CHAP. IV.
Of the Parts of the Epick Poem. The Division of this Treatise.
The Parts of the Epick Poem contain'd in the former Definition are its Nature, its Matter, its Form, and its Manner of proposing Things.
Its Nature is twofold; for the Epopéa is both a Fable and a Poem. But these two several Genus's agree very well together, and compose a Body, that is no Monster. One may likewise very well separate these two Natures from one another, and say, that the Fable is that which constitutes the Nature of the Epopéa; and that the Poem tells us how to manage the Fable, and comprehends the Thoughts, the Expression, and the Verse.
The Matter of it is an Action feign'd with probability, and drawn from the Actions of Kings, Princes, and Gods. This tells us two Things, the Action and the Persons, and therein it does not at all differ from Tragedy.
The Form of it is, that the Persons are not here introduc'd to the Spectator's view, acting by themselves without the Poet, as in Tragedy: But that the Action is recited by the Poet.
The End of the Epick Poem is to lay down Moral Instructions for all sorts of People both in general and in particular. This part belongs to the Poem as it is a Fable. It contains the Moral which serves for the Foundation of the Fable; and besides that it contains the Manners of those Personages who make some considerable Figure in the Poem.
Lastly, as the Form includes the Person of the Poet who makes the Rehearsal: So does the End comprehend the Persons of the Audience for whom the Poet designs his Instructions.
All these Things will make up the Subject-Matter of this Treatise: But 'tis not necessary they should be all handled with the same particularity and exactness.
Some will very naturally fall under others, as that will, for instance, which we have to say concerning the Poet and his Audience.
To treat of the End and the Moral a-part would require too vast a Compass; I shall content my self to speak thereof in speaking of the Fable, and in other Places, where the necessary connexion of that Part with the rest will afford me just Occasions of speaking as much of it as is requisite for my purpose.
Aristotle divided the Thoughts and Expressions into two Parts, as was very requisite: But so many Authors have handled theseThings,
