For
what I have done, imperfect as it is for want of health and leisure
to correct it, will be judged in after-ages, and possibly in the
present, to be no dishonour to my native country, whose language and
poetry would be more esteemed abroad if they were better understood.
Somewhat (give me leave to say) I have added to both of them in the
choice of words and harmony of numbers, which were wanting,
especially the last, in all our poets; even in those who being
endued with genius yet have not cultivated their mother-tongue with
sufficient care, or, relying on the beauty of their thoughts, have
judged the ornament of words and sweetness of sound unnecessary.
One is for raking in Chaucer (our English Ennius) for antiquated
words, which are never to be revived but when sound or significancy
is wanting in the present language. But many of his deserve not
this redemption any more than the crowds of men who daily die, or
are slain for sixpence in a battle, merit to be restored to life if
a wish could revive them.
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