Page:Virgil - The Georgics, Thomas Nevile, 1767.djvu/11

 Rh Of all the works of Genius none is so well suited to every purpose of improvement as the poem of which I now present you with a copy. A sentimental cadence of verse; a constant care of avoiding every the least anticipation, every foreign intermixture, that may divert the mind from the main object, or cause a faint impression of the principal idea; and a felicity of expression, that without the appearance of design ennobles the meanest topics, are among it's more distinguished excellencies. These in an eminent degree demand the attention of all, who are solicitous to acquire a just notion of chaste composition.

But wherefore do I talk of at a time, when the Public seems little disposed to favour any well-conducted plan; when impure  is permitted to usurp the place of genuine Wit, and barbarous  unreproved assumes the honours due to legitimate Satire?

It is not difficult to foresee what effects this depravity may have even on the moral character of the rising Generation, if it receive not a seasonable check from the authoritative Rh