Her Bosom to the View was only bare;
The fanning Wind upon her Bosom blows;
To meet the fanning Wind her Bosom rose;
The fanning Wind, and purling Streams continue her Repose.
}
Mr. Dryden was 68 Years old when he wrote this Fable, which I have always taken for a Master-piece, with Respect to natural Thoughts, which are always agreeable, and harmonious Numbers. The Reader will perceive, that I do not forbear quoting fine Passages, because they are in the Spectator. I cannot allow of his Forestalling the Market; and besides, I take his Example to be preferable to his Precept. Himself does not stick to quote even from himself; as,
No 91. Sidley has that prevailing gentle Art, &c.
And again,
No [400.] Sidley has that prevailing gentle Art, &c.
Guard 110. Motto——Non ego paucis,
Offendor maculis.
Spec. 291. Motto——Non ego paucis,
Offendor maculis.
This however I will declare in my own Behalf, that I have quoted nothing from him which he has quoted from Milton or Dryden, but what I had before collected my self as remarkable Passages in their several Kinds of Thinking.