[Milton-L] A question about The Argument in Paradise Lost

[justin k]

Hello,
I am a first time user and first time student of Milton. I was hoping if any
one might be able to answer a question for me.
I know that Milton, with the intention of giving the reader direction for
his poem, added The Argument to the second edition of Paradise Lost, .
What I would like to know is this.
Within the history of literature, is this the first time a device like The
Argument has been used?
Is it a Miltonic device or has Milton borrow this approach form a past poet
or author.

Thank you,
Justin
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