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CHAP. V. Remarks upon Amphytrion, King Arthur, Don Quixote, and the Relapse. (Book 5)
SECTION I.
THE following Plays, excepting the Last, will fall under the same Heads of Commendation with the Former. How∣ever, since the Poets have here been pro∣digal in their Expence, and dress'd them∣selves with more Curiosity then ordina∣ry, they deserve a proportionable Regard. So much Finery must not be Crowded. I shall therefore make Elbow-Room for their Figure, and allow them the Com∣pass of a distinct Chapter.
To begin with Amphytrion. In this Play Mr. Dryden represents Jupiter with the Attributes of the supream Being: He furnishes him with Omnipotence, makes him the Creator of Nature, and the Arbiter * 1.1 of Fate, puts all the Functions of Pro∣vidence in his Hand, and describes him with the Majesty of the true God. And when he has put Him in this glorious