Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/93

 them to form their Idea's; and where Ignorance, could it be had, is more valuable than any, much more than a Critical Knowledge.

3. Since,

the Felicity of a manageable Language, when improved by Men of nice Ears, and true Judgments, is greater, and goes further to make Men Orators and Poets, than Monsieur Perrault seems willing to allow; though there is a plain Reason for his Unwillingness: The French Language wants Strength to temper and support its Smoothness for the nobler Parts of Poesie, and perhaps of Oratory too, though the French Nation wants no Accomplishments necessary to make a Poet, or an Orator. Therefore their late Criticks are always setting Rules, and telling Men what must be done, and what omitted, if they would be Poets. What they find they cannot do themselves, shall be so clogged where they may have the Management, that others shall be afraid to attempt it. They are too fond of their Language, to acknowledge where the