But laissez aller—Knights and Dames I sing,

Such as the times may furnish. 'T is a flight

Which seems at first to need no lofty wing,

Plumed by Longinus or the Stagyrite:[NR]The difficulty lies in colouring

(Keeping the due proportions still in sight)

With Nature manners which are artificial,

And rend'ring general that which is especial.