A Primer of Poetry

The primary requirements of poetic genius

The primary requisites of poesy genius are:

1. An eye that can see
2.  A heart that can feel
3.  A will that can follow
} Nature

The final intentions of pure poetry are an increase of:

1.  Goodness.
2.  Understanding.
3.  Delight.


Yet when we consider the two foregoing propositions we must realize the three properties of a just imagination, namely:

1. What is to be.
2. What ought to be.
3. What might be.

To embody thought process in poetical language we must never lose sight of its indispensabilities:

1.  Purity.
2.  Copiousness.
3.  Ease.

We must avoid:

1.  The Mean.
2.  The Obscure.
3.  The Extravagant.

The things to be chiefly considered in poetical illustration are:

1.  What shall be obviously seen.
2.  What shall be instantly admired.
3.  What shall be eminently characteristic.

Dignity has its place in poesy in the union of:

1.  The true and wonderful.
2.  The beautiful and wise.
3.  Art and nature.

These afford the advantages of:

1. The praise of goodness.
2. The memory of the remarkable.
3. The invigoration of the affections.

Pure truth, pure language, pure conception give rise to poetry that is:

1.  Thoroughly learned.
2.  Thoroughly animated.
3.  Thoroughly natural.

The Editor Company

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