we do not propose to supply here such a di-
dactic introduction, for the use of such a
method is superfluous, as we have already de-
scribed Ariosto's characteristics in the man-
ner proposed. We shall not therefore form a
group of artists, as related to him in this or
that respect, for such cannot be expected of
us, nor has it for us any special attraction.

Observations as to affinities have another use
also, as providing a basis for sparkling and
resonant metaphors, as when it is observed of
an artist that he is the "Raphael of poetry," of
another that he is "the Dante of sculpture,"
or of a third that he is "the Michael Angelo
of sound," or as was said (by Torquato Tasso,
perhaps as a witticism, and certainly with little
truth), that Ariosto is "the Ferrarese Ho-
mer." We already possess many pages of
magnificent metaphors to the honour and glory
of the author of the Furioso, nor do we intend
to depreciate their merit; but the present
writer begs to be excused from the labour of
increasing their number, since he is in general
little disposed to oratory and has allowed what
slight gift of the sort he might have possessed
to flow away and lose itself, while conversing
with so unrhetorical and so conversational a
poet as was Ludovico Ariosto.

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