ΟΝ ΤΗΕ BEAUTIES OF POETRY. By DANIEL WEBB, Efq; Then Criticism the Mufe's Handmaid prov'd, Effay on Criticism. LONDON, Printed for R. and J. DODSLEY, in Pall-Mall. 440838-B. ΟΝ ΤΗΕ BEAUTIES OF POETRY. Hort. Afpafia, Hortenfius, Eugenio. OU did not know, Eugenio, You that the Gentleman who has juft left us, is a Poet. You faw how he took fire at your reflection on Rhyme. Your affertion, that Blank Verfe is better adapted to the genius of Poetry, and the general improvement of Eloquence, cannot be difputed, whenever the abuse of rhyme is carried fo far, as that the Sound becomes more B the the object of our attention than the Sense; or, that the force and beauty of Expreffion are facrificed to an infignificant jingle. Mr. Dryden, I remember, speaking of Rhyme, fays" What it adds to sweetness, it takes away from fenfe; and he who lofes least by it, may be called a gainer." Afp. AND yet there is fomething fo pleafing in the chiming of founds, or elfe, from the influence of early impreffions, we are fo accustomed to receive and feel it as a pleafure, that I am perfuaded, Eugenio's opinion, were it made public, would not have many followers. Eng. You do well, Afpafia, to diftinguish between things pleafing in themfelves, and fuch as are fo merely from the force of habit. Were there any thing truly delightful in the nature of Rhymes, it is not probable, that that the ancients fhould have over-looked this advantage; nor would it have been reserved for a set of trifling Monks, to fing them into reputation. But thefe are general reflections: in order to decide the matter in debate, it would be neceffary to make a particular inquiry into the Beauties of Verfification; and to determine from them the merits of its several modes. Afp. I WISH, Eugenio, you would undertake this talk. One condition, however, I muft infift on, that in Love matters you fhew us fome indulgence. What will you leave us, if you steal sour Rhyme? Hor. JINGLING is fo pretty a fubftitute of fentiment, it is fo wedded to gallantry, that it were a cruelty to divorce them. I will fecure you, Afpafia, against any fuch at |