[62] Spectator, No. 44.
[63] Poet. cap 6. See also cap. 7.
[64] Chap. 8.
[65] See chap. 1.
[66] See chap. 21.
[67] I am sensible that a commencement of this sort is much relished by certain readers disposed to wonder. Their curiosity is raised, and they are much tickled in its gratification. But curiosity is at an end with the first reading, because the personages are no longer unknown; and therefore at the second reading a commencement so artificial, loses all its power even over the vulgar. A writer of genius loves to deal in lasting beauties.
[68] Bossu, after observing, with wonderful critical sagacity, that winter is an improper season for an epic poem, and night not less improper for tragedy; admits however, that an epic poem may be spread through the whole summer months, and a tragedy through the whole sun-shine hours of the longest summer-day. Du poeme epique, l. 3. chap. 12. At this rate an English tragedy may be longer than a French tragedy; and in Nova Zembla the time of a tragedy and of an epic poem may be the same.
[69] Chap. 2. part 1. sect. 6.
[70] Act 1. sc. 6.
[71] Act 2. sc. 2.