Page:Monsieur Bossu's Treatise of the epick poem - Le Bossu (1695).djvu/39

 Language is not so familiar, but by a modest Computation it may be affirm'd, That a tenth part of those that read Homer and Virgil, understand but very little of it. To such as these, this Translation may be of some Use; and perhaps others who think they already understand the French Tongue, may be glad to see so beneficial a Treatise in a more familiar and intelligible Language.

Another Reason that inclin'd me to this Undertaking is, the Notice I receiv'd that Virgil was now ready to be Translated into English by an eminent hand. Before therefore that that Translation came out into the World, I could not but think it proper and useful to usher it in by the Reflections of so able a Critick. And perhaps it may be of some Use to the Understanding Virgil, when read in our Mother-Tongue. Besides, it has the Fortune to come out just after Dr. Blackmore's Poem, and may be of great Use to those who have an Inclination to Poetry; for by it they will be able to judge of this English Poet.

As for the Translation, you must not expect a verbal one; for to that I neither think my self nor any body else oblig'd. I have kept as nigh my Author's Sence as possible; and perhaps some may think I have follow'd him too close. However, I did all I could to render him with all the Perspicuity which a Didactick Stile requir'd: and if that be granted me, I have all I aimed at. Some Terms of Art which Bossu borrow'd from the Greek, I was oblig'd to retain as I found them: but doubtless, whoever attentively reads what he has said about them, will soon find them to be no Mystery. The Citations in the Margent (as many as I thought good to make use of) are all left in their Original Languages: but such as are in the Text, I thought would appear best in English, unless when the Subject requir'd the contrary. For this purpose, some I made bold to borrow from the Translations that were ready