Page:A Dissertation on Reading the Classics and Forming a Just Style.djvu/187

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
Right Taste.
143

distinguish the Beauties of every finished Piece, You will write Yourself with equal Commendation.

I do not assert, my Lord, that every good Writer must have a Genius for Poetry, I know Tully is an undeniable Exception; but I will venture to affirm, That a Soul that is not moved with Poetry, and hath no Taste that way, is too dull and lumpish ever to write with any Prospect of being read. It is a fatal Mistake, and simple Superstition, to discourage Youth from Poetry, and endeavour to prejudice them against it; if they are of a Poetical Genius, there is no

restraining