The Preface to the Reader.
nor can it be denyed, but that an Heroick Poem (whose perfections were task enough for the best pen of the Antients) is rendred to our age far more difficult to be accomplished, while both the Greek and Latin Poets had the advantage of those more concise and sublime Languages, to maintain the glory of their Epick works, (which above all kinds of writing discover the power and weight of a tongue) besides they had no small helps by introducing their Gods and Goddesses, whereby they could vary their Dialogues and Descriptions whensoever they wanted other matter: But this sacred Priviledge allowed to the antient Poets, (when the Muses were a part of their Divinity) will hardly give a like concession to us, who are Subjects to Heaven by different Letters-Patents, to which purpose, as I have avoided in my Poem any fabulous converse of that kind, so have I not introduced any practice of Christian Religion (not but the times of which I write may be supposed unprincipled enough to allow it) But rather taken for my Brittish Heroes a Religion from the results of nature, as more proper to Poesie; and which in point of morality, might not be ungrateful to the Reader of whatsoever perswasion.
The worth of Heroick Poesie is so well known to the Judicious, that it may seem impertinent in me to give any argument for its esteem; yet since I have made it the subject of my pen, I will presume to saysomething
