Spenser is my
example for both these privileges of English verses; and Chapman has
followed him in his translation of Homer. Mr. Cowley has given in
to them after both; and all succeeding writers after him. I regard
them now as the Magna Charta of heroic poetry; and am too much an
Englishman to lose what my ancestors have gained for me. Let the
French and Italians value themselves on their regularity; strength
and elevation are our standard. I said before, and I repeat it,
that the affected purity of the French has unsinewed their heroic
verse. The language of an epic poem is almost wholly figurative;
yet they are so fearful of a metaphor that no example of Virgil can
encourage them to be bold with safety. Sure, they might warm
themselves by that sprightly blaze, without approaching it so close
as to singe their wings; they may come as near it as their master.
Not that I would discourage that purity of diction in which he
excels all other poets; but he knows how far to extend his
franchises, and advances to the verge without venturing a foot
beyond it.
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