Note D — THE DISPUTE OE THE POETS.

The reader will perceive that this poem is intended to illustrate a dispute which can never, perhaps, be critically solved—viz., whether the true business of the poet be to delight or to instruct;—and he will therefore be disposed to forgive me if he recognize certain thoughts or expressions freely borrowed from the various poets, who may be said to represent either side of the question. Among the moderns, Schiller especially has suggested ideas and illustrations on behalf of the more earnest creed professed by Lykegenes—while Goethe has been pressed to the aid of Anthios. The Greek poets have here and there suggested a line on either side. After this general acknowledgment of obligation, it would be but pedantic to specify each special instance of imitative paraphrase or direct translation.