NO sooner does any person merit the be­witching name of a good Author, but he has the happiness to meet with envy; yet every one who will not spare the perishing paper deserves not this title, though he cares his Rea­der [Page 2] with those flattering Epithets of gentle, and can­did, since even the Stationer sometimes circumvents your good opinion with the same appellatives. But such an Authour who seems to command his fame rather than receive it from the world, he like moral vertue (which is plac'd between two opposites of excess and defect) shall be sure to find a Parallel opposition from two sorts of vitious Criticks. I may justly stile them so, the one a poor dwindled Critick, who is in that defect of wit and judgement, that his endeavour is only to be thought to have a small portion, by the detracting of them in another. The other is in that excess of conceit that he cannot forbear to discover by his own vanity his judgement to be illegitimate. Now no place abounds with more witty writers, and worse judges than this City of London, whilst true Criticks are more moderate, being conscious of those peccadilloes, that every Writer as man must be subject to. They know that expert Homer sometimes may be took napping; therefore they willingly allow Poets with Painters to rove in a large field of fancy, often repeating,

and as wise men think themselves generally too green to [...]all on and Criticize, remembring that Maxime of [Page 3] Longinus, a better judge sure than any of these dare ever aspire to be,

[...], that Criticisme must be the deliberation of much experience. But these ba­stard Criticks without any examination convict any Author and presently suspend him: but who gave them this authority? I am sure they were never qualified for the place by Nature, or by Art; how then can any one expect the least justice from them, when their Justice only holds a sword in her hands without any scales, and may be accounted blind from her ignorance, and not from impartiality? Since then I am to speak to the Athenian Virtuosi, I hope it may be lawful to bor­row two Greek words which will more emphatically denote them. There be some that damn a book [...], that is, not interpreting or understanding the Author, and these in our English tongue are called Fopps, Persons whose judgement lyes alwayes in the ear never in the brain, who hear what others say, and then speak like them: they are just like an Eccho, a reiterating voice, and nothing else: as Poets are pain­ted licking up what old Homer let fall, so these lap up the Critical vomit which another has ejected. What judgement can they give of a book whose palat is solely Critical, and they were never at any time stil'd judges, [Page 4] unless when with the cusp of their tongue they could determine of the virtue or vice of a glass of Burgundy, and as one said well when he forbad any one to read his book with prejudice, or after dinner, these very per­sons, for these two reasons since their heads are alwaies fill'd with prejudice, and the fumes of a full stomach, by all sober men are thought unfit to be of a Jury.

The other sort are [...], or as they are called by others [...], persons which do not only inter­pret badly, which they do, but also doe it wilfully. I can only fancy them a sort of vermin with very little eyes, but many teeth, and nailes, who though they can­not doe much harm, by reason of their weakness, yet strive to make up that want with their malice. These creatures for the most part live by gnawing of books, and never leave nibling, till they can make some hole to discover some imperfection, whilst they deface the book of its native beauties, and expose those faults which themselves have made. Thus having show'd you the malignity of these animals, being inclin'd by a strong habit to inhumanity, they are like butchers, not to be permitted to sit upon the life and death of an Author. Such as these who think themselves Criticks, but are not so, have endeavour'd to traduce the writ­ings of Mr. Dryden, when true Criticks, if they would, are asham'd to decry them, whilst others that are more [Page 5] modest than to be pretenders, justly admire them. As for my self, I never had the satisfaction of his acquain­tance, which frees me from the suspicion of an offici­ous vindication, yet I do know him, though far better in his Playes, and what has been my misfortune to want in the society of the father, has been some way made up in the ingenious and pleasant company of the children.

Some weeks agoe there came out the Censure of the Rota on Mr. Dryden's Conquest of Granada, which I lightly read over, for it deserv'd little consideration. In­deed I was surpriz'd at the indiscretion of the Author to venture his poor thinn Off-spring to seek its Fortune in cold winter weather, but especially in such a dange­rous time, when there was great need of wast Paper. A­las, how could he help his weak book, though it made sad moan, crying out

Poor Author he imagin'd no harm, he only made use of the Saturnalia, as servants used to doe, make bold with his betters, and so forth. Thus much I did then argue for his simplicity, finding him to be so obliging to Mr. Dryden as to pick excellencies out of his Play, on purpose to affront him, that many Readers believ'd, it design'd by one of his best freinds for a complement to show the world, that if any one attempted to wound his [Page 6] honour, the Archers vanity did not so much lye in a­busing his time to split an hair, as to hit a thing out of his reach.

The Author of the Rota

has show'd in his censure so little conversation with Greek and Latin, nay English Poets, as I shall prove by and by, that it is disputed by some, whether it was simplicity or madness provoked him to paint him­self in colours so ridiculous. In all reason Mr. Dry­den will give me little thanks, since the goodness of an ominous cause may lose much of its lustre by the badness of the Orator; yet let Mr. Dryden look on with some diversion, since he would not be himself should he seem at the least concern'd, whilst his laurel which he deservedly wears has sufficient virtue to de­fend it self from the bruta fulmina of any loose tongue.

Now give me leave to tell you, that having read the Censure, I had a great desire to find out the place where this Cabal sat: so one day meeting with one of my acquaintance, I ask'd him if he had read such a Pamphlet, he told me, he had lost so much time as to read it, and if I would goe with him he would bring me to their Academy which was a large room in a Coffee-house kept for them, where thrice a week they met re­tir'd [Page 7] from company, but of late since the Printing of the Censure, they find none so hardy as to Answerer it, they have admitted a free access, with design, I believe, that they telling the threats of the Virtuosi, and with what severity the answer is sure to be handled, might deterr the Writer from any further proceeding, and make him consult his safety in the throwing away of his pen▪ I very gladly embrac'd this newes, and bid him lead the way. We came soon to the place, and somewhat too soon, for the Athenian Virtuosi, to give them their beloved title, were not yet come, and the door-keeper said he durst not let any in, before the Virtuosi came, lest the room should be crowded, and several curiosities by handling be misplac'd; but I knew what the Fellow drove at, so gently tickling him in the hand, he let us in, where we prov'd him a lyar, by finding some company ex­pecting, and one man with a goose-quill in his ear very busily marshalling books, paper, and pens: Asking one of the company who he was, I was answer'd he was Se­cretary to the Society; a worthy employment, thought I; and without doubt a worthy person; I presently made my address to him, desiring to know how long it would be before the Athenian Virtuosi met? The clean beast, after much chewing of the cud, answer'd, it would be Thirty minutes. I admir'd at the periphrasis of th [...] Se­cretary of the Criticks, but I l [...]ft him, fearing to dis­gust [Page 8] the man, having more mind to view the Acade­my. The first thing I beheld, was o'r the chimney in­stead of a chimney-peice a Label held up in the beakes of two Owles, and in it these words written, ‘The Coffee-Academy of the Athenian Vir­tuosi instituted by Apollo for the advance­ment of Gazet-Philosophy, Mercurie's Diurnals, &c.’ and underneath these words written,

Having read the Label I told my Friend the design of the Owles was very natural, because they were birds sacred to Minerva, and the Virtuosi went under the no­tion of Athenians; but that their Academy should be under the patronage of Apollo, I thought was not re­gular to the traditions of poetry, nor any way agree­ing with history; and I wondred that these Criticks in poetry should be so over-seen. My Friend told me he admired at the absurdity, but who must judge the Criticks? He proceeded with the belief, that those were not Owles, but two of the Virtuosi, since they re­sembled the nature of those birds, being afraid to come [Page 9] abroad and spy faults fairly by the light of reason, lest they should be peckt at by every puny writer, and prosecuted with all the scorn, and derision imaginable, but love to flutter about in the dark, and make a noise in the twilight of prejudice. I then askt him, why the Academy thought it fit, to place it self in a Coffee-house, since it was instituted by Apollo; it had been more agreeable to have been in a Tavern; O, said he, that may be for many reasons, first, as well to hinder expences, as to vindicate the sober inclinations of the persons; since they intended to tax the manners of a poet as well as his writings, it was convenient at least to be hypocrites, and to disguise their own; and Coffee being esteem'd by its admirers a suppresser of fumes, and a great friend to the memory, they might be so simple to hope, it would put idaeas into their heads, that were ne­ver there before: he added that they were inventing a drink for their own use of Hellebore, and other ingredi­ents, which will so refine their gross conceptions, that at length they should be rendred so acute as to make faults in the writings of any man. Or perhaps another reason is for the better divulging the fame of the Virtuosi, since persons of all qualities from all parts resorted to such places. I told him that could be no great reason, for they might hire a poor fellow for a small matter who would soon call the multitude together with a trum­pet, [Page 10] or they might steal the Tablet from the Scrive­ners shops, wherein is written, The Office of Intelli­gence, and hang it at their street door, where when any poet shall come in he may be certified whether any longer he shall have fame or no fame, whether that shall live or die alter death, whether poetry should be to him a rich wife or a poor wife, or whether he should have many children by her, and all this, without the help of judicial Astrology: And I further told him, I should rather call this place a Lottery than an Academy, since that was more usual in a Coffee-house, and a good poet in this place might draw twenty blanks be­fore one prize; and I wisht that speaking of false wit, as well as false newes, had been lyable to the punish­ment of the proclamation. Having paraphras'd a little upon this inscription, we lookt about, and beheld that on one side of the room were set up the heads of many Grammarians, and Criticks, and on the other side the heads of Greek and Latin and some English poets, a­mongst whom I wondred at these mighty three, Hopkins, Sternhold, and Wild, D D, but I was soon pacified when I found Chaerilus amongst the Greeks, and Ba­thyllus amongst the Latins; and why should any good Author repine, that he is excluded, may not the Virtuosi set up whom they please, may they not set up their own heads, nay upon poles, if they please, in their own [Page 11] room? But I ask'd my Friend why Dr. Wild wore a different wreath from all the rest, when every one else had one of Bayes, he had one of Herrings? My Friend told me he heard the reason of a Gentleman that was here the other night. The Author of the Censure of the Rota, you must know, is very intimate with Dr. Wild, and was with him eating of Herrings, when his Spouse run out with a herrings tail bobbing in her mouth, to receive the Letter from the Post which brought the joyful newes of his Majesties toleration. Now this Academy being instituted, and several poets heads being to be set up, a Letter was dispatched to Dr. Wild to invite him to be Prolocutor to the Virtuosi, (since it is well known, he writes as malitiously and as poorly as any of them) but in the close they ask'd him, since 'twas the honour the Academy intended him, whether his head should be set amongst the Criticks, or the Poets, (and indeed he might very well be either) he return'd them great thanks for the great honour they design'd him, but as for that weighty place to be Prolocutor, he begg'd some time to consider on it: As to the other favour of being set up, either as Poet or Critick, he told them plainly, he was ambitious of both, and did not much care if his head was divided, and half set amongst the Poets, and half amongst the Cri­ticks; but on second thoughts, he referr'd all to their [Page 12] better judgments, with this proviso, if they should set him amongst the Poets, he might wear a wreath of Her­rings, since they alwayes brought him good luck, when he had any thing to do with them, wondring why Will. Lilly could never find good omens hoarded up for him in the house of Pisces. So in fine he kiss'd their hands with this resolution, that he did not doubt but they would become him better than his Bayes. For this reason you see him thus adorn'd, and I was told last night that the Academy finds him more pliant than ever, and are in great hopes of obtaining that malitious person to strengthen their party. Since he hates innocent ce­remonies, and beauty in the Church, why may he not ab­horr them in any thing? Having wearyed our eyes with these objects, we turn'd about, and at the end of the room were three presses, without any books in them, with Optimi written upon the first, Mediocres upon the second, and Mali upon the third, which presses I soon imagin'd to be the Thecae for books, as they were esteem'd of by the Virtuosi. I laughing ask'd my Friend which he thought the worst (with leave from the Cri­ticks) either Mediocres, or Mali? But he told me it were better to let this paradox alone now, and pass on, lest we should be prevented by their coming. So walk­ing up the room we found whole rowes of teeth, and many nailes sow'd upon cloath, and pinn'd to the [Page 13] hanging; and looking more earnestly, I perceiv'd that most of them were such as we call doggs teeth. I could not imagine at present that these were meant to make good my simile, I apply'd to them; nor did I think that the Virtuosi were Toothdrawers. Yet they would be glad that their adversaries teeth and nailes were drawn, for even then a lyon would be an innocent beast. But a little further we beheld many engins of torture: here indeed was the scene of death, here was one book suspended, another torn upon a tenterhook, a third dead from a stab receiv'd from a cruel Penknife; drawing nearer I found them all belong­ing to Mr. Dryden. Here lay Almanzor stretcht upon the rack, that pain might force out words far distant from his thoughts; here the Maiden Queen lay de­flowr'd, and there the Indian Emperour was defac'd wich the scratches of a barbarous stile. Whilst my Friend and I were finding a name fit to decry these most unjust proceedings, we heard the door unlock, and the door-keeper cry out, Make room there for Aristarchus, Scribonius, and Opilius, make room I say for Hyginus, Palaemon, and Orbilius. I was amaz'd at these thundring names, considering whether or no, the Academy de [...]ign'd this for an exemplary distich; at last I remembred these were great Criticks, and Gram­marians, and that Orbilius was Horace's School-master, [Page 14] and had whipt him often for not learning his lesson in old Livius Andronicus, wherefore he was stil'd by him Plagosus. Now thought I, these Virtuosi imitate the Popes, As they assume the gentle names of Innocent, Cle­ment, and Pius, when they are bloody, unmerciful, and irreligious, so these wear the names of great Grammari­ans, whilst they all deserve with naked posteriors to tremble under the falling rod of the fierce Orbilius. They had scarce plac'd themselves, when more came in, but were Anonymous, 'twas no matter, I could tell who and what they were, by this gleek of circum­stances, the shrug, the shaking of the head, and tossing back the peruke with indignation: they had just reacht the table, when the door-keeper with a great deal of breath cry'd out, Make room for Cassus the Author of the Censure of the Rota; bless me, said I to my Friend, why is he called Cassus? Why, said he, I will tell you, he affects that name being delighted with the story of a certain poet called Cassus, who writ so much, that his very papers suffic'd to burn him when he was dead; he has vow'd to scribble so much if he lives. Alas, he values not the quality, so there be quan­tity, he is resolv'd to keep his vow, and to write any thing against any body: he has many general Pam­phlets ready, that as soon as any new book is out with a little alteration, whip he carryes them to the book-seller, [Page 15] he is a perfect Stubbist, who though he must for ever despair to have those parts, and that learning, yet has attain'd to that likeness in his will to contra­dict every one. I smil'd at the strangeness of his hu­mour, and whilst he was held in some serious discourse, by one as he was coming on, I wondred at the elocuti­on of his gestures, he would so knit his browes, and work the muscles of his mouth. I assur'd my self he was in labour, and us'd that midwifery to bring his imaginations to the birth: when he was delivered, he was a great enemy to the mans buttons, and would so stare in his face, forcing him to a smile, which he took for approbation, when the poor man did it only to be rid of him. Being sat down he bid the Secretary bring the teeth and the nailes; at this I concluded that these Criticks really us'd them in biting, and tearing other mens works; and I was confirm'd in this opinion, when I perceiv'd every one busy, but most of all Cassus, set­ting some of the sharpest of them into his upper jaw, where I presume he had lately broke some of them out in medling with some piece of Mr. Dryden's Conquest of Granada, that prov'd too hard for his teeth. Now every one having fitted himself with tusks, and talons, Aristarchus rose up, and made a short speech. It was an Encomium upon the Virtuosi, and the happiness of this age, wherein such judicious persons had taken the [Page 16] great trouble, for the benefit of mankind, to give each Poet that desert which their examination should allow him. After this Scribonius told them, that Mr. Dry­den derided their Censure, and held the Virtuosi in that contempt, as if they were not; Does he so, sayes Cassus, does Almanzor despise those that would reclaim his rage? I would Mr. Dryden were here, or any of his ad­mirers to speak for him▪ Secretary, bring hither his Conquest of Granada, and there I could show him in­numerable Errataes; whith that he opened the Play, and scratching the leaves very carelesly, cry'd out, here's a fault, and there's a fault, where is there not a fault, if we will make them so, dares he, or any one deny it? At this dull impertinency, I could not for­bear smiling; which Cassus perceiving, ask'd me, if I would be so bold as to defend him? I told him, if he would draw up Mr. Dryden's faults under some heads that I might make my plea, I would endeavour to take off his objections. Why then, said he, if you have per­pended my Censure, as I cogitate you have, you may there animadvert, that the Author Scholastically pro­secutes Mr. Dryden dupliciter. Primò▪ for the irrationa­lity of the transcendentality of his Idaea's. Secundò, for his superbosity, in prostrating the fame of defunct, and breathing Authors. I was so startled to hear Cas­sus alter his stile, that turning about to ask what tongue [Page 17] he spoke in, my Friend imagining my surprize told me in my ear, that Cassus was a great Term-driver, and had two wayes of speaking, the one more moderate, as I had heard, and this last was in use, when he would stupify a shopkeeper, confound a chambermaid, or puzzle his antagonist. Having now consider'd the meaning, I told him, if I might obtain a patient ear, I would make some answer. At this, Cassus called for his breast-plate, on which was writ, The Author of the Censure of the Rota: is serv'd both for pride and for defence, I wish he would wear it alwayes in the streets, for then if he should chance to lose his way, he would never be lost, but be sent home by a Bedle safe to the Academy. Having arm'd himself, Eja age, said he, if you will act in any Hypothesis dissentaneous to this fa­mous Circle, I my self provocate to a contrary ratio­cination, and Cassi gratiâ the Virtuosi will give you auscultation. After I had blow'd my nose, I thus began. Your first objection (O Virtuosi Athenian) is in the language of Cassus against the irrationality of the transcendentality of Mr. Dryden's Idaeas, which for my countrymens take, I thus faithfully render into English, against the unreasonable extravagance of Mr. Dryden's conceptions, which ye have strove with much labour to find in his Conquest of Granada: so whilst I am de­fending that, I shall all the while vindicate an Heroick [Page 18] Poem, which must be by showing you, what the Masters of Poetry esteem to be its latitude, in what consists its grandeur, and what renders it uncapable of that title. As for its latitude, I must lay down before you the de­finition of its subject, which is Heroick vertue. By Aristotle it is called divine, not because it was peculiar to the Gods, but when a man was endued with this ver­tue, it elevated him above mankind, and as much as humane nature could bear, it rendred him like a Deity; therefore it is defin'd by the best Moralists, a habit of mind not attain'd by humane industry, but inspir'd from above, to undergo great actions with an irresi­stable violence, and a most happy success, which other mortals were not able to perform. Without doubt Mr. Dryden made his Almanzor after this original, making him to do things above nature though not against it, placing in his soul humanity and fierceness mingled together, and him in a sphere rather nearer the Hero of Homer, than of Scudery. Not so much a Greek as to imitate Achilles in his ferity, nor so Frenchified as to admire the stupidity of Oroondates in weeping at the feet of his Mistress. Since Mr. Dryden in this de­scription has followed the precepts of Philosophy, all unprejudic'd Men with reason must speak for Alman­zor, that with Achilles Mr. Dryden has rendred him in­vulnerable, unless his detractors by wounding him in [Page 19] the heel, will discover as much their fear as their base­ness. I think there is no need to urge this clear point any further, but to pass on and to tell you, in what con­sists its grandeur. It is plac'd by all in a lofty stile, and in the rapture of a Poet. Look up (O Athenian Virtuosi) and see my witnesses! O Homer dost thou hear this illiterate Censure,

Were ye but acquainted with him he would tell ye, that he makes his Achilles speak [...] winged words. Ask but Pindar, he will assure you that he never adorns his Heroes but he must let fly expressions, which which he calls Olymp. 9. [...] arrowes, which do in ano­ther place [...] make a noise. Surely if we had not lost his paeans, his dithyrambicks, or his trag [...]dies, we should have found in them far bolder flights. Yet the generous Thebans thought his numbers only lofty, never extravagant. The divinity of such well built lines crown'd him even whilst he liv'd, and sav'd his house when he was dead. This mighty spirit of Poetry is admir'd in Alcaeus, and stil'd by Dion. Halicarnas­seus in as mighty words,

Consider the mighty spirit of Alcaeus, what sweet­ness [Page 20] there is even in its terrour. This is that which Virgil aimes at, when he sayes,

And Lucan when he sayes,

This is that which Horace names serm. 10. lib. 1. Forte epos, a strong Heroick verse. For this, Martial praises Virgil calling him Cothurnatus, and his Hero­ick Poem lib. 5. Grande opus.

Iuvenal describes such a Poet with the title of egre­gius, and with

He knew not how to express him, this made him fancy Virgil like a fury, and tells us that if he had been poor,

'Twas in this the critick Longinus said Iuvenal ex­cell'd [...] a pompous expression,

And this is that which the judicious Greeks call'd [...] with a resolution, and not superficially.

My last design is to lay before you what renders an Heroick Poem uncapable of its title.

Pindar will tell you Olymp. 9. that if he would de­lineate an Hero, he must abstain from [...], from words that are flat and creeping upon the earth.

Virgil sayes in his sixth Eclog, that Apollo admo­nish'd [Page 21] him in his ear as unfit to sing of Kings and bat­tels, having used himself in his Pastorals to a humble verse,

Pascere oportet oves, deductum dicere carmen. Horace is then exalted when he speaks

And in his Arte Poetica laughs at that Poet for not continuing his heroick Poem with the same gallantry; and for his offence brands him with,

And Martial hates it, calling it carmen supinum. lib. 2. and presently after,

A languid verse fit only for the mouth of Cybele's effeminate Priests.

Sure what the Epigrammatist thinks unfit for him­self, an Heroick Poet must be asham'd to use.

These few Testimonies out of a crowd, I have produced to complement the Academy, but if I have spoke in an unknown tongue I wish I had been better inform'd of your ignorance, that I might not have given my self the trouble. Therefore to speak to your capacities, I will bring all these witnesses in one, I mean the immor­tal [Page 22] Cowley, than whom none knew better to make or judge a Poem. In praising of Sr. Wm. Davenants Gondi­bert, he seems to characterize Mr. Dryden's Conquest of Granada.

Thus I have with hasty touches drawn out the mascu­line beauty of an Heroick Poem; now if this censur'd play of Mr. Dryden's be of it self exact and true, if it is fram'd by the rules of art, and keeps it self strict to the laws and canons of ancient Poets, as many of his envious enemies acknowledge, if you tear off the title page, and represent it without any relation to him, then this impertinent Censure without any violence will of it self fall to the ground, being supported by so weak a foundation as prejudice. When Criticks shall be found to be like foolish Parishioners, who in them­selves commend what they hear, untill they look up, then they mislike the man, and by their consequence the Sermon. Thus the Conquest of Granada, as Con­quest of Granada, is a very good play, but as made by Mr. Dryden fit to be exploded, when all Poets from Ho­mer down to Ben, were esteem'd good, if their Judges could ascribe to them Ciceroes commendation; [Page 23] Pro Archia Poeta mentis viribus excitari, & quasi divino quodam spiritu afflari.) But Mr. Dryden because he goes by his own name, must not have the essence of a Poet, that is fiction, nay he must lose the porti­on of a son, and with quiet render up, or else those goodly fields of fancy, the uninterrupted inheritance of his forefathers must be confiscated because he has offended this Committee. His Muse must turn Quaker, or else be accounted light, she must have nothing to do with that goodly pride of figures, conceits, raptures, and sentences, without which gawdy retinue Mr. Cow­ley's Muse never took the air.

I know the sons of the Poets have far less revenues, than their forefathers enjoy'd. The Greek Poets besides the other five, had a whole dialect appropriated to themselves, they might sound out [...] without of­fence. This made Martial complain in his time, that they could not renew the same lease, but had lost many of their priviledges; yet it was very well with them, if we consider the inconveniencies of their children, whilst the barbarous Criticks of these times are so whimseycal, and so unjust, as to allow some their own freedomes, and some none. If Mr. Dryden upon ne­cessity uses Enallage numeri when Greek and Latin commanded it, and English Poets very often make use of it, since the idiom of our tongue will bear it in prose, [Page 24] but better in verse, it is put down for an unpardonable enormity. I will forbear quotations to prove this known point, lest I prove my self Pedantick, and you more ab­surd.

If Mr. Dryden, as Persius stiles it, librat in Antithetis, that is, use a seeming contradiction, which in all poets is and must be esteem'd wit, shall nevertheless wilfully be damned by this Academy, as in your Censure.

O the stupidity of the Virtuosi! it would puzzle any one to imagine what they aime at here: these Criticks sure have pick'd them out for some default, so that I am forc'd to imagine this.

Pray observe this kind of excellency in two of the best Poets, Virg. 11. speaking of Camilla.

Mr. Cowley in his Dav. lib. 1. speaking of writing, and as it were prophesying what this Academy, and Cassus especially intends to do;

I will add no more, though these great Poets delight much in them, yet be it spoken to your folly, that 'tis your unhappiness to light upon an accurate verse to vilifie [Page 25] your selves, not him, and since 'tis drawn out, may it be apply'd to you all, that there were more hopes of Triumphs by peace, than by this unsuccessful war.

If Mr. Dryden applyes an happy Epithete 'tis traduc'd, as in these excellent verses, speaking of Almanzor,

which I am certain is in imitation of Virgil, where fierce Mezentius stands,

which Mr. Cowley renders finely,

or as it is in Claudian IV Cons. Honorii.

and in many places of this Poet; but I shall hasten. If Mr. Dryden makes his verse run musically, or fills it with an argument, it is call'd tick-tack, as thus:

whilst you are ignorant he imitates Ovids humour in these neat numbers, Met. lib. 10.

and again in his 9. lib.

and in his Epistles,

The Original is esteem'd by all good judges, and why do you condemn the true copy, but because you are bad? If Mr. Dryden heightens the sence with a simi­le, it is not like to pass, when all Poets ever use it, and an Heroick proclaims with Pindar Olymp. XI. he cannot be without it.

That in such cases as these, men must use the de­scriptions of winds, and waters &c. if they do la­bour to bring their work to a good effect. If Mr. Dryden illustrates his Poems, with spirits and imma­terial beings, this cannot disgust any one, but the Sad­duces of the age, who believe they have none, since as a Poet he may lawfully make use of them: for what Heroick Poet is there either Greek or Latin, that does not introduce very often [...]: yet as a philo­sopher he will be defended by the Pythagorical, and Platonical opinion, which held these regi­ons of the air under the concave of the Moon to be in­habited [Page 27] by Daemons. If Mr. Dryden keeps the signi­fication of words within their limits, you will venture to call him vagabond, though you declare your selves absolutely unacquainted with authors, or grammar, as in this fragment of a verse,

You assert here that abyss is so inconsistent with light, that 'tis scarce bright enough for its shadow, whilst by proving the contrary let the world judge, if the dark­ness of your understanding, does not advantage the lustre of Mr. Dryden's glory. Abyss properly signi­fies extream deep waters, quasi [...] an Ionick word for [...]. This Favorinus and Hesychius, this Min­shaeus and Vossius with others, account the truest ety­mologie of the word, yet with Calepine grant, that it may be usurped, as it is by the Greeks, for an epithete to signifie any thing that is endless, which is prov'd by several Synonymous expressions of Scripture, and from St. Chrysostome who calls infinite labours [...].

This shall suffice O Cassus to prove thy ignorance, and little familiarity with classick authors, whilst this discovers thy malice, in making Porphyrius an Her­maphrodite by this verse,

Where as you please Porphyrius by misplacing the notional comma is either a man or a woman.

[Page 28]Thus like the Divel you aequivocate in your oracles, but at last like him you are found a lyar. I would willingly leave off defending Mr. Dryden, when he needs it not, was he not impeach'd with such animosi­ty, for his strange flights, and that it may not be law­ful for him to mount lest his wings be clipt, whilst Ho­race tells judicious Mecaenas, he is turn'd into a Swan, and mounts and leaves these things blow. Whilst Virgil is sweetly Hyberbolical in many places, but especi­ally in his description of Camilla, lib. 7.

And Claudian Raptu Proser. lib. 2. sayes that Pluto's horses ran,

I will mention but one verse more of this Poet (though he is very luxuriant) in the end of the first book speaking of the same horses,

Which I would beg the Academy if it can to translate hansomely into English. Yet Iulius Scaliger gives this [Page 29] censure of him. Foelix in eo calor, temperatum judi­cium, dictio candida, numeri non affectati. I have the rather taken these Testimonies because as Virgil fol­low'd Homer, so Mr. Cowley has thought it fit to imitate them all, Horace in his Extasie, Virgil and Claudian in his description of Asahel,

I am in hast, and will forget Seneca's, Tragedies, histo­rical Lucan and Statius, because Mr. Dryden is said to borrow many things from him, lest I should seem to produce him a witness for himself; let me only bring up the rear of my witnesses with one Testimony more of the much admir'd Mr. Cowley in his Pindarick call'd the Muse, he tells her,

Sure he is more fit to set the bounds of Poetry than you, since all allow a Poet the same, what he allowes to Mercury, wings at head, and heel. The Poet is per­mitted by all to be

Now who are ye (O Athenian Virtuosi) that dare set these narrow limits? must the Poet like Alexander re­pine there are no more worlds but this of yours to move in, where he shall soon lose his feet for want of exer­cise? If Mr. Dryden passes your little Rubicon, must he be proclam'd an enemy by this Senate, must his ver­ses be like Pliny's Acephali, or rather resemble his judges, all feet, and excrement, and no head? I will stop here, ye have prov'd your selves, I will not make you any more riduculous, only appealing to you whe­ther or no this Academy does not represent an Hobbian state of nature, in presuming to have as great a share in wit and judgment as others.

I am at last come to my second objection, which is Mr. Dryden's superbosity in prostrating the same of defunct, and breathing Authors, which I shall thus translate, Mr. Dryden's pride in contemning dead, and [Page 31] living Authors. To which I shall not speak much, be­cause I am so great a stranger to him, therefore I can only produce his own words to vindicate their Master, and if he wrongs them no more in his thoughts than in his writings he may safely plead Not guilty. In his Essayes and prefaces, as he payes veneration to the dead, so he payes submission to the living: though he cannot ad­mire any of them blindly. And it is so unjust a calumny to urge that he labours to pluck leaves from the Baies of Ben. Iohnson, when he adds to them by stiling him incomparable, one to be admir'd for many excellencies. In his preface to Maximin, he does not pretend any thing of his own to be correct, but submits his faults to the mercy of the Reader, being as little apt to de­fend his own errours, as to find those of others. In his defence of his Epilogue, he ascribes to dead Authors their just praises in those things where they have ex­cell'd us; and in those where we contend with them for preheminence, he acknowledges the advantage to the age, and not to wit. There might be produc'd many places which do strongly pronounce his judicious modesty: if he discovers any faults in other Poets, 'tis because his are too severly handled by others, and the reason why he does disturb the dead, is only that they would rise, and plead for him, as he professes in his Epilogue to the Conquest of Granada.

If in the feaver of his writing he has discover'd any passion, the impertinency of the age is to be blam'd for troubling him, otherwise he is more to be esteem'd for his judgment than censur'd for his heat. If he tells us that Iohnson writ by art, Shakespeare by nature; that Beaumont had judgment, Fletcher wit, that Cowley was copious, Denham lofty, Waller smooth, he cannot be thought malitious, since he admires them, but rather skilfull that he knows how to value them.

Mr. Dryden shall answer in Horace's words, when he had offended many in medling with Lucilius,

Martial makes a distich on Homer, for patching up his verses with [...], thought his was done grinning, yet any one may give his censure of another, so it produces nothing out candour, and judgment, as Persius gives his opinion of Horace,

But not like you (O Athenian Virtuosi) make [...] [Page 33] where there are none. If the Fopps of the age are stung, that they kick up dirt, no person can blame Mr. Dry­den for lashing them, since it would grieve any one, nay it would raise the choler of any ingenious man to that degree against then, when such will be so inconsi­derate, nay so absurd, to censure a Poet, whilst they themselves cannot write, and perhaps not read, with commendation. This stirr'd up many antient Poets, and what Poet ever escaped such sinful examiners? It vex'd Martial, that at last he told them his verses were bad, yet he challeng'd them to mend them,

After this manner Mr. Dryden has provok'd the mi­serable jury of this age, but much hansomer,

Mr. Dryden having rebated the edge of all objections that can be brought to defend your assertion, it would appear very inconsistent with modesty to alledge his arguments for my own; since he has found so good, and I can find no better, and 'tis to himself he must give the thanks, that he stands arm'd cap-a-pee. I will no longer give my humanity the trouble, in reclaiming, if it were possible, your folly; but only acquaint you that Mr. Dryden salutes you in a Semistanza of your much honour'd Hopkins.

At this Cassus started up, and told me, I was sawcy, not in observing that decorum, which the gravity of the place requir'd. After some whispering the door­keeper was commanded to clear the room, and to take special notice of me, that I might be let no more into the Academy, with the assurance that I should upon occasion be severely dealt with for this rudeness. My Friend and I departed much pleas'd with this scene of mirth: at his lodging we found a hypocritical pam­phlet aginst Mr. Dryden left by his book-seller; after a short view I perceiv'd the needy Author plaid the pla­giary, having transcrib'd all those objections from Cas­sus, which Cassus had borrow'd from the Rehearsal, whence 'tis easy to gather, that it is difficult to find fault with Mr. Dryden, when his enemies are forc'd to tautologize. Indeed the Burlesque way of writing is the most hopeful to abuse a good Author, since the fantastick dress tickles the Reader, and makes him laugh whether he will or no; and that the good old Axiom would hold here, corruptio optimi fit pessima. [Page 35] My Friend told me he was sorry we must part so soon, having appointed to meet some persons hard by, a­mongst whom he expected Mr. Dryden, promising me to find some other time, (if I thought it fit) to descant upon that book before us, and to divertise me with some be­loved fancies of Cassus. At this I took my leave, desiring him to take his Horace with him, and to turn to serm. 10. lib. 1. where Mr. Dryden might read these verses out of his intimate acquaintance.