Chapter III: Introduction

An Attempt to _describe_ the precise _Limits_ of WIT, HUMOUR, RAILLERY, SATIRE and RIDICULE, I am sensible, is no easy or slight Undertaking. To give a _Definition_ of WIT, has been declared by Writers of the greatest Renown, to exceed their Reach and Power; and Gentlemen of no less Abilities, and Fame, than _Cowley_, _Barrow_, _Dryden_, _Locke_, _Congreve_, and _Addison_, have tryed their Force upon this Subject, and have all left it free, and unconquered. This, I perceive, will be an Argument with some, for condemning an _Essay_ upon this Topic by a young Author, as rash and presumptious. But, though I desire to pay all proper Respect to these eminent Writers, if a tame Deference to great Names shall become fashionable, and the Imputation of Vanity be laid upon those who examine their Works, all Advancement in Knowledge will be absolutely stopp'd; and _Literary_ Merit will be soon placed, in an _humble Stupidity_, and _solemn Faith_ in the Wisdom of our Ancestors.

Whereas, if I rightly apprehend, _an Ambition to excell_ is the Principle which should animate a Writer, directed by a _Love_ of _Truth_, and a _free Spirit_ of _Candour_ and _Inquiry_. This is the _Flame_ which should warm the rising Members of every Science, not a poor Submission to those who have preceded. For, however it may be with a _Religious_ DEVOTION, a _Literary_ One is certainly the CHILD of _Ignorance_.

However, I must acknowledge, that where I have differed from the great Authors before mentioned, it has been with a Diffidence, and after the most serious and particular Examination of what they have delivered. It is from hence, that I have thought it my Duty, to exhibit with the following _Essay_, their several Performances upon the same Subject, that every Variation of mine from their Suffrage, and the Reasons upon which I have grounded it, may clearly appear.

The following _Ode_ upon WIT is written by Mr. _Cowley_.

ODE of WIT.