| Citation |
BG.755.007
11 Mar 1755:11,12 (115)
[Essay on the attributes of poetry; col 1, 14th line up from
bottom:]
"For let me only make this remark, that the most literal
translation of the scriptures, in the most natural
signification of the words, in generally the best; and the
same punctualness which debaseth other writings, preserveth
the spirit and majesty of the sacred Text. It can suffer no
improvement from humane wit; and we may observe that those
who have presumed to heighten the expressions by a poetical
translation or paraphrase, have sunk in the attempt; || and
all the decorations of their verse, whether Greek or Latin,
have not been able to reach the dignity, the majesty, and
solemnity of our prose; so that the prose of scripture
cannot be improved by verse; and even the divine poetry is
most like itself in prose. . . [1 para]
|| [signifying a footnote] By excepting none; not even Sir
John Denham, Mr. Patrick, Tate and Brady: He no doubt had a
special view to them. And as the Latin language is more
majestick, ornamental, and musical than the English; the
argument is from the greater to the less--That since all the
decorations of their verse in Latin, have not been able;
much less have they in English been able to reach their
dignity, the Majesty and solemnity of our prose.
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