t he would have blamed my
author, who was a Christian, had he introduced into his poem heathen
deities, as Tasso is condemned by Rapin on the like occasion; and as
Camoens, the author of the "Lusiads," ought to be censured by all his
readers, when he brings in Bacchus and Christ into the same adventure
of his fable.

From that which has been said, it may be collected, that the
definition of wit (which has been so often attempted, and ever
unsuccessfully by many poets,) is only this: That it is a propriety of
thoughts and words; or, in other terms, thoughts and words elegantly
adapted to the subject. If our critics will join issue on this
definition, that we may _convenire in aliquo tertio_; if they will
take it as a granted principle, it will be easy to put an end to this
dispute. No man will disagree from another's judgment concerning the
dignity of style in heroic poetry; but all reasonable men will
conclude it necessary, that sublime subjects ought to be adorned with
the sublimest, and consequently often, with the most figurative
expressions. In the mean time I will not run into their fault of
imposing my opinions on other men, any more than I would my writings
on their taste: I have only laid down, and that superficially enough,
my present thoughts; and shall be glad to be taught better by those
who pretend to reform our poetry.

Footnote:
1. With all this mitigation, the passage seems horrible bombast.

THE

STATE OF INNOCENCE,

AND

FALL OF MAN.

ACT I.

SCENE I.--_Represents a Chaos, or a confused Mass of Matter; the Stage
is almost wholly dark: A Symphony of warlike Music is heard for some
time; then from the Heavens, (which are opened) fall the rebellious
Angels, wheeling in Air, and seeming transfixed with Thunderbolts:
The bottom of the Stage being opened, receives the Angels, who fall
out of sight. Tunes of Victory are played, and an Hymn sung; Angels
discovered above, brandishing their Swords: The Music ceasing, and
the Heavens being closed, the Scene shifts, and on a sudden
represents Hell: Part of the Scene is a Lake of Brimstone, or
rolling Fire; the Earth of a burnt Colour: The fallen Angels appear
on the Lake, lying prostrate; a Tune of Horror and Lamentation is
heard._

LUCIFER, _raising himself on the Lake._

_Lucif._ Is this the seat