, in the Beauties which are essential to that kind of Writing.
first thing to be considered in an Epic Poem, is the Fable
, which is perfect or imperfect, according as the Action which it relates is more or less so. This Action should have three Qualifications in it. First, It
be but One Action. Secondly, It should be an entire Action; and, Thirdly, It should be a great Action
. To consider the Action of the
Iliad