But foon by impious arms from Latium chas'd, Yet fome there were, among the founder few Of those who lefs prefum'd, and better knew, 25 Who durft affert the jufter ancient cause, And here reftor'd Wit's fundamental laws. Such was the mufe, whofe rules and practice tell, * Nature's chief mafter-piece is writing well. Such was Roscommon-not more learn'd than good To him the wit of Greece and Rome was known, Such late was Walsh,-the mufe's judge and friend, * An essay on poetry by the duke of Buckingham. Το To failings mild, but zealous for defert; Still pleas'd to praise, yet not afraid to blame; Not free from faults, nor yet too vain to mend. THE THE RAPE of the LOCK. ΑΝ HEROI-COMICAL POEM. Written in the year 1712. Nolueram, Belinda, tuos violare capillos, MARTIAL. то Mrs. Arabella Fermor. MADAM, I' T will be in vain to deny that I have fome regard for this piece, fince I dedicate it to you. Yet you may bear me witness, it was intended only to divert a few young Ladies who have good fenfe and good bu mour enough to laugh not only at their fex's little unguarded follies, but at their own. But as it was communicated with the air of a fecret, it foon found its way into the world. An imperfect copy having been offer'd to a bookfeller, you bad the good nature for my fake to confent to the publication of one more correct: This I was forced to before I had executed half my defign, for the machinery was entirely wanting to compleat it. The |