Had the harmony of this been equal to
that of Pope's versification, it would be incontestably the
finest poem in our language; but there is a dryness in the
numbers which greatly lessens the pleasure excited both by the
poet's judgement and imagination.*
[footnote] *See introductory note to 'The Traveller', p. 162.
ALEXANDER'S FEAST; OR, THE POWER OF MUSIC. AN ODE, IN HONOUR OF
ST. CECILIA'S DAY.
This ode [by Mr. Dryden] has been more applauded, perhaps, than
it has been felt, however, it is a very fine one, and gives its
beauties rather at a third, or fourth, than at a first perusal.
ODE FOR MUSIC ON ST. CECILIA'S DAY.
This ode [by Mr. Pope] has by many been thought equal to the
former. As it is a repetition of Dryden's manner, it is so far
inferior to him. The whole hint of Orpheus, and many of the
lines, have been taken from an obscure Ode upon Music, published
in Tate's Miscellanies.*
[footnote] *'A Pindaric Essay upon Musick' -- says Gibbs -- by
'Mr.
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