In truth he could estimate the Iliad and Odyssey no better than Chiabrera could the Pythians and Olympians of Pindar.

A just sense of criticism failed the scholars of that age, which was too remote in its customs, too imperfect in its science of history, to understand the essence of Greek art.

With equally amusing candor Tassoni passed judgments upon Dante, and thought that he had rivaled the Purgatory in his description of the Dawn (_Secchia Rapita_, viii.

15, the author's note).

We must, however, be circumspect and take these criticisms with a grain of salt; for one never knows how far Tassoni may be laughing in his sleeve.