Page:The Triumphs of Temper.djvu/15

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PREFACE.
xi


the refined imagination, and the moral graces of Pope; and to do this, if possible, without violating those rules of propriety, which Mr. Cambridge has illustrated, by example as well as precept, in the Scribleriad, and in his sensible preface to that elegant and learned poem.

I have now very frankly informed my reader of the extent, or rather the extravagance of my desire; for I will not give it the serious name of design: they, whom an enlightened taste has rendered thoroughly sensible how very difficult it must be to accomplish such an idea, will not only be the first to discern, but the most ready to pardon those errors into which so hazardous an attempt may perhaps have betrayed me. I had thoughts of introducing this performance to the public, by a dissertation of considerable length on this species of poetry; but I forbear to indulge myself any further in such prelimi-