m 



much in fashion : it was employed by the minstrel, to eii- 

 liven the feast and revel, which succeeded to the military 

 pageants: it was employed by the gallant and enamoured 

 knights, in the masques and serenades, with which they 

 paid homage to their mistresses. The females, top, begaa 

 to be sensible of their own value; to perceive, and be 

 proud of the admiration which they excited; and to think 

 themselves bound to deserve the adoration and attachment 

 of their admirers, by suitable (jualifications. They endea- 

 voured, therefore, to secure the continuance of theii- em- 

 pire, over the hearts of tlieir lovers, by the embellisluneats 

 of the mind, and the attainment of a variety of pleasing 

 and elegaixt accomplishments. Among these, music and sing- 

 ing were not forgotten. We find, accordingly, in the early 

 descriptions of charming and elegant females, that singing, 

 and playing on the lute, are always mentioned. As to 

 poetry, it evidently must have followed in the train of 

 chivalrj'. That institution produced an elevation of senti- 

 ment, an ardent and generous love of fame, which led the 

 great and powerful, who had the means of encouraging 

 poetry, to prize and appreciate the exertions of the bard. 

 The courteous and valiant knights loaded the poets of tlie 

 time with favours: they made them the companions of 

 their amusements and pleasures; the chroniclers of tkeir 

 loves and triumphs. They even endeavoured to imitate 

 them, and join the bay to the myrtle and the laurel. Thus 

 we find even Richard Coeur de Lion had cultivated the 

 muses; and wie have poetical remains of his composition. 



The 



