Prefaces, Biographical and Critical, to the Works of the English Poets: Denham. Sprat. Roscommon. Rochester. Yalden. Otway. Duke. Dorset. Halifax. Stepney. Walsh. Garth. King. J. Philips. Smith. Pomfret. Hughes

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J. Nichols, 1779

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Página 57 - He was a Whig, with all the virulence and malevolence of his party ; yet difference of opinion did not keep us apart. I honoured him, and he endured me.
Página 18 - It was my Lord Roscommon's Essay on Translated Verse ; which made me uneasy till I tried whether or no I was capable of following his rules, and of reducing the speculation into practice. For many a fair precept in Poetry is like a seeming demonstration in the Mathematics, very specious in the diagram, but failing in the mechanic operation.
Página 14 - Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer, And without sneering, teach the rest to sneer; Willing to wound and yet afraid to strike, Just hint a fault and hesitate dislike; Alike...
Página 58 - His studies had been so various, that I am not able to name a man of equal knowledge. His acquaintance with books was great; and what he did not immediately know, he could at least tell where to find.
Página 59 - James, whose skill in physic will be long remembered ; and with David Garrick, whom I hoped to have gratified with this character of our common friend. But what are the hopes of man ? I am disappointed by that stroke of death which has eclipsed the gaiety of nations, and impoverished the public stock of harmless pleasure.
Página 8 - Its whole power is upon the affections; for it is not written with much comprehension of thought, or elegance of expression. But if the heart is interested, many other beauties may be wanting, yet not be missed.
Página 24 - Horace his wit and Virgil's state He did not steal, but emulate! And when he would like them appear, Their garb, but not their clothes, did wear.
Página 4 - Roscommon, being a boy of ten years of age, at Caen in Normandy, one day was, as it were, madly extravagant in playing, leaping, getting over the tables, boards, &c. He was wont to be sober enough ; they said, God grant this bodes no ill luck to him ! In the heat of this extravagant fit, he cries out,
Página 7 - Carlos his pockets so amply had fill'd, That his mange was quite cured, and his lice were all kill'd. But Apollo had seen his face on the stage, And prudently did not think fit to engage The scum of a play-house, for the prop of an age.
Página 15 - Thou canst hurt no man's fame with thy ill word; Thy pen is full as harmless as thy sword.

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