The Laws of Poetry

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1721 edition. Excerpt: ... That is, it will appear in every part, tho' differently, throughout the work of a great and true Poet. It is confess'd, that in the greatest poets the height of genius does not shine equally in all parts of the poem, as is plain from the immortal Homer, Virgil, and Milton. Homer himself has been obferv'd by Horace sometimes to nod; and it is obvious to every judicious reader, that Virgil has not every where the fame vivacity or force; and it is equally plain, that Milton, for many lines together, is far from being so elevated and lofty ( I will not say flat and low) as in the general performance of his poem; but then all these three great poets shine out again in their own exalted lustre, which justifies what our Essay affirms: Which, though sometimes behind a cloud retird, Breaks out again, and is by all admir'd. I know my lord Roscommon, in his Essay upon translated verse, would needs have it, that the flatnesses, if I may so call them, or negligences which are found in some of Virgiss verses, were in that Poet a studied art, and not a defect; for thus he fays. Not thus our heroes of the former days Defervd and gaind their" neverfading bays; For I mi flake, or far the greatest part, Of 'what some call neglect, was study'd art. Wloen Virgil seems to trifle in a line, 'Its like a warningpiece, .which gives the sign, To wake your fancy, and prepare your sight, To teach the noble height of some unusual flight.. But But as this is only my lord's particular opinion, and will hold good in defence of Homey and Milton, as well as of Virgil; so I.presume it is not entirely to be depended upon; and Horace gives a more natural, and, if I mistake not, a more just excuse for these three great poets. Of ere in tamo fas est obrepere somnum. In so great...