the Scholar to excel the Master, and the Son the Father. I think we ought to lay aside the Prejudices of an undue Veneration for the _greatest Antiquity_, and argue only from _Reason_; and that not only in the Comparison of the Ancients with one another; but even in That of the Ancients with the Moderns. I have a very great Honour for the _Greeks_ and _Romans_; but 'tis because their Writings are generally _good_, not because they are _ancient_: And when we think they are otherwise than good, I cannot imagine why we should not say so; provided it be with Modesty, and with a due Deference to the Opinions of Those who differ from us, whether they be dead or living. The famous Dispute about Ancient and Modern Learning would, I believe, be soon determined; were it not for unreasonable Prejudices to each of Those Names respectively. The Ancients, _as such_, have the Advantage in This, that they ought to be honoured as the Inventers of most Arts and Sciences; but then the Moderns, _as such_, have the Advantage in This, that besides their own Strength and Sagacity, they have the Models of the Ancients to improve upon: And very strange it would be, if they should not improve in some things, as well as lose in others. I shall give the particular Reasons for my Opinion of these two great Poets, before I finish: In the mean time, I hope the Reader will excuse my Rambling. I am very sensible that I shall not only differ in judgment from many Criticks of great Name, both Ancient and Modern; but that I am like to fall under the ready, and natural Censure of being prejudiced my self, while I warn against it in others. All I can say, is, that I have endeavoured to divest my self of it as much as possible; but cannot be positive that I am entirely free from it; being well aware that nothing in the World is more difficult. For I am sure I have followed _One_ Precept of my Lord _Roscommon_, in his excellent Essay on Translated Verse: _Examine how your Humour is inclin'd, And which the ruling Passion of your Mind; Then seek a Poet who that way does bend, And chuse an Author, as you chuse a Friend._