Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 4.djvu/305

Rh under insuperable oppression; and the disgust which blank verse, encumbering and encumbered, superadds to an unpleasing subject, soon repels the reader, however willing to be pleased.

Let me however honestly report whatever may counterbalance this weight of censure. I have been told, that Akenside, who, upon a poetical question, has a right to be heard, said, "That he would regulate his opinion of the reigning taste by the fate of Dyer's "Fleece;" for, if that were ill received, he should not think it any longer reasonable to expect fame from excellence."