( xxxv )
a love of the arts. The rays of Genius, which shone forth in the Northern Nations, amid the gloom of the dark ages, are more valuable in the eye of reason, and contribute more to their glory than all those bloody trophies, which they took so much pains to erect. But how can their Poetry produce this effect, if it continues unintelligible to those who wish to be acquainted with it; if no one will translate it into the other languages of Europe?
The professed design of this Work required, that the Version should be accompanied by a Commentary. It was necessary to explain some obscure passages, and to point out the use which might be made of others: I could easily have made a parade of much learning in these Notes, by laying under contribution the works of Bartholin, Wormius, Verelius, Amkiel, Keysler, Schutze, &c. but I have only borrowed from them what appeared absolutely necessary; well knowing that in the present improved state of the republick of letters, good sense hath banished that vain ostentation of learning, brought together without judgment and without end, which heretofore procured a transitory honour to so many persons laboriously idle.
I am no longer afraid of any reproaches on that head: One is not now required
