Page:Poems of Anne Countess of Winchilsea 1903.djvu/147

Rh :Like mighty Denhams, then, methinks my hand,
 * Might bid the Landskip, in strong numbers stand,
 * Fix all itts charms, with a Poetick skill,
 * And raise itts Fame, above his Cooper's hill.

This, I confesse, is whatt in itts self itt deserves, but the unhappy difference is, that he by being a real Poet, cou'd make that place (as he sais) a Parnassus to him ; whilst I, that behold a real Parnassus here, in that lovely Hill, which in this Park bears that name, find in my self, so little of the Poet, that I am still restrain'd from attempting a description of itt in verse, tho' the agreeablenesse of the subject, has often prompted me most strong But now, having pleaded an irresistable impulse, as excuse for writing, which was the cheif design ol this Preface, I must also expresse my hopes of excaping all suspition of vanity, or affectation of applause from itt; since I have in my introduction, deliver'd my sincere opinion that when a Woman meddles with things of this nature, :So strong, th' opposing faction still appears,
 * The hopes to thrive, can ne're outweigh the fears.

And, I am besides sensible, that Poetry has been of late so explain'd, the laws of itt being putt into familiar languages, that even those of my sex, (if they will be so presumptuous as to write) are very accountable for their transgressions against them. For what rule of Aristotle, or Horace is there, that has not been given us by Rapin, Despreaux, D'acier, my Lord Roscomon, etc. ? What has Mr. Dryden omitted, that may lay open the very misteries of this Art ? and can there any where be found a more delightsome, or more usefull piece of Poetry, then that,


 * Which so repairs, our old Horatian way."

If then, after the perusal of these, we fail, we cannott plead