Part I. Chapter V

That Passion is the chief Thing in Poetry, and that all Passion is either ordinary Passion, or Enthusiasm

But before we proceed, let us define poetry; which is the first time that a definition has been given of that noble art: for neither ancient nor modern critics have defined poetry in general.

Poetry then is an imitation of nature, by a pathetic and numerous speech. Let us explain it.

As poetry is an art, it must be an imitation of nature. That the instrument with which it makes its imitation, is speech, need not be disputed. That that speech must be musical, no one can doubt: for numbers distinguish the parts of poetic diction, from the periods of prose. Now numbers are nothing but articulate sounds, and their pauses measured by their proper proportions of time. And the periods of prosaic diction are articulate sounds, and their pauses unmeasured by such proportions. That the speech, by which poetry makes its imitation, must be pathetic, is evident; for passion is still more necessary to it than harmony. For harmony only distinguishes its instrument from that of prose, but passion distinguishes its very nature and character. For, therefore, poetry is poetry, because it is more passionate and sensual than prose. A discourse that is writ in very good numbers, if it wants passion, can be but measured prose.