The following Recommendatory Verses, Dryden thought worthy of being prefixed to the later editions of his "Absalom and Achitophel," for which reason they are here retained. It will be observed, that they all mention the author as unknown. This, however, we are not to understand literally; since it is obvious, from the contemporary libels, that Dryden was well known for the author. But, till he placed his name in the title page, his friends were not to affect to know more than that told them; as it is impolite to recognize a person who affects a disguise.
TO
THE UNKNOWN AUTHOR
OF THIS EXCELLENT POEM.
Take it as earnest of a faith renewed,
Your theme is vast, your verse divinely good:
}
{ Where, though the Nine their beauteous stroaks repeat,
{ And the turned lines on golden anvils beat,
{ It looks as if they strook them at a heat.
}
{ So all serenely great, so just refined,