Some Account of Boileau, &c.
I take La Secchia Rapita of Taffoni to be the first of this Sort that was ever written, or at least that ever I heard of: As for Homer's Battle of the Frogs and Mice, I take that only to be a Tale or Fable, like those of Æsop, amongst which it is to be found, and ought rather to be rank'd among the Writings of the Mythologists than those of the Poets. Whatever Name or Title the Criticks may be pleas'd to dignify or distinguish this Sort of Writing with, I am sure it has had the good Fortune to be very well receiv'd: The Reputation of the Lutrin in France, and the Dispensary in England, are two of the best Modern Instances of Success in Poetry that can be given.
And since I have mention'd those two Poems together, it may not be Improper to observe, that in the Latter of 'em, tho' writ upon a very different Subject, there are some Passages that are
plainly
