The PREFACE.
for the Conduct of human Life, than the Precepts of even the best Moral Philosophers. 'Tis to be confessed, we are in the dark, as to what Effects his two Poems had in the Age he liv'd in: But this we know, that in after Ages they have been had in universal esteem, and will always be admir'd as long as Learning and Good-Manners have any repute in the World. The same may be said of Virgil. For the more any Age increases in Sound Knowledge, and Ingenious Literature, the more to be sure will his Poem be had in Admiration. Besides it seems to have had a strange and peculiar Effect in the Age, and upon the State he liv'd under. For 'tis more than Probable that the publishing of his Æneid conduc'd very much to the settling Augustus on the Imperial Throne. We know what a strange A version the Romans had to the very name of Monarchy, and 'tis not likely they would so soon have exchang'd their belov'd Democracy for that which they so much hated, had they not been work'd over to it by the Instructions of Virgil: who informs them, "That when Heaven decrees to settle a State upon such or such a Foundation, 'tis Atheism and Irreligion to oppose its designs; and such an Affront to the divine Majesty and Wisdom as should certainly meet with speedy, and condign Punishment."
Let us now see what Encouragement the Epick Poets have met with. As for Homer, the Times he liv'd in are so obscure, that we can gather nothing of Certainty from History about him. But 'tis by most concluded that he was as Poor as he was Ingenious: And that though many Cities after his Death claim'd him for their own; yet none of them gave the blind Bard, that encouragement he merited whilst alive. 'Tis likely he was admir'd and esteem'd by all, but receiv'd no other reward that we know of, for his Deserts, but what our poor Spencer did, namely a Courtiers Smile; insignificant Promises, and a few fawning. Compli-ments.
