WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1709.
Introduction.—That it is as great a fault to judge ill as to
write ill, and a more dangerous one to the public.—That a true taste is as rare to be found as a true genius.—That most men are born with some taste, but spoiled by false education. The multitude of critics, and causes of them.
– That we are to study our own taste, and know the limits of it.--Nature the best guide of judgment.---- Improved by art and rales, which are but methodized Nature. Rules derived from the practice of the ancient poets.—That therefore the ancients are necessary to be studied by a critic, particularly Homer and Virgil. Of licences, and the use of them by the ancients.--Reverence due to the ancients, and praise of them.
Tis hard to say if greater want of skill
Appear in writing or in judging ill;
But of the two, less dangerous is the offence
To tire our patience than mislead our sense;