This page has been validated.
The Preface.
xiii
Prefaces are many of them admirable upon Dramatic Writing; he had some peculiar Notions, which he maintains with great Address; but his Judgment in disputed Points is of less Weight and Value, because the Inconstancy of his Temper did run into his Thoughts, and mixed with the Conduct of his Writings, as well as his Life.
The present Age seemeth to be born for carrying Criticism to its highest Pitch and Perfection. We have seen many admirable Pieces in the single Papers, which have been published of late Years, preferable to Volumes of Your stanch, formal Critics. Many ingenious Hands have concurred to rescue it from Pedantry, Dul-
ness,
