Page:Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age (1896).djvu/23

Rh the Art of English Poesy") to prove that the use of rhyme should be discontinued and that English metres should be fashioned after classical models. "Poesy," he writes, "in all kind of speaking is the chief beginner and maintainer of eloquence, not only helping the ear with the acquaintance of sweet numbers, but also raising the mind to a more high and lofty conceit. For this end have I studied to induce a true form of versifying into our language; for the vulgar and the artificial custom of rhyming hath, I know, deterr'd many excellent wits from the exercise of English poesy." The work was published in 1602, the year after he had issues the first collection of his lyrics. It was in answer to Campion that Samuel Daniel wrote his admirable "Defence of Rhyme" (1602; ed. 2, 1603). Daniel was puzzled, as well he might be, that an attack on rhyme should have been made by one "whose commendable rhymes, albeit now himself an enemy to rhyme, have given heretofore to the world the best notice of his worth." It is pleasant to find Daniel testifying to the fact that Campion was "a man of fair parts and good reputation." Drummond reports that Ben Jonson wrote "a Discourse of Poesy both against Campion and Daniel;" but the discourse was never published.

Fortunately Campion did not abandon rhyme.