talent from the cheated Simon, or Silenus the guardian and attendant of the pupil god (Bacchus). I should follow a poem feigned from a known (subject), that should any one hope the same to himself, he shall sweat much and labour in vain, having dared the same: the order and junction have so much power; so much grace accedes to (subjects) taken from the middle (class of life). The Fauns brought from the woods must beware, I being judge, lest, as those born in the high streets and almost in the forum, they either sport in verses too soft, or utter obscure and ignominious sayings: for (those) who have a horse, and father, and property are offended; nor if the purchaser of parched peas and nuts approve of any thing, do they receive it with favourable sentiments, or present (the actor) with a

crown.

XIX. 251. Of Iambic Feet.

A long syllable put after a short one is called Iambus, a quick foot; whence also it commanded the name of trimeters to be added to Iambics, when it yielded six beats, from first to last like itself: not so long ago, that it might come to the ears somewhat slower and more grave, accommodating and patient it received the stable Spondees into its paternal rights: that it should not depart socially from the second or fourth seat: this seldom appears in the noble trimeters both of Accius and Ennius. Verses being sent on the stage with great weight, brands (one) with the base crime either of too hasty work, and wanting care, or of (being) ignorant of the art. Not every judge sees ill-modulated poems; and shameful indulgence is given to Roman poets. Therefore shall I wander, and write licentiously; as I shall think all will see my faults, safe and cautious within the hope of pardon? lastly, I have avoided a fault, not merited praise. Do ye turn over the Greek examples with nocturnal hand, turn (them) with a daily (hand). But your ancestors have praised both the numbers and wit of Plautus; admiring each too patiently, I will not say foolishly; if only I and you knew (how) to separate a coarse from a refined saying, and understand a legitimate sound by the fingers and

ear.

XX. 275. The Progress of ancient Drama.

Thespis is said to have found out an unknown kind of tragic song, and to have carried poems in waggons, which they sung

Pora fæcibus. Post hunc Eschylus repertor persona que honestæ pallæ, et instravit ? pulpita modicis tignis, et docuit que loqui magnum, que niti cothurno. Vetus comœdia successit his, non sine multâ laude; sed libertas excidit in vitium, et vim dignam regi "lege: lex est accepta, que chorus turpitèr obticuit, jure nocendi sublato. Nostri poëtæ liquêre nil intentatum, nec meruêre minimum decus, ausi deserere Græca vestigia, et celebrâre domestica facta; vel qui docuêre prætextas, vel qui togatas.

k

с

(c) Anaphora. (*) Metaphora. (n) Polyptoton.

(p) Synecdoche.

and acted having daubed their countenances with lees. After him Eschylus the inventor of the mask, and decent robe, both strewed the floor with moderate beams, and taught to speak great, and to tread with the buskin. Ancient comedy succeeded these, not without much praise; but liberty fell into vice and violence worthy to be ruled by law: a law was enacted, and the chorus was basely silent, the right of injuring being taken away. Our poets have left nothing untried, nor have they merited the least honour, having dared to desert the Grecian footsteps, and to celebrate domestic facts; or those who taught tragedy, or those who (taught) comedy.

Q

PART THE THIRD;

HE PRESCRIBES

WHAT THINGS ARE TO BE OBSERVED

IN WRITING.

ARGUMENT OF PRECEPTS.

XXI. 289. What you have written is to be often Corrected.XXII. 309. Of Reading the writings of Philosophers. XXIII, 333. Of the End of Poetry.-XXIV. 347. Of Moderate Faults not to be erased. XXV. 366. A Poem which is not the best avails nothing.-XXVI. 379. Let him who knows not how (to write), abstain from writing.XXVII. 385. Of employing a proper Judge.-XXVIII. 391. Of the Dignity of the Poetic Art.-XXIX. 408. Of Art and Nature being necessary in Poetry.-XXX. 419. Of a sincere friend (being) Censor.