Page:Gondibert, an heroick poem - William Davenant (1651).djvu/54

 their understandings; and Princes and Nobles being reform'd and made Angelical by the Heroicks, will be predominant lights, which the people cannot chuse but use for direction; as Glow-worms take in, and keep the Suns beams till they shine, and make day to themselves.

In saying that Divines have vainly hop'd to continue the peace of Government by perswasion, I have imply'd such perswasions as are accompanied with threatnings, and seconded by force; which are the perswasions of Pulpits; where is presented to the obstinate, Hell after Death; and the civil Magistrate during life constrains such obedience as the Church doth ordain. But the perswasions of Poesie, in stead of menaces, are Harmonious and Delightfull Insinuations, and never any constraint; unless the ravishment of Reason, may be call'd Force. And such Force (contrary to that which Divines, Commanders, States-men and Lawyers use) begets such obedience as is never weary or griev'd.

In declaring that States-men think not the State wholly secure by such manners as are bred from the perswasions of Divines, but more willingly make Government rely upon military-force, I have neither concluded that Poets are unprofitable, nor that States-men think so; for the wisdom of Poets, would first make the Images of Virtue so amiable, that her beholders should not be able to look off (rather gently and delightfully infusing, than inculcating Precepts) and then when the mind is conquer'd, like a willing Bride, Force should so behave it self, as noble Husbands use their power; that is, by letting their Wives see the Dignity and Prerogative of our Sex (which is the Husbands harmless conquest of Peace) continually maintain'd to hinder Disobedience, rather than rigorously impose Duty: But to such an easie government, neither the People which are subjects to Kings and States) nor Wives which are subject to Husbands) can peacefully yield, unless they are first conquer'd by Virtue; and the Conquests of Virtue be never easie, but where her forces are commanded by Poets.