PRINTED FOR S. PRICE, W. SLEATER, J. SHEPPARD, H. CHAMBERLAINE, J. BEATTY, P.BYRNE, R. BURTON, T.WEBB, AND J. PARKER. M,DCC,LXXXII. ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST EPISTLE. Introduction.-Defign of the Poem to remove prejudices which obftruct the cultivation of Epic writing.—Origin of Poetry.-Honours paid to its infancy.—Homer the first Poet remaining.— Difficulty of the question why be had no Succeffor in Greece. Remark of a celebrated Writer, that as Criticifm flourishes Poetry declines.-Defence of Critics-Danger of a bigoted acquiefcence in critical Systems—and of a Poet's criticising his own works.- Advantages of Friendship and Study of the higher Poets. |