136 and 146.] [Footnote 176: _Ibid._, Vol.

I, p.

405.] [Footnote 177: In order to give a more specific view of Scott's methods, two or three of the introductions to well-known poems may be briefly analysed.

The introduction to _Absalom and Achitophel_ occupies 111/2 pages, of which about 21/2 are given to quotation from a tract which Scott thought furnished the argument to Dryden, and which was unnoticed by any former commentator.

Scott's remarks follow this outline: Position of the poem in literature, and history of its composition; origin of the particular allegory as applied to modern politics; a parallel use of the allegory (with a quotation from _Somers' Tracts_ in illustrations); aptness of the allegory; merits of the satire--treatment of Monmouth and other main characters; changes in the second edition to mitigate the satire; characterization of the poem as having few flights of imagination but much correctness of taste as well as fire and spirit; other objections by Johnson refuted; success of the poem; history of the first publication and of the replies and congratulatory poems; editions, and Latin versions.