Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 2.djvu/39

 was as well provided with them as Æneas, tho' he was invulnerable without them: And Ariosto, the two Tasso's, Bernardo, and Torquato, even our own Spencer; in a word, all Modern Poets have Copied Homer, as well as Virgil; he is neither the first nor last, but in the midst of them; and therefore is safe, if they are so. Who knows, says Segrais, but that his fated Armour was only an Allegorical Defence, and signifi'd no more, than that he was under the peculiar Protection of the Gods? born, as the Astrologers will tell us out of Virgil, (who was well vers'd in the Chaldæan Mysteries) under the favourable Influence of Jupiter, Venus and the Sun. But I insist not on this, because I know you believe not there is such an Art: though not only Horace and Persius, but Augustus himself, thought otherwise. But in defence of Virgil, I dare positively say, that he has been more cautious in this particular than either his Predecessor, or his Descendants. For Æneas was actually wounded, in the Twelfth of the Æneis; though he had the same God-Smith to Forge his Arms, as had Achilles. It seems he was no Warluck, as the Scots commonly call such Men, who they say, are Iron-free, or Lead free. Yet after this Experiment, that his Arms were not impenetrable, when he was Cur'd indeed by his Mother's help; because he was that Day to conclude the War by the Death of Turnus, the Poet durst not carry the Miracle too far, and restore him wholly to his former Vigour: He was still too weak to overtake his Enemy; yet we see with what Courage he attacks Turnus, when he faces, and renews the Combat. I need say no more, for Virgil defends himself, without needing my assistance; and proves his Heroe truly to deserve that Name. He was not then a Second-rate Champion, as they would have him, who think Fortitude the first Virtue in a Heroe. But being beaten from this Hold, they will not yet allow him to be