Dr. Barnes on Poetry. 55 
much may be faid in fupport of different hypo- 
thefes, we may hope for that collifion of friendly 
argument, which may ftrike out fome fparks, 
both of amufement and information. Thus, a 
comparatively trifling fubjeCt may eventually 
contribute to the nobleft ufes, to the exercife of 
the mental faculties, and to the diffufion of can¬ 
dour, and intelligence. Our time will not be 
quite mifpent, if we can only glean from the 
topic before us, a Angle hour’s agreeable and 
literary entertainment. 
tc Wherein confifts the ejfence of poetry,” is a 
queftion, which it will not be fo eafy to anfwer, 
as may at firft be imagined. Different authors 
have given very different definitions. Some 
have denominated it, “ The art of exprefling 
our thoughts by fiction.” Others have imagined 
its effence to lie, in <c The power of imitation - 
and others again, in “ The art of giving plea- 
fure.” But it is evident, that fttion, imitation , 
and fleajure , are not the properties of poetry 
alone. Profaic compofition may contain the moft: 
ingenious fables. It may prefent the moft ftrik- 
ing refemblances. It may infpire the moft fen- 
Able delight. 
Poetry has been generally denominated an 
art. Horace, if he himfclf gave the title to 
hjs own celebrated and admirable poem, has 
characterized it under that name. The tern, 
jtfelf (rw.;) would naturally lead to the fame 
E 4 idea$ 
