yle="font-weight: 400;">The subject of “Davideis” is serious. It talks about David and other Bible stories. But Cowley added scenes that felt strange. He described hell and used speech from Lucifer. The poet says,

“Here Lucifer the mighty Captive reigns;

Proud, 'midst his Woes, and Tyrant in his Chains.”

These parts looked more like old myths. They did not match the main theme. Such ideas made the poem dull and heavy. These long talks and speeches made readers tired. The joy of reading got lost in useless detail.

Weak Imagery and Style: Cowley often used learned references instead of strong pictures. He used hard words and strange examples. His lines had more thought than beauty. The images were weak or unclear. He added too many conceits in place of clear ideas. Sometimes he left the main subject and went too far. The digressions made the poem slow. His writing had learning, but it lost its poetic charm.

Lack of True Epic Parts: A true epic needs a great plan, strong action, and full characters. But “Davideis” lacks these parts. It has no big battles or deep emotion. Johnson said it used tricks from older epics, like flashbacks and visions. But even with these tools, Cowley could not move forward. He had no new way to fill the next eight books. His methods became weak. That may be why he left the work unfinished.

Heroic Characters: Along with many faults, Johnson also shows some merits of Cowley. He says that Cowley shows David as a true heroic character. David has the good qualities we expect in an epic hero. He is brave, wise, and religious. Cowley writes,

“I sing the Man who Judahs Scepter bore

…………………………

Who from best Poet, best of Kings did grow;

The two chief gifts Heav'n could on Man bestow.”

David goes through many troubles and tests. He faces them with courage and faith. This matches the tradition of epic heroes who are great men with noble qualities. They play important roles in their nations. David’s journey from a shepherd to a king gives Cowley a strong and powerful story for heroic poetry.

In conclusion, Johnson showed clearly why Davideis is not a true epic. The poem has learning, but no strong plan. The action is weak, the style is hard, and the joy is missing. Cowley’s thoughts were high, but his poetry was not full. Johnson said the poem may give knowledge, but not delight. Still, Cowley’s mind and effort deserve respect. His work had value, though it failed as an epic.