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INTRODUCTION.

"POETRY, especially heroical," says the great Bacon, "seems to be raised altogether from a noble foundation, which makes much for the dignity of man's nature. For, seeing this sensible world is in dignity inferior to the soul of man, Poesy seems to endow human nature with that which History denies, and to give satisfaction to the mind with at least the shadows of things, where the substance cannot be had. For if the matter be thoroughly considered, a strong argument may be drawn from Poesy, that a more stately greatness of things, a more perfect order, and a more beautiful variety, delight the soul of man, than any way can be found in nature since the Fall. Wherefore, seeing the acts and events which are the

INTRODUCTION.

subjects of true History, are not of that amplitude as to content the mind of man, Poesy is ready at hand to feign acts more heroical. Because true History reports the successes of business not proportionable to the merit of virtues and vices, Poesy corrects it, and presents events and fortunes according to desert, and according to the law of Providence. Because true History, through the frequent satiety and similitude of things, works a distaste and misprision in the mind of man, Poesy cheereth and refresheth the soul, chanting things rare and various, and full of vicissitudes. So as Poesy serveth and conferreth to delectation, magnanimity, and morality; and therefore it may seem deservedly to have some participation of divineness, because it doth raise the mind, and exalt the spirit with high raptures, by proportioning the shows of things to the desires of the mind, and not submitting the mind to things, as reason and history do; and by these allurements and congruities, whereby it cherisheth the soul of man, joined also with concert of music, whereby it may more sweetly insinuate itself, it hath won such success, that it hath been in estimation even in ruder times, and barbarous nations, when other learning stood excluded."

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