THE LOUSIAD.
For Peter nat'ral 'tis to speak In rhyme, as 'tis for pigs to squeak.
PETER PINDAR TO THE READER.
Gentle Reader,—It is necessary to inform thee that his Majesty actually discovered, some time ago, as he sat at table, a louse on his plate. The emotion occasioned by the unexpected appearance of such a guest can be better imagined than described.
An edict was, in consequence, passed for shaving the cooks, scullions, &c., and the unfortunate louse condemned to die.
Such is the foundation of the Lousiad: with what degree of merit the poem is executed, the uncritical as well as the critical reader will decide.
The ingenious author, who ought to be allowed to know somewhat of the matter, hath been heard privately to declare, that in his opinion the Batrachomymachia of Homer, the Secchia Rapita of Tassoni, the Lutrin of Boileau, the Dispensary of Garth, and the Rape of the Lock of Pope, are not to be compared to it,—and to exclaim at the same time, with the modest assurance of an author—
Cedite, scriptores Romani; cedite, Graii— Nil ortum in terris, Loiusiadâ, melius.
Which, for the sake of the mere English reader, is thus beautifully translated:—