ABSTRACT
From The Poet, in Angliae Speculum Morale . .. (1670), pp. 66-8; repro in Works of Spenser, ed. H. J. Todd (1805), II. cxli: The Bards and Chroniclers in the Isles of Britain and Ireland have been in former times even ador'd for the Ballads in which they extoll'd the Deeds of their forefathers; and since the ages have been refmed, doubtless, Englal1d hath produced those, who in this way have equalled most of the Antients: and exceeded all the Modems. Chaucer rose like the morning Starr of Wit, out of those black mists of ignorance; since him, Spencer may deservedly challenge the Crown; for though he may seem blameable in not observing decorum in some places enough, and in too much, in the whole, countenancing Knight-errantry; yet the easie similitudes, the natural Pourtraicts, the so refined and sublimated fancies, with which he hath so bestudded every Canto of his subject will easily reach him the Guerdon; and though some may object to him that his Language is harsh and antiquated; yet his design was noble; to shew us that our Language was expressive enough of our own sentiments; and to upbraid those who have indenizon'd such numbers of forreign words.
