mind something that may be alledged against some very noted writers, either Philosophers, Historians, Mathematicians, or the like, here mentioned; who, for what they are said to have written in poetry, being perhaps but small or inconsiderable, will scarcely be thought worthy a place among the Poets.

52. It is true indeed that they do not shine here as in their proper Sphere of Fame. Nevertheless, since it is not ungrateful to many to know all that hath been written by famous Men, as well in the Arts they least, as those they most profess; and since the Register of one Science only may well take the greater scope within that circuit, I judged it not impertinent to mention as well those famous Men in other Faculties, who have also writ poetically, as the most famous of poetical writers; considering especially how largely the name of POET is generally taken.

53. For if it were once brought to a strict scrutiny, who are the right, genuine, and true-born POETS, I fear me, our number would fall short: and there are many that have a fame deservedly for what they have writ, even in poetry itself, who, if they came to the test, I question how well they would endure to hold open their Eagle eyes against the Sun.

54. Wit, Ingenuity, and Learning in Verse, even Elegancy itself, though that comes nearest, are one thing; — true NATIVE POETRY is another; in which there is a certain air and spirit, which perhaps the most learned and judicious in other Arts do not perfectly apprehend; much less is it attainable by any study, or industry. Nay, though all the laws of HEROIC POEм, all the laws of TRAGEDY, were exactly observed, yet still this tour entrejeant, this poetic energy, if I

may so call it, would be required to give life to all the rest, which shines through the roughest, most unpolished, and antiquated language, and may haply be wanting in the most polite and reformed.

55. Let us observe SPENSER with all his rustic, obsolete words; with all his rough-hewn, clowterly verses; yet take him throughout; and we shall find in him a graceful and poetic majesty.

56. In like manner SHAKESPEARE, in spite of all his unfiled expressions, his rambling and indigested fancies, the laughter of the Critical, yet must be confessed a POET above many that go beyond him in literature some degrees.

57. All this while, it would be very unreasonable that those who have but attempted well, much more those who have been learned, judicious, or ingenuous in Verse, should be forgotten and left out of the circuit of POETS, in the larger acceptation.

58. Thus, most worthy Arbiters, I have laid before you the reason and occasion of this design; have apologized for what I judged most obnoxious to censure or objection; have, lastly, delivered my own opinion in some things relating to Poetry, wherein, if I have differed aught from the received opinion, I can safely aver that I have not done it out of affectation of singularity, but from a different apprehension, which a strict enquiry into the truth of things, (for there is also a right and a wrong, a best and a worst, as well in Poetical as other assertions,) hath suggested to my reason; persuading myself that no right judgment can be given, or distinction made, in the writings of This or

That Author, in whatever Art or Science, but without taking aught upon trust, by an unbiassed, and from the knowlege of ancient authors judicious, examination of each: being also sufficiently assured of the concurrence with me in this matter of all impartial readers; - of Yours especially, my most honoured Friends, whom I wish that fate which I am concerned in for all deserving writers, a lasting fame, equal to the merit to what you have so advantageously published to the world.

EDWARD PHILLIPS.

EDITOR'S ABSTRACT

OF THE CONTENTS

OF PHILLIPS'S PREFACE,

1. Infinite difference of intellect among mankind.

2. Arises from different capacity of corporeal organs, or from some intervening cause.

3. When the former are excellent, they form that Melior Natura, spoken of by the poets.

4. The intervening cause of good capacity is Education, which is the harp of Amphion.

5. They who unite both these advantages are more than men: they who want both, are less than men; and constitute the Vulgar, or Mob.

6. These last justly fall into oblivion, while many even of those who deserve fame, miss it.

7. The fate of authors with regard to honours, like that of other men with regard to worldly success; uncertain.

8. This work undertaken to remedy the world's injustice as far as regards POETS.

9. And to revive names dispersed here and there, even when their works have perished.

10. The work confined to Poets, because poetry is the author's favourite; and to extend it to all authors would be too voluminous.

11. Having thus chosen a topic, which requires the greatest nicety and sagacity of judgment, he dedicates it to two men (STANLey and SherburnE,) most qualified to appreciate and defend it.

12. Of the two objections most probable to

omission, and improper insertion,

-

be made-viz.

the first is en

titled to candour for what must in its nature be imperfect.

13. As to those, who have kept their genius to themselves, no blame can attach for not noticing them.

14. And as little for omitting those who have chosen to be Anonymous.

- it

15. As to the second objection, of superfluous insertion, is better to admit twenty undeserving, than to neglect one deserving.

16. Line of distinction.

17. More common to overvalue, than undervalue.

18. Pleas for well-meaning mediocrity.

19. Every volume, however small, requires some pains to bring it forth.

20. Time has thrown into obscurity all more antiquated than thirty or forty years, except a few Dramatists.

21. Antiquity, no crime,