This last consideration has already answered an objection, which some have made, that “Rhyme is only an Embroidery of Sense; to make that which is ordinary in itself, pass for excellent with less examination.”  But, certainly, that which most regulates the Fancy, and gives the Judgement its busiest employment, is like[ly] to bring forth the richest and clearest thoughts.  The Poet examines that most which he produceth with the greatest leisure, and which, he knows, must pass the severest test of the audience, because they are aptest to have it ever in their memory:  as the stomach makes the best concoction when it strictly embraces the nourishment, and takes account of every little particle as it passes through.

But, as the best medicines may lose their virtue, by being ill applied; so is it with Verse, if a fit Subject be not chosen for it.  Neither must the Argument alone, but the Characters and Persons be great and noble:  otherwise, as SCALIGER says of CLAUDIAN, the Poet will be Ignobiliore materia depressus.  The Scenes which (in my opinion) most commend it, are those of Argumentation and Discourse, on the result of which, the doing or not doing [of] some considerable Action should depend.

But, my Lord! though I have more to say upon this subject; yet, I must remember, ’tis your Lordship, to whom I speak:  who have much better commended this Way by your writing in it; than I can do, by writing for it.  Where my Reasons cannot prevail, I am sure your Lordship’s Example must.  Your Rhetoric has gained my cause; as least, the greatest part of my design has already succeeded to my wish:  which was, to interest so noble a Person in the Quarrel; and withal, to testify to the World, how happy I esteem myself in the honour of being, My Lord,

Your Lordship’s most humble, and most obedient servant,

JOHN DRYDEN.

The Honourable Sir ROBERT HOWARD, Auditor of the Exchequer.

Preface to Four new Plays.

[Licensed 7 March 1665, Printed the same year.]

TO THE READER.

There is none more sensible than I am, how great a charity the most Ingenious may need, that expose their private wit to a public judgement; since the same Phancy from whence the thoughts proceed, must probably be kind to its own issue.  This renders men no perfecter judges of their own writings, than fathers are of their own children:  who find out that wit in them, which another discerns not; and see not those errors, which are evident to the unconcerned.  Nor is this Self Kindness more fatal to men in their writings, than in their actions; every man being a greater flatterer to himself, than he knows how to be to another:  otherwise, it were impossible that things of such distant natures, should find their own authors so equally kind in their affections to them; and men so different in parts and virtues, should rest equally contented in their own opinions.