On the new Edition of Godfrey of Bulloigne, in 1687

Long this stupendous work has lain obscur'd,
From gloomy Times a long Eclipse endur'd:
But now it rises like a Cloudless Sun,
And brings as great a Tyde of glory on.
Hail, Heav'nly Poem! while these strains we hear,
The Soul does mount into the ravish't Ear,
Diverts our Anguish and suspends our Care!
So wond'rous are the Actions here enroll'd,
And in such high harmonious numbers told!
See here, you dull Translators, look with shame
Upon this stately Monument of Fame;
And, to amaze you more, reflect how long
It is, since first 'twas taught the English Tongue;
In what a Dark Age it was brought to Light,
Dark? no, our Age is dark, and that was bright.
Of all those Versions which now brightest shine,
Most (Fairfax) are but Foils to set off thine:
Ev'n Horace can't of too much Justice boast,
His unaffected easie style is lost;
And Ogilby's the lumber of the stall;
But thy succinct Translation does atone for all.
'Tis true some few exploded words we find,
To which we ought not to be too unkind;
For, if the truth is scan'd, we must allow
They're better than the new admitted now:
Our Language is at best, and it will fail
As th' inundations of French words prevail:
Let Waller be our Standard, all beyond,
Though spoke at Court, is foppery and fond.
For thee too, Tasso, I a wreath wou'd twine,
If my low strain cou'd reach the praise of thine:
Homer came first, and much to him is due,
Virgil, the next, does claim our wonder too,
And the third Place must be conferr'd on You:
Thy work is through with the same spirit fir'd,
Will last as long and be as much admir'd.
If lofty Verse undaunted thoughts inspire,
And fill the Hero's Breast with martial Fire;
May that great Chief, who does the Turk engage,
Makes Armies tremble, and restrains their rage;
May he (a scourge to Infidels unblest)
Take Pattern by the Warriour here exprest,
And drive like him, with an avenging hand,
Those Vnbelievers from the sacred Land,
Free the great Sepulchre of Christ once more,
And be what mighty Godfrey was before.