Page:The Poetical Works of Thomas Parnell (1833).djvu/291

Rh

do my reader the justice, before I enter upon these notes of Zoilus, to inform him, that I have not in any author met this work ascribed to him by its title, which has made me not mention it in the life- But thus much in general appears, that he wrote several things besides his censure on the Iliad, which, as it gives ground for this opinion, encourages me to offer an account of the treatise.

Being acquainted with a grave gentleman who searches after editions, purchases manuscripts, and collects copies, I applied to him for some editions of this poem, which he readily obliged me with. But, added he, taking down a paper, I doubt I shall discourage you from your translation, when I show this work, which is written upon the original, by Zoilus, the famous adversary of Homer. Zoilus! said I with surprise; I thought his works had long since perished. They have so, answered he, all except this little piece,