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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1801 Excerpt: ...proposes, is to extend our ideas of human perfection; or, in other words, ' to excite admiration. Now this can be accomplished only, by proper representations of heroic deeds, and virtuous characters; For high virtue is the object, which all mankind I Compaffioni, is the great object of tragedy; ridicule, the province ofcomedy. The predominant character of the epic, is admiration excited by heroic action. It is sufficiently distinguished from history, 'both by its poetical form, and the liberty of fiction which it assumes. It is a more calm composition than tragedy. It admits, nay requires, the pathetic and the violent, on particular occasions; but the pathetic is not expected to be its general character. It requires, more than any other species of poetry, a grave, equal, and supported dignity. It takes in a greater compass of timsie and action, than dramatic writing admits; and thereby allows a more full display of characters. Dramatic writing, displays characters chiefly by means ofsentiments and paflions; epic poetry, chsiiefly by means of actions. The emotions, therefore, which it raises, are not so violent, but they are more prolonged.--These are the general characteristics of this species of composition. But, in order to give a more particular and critical view of it, let us consider the epic poem under' three heads; first, with respect to the subject, or action; secondly with respect to the actors, or characters; and lastly with respect to the narration of the poet; The action, or subject of the epic poem, must have three properties; it must be one; it must be great; it must be inieresting. First, it must be one action, or enterprise, which the poet chuses for his subject. I have frequently had occasion to remark the importance of unity of the story. ...

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