Αυδηεντα δο εθηκε θεα λευκωλεν Ἡρη.
Then, strange to tell, (so Juno will'd) he broke Eternal Silence, and portentous spoke. Pope.
In such Cases as these, whatsoever is possible, is probable: If you determine otherwise, Poetry is depriv'd of one of its best Ornaments, its greatest Fund of Surprize. And the same Observation extends to some Parts of the wonderful, which are not accounted for by a divine Power: As in the Instance of Polyphemus, and the other Cyclops, in Homer and Virgil. That there were really Giants, is an Opinion, which not only the Ancients believ'd, but the Scriptures have confirm'd: But whether such Giants were ever in Being, as are there describ'd, is a Point of no Moment. Therefore Virgil's Description of Polyphemus is very injudiciously censur'd by some Criticks:
[472] ——Graditurque per æquor Jam medium, nec dum fluctus latera ardua tinxit.
Then stalk'd along Thro' the mid Ocean; nor did yet the Waves Tinge his tall Sides.
And afterwards:
[473] Clamorem immensum tollit; quo pontus, & omnes. Intramuere undæ, penitusque exterrita tellus Italiæ, curvisque immugiit Ætna cavernis.
He rais'd a hideous Yell; at which the Sea Trembled, and all its Waves: Italia quak'd; And Ætna bellow'd thro' its winding Caves.
This is so far from being improbable, or carrying the Hyperbole too far, that nothing can be more elegant and sublime; especially if we consider the Nature of Fear, which always enlarges what is great, and raises a Train of Horrors upon one another. It is, indeed, very hyperbolical; but the Nature of the Thing describ'd, not only excuses, but demands that Boldness. I own Homer has a few Examples of the improbable; and there is one Instance of this Kind in Virgil; I mean where Camilla is describ'd in those most elegant Verses,
[474] Illa vel intactæ segetis per summa volaret Gramina, nec teneras cursu læsisset aristas; Aut mare per medium fluctu suspensa tumenti Ferret iter, celeres neque tingeret æquore plantas.