The Epic
117 Words
First published in 1842; "tho'" for "though" in line 44 has been the only alteration made since 1850.
This Prologue was written, like the Epilogue, after "The Epic" had been composed, being added, Fitzgerald says, to anticipate or excuse "the faint Homeric echoes," to give a reason for telling an old-world tale. The poet "mouthing out his hollow oes and aes" is, we are told, a good description of Tennyson's tone and manner of reading.
[Footnote 1: A burning topic with the clergy in and about 1833.]
[Footnote 2: 1842 to 1844. "You know," said Frank, "he flung His epic of King Arthur in the fire!" The present reading, 1850.]
[Footnote 3: 1842, 1843.
Present reading, 1845.]
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