The Preface to the Reader.
on, from which choice productions of nature, the Muses are most desirous to adopt their Children, and in no small degree are justly acknowledged to the honor of his pen: Notwithstanding which, his Heroick Poem of Gondibert (coming into the world in a capricious time of censure) perhaps did not meet with a deserved reception, though the severest of his Judges, I doubt not are forced to grant, that there is in that work more to be praised than pardoned. I wish I could affirm as much of what I have now published. To compare the excellencies of these two Authors were not convenient in this place, since it would be little advantage to either, their works being of different natures; besides it must joyn some censure to their applause, or the Criticks, and Censorious, will not think themselves righted, if their objections pass unmentioned, who have somewhat broader eyes, to perceive the errors and mistakes of Writers, than to behold any thing which deserves their approbation: The truth is, the latter more obliged the language of his Country than the former, who either out of affected singularity, or thinking it fit to honor the Dialects of ages past, seemed so much devoted to them, as if he would be an example against all that should innovate words that had not an antitient tradition from our tongue: Nor do I think it would easily be resolved if put to the test, whether it had not more commendably spoke our diligence, if our
