are parts which undoubtedly conſtitute a juſt Beginning.
The effects of this influence, exemplified in the different parts of a gentleman's relative character,—in his domeſtic elegance of park, gardens, and houſe—in his unhappineſs as a lover, a parent, and a man of letters—behaviour as a maſter to his tenants, as a friend, and a brother—and in his feelings in his hours of retirement as a man of birth, and a patriot, naturally complete the Middle, to which an allegorical cataſtrophe furniſhes the proper and regular End.
Some reaſons, perhaps, may be expected for having adopted the manner of Spenſer. To propoſe a general uſe of it were
indeed
