ABSTRACT
We are now, Palemon, to treat of that kind of writing, which of all others is the truly excellent and great manner, and which is peculiar to a genius noble, lofty, comprehensive. You will easily know I mean the sublime, and perhaps may tell me the talk is difficult; I acknowledge it, especially when I consider that we have already a great author upon the subject, who has received the approbation of ages, and who, in the opinion of most, has exhausted it.—Yet I have something to plead as my apology for my presumption, for such I believe it may be reckoned, although not by you, yet by one, qui redit ad fastos, et virtutem aestimat annis.
