244 



I make the last verse of the triplet a Pindaric, (that is an 

 Alexandrine,) for besides the majesty it gives, it confines the 

 sense within the barrier of three lines, which would languish 

 if lengthened into four." 



After quoting the opinion of Dr. Johnson, of Dryden, 

 and of a writer in Number XIV. of the Classical Journal, 

 respecting blank verse, the author gives his own, and com- 

 mences by stating it as necessary to the perfection of any art, 

 that it should be difficult, x^e™ ra icaXa, and that the great- 

 er the difficulty, within certain bounds, the more excellent 

 will be the execution. The facility of writing blank verse 

 presents such a temptation to run out into long declamatory 

 sentences, that it seldom gratifies the ear, except in some 

 select passages, where the poet is inspired by the beauty of 

 the subject. In rhyme the style is neater and more con- 

 densed ; the figures and images are more approximated, and 

 the impression more lively and vigorous. Variety in blank 

 verse is often, perhaps generally, indulged even to extrava- 1 

 gance, while uniformity is the reproach of rhyme. 



The author maintains that the heroic hexameter of the 

 ancients is incompatible with our language ; and concludes 

 with a variety of miscellaneous observations. An appendix 

 is subjoined, containing notes and examples illustrative of 

 facts and opinions occurring in the Essay. 



The Secretary read the original Resolution of the Aca- 

 demy, by which the President of the Royal Society is an 

 Honorary Member, and likewise, the resolution of Council 

 of the 3rd of December, relating thereto. 



It was ordered that the Diploma now read be engrossed 

 on vellum, and transmitted to the Marquess of Northampton, 

 President of the Royal Society. 



The Academy then adjourned to the 14th January. 



