niversity of Aberdeen, in his enquiry into the life and writings of
Homer, censures the structure of the poem; but, at the same time pays
a compliment to the abilities of the author. "It was indeed (says he)
a very extraordinary project of our ingenious countryman, to write an
epic poem without mixing allegory, or allowing the smallest fiction
throughout the composure. It was like lopping off a man's limb, and
then putting him upon running races; tho' it must be owned that the
performance shews, with what ability he could have acquitted himself,
had he been sound and entire."

Such the animadversions which critics of great name have made on
Gondibert, and the result is, that if Davenant had not power to begin
and consummate an epic poem, yet by what he has done, he has a right
to rank in the first class of poets, especially when it is considered
that we owe to him the great perfection of the theatre, and putting it
upon a level with that of France and Italy; and as the theatrical are
the most rational of all amusements, the latest posterity should hold
his name in veneration, who did so much for the advancement of
innocent pleasures, and blending instruction and gaiety together.

The dramatic works of our author are,

1. Albovine King of the Lombards, a tragedy. This play is commended by
eight copies of verses. The story of it is related at large, in a
novel, by Bandello, and is translated by Belleforest[3].

2. Cruel Brother, a tragedy.

3. Distresses, a tragi-comedy, printed in folio, Lond. 1673.

4. First Day's Entertainment at Rutland-House, by declamation and
music, after the manner of the ancients. Of this we have already given
some account.

5. The Fair Favourite, a tragi-comedy, printed in folio, 1673.

6. The Just Italian, a tragi-comedy.

7. Law against Lovers, a tragi-comedy, made up of two plays by
Shakespear, viz. Measure for Measure, and Much Ado about Nothing.

8. Love and Honour, a tragi-comedy; which succeeded beyond any other
of our author's plays, both on the theatre at Lincoln's-Inn, and
Dorset-Garden.

9. Man's the Master, a tragi-comedy, acted upon the Duke of York's
theatre.

10. Platonic Lovers, a tragi-comedy.

11. Play House to be Let. It is difficult to say, under what species
this play should be placed, as it consists of pieces of different
kinds blended together, several of which the author wrote in Oliver's
time, that were acted separately by stealth.--The History of Sir
Fr