Falsar cannot otherwise be turn'd, than by falsify'd; for his shield was falsed, is not English. I might indeed have contented my self with saying his Shield was pierc'd, and board, and stuck with Javelins; Nec sufficit Umbo Ictibus. They who will not admit a new word, may take the old; the matter is not worth dispute.
Aeneid the 10th. A Choir of Nereids, &c. These were transform'd from Ships to Sea-Nymphs: This is almost as violent a Machine, as the death of Aruns by a Goddess in the Episode of Camilla. But the Poet makes use of it with greater Art: For here it carries on the main Design. These new made Divinities, not only tell Aeneas what had pass'd in his Camp during his absence; and what was the present Distress of his Besieg'd People; and that his Horse-men whom he had sent by Land, were ready to join him at his Descent; but warn him to provide for Battel the next day, and fore-tell him good success: So that this Episodical Machine is properly a part of the great Poem; For besides what I have said, they push on his Navy with Celestial Vigour, that it might reach the Port more speedily, and take the Enemy more unprovided to resist the Landing. Whereas the Machine relating to Camilla, is only Ornamental: For it has no effect, which I can find, but to please the Reader, who is concern'd, that her Death shou'd be reveng'd.
