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And Boileau still in right of Horace sways.
But we, brave Britons, foreign laws despis'd,
And kept unconquer'd and unciviliz'd;
Fierce for the liberties of wit, and bold,
We still defy'd the Romans, as of old.

715

Yet some there were, among the founder few
Of those who less prefum'd, and better knew,

720

Who durst assert the juster ancient cause,

And here restor'd Wit's fundamental laws.

Such was the Muse, whose rules and practice tell,

„Nature's chief Master-piece is writing well.,,

725

COMMENTARY.

VER. 724. Such was the Muse -) Essay on Poetry by the Duke of Buckingham. Our Poet is not the only one of his time who complimented this Effay, and its noble Author. Mr. Dryden had done it very largely in the Dedication to his tranflation of the Æneid; and Dr. Garth in the first Edition of his Dispensary fays,

The Tyber now no courtly Gallus sees,
But fmiling Thames enjoys his Normanbys.

Tho' afterwards omitted, when parties were carried so high in the reign of Queen Anne, as to allow no commendation to an opposite in Politics. The Duke was all his life a steady adherent to the Church of England-Party, yet an Enemy to the extravagant measures of the Court in the reign of Charles II. On which account, after having strongly patronized Mr. Dryden, za coolness fucceeded between them on that poet's absolute attachment to the Court, which carried him fome lengths beyond what the Duke could approve of. This nobleman's true character had been very well marked by Mr. Dryden before,

The Muse's friend,

Himfelf a Mufe. In Sanadrin's debate

True to his prince, but not a flave of state.

Abf. and Achit.

Our Author was more happy, he was honoured very young with his friendship, and it continued till his death in all the circumftances of a familiar esteem.

731

Such was Roscommon, not more learn'd than good,
With manners gen'rous as his noble blood;
To him the wit of Greece and Rome was known,
And ev'ry author's merit, but his own.
Such late was Walsh - the Muse's judge and friend,
Who juttly knew to blame or to commend;
To failings mild, but zealous for defert;
The clearest head, and the fincerest heart.
This humble praise, lamented shade! receive,
This praise at least a grateful Muse may give: 735
The Muse, whose early voice you taught to fing,
Prefcrib'd her heights, and prun'd her tender wing,
(Her guide now loft) no more attempts to rife,
But in low numbers short excurfions tries: 739
Content, if hence th' unlearn'd their wants may view,
The learn'd reflect on what before they knew:
Careless of cenfure, nor too fond of fame;
Still pleas'd to praise, yet not afraid to blame;
Averse alike to flatter, or offend;

Not free from faults, nor yet too vain to mend. 745

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