Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 2.djvu/44

 In the first place, Segrais observes with much acuteness, that they who blame Æneas for his insensibilty of Love, when he left Carthage, contradict their former Accusation of him, for being always Crying, Compassionate, and Effeminately sensible of those Misfortunes which befell others. They give him two contrary Characters, but Virgil makes him of a piece, always grateful, always tender-hearted. But they are impudent enough to discharge themselves of this blunder, by lying the Contradiction at Virgil's door. He, they say, has shewn his Heroe with these inconsistent Characters: Acknowledging, and Ungrateful, Compassionate, and Hard-hearted; but at the bottom, Fickle, and Self-interested. For Dido had not only receiv'd his weather-beaten Troops before she saw him, and given them her Protection, but had also offer'd them an equal share in her Dominion.

This was an Obligement never to be forgotten; and the more to be consider'd, because antecedent to her Love. That Passion, tis true, produc'd the usual effects of Generosity, Gallantry, and care to please; and thither we referr them. But when she had made all these Advances, it was still in his power to have refus'd them: After the Intrigue of the Cave, call it Marriage, or Enjoyment only, he was no longer free to take or leave; he had accepted the Favour, and was oblig'd to be constant, if he would be grateful.

My Lord, I have set this Argument in the best light I can, that the Ladies may not think I write booty: and perhaps it may happen to me, as it did to Doctor Cudworth, who has rais'd such strong Objections against the Being of a God, and Providence, that many think