The Dunciad: With notes variorum, and the prolegomena of Scriblerus. Written in the year, 1727.

THE DUNCIAD.

ARGUMENT to BOOK the THIRD.

After the other persons are disposed in their proper places of rest, the Goddess transports the King to her Temple, and there lays him to slumber with his head on her lap; a position of marvellous virtue, which causes all the visions of wild enthusiasts, projectors, politicians, inamorato's, castle-builders, chymists and poets. He is immediately carry'd on the wings of Fancy to the Elyzian shade, where on the banks of Lethe the souls of the dull are dipp'd by Bavius, before their entrance into this world. There he is met by the ghost of Set∣tle, and by him made acquainted with the wonders of the place, and with those which he is himself destin'd to perform. He takes him to a Mount of Vision, from whence he shews him the past triumphs of the Empire of Dulness, then the present, and lastly the fu∣ture:

How small a part of the world was ever con∣quered by Science, how soon those conquests were stop'd, and those very nations again reduced to her dominion. Then distinguishing the Island of Great Britain, shews by what aids, and by what persons, it shall be forthwith brought to her empire. These he causes to pass in review before his eyes, describing each by his proper figure, character, and qualifications. On a sudden the Scene shifts, and a vast number of Miracles and prodigies appear, utterly surprizing and unknown to the King himself, till they are explained to be the wonders of his own reign now commencing. On this subject Settle breaks into a congratulation, yet not unmix'd with concern, that his own times were but the types of these; He prophecies bow first the nation shall be over-run with Farces, Opera's, and Shows; and the throne of Dulness advanced over both the Theatres; Then how her sons shall preside in the seats of Arts and sciences, till in conclusion all shall return to their original Chaos▪ A scene, of which the present Action of the Dunciad is but a Type or Foretaste, giving a Glimpse or Pisgah-sight of the promis'd Fulnefs of her Glory; the Accomplishment whereof will, in all pro∣bability, hereafter be the Theme of many other and greater Dunciads.

BUT in her Temple's last recess inclos'd, On Dulness lap th' Anointed head repos'd. Him close she curtain'd round with vapours blue, And soft besprinkled with Cimmerian dew. Then raptures high the seat of sense o'erflow,Line 5 Which only heads refin'd from reason know. Hence, from the straw where Bedlam's Prophet nods, He hears loud Oracles, and talks with Gods:

Hence the Fool's paradise, the Statesman's scheme, The air-built Castle, and the golden Dream, The Maid's romantic wish, the Chymist's flame, And Poet's vision of eternal fame.

And now, on Fancy's easy wing convey'd, The King descended to th' Elyzian Shade. There, in a dusky vale where Lethe rolls,Line 15 Old Bavius sits, to dip poetic Souls,

And blunt the sense, and fit it for a scull Of solid proof, impenetrably dull: Instant when dipt, away they wing their flight, Where Brown and Mears unbar the gates of Light,Line 20

Demand new bodies, and in Calf's array, Rush to the world, impatient for the day. Millions and millions on these banks he views, Thick as the stars of night, or morning dews, As thick as bees o'er vernal blossoms fly, As thick as eggs at Ward in Pillory.

Wond'ring he gaz'd: When lo! a Sage appears, By his broad shoulders known, and length of ears,

Known by the band and suit which Settle wore, (His only suit) for twice three years before:Line 30 All as the vest, appear'd the wearers frame, Old in new state, another yet the same. Bland and familiar as in life, begun Thus the great Father to the greater Son.

Oh born to see what none can see awake!Line 35 Behold the wonders of th' oblivious Lake. Thou, yet unborn, hast touch'd this sacred shore; The hand of Bavius drench'd thee o'er and o'er.

But blind to former, as to future Fate, What mortal knows his pre-existent state?Line 40 Who knows how long, thy transmigrating soul Might from Boeotian to Boeotian roll! How many Dutchmen she vouchsaf'd to third? How many stages thro' old Monks she rid? And all who since, in mild benighted days,Line 45 Mix'd the Owl's ivy with the Poet's bays? As man's maeanders to the vital spring Roll all their tydes, then back their circles bring; Or whirligigs, twirl'd round by skilful swain, Suck the thread in, then yield it out again:Line 50 All nonsense thus, of old or modern date, Shall in thee center, from thee circulate. For this, our Queen unfolds to vision true Thy mental eye, for thou hast much to view: Line 55

Old scehes of glory, times long cast behindLine 55 Shall first recall'd, rush forward to thy mind; Then stretch thy sight o'er all her rising reign, And let the past and future fire thy brain.

Ascend this hill, whose cloudy point commands Her boundless empire over seas and lands.Line 60 See round the Poles where keener spangles shine, Where spices smoke beneath the burning Line, (Earth's wide extreams) her sable flag display'd; And all the nations cover'd in her shade!

Far eastward cast thine eye, from whence the SunLine 65 And orient Science at a birth begun. One god-like Monarch all that pride confounds, He, whose long wall the wand'ring Tartar bounds. Heav'ns! what a pyle? whole ages perish there: And one bright blaze turns Learning into air.Line 70

Thence to the south extend thy gladden'd eyes; There rival flames with equal glory rise, From shelves to shelves see greedy Vulcan roll, And lick up all their Physic of the soul.

How little, mark! that portion of the ball,Line 75 Where, faint at best, the beams of Science sall: Soon as they dawn, from Hyperborean skies, Embody'd dark, what clouds of Vandals rise! Lo where Moeotis sleeps, and hardly flows The freezing Tanais thro' a waste of snows,Line 80 The North by myriads pours her mighty sons, Great nurse of Goths, of Alans, and of Huns. See Alaric's stern port, the martial frame Of Genseric! and Attila's dread name! See, the bold Ostrogoths on Latium fall; See, the fierce Visigoths on Spain and Gaul. See, where the morning gilds the palmy shore (The soil that arts and infant letters bore)

His conqu'ring tribes th' Arabian prophet draws, And saving Ignorance enthrones by Laws. See Christians, Jews, one heavy sabbath keep; And all the Western world believe and sleep.

Lo Rome her self, proud mistress now no more Of arts, but thund'ring against heathen lore;

Her gray-hair'd Synods damning books unread, And Bacon trembling for his brazen head; Padua with sighs beholds her Livy burn, And ev'n the Antipodes Vigilius mourn. See, the Cirque falls! th' unpillar'd Temple nods! Streets pav'd with Heroes, Tyber choak'd with Gods! Till Peter's keys some christen'd Jove adorn,Line 101 And Pan to Moses lends his pagan horn; See graceless Venus to a Virgin turn'd, Or Phidias broken, and Apelles burn'd.

Behold yon' Isle, by Palmers, Pilgrims trod,Line 105 Men bearded, bald, cowl'd, uncowl'd, shod, unshod,

Peel'd, patch'd, and pyebald, linsey-woolsey brothers, Grave mummers! sleeveless some, and shirtless others. That once was Britain—Happy! had she seen No fiercer sons, had Easter never been.Line 110 In peace, great Goddess! ever be ador'd; How keen the war, if Dulness draw the sword? Thus visit not thy own! on this blest age Oh spread thy Influence, but restrain thy Rage!

And see! my son, the hour is on its way,Line 115 That lifts our Goddess to imperial sway▪ This fav'rite Isle, long sever'd from her reign, Dove like, she gathers to her wings again. Now look thro' Fate! behold the scené she draws! What aids, what armies, to assert her cause?Line 120

See all her progeny, illustrious sight! Behold, and count them, as they rise to light. As Berecynthia, while her offspring vye In homage, to the Mother of the sky, Surveys around her in the blest abodeLine 125 A hundred sons, and ev'ry son a God: Not with less glory mighty Dulness crown'd Shall take thro' Grubstreet her triumphant round, And her Parnassus glancing o'er at once, Behold a hundred sons, and each a dunce.Line 130

Mark first that youth who takes the foremost place, And thrusts his person full into your face. With all thy father's virtues blest, be born! And a new Cibber shall the Stage adorn.

A second see, by meeker manners known,Line 135 And modest as the maid that sips alone; From the strong fate of drams if thou get free, Another Dursey, Ward! shall sing in thee. Thee shall each Ale-house, thee each Gill-house mourn, And answ'ring Gin-shops sowrer sighs return!

Lo next two slip-shod Muses traipse along, In lofty madness, meditating song, With tresses staring from poetic dreams, And never wash'd, but in Castalia's streams: Haywood, Centlivre, glories of their race!Line 145 Lo Horneck's fierce, and Roome's funeral face;

Lo sneering Goode, half malice and half whim, A fiend in glee, ridiculously grim.

Jacob, the scourge of Grammar, mark with awe, Nor less revere him, blunderbuss of Law.Line 150

Lo Bond and Foxton, ev'ry nameless name, All crowd, who foremost shall be damn'd to fame? Some strain in rhyme; the Muses, on their racks, Scream, like the winding of ten thousand Jacks: Some free from rhyme or reason, rule or check,Line 155 Break Priscian's head, and Pegasus's neck; Down, down they larum, with impetuous whirl, The Pindars, and the Miltons, of a Curl.

Silence, ye wolves! while Ralph to Cynthia howls, And makes Night hideous—Answer him ye Owls!Line 160

Sense, speech, and measure, living tongues and dead, Let all give way—and Morris may be read.

Flow Welsted, flow! like thine inspirer Beer, Tho' stale, not ripe; tho' thin, yet never clear; Line 165

So sweetly mawkish, and so smoothly dull;Line 165 Heady, not strong; and foaming, tho' not full.

Ah Dennis! Gildon ah! what ill-starr'd rage Divides a friendship long consirm'd by age? Blockheads with reason wicked wits abhor, But fool with fool is barb'rous civil war.Line 701 Embrace, embrace my sons! be foes no more! Nor glad vile Poets with true Critics gore.

Behold yon Pair, in strict embraces join'd; How like in manners, and how like in mind! Fam'd for good nature, Burnet, and for truth;Line 175 Ducket for pious passion to the youth. Equal in wit, and equally polite, Shall this a Pasquin, that a Grumbler write;

Like are their merits, like rewards they share, That shines a Consul, this Commissioner.Line 180

"But who is he, in closet close y pent, "Of sober face, with learned dust besprent?

Right well mine eyes arede the myster wight, On parchment scraps y-fed, and Wormius hight.

To future ages may thy dulness last, As thou preserv'st the dulness of the past!

There, dim in clouds, the poreing Scholiasts mark, Wits, who like owls see only in the dark, A Lumberhouse of books in ev'ry head, For ever reading, never to be read!Line 190

But, where each Science lifts its modern type, Hist'ry her Pot, Divinity his Pipe, While proud Philosophy repines to show Dishonest sight! his breeches rent below; Imbrown'd with native bronze, lo Henley stands,Line 195 Tuning his voice, and balancing his hands.

How fluent nonsense trickles from his tongue! How sweet the periods, neither said nor sung! Still break the benches, Henley! with thy strain, While Kennet, Hare, and Gibson preach in vain.Line 200

Oh great Restorer of the good old Stage, Preacher at once, and Zany of thy age! Oh worthy thou of Aegypt's wise abodes, A decent priest, where monkeys were the gods! But fate with butchers plac'd thy priestly stall,Line 205 Meek modern faith to murder, hack, and mawl; And bade thee live, to crown Britannia's praise, In Toland's, Tindal's, and in Woolston's days.

Yet oh my sons! a father's words attend: (So may the fates preserve the ears you lend)Line 210 'Tis yours, a Bacon or a Locke to blame, A Newton's Genius, or a Milton's flame: But O! with one, immortal One dispense, The source of Newton's Light, of Bacon's Sense! Content, each Emanation of his firesLine 213 That beams on earth, each Virtue he inspires,

Each Art he prompts, each Charm he can create, What-e'er he gives, are giv'n for you to hate. Persist, by all divine in Man un-aw'd, But learn, ye Dunces! not to scorn your GOD.Line 220

Thus he, for then a ray of reason stole Half thro' the solid darkness of his soul; But soon the cloud return'd—and thus the Sire: See now, what Dulness and her sons admire! See what the charms that smite the simple heartLine 225 Not touch'd by nature, and not reach'd by art.

He look'd, and saw a sable Sorc'rer rise, Swift to whose hand a winged volume flies: All sudden, Gorgons hiss, and dragons glare, And ten-horn'd fiends and Giants rush to war.Line 230

Hell rises, Heav'n descends, and dance on Earth, Gods, imps, and monsters, music, rage, and mirth, A fire, a jig, a battle, and a ball, Till one wide conflagration swallows all.

Thence a new world to Nature's laws unknown,Line 235 Breaks out refulgent, with a heav'n its own: Another Cynthia her new journey runs, And other planets circle other suns: The forests dance, the rivers upward rise, Whales sport in woods, and dolphins in the skies;Line 240 And last, to give the whole creation grace, Lo! one vast Egg produces human race.

Joys fills his soul, joy innocent of thought: What pow'r, he cries, what pow'r these wonders wrought?

Son! what thou seek'st is in thee. Look, and find Each monster meets his likeness in thy mind.Line 246 Yet would'st thou more? In yonder cloud behold, Whose sarcenet skirts are edg'd with flamy gold, A matchless youth! His nod these worlds controuls, Wings the red lightning, and the thunder rolls.Line 250 Angel of Dulness, sent to scatter round Her magic charms o'er all unclassic ground: Line 255

Yon stars, yon suns, he rears at pleasure higher,Line 255 Illumes their light; and sets their flames on fire. Immortal Rich! how calm he sits at ease Mid snows of paper, and fierce hail of pease; And proud his mistress' orders to perform, Rides in the whirlwind, and directs the storm.Line 260

But lo! to dark encounter in mid air New wizards rise: here Booth, and Cibber there: Booth in his cloudy tabernacle shrin'd, On grinning dragons Cibber mounts the wind: Dire is the conflict, dismal is the din,Line 265 Here shouts all Drury, there all Lincolns-Inn; Contending Theatres our empire raise, Alike their labours, and alike their praise.

And are these wonders, Son, to thee unknown? Unknown to thee? These wonders are thy own.Line 270 For works like these let deathless Journals tell, "None but thy self can be thy parallel.

These, Fate reserv'd to grace thy reign divine, Foreseen by me, but ah! with-held from mine. Line 275

In Lud's old walls tho' long I rul'd renown'd,Line 275 Far, as loud Bow's stupendous bells resound;

Tho' my own Aldermen conferr'd my bays, To me committing their eternal praise,

Their full-fed Heroes, their pacific May'rs, Their annual trophies, and their monthly wars:Line 280 Tho' long my Party built on me their hopes, For writing pamphlets, and for roasting Popes;

(Diff'rent our parties, but with equal grace The Goddess smiles on Whig and Tory race, 'Tis the same rope at several ends they twist,Line 285 To Dulness, Ridpath is as dear as Mist.) Yet lo! in me what authors have to brag on! Reduc'd at last to hiss in my own dragon. Avert it, heav'n! that thou or Cibber e'er Should wag two serpent-tails in Smithfield fair.Line 290

Like the vile straw that's blown about the streets, The needy Poet sticks to all he meets, Coach'd, carted, trod upon, now loose, now fast, And carry'd off in some Dog's tail at last. Happier thy fortunes! like a rolling stone,Line 295 Thy giddy dulness still shall lumber on. Safe in its heaviness, can never stray, And licks up every blockhead in the way. Thy dragons Magistrates and Peers shall taste, And from each show rise duller than the last,Line 300 Till rais'd from Booths to Theatre, to Court, Her seat imperial, Dulness shall transport. Already Opera prepares the way, The sure fore-runner of her gentle sway. To aid her cause, if heav'n thou can'st not bend,Line 305 Hell thou shalt move; for Faustus is thy friend:

Pluto with Cato thou for her shalt join, And link the Mourning-Bride to Proserpine. Grubstreet! thy fall should men and Gods conspire, Thy stage shall stand, ensure it but from fire.Line 310 Another Aeschylus appears! prepare For new abortions, all ye pregnant fair!

In flames, like Semeles, be brought to bed, While opening hell spouts wild-fire at your head.

Now Bavius take the poppy from thy brow,Line 315 And place it here! here all ye heroes bow! This, this is he, foretold by ancient rhymes: Th'Augustus, born to bring Saturnian times: Beneath his reign, shall Eusden wear the bays, Cibber preside, Lord-Chancellor of Plays.Line 320

Benson sole judge of architecture sit, And Ambrose Philips be preferr'd for wit!

While naked mourns the Dormitory wall, And Jones and Boyle's united labours fall, Line 325

While Wren with sorrow to the grave descends,Line 325 Gay dies unpension'd with a hundred friends,

Hibernian politicks, O Swift, thy doom, And Pope's translating three whole years with Broome.

Proceed great days! till learning fly the shore, Till birch shall blush with noble blood no more,Line 330 Till Thames see Eton's sons for ever play, Till Westminster's whole year be holiday; Till Isis' elders reel, their pupils sport; And Alma Mater lye dissolv'd in port!

Signs following signs lead on the mighty year;Line 335 See! the dull stars roll round and re-appear. She comes! the cloud-compelling Pow'r, behold! With Night primaeval, and with Chaos old.

Lo! the great Anarch's ancient reign restor'd; Light dies before her uncreating word.Line 340 As one by one, at dread Maedea's strain, The sick'ning stars fade off th' aethereal plain; As Argus' eyes, by Hermes wand opprest, Clos'd one by one to everlasting rest; Line 345

Thus at her felt approach, and secret might,Line 345 Art after art goes out, and all is night. See sculking Truth in her old cavern lye, Secur'd by mountains of heap'd casuistry: Philosophy, that touch'd the heav'ns before, Shrinks to her hidden cause, and is no more:Line 350 See Physic beg the Stagyrite's defence! See Metaphysic call for aid on sence! See mystery to Mathematics fly! In vain! they gaze, turn giddy, rave, and die. Thy hand, great Dulness! lets the curtain fall,Line 355 And universal darkness buries all.

Enough! enough! the raptur'd monarch cries; And thro' the Ivory gate the vision flies.

REMARKS on BOOK the THIRD.

V. 5, 6, &c.] Hereby is intimated that the fol∣lowing Vision is no more than the chimera of the dreamer's brain, and not a real or intended satire on the present Age, doubtless more learned, more in∣lighten'd, and more abounding with great Genius's in Divinity, Politics, and whatever arts and sciences, than all the preceding. For fear of any such mistake of our Poet's honest meaning, he hath again at the

end of the Vision repeated this monition, saying that it all past thro' the Ivory gate, which (according to the Ancients) denoteth Falsity. SCRIBLERUS.

V. 16.

Old Bavius sits.]

Bavius was an ancient Poet, celebrated by Virgil for the like cause as Tibbald by our author, tho' not in so christian-like a manner: For

heathenishly it is declar'd by Virgil of Bavius, that he ought to be hated and detested for his evil works; Qui Bavium non odit; whereas we have often had occasion to observe our Poet's great good nature and merciful∣ness, thro' the whole course of this poem.

Mr. Dennis warmly contends that Bavius was no inconsiderable author; nay, that

"he and Maevius had (even in Augustus's days) a very formidable Party at Rome, who thought them much superior to Virgil and Horace:" For (saith he) "I cannot believe they would have fixed that eternal brand upon them, if they had not been coxcombs in more than ordinary credit."

Rem. on Pr. Arthur, part 2. c. 1. (An argument which if this Poem should last, will conduce to the honour of the Gentlemen of the Dunciad.) In like manner he tells us of Settle, that

"he was once a formidable Rival to Mr. Dryden, and that in the University of Cambridge there were those who gave him the preference."

Mr. Welsted goes yet farther in his behalf.

"Poor Settle was for∣merly the Mighty Rival of Dryden: nay, for many years, bore his reputation above him."

Pref. to his

Poems, 8vo. p. 51.] And Mr. Milbourn cried out,

"How little was Dryden able, even when his blood run high, to defend himself against Mr. Settle!"

Notes on Dryd. Virg. p. 175. These are comfortable opinions! and no wonder some authors indulge them. SCRIBLERUS.

V. 20.

Brown and Mears.]

Booksellers, Printers for Tibbald, Mrs. Haywood, or any body.—The Allegory of the souls of the dull coming forth in the form of books, drest in calve's leather, and being let abroad in vast numbers by Booksellers, is sufficiently intelligible.

V. 26. Ward in Pillory.] John Ward of Hackney, Esq Member of Parliament, being convicted of For∣gery, was first expelled the House, and then sentenc'd

to the Pillory on the 17th of Febr. 1727. Mr. Curl (having likewise stood there) looks upon the mention of such a Gentleman in a satire, as a great act of Bar∣barity, Key to the Dunc. 3d Edit. p. 16. And another Author thus reasons upon it. Durgen, 8vo. pag. 11, 12.

"How unworthy is it of Christian Charity to animate the rabble to abuse a worthy man in such a situation? What could move the Poet thus to men∣tion a brave Sufferer, a gallant Prisoner, exposed to the view of all mankind! It was laying aside his Senses, it was committing a Crime for which the Law is deficient not to punish him! nay a Crime which Man can scarce forgive, nor Time efface! No∣thing surely could have induced him to it but being bribed by a great Lady,"

(to whom this brave, ho∣nest, worthy Gentleman was guilty of no offence but Forgery proved in open Court, &c.) But it is evident this verse could not be meant of him; it being noto∣rious, that no Eggs were thrown at that Gentleman: Perhaps therefore it might be intended of Mr. Edward Ward the Poet.

V. 28.

And length of Ears.]

This is a sophisticated reading. I think I may venture to affirm all the Copyists are mistaken here: I believe I may say the same of the Critics; Dennis, Oldmixon, Welsted, have pass'd it in silence: I have also stumbled at it, and wonder'd how an error so manifest could escape such accurate persons? I dare assert it proceeded originally from

the inadvertency of some Transcriber, whose head run on the Pillory mention'd two lines before: It is there∣fore amazing that Mr. Curl himself should overlook it! Yet that Scholiast takes not the least notice hereof. That the learned Mist also read it thus, is plain, from his ranging this passage among those in which our Au∣thor was blamed for personal Satire on a Man's Face (whereof doubtless he might take the Ear to be a part;) So likewise Concanen, Ralph, the Flying-Post, and all the Herd of Commentators.—Tota armenta sequuntur.

A very little Sagacity (which all these Gentlemen therefore wanted) will restore to us the true sense of the Poet, thus,

By his broad Shoulders known, and length of years. See how easy a change! of one single letter! That Mr. Settle was old is most certain, but he was (hap∣pily) a stranger to the Pillory. This Note partly Mr. THEOBALD, partly SCRIBLERUS.

V. 42.

Might from Boeotian, &c.]

See the Remark on Book 1. V. 23.

V. 61, 62.

See round the Poles, &c.]

Almost the whole Southerrn and Northern Continent wrapt in Ignorance.

V. 65.] Our author favours the opinion that all Sciences came from the Eastern nations.

V. 69.] Chi Ho-am▪ti, Emperor of China, the same who built the great wall between China and Tartary, destroy'd all the books and learned men of that empire.

V. 73, 74.] The Caliph, Omar I. having con∣quer'd Aegypt, caus'd his General to burn the Ptolo∣maean library, on the gates of which was this inscrip∣tion, Medicina Animae, The Physick of the Soul.

V. 88. The Soil that arts and infant letters bore.] Phoenicia, Syria, &c. where Letters are said to have been invented. In these countries Mahomet began his conquests.

V. 93.

Thund'ring against heathen lore.]

A strong instance of this pious rage is plac'd to Pope Gregory's account. John of Salisbury gives a very odd Enco∣mium to this Pope, at the same time that he mentions one of the strangest effects of this excess of zeal in him. Doctor sanctissimus ille Gregorius, qui melleo praedica∣tionis imbre totam rigavit & inebriavit ecclesiam, non modo Mathesin jussit ab aulâ; sen, ut traditur a majo∣ribus, incendio dedit probatae lectionis scripta, Palati∣nus quaecunque tenebat Apollo. And in another place: Fertur beatus Gregorius bibliothecam combussisse gentilem; quo divinae paginae gratior esset locus, & major authori∣tas, & diligentia studiosior. Desiderius Archbishop of Vienna was sharply reproved by him for teaching Grammar and Literature, and explaining the Poets; Because (says this Pope) in uno se ore cum Jovis laudi∣bus, Christi laudes non capiunt: Et quam grave nefan∣dumque sit, Episcopis canere quod nec Laico religioso con∣veniat, ipse considera. He is said, among the rest to have burn'd Livy; Quia in superstitionibus & sacris Romanorum perpetuô versatur. The same Pope is ac∣cused by Vossius and others of having caus'd the noble monuments of the old Roman magnificence to be de∣stroyed, lest those who came to Rome should give more

attention to Triumphal Arches, &c. than to holy things. BAYLE, Dict.

V. 101.

Till Peter's keys some christen'd Jove adorn, &c.]

After the Government of Rome devolved to the Popes, their zeal was for some time exerted in demolishing the heathen Temples and Statues, so that the Goths scarce destroyed more monuments of An∣tiquity out of rage, than these out of devotion. At length they spared some of the Temples by converting them to Churches, and some of the Statues, by modi∣fying them into images of Saints. In much later times, it was thought necessary to change the statues of Apollo and Pallas on the tomb of Sannazarius, in∣to David and Judith; the Lyre easily became a Harp, and the Gorgon's head turn'd to that of Holofernes.

V. 110.

Happy—had Easter never been.]

Wars in England anciently, about the right time of celebrating Easter.

V. 145.

Haywood, Centlivre]

See book 2.

V. 146. Lo Horneck's fierce and Roome's, &c.] This stood in one edition And M—'s ruful face. But the person who supposed himself meant, applying to

our author in a modest manner, and with declarations of his innocence, he removed the occasion of his un∣easiness. At the same time promising to

"do the like to any other who could give him the same assurance, of having never writ scurrilously against him."

V. 146.

Horneck and Roome.]

These two are worthily coupled, being both virulent Party-writers; and one would think prophetically, since immediately after the publishing of this piece, the former dying, the latter succeeded him in Honour and Employment. The first was Philip Horneck, Author of a Billingsgate paper call'd The High German Doctor, in the 2d Vol. of which No. 14. you may see the regard he had for Mr. P—. Edward Roome, son of an Undertaker for Funerals in Fleetstreet, writ some of the papers call'd Pasquin, and Mr. Ducket others; where by malicious Innuendos it was endeavoured to represent him guilty of malevolent practices with a great man then under prosecution of Parliament. He since reflected on his, and Dr. Swift's Miscellanies, in his paper call'd the Senator. Of this Man was made the following Epigram.

You ask why Roome diverts you with his jokes, Yet, if he writes, is dull as other folks? You wonder at it—This Sir is the case, The Jest is lost, unless he prints his Face.

V. 147.

Goode.]

An ill-natur'd Critic who writ a Satire on our Author, call'd The mock Aesop, and ma∣ny anonymous Libels in News-papers for hire.

V. 149 Jacob, the Scourge of Grammar, mark with awe.]

"This Gentleman is son of a considerable Malt∣sier of Romsey in Southamptonshire, and bred to the Law under a very eminent Attorney: who, between his more laborious Studies, has diverted himself with Poetry. He is a great admirer of Poets and their works, which has occasion'd him to try his genius that way—He has writ in prose the Lives of the Poets, Essays, and a great many Law-Books, The Accomplish'd Conveyancer, Modern Justice, &c."

GILES JACOB of himself, Lives of Poets, Vol. 1. He very grossly, and unprovok'd, abused in that book the Author's Friend Mr. Gay,

V. 149.

Jacob, the Scourge of Grammar, mark with awe; Nor less revere him Blunderbuss of Law]

There may seem some Error in these verses, Mr. Ja∣cob having proved our Author to have a Respect for him, by this undeniable Argument.

"He had once a Regard for my Judgment; otherwise he would never have subscribed Two Guineas to me, for one small Book in Octavo."

[Jacob's Letter to Dennis, in his Remarks on the Dunciad, pag. 49.] Therefore I

should think the Appellation of Blunderbuss to Mr. Jacob, like that of Thunderbolt to Scipio, was meant in his honour.

Mr. Dennis argues the same way.

"My writings having made great impression on the minds of all sensible men, Mr. P—repented, and to give proof of his Repentance, subscribed to my two volumes of select Works—and afterwards to my two vo∣lumes of Letters."

[Ibid. pag. 40.] We should hence believe, the Name of Mr. Dennis hath also crept into this poem by some mistake. But from hence, gentle reader! thou may'st beware, when thou givest thy money to such Authors, not to flatter thy self that thy motives are good nature, or Charity.

V. 151.

Bond and Foxton.]

Two inoffensive of∣fenders against our poet; persons unknown, but by being mentioned by Curl.

V. 159.

Ralph.]

James Ralph, a name inserted after the first editions, not known to our author till

he writ a swearing-piece call'd Sawney, very abusive of Dr. Swift, Mr. Gay, and himself. These lines allude to a thing of his, intitled Night, a Poem. Shakespear, Hamlet.

—Visit thus the glimpses of the Moon, Making Night hideous—

This low writer constantly attended his own works with panegyricks in the Journals, and once in particu∣lar praised himself highly above Mr. Addison, in wretch∣ed remarks upon that Author's account of English Poets, printed in a London Journal, Sept. 1723. He was wholly illiterate, and knew no language, not even French. Being advised to read the rules of dramatic poetry before he began a Play, he smiled and reploy'd, Shakespear writ without rules. He ended at last in the common Sink of all such writers, a political News∣paper, to which he was recommended by his friend Arnall, and received a small pittance for pay.

V. 162.

Morris.]

Besaleel, See Book 2. ver. 118.

V. 163.

Flow Welsted, &c.]

Of this Author see the Remark on Book 2. v. 199. But (to be impartial) add to it the following different character of him.

Mr. Welsted had, in his youth, rais'd so great ex∣pectations of his future genius, that there was a kind of struggle between the most eminent in the two Uni∣versities, which should have the honour of his edu∣cation? To compound this, he (civilly) became a member of both, and after having pass'd some time at the one, he removed to the other. From thence he return'd to town, where he became the darling Ex∣pectation of all the polite Writers, whose encourage∣ment he acknowledg'd in his occasional poems, in a manner that will make no small part of the Fame of his protectors. It also appears, from his Works, that he was happy in the patronage of the most illustrious cha∣racters of the present age—Incourag'd by such a Com∣bination in his favour, he—publish'd a book of poems, some in the Ovidian, some in the Horatian manner, in both which the most exquisit Judges pronounce he even rival'd his masters—His Love-verses have rescued that way of writing from contempt—In his Translations, he has given us the very soul and spirit of his author. His Ode—his Epistle—his Verses—his Love-tale—all, are the most perfect things in all poe∣try, &c. WELSTED of Himself. Char. of the Times, 8vo. 1728. pag. 23, 24.

V. 167.

Ab Dennis, &c.]

The reader, who has seen thro' the course of these notes, what a constant attendance Mr. Dennis paid to our Author and all his works, may perhaps wonder he should be mention'd but twice, and so flightly touch'd, in this poem. But in truth he look'd upon him with some esteem, for having (more generously than all the rest) set his Name to such writings. He was also a very old man at this time. By his own account of himself in Mr. Jacoh's Lives, he must have been above threescore in the mayoralty of Sir George Thorold in 1720, and hath since happily lived ten years more. So that he is already senior to Mr. Durfey, who hitherto of all our Poets enjoy'd the longest Bodily life.

V. Fam'd for good nature, Burnet, &c. Ducket for pious passion to the youth.] The first of these was son of the late bishop of S. Au∣thor of a weekly paper called The Grumbler, as the other was concerned in another call'd Pasquin, in which Mr. Pope was abused with the late Duke of Buckingham and Bishop of Rochester. They also joined in a piece against his first undertaking to tran∣slate the Iliad, intitled Homerides, by Sir Iliad Dogrel, prtnted 1715. Mr. Curl gives us this further account of Mr. Burnet.

"He did himself write a Letter to the E. of Hallifax, informing his Lordship (as he tells him) of what he knew much better before: And

he published in his own name several political pam∣phlets, A certain information of a certain discourse, A second Tale of a Tub, &c. All which it is strongly affirmed were written by Colonel Ducket."

CURL, Key, p. 17. But the author of the Characters of the Times tells us, these political pieces were not approv'd of by his own Father, the Reverend Bishop.

Of the other works of these Gentlemen, the world has heard no more than it would of Mr. Pope's, had their united laudable endeavours discourag'd him from his undertaking. How few good works had ever ap∣pear'd (since men of true merit are always the least presuming) had there been always such champions to stifle them in their conception? And were it not bet∣ter for the publick, that a million of monsters should come into the world, which are sure to die as soon as born, than that the Serpents should strangle one Her∣cules in his cradle?

The Union of these two Authors gave occasion to this Epigram.

Burnet and Ducket, friends in spite, Came hissing forth in Verse; Both were so forward, each would write, So dull, each hung an A— Thus Amphisboena (I have read) At either end assails; None knows which leads, or which is led, For both Heads are but Tails.

V. 173.

Behold yon pair, in strict embraces join'd.]

Virg. Aen. 6.Illae autem paribus quas fulgere cernis in armis, Concordes animae—

And in the fifth,

Euryalus, forma insignis viridique juventa, Nisus amore pio pueri.

V. 167

—for pious passion to the youth.]

The verse is a literal translation of Virgil, Nisus amore pio pueri—and here, as in the original, apply'd to Friend∣ship: That between Nisus and Euryalus is allowed to make one of the most amiable Episodes in the world, and surely was never interpreted in a perverse sense. But it will astonish the reader to hear, that on no other occasion than this line, a Dedication was writ∣ten to this Gentleman to induce him to think some∣thing further.

"Sir, you are known to have all that affection for the beautiful part of the creation which God and Nature design'd.—Sir, you have a very sine Lady—and, Sir, you have eight very sine Chil∣dren, —&c."

[Dedic. to Dennis Rem. on the Rape of the Lock.] The truth is, the poor Dedicator's brain was turn'd upon this article; he had taken into his head that ever since some books were written against the Stage, and since the Italian Opera had prevail'd, the nation was infected with a vice not fit to be nam'd: He went so far as to print upon the subject, and con∣cludes

his argument with this remark,

"that he can∣not help thinking the Obscenity of Plays excusable at this juncture; since, when that execrable sin is spread so wide, it may be of use to the reducing mens minds to the natural desire of women."

DEN∣NIS, Stage defended against Mr. Law, p. 20. Our au∣thor solemnly declared, he never heard any creature but the Dedicator mention that Vice and this Gentle∣man together.

V. 184.

Wormius hight.]

Let not this name, purely fictitious, be conceited to mean the learned Olaus Wormius; much less (as it was unwarrantably foisted into the surreptitious editions) our own Anti∣quary Mr Thomas Herne, who had no way aggrieved our Poet, but on the contrary published many curious tracts which he hath to his great contentment perused.

Most rightly are ancient Words here employed, in speaking of such who so greatly delight in the same: We may say not only rightly, but wisely, yea excel∣lently, inasmuch as for the like practise the like praise is given to Hopkins and Sternhold by Mr. Herne him∣self. [Glossar. to Rob. of Glocester.] Artic. BEHETT;

"others say BEHIGHT, promised, and so it is used excellently well by Tho. Norton in his translation into metre of the 116 Psalm, verse 14."

I to the Lord will pay my vows, That I to him BEHIGHT.

"Where the modern innovators, not understanding the propriety of the word (which is truly English, from the Saxon) have most unwarrantably alter'd it thus,I to the Lord will pay my vows, [ 185] With joy and great delight.

V. ibid.—HIGHT,

"In Cumberland they say to hight, for to promife or vow; but HIGHT usually signifies was call'd; and so it does in the North even to this day, notwithstanding what is done in Cumberland."

HERNE, ibid.

V. 183.

AREDE.]

Read or peruse; tho' sometimes used for counsel,

"READE THY READ, take thy coun∣saile. Thomas Sternbolde in his translation of the first Psalm into English metre, hath wisely made use of this word,The man is blest that hath not bent To wicked READ his ear. But in the last spurious editions of the singing Psalms the word READ is changed into men. I say spurious editions, because not only here, but quite through∣out the whole book of Psalms, are strange altera∣tions, all for the worse! And yet the title-page stands as it used to do! and all (which is abomina∣ble in any book, much more in a sacred work) is ascribed to Thomas Sternhold, John Hopkins, and

others! I am confident, were Sternhold and Hop∣kins now living, they would proceed against the innovators as cheats—A liberty which, to say no more of their intolerable alterations, ought by no means to be permitted or approved of, by such as are for Uniformity and have any regard for the old English Saxon tongue."

HEARNE, Gloss. on Rob. of Gloc. Art. rede.

I do herein agree with Mr. H. Little is it of avail to object, that such words are become unintelligible. since they are truly English, men ought to understand them; and such as are for Uniformity should think all alterations in a language, strange, abominable, and un∣warrantable. Rightly therefore, I say again, hath our Poet used ancient words, and poured them forth as a precious ointment upon good old Wormius in this place. SCRIBLERUS.

V. ibid.

Myster wight.]

uncouth mortal.

V. 188.

Wits, who like Owls, &c.]

These few lines exactly describe the right verbal Critic: He is to his author as a Quack to his patients, the more they suffer and complain, the better he is pleas'd; like the famous Doctor of that sort, who put up in his bills, He delighted in matters of difficulty. Some body said well of these men, that their heads were Libra∣ries out of order.

V. 195.

—Lo! Henley stands, &c.]

J. Henly, the Orator; he preach'd on the sundays upon Theological matters, and on the wednesdays upon all other sciences. Each auditor paid one shilling. He declaim'd some years unpunish'd against the greatest persons, and oc∣casionally did our Author that honour. WELSTED, in Oratory Transactions, No. 1. published by Henley him∣self, gives the following account of him.

"He was born at Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. From his own Parish school he went to St. John's College in Cambridge. He began there to be uneasy; for it shock'd him to find he was commanded to believe against his judgment in points of Religion, Philoso∣phy, &c. for his genius leading him freely to dis∣pute all propositions, and call all points to account, he was impatient under those fetters of the free-born mind.—Being admitted to Priest's orders, he found the examination very short and superficial, and that it was not necessary to conform to the Christian Religion in order either to Deaconship or Priesthood."

He came to town, and after having for some years been a writer for Booksellers, he had an ambition to be so for Ministers of state, The only reason he did

not rise in the Church we are told,

"was the envy of others, and a disrelish entertain'd of him, because he was not qualify'd to be a compleat Spaniel."

How∣ever he offer'd the service of his pen, in one morning, to two great men of opinions and interests directly opposite; by both of whom being rejected, he set up a new Project, and stiled himself the Restorer of an∣cient Eloquence. He thought

"it as lawful to take a licence from the King and Parliament at one place, as another; at Hick's hall, as at Doctors-Com∣mons; so set up his Oratory in Newport-Market, Butcher-row." There (says his friend) "he had the assurance to form a Plan which no mortal ever thought of; he had success against all opposition; challenged his adversaries to fair disputations, and none would dispute with him; writ, read and studied twelve hours a day; compos'd three dissertations a week on all subjects; undertook to teach in one year what Schools and Universities teach in five; was not terrify'd by menaces, insults or satires, but still proceeded, matured his bold scheme, and put the Church and all that, in danger."

WELSTED, Narrative, in Orat. Transact. No. 1.

After having stood some Prosecutions, he turned his rhetoric to Buffoonry upon all publick and private occurrences. All this passed in the same room;

where sometimes he broke jests, and sometimes that bread which he called the Primitive Eucharist—This wonderful person struck Medals, which he dispersed as Tickets to his subscribers: The device, a Star rising to the meridian, with this motto, AD SUMMA; and below, INVENIAM VIAM AUT FACIAM.

V. 208 Of Toland and Tindal, see book 2. Tho. Woolston was an impious madman, who wrote in a most insolent style against the Miracles of the Gospel; in the years 1726, &c.

V. 222.

But learn, ye Dunces! not to scorn your God.]

Virg. Aen. 6. puts this precept into the mouth of a wicked man, as here of a stupid one,

Discite justitiam moniti, & non temnere divos!

V. 229.

—a sable Sorc'rer.]

Dr. Faustus, the subject of a sett of Farces, which lasted in vogue two or three seasons, in which both Play-houses strove to outdo each other in the Years 1726, 1727. All the extravagancies in the sixteen lines following were introduced on the Stage, and frequented by persons of the first quality in England, to the twentieth and thirtieth time.

V. 233.

Hell rises, Heav'n descends, and dance on earth.]

This monstrous absurdity was actually repre∣sented in Tibbald's Rape of Proserpine.

V. 244.

Lo! one vast Egg.]

In another of these Farces Harlequin is hatch'd upon the stage, out of a large Egg.

V. 257.

Immortal Rich.]

Mr. John Rich, Master of the Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields, was the first that excell'd this way.

V. 262. Booth and Cibber, two of the managers of the Theatre in Drury-Lane.

V. 272.

None but thy self can be thy parallel.]

A marvellous line of Theobald; unless the Play call'd the Double Falshood be (as he would have it believ'd) Shake∣spear's:

But whether this line be his or not, he proves Shakespear to have written as bad, (which methinks in an author for whom he has a veneration almost rising to idolatry, might have been concealed) as for example,

Try what Repentance can: what can it not? But what can it, when one cannot repent? —For Cogitation Resides not in the man who does not think, &c. MIST'S JOURN.

But this last line is no man's nonsense but Tibbald's, as he might have found, had he read the Context—

—who does not think My wife is slippery— Cymbeline.

V. id.] The former Annotator seeming to be of opinion that the Double Falshood is not Shakespear's; it is but justice to give Mr. Theobald's Arguments to the contrary, in his preface to that play. First that the MS. was above sixty years old: secondly that once Mr. Bet∣terton had it, or he hath heard so: thirdly, that some∣body told him the author gave it to a bastard-daughter of his: but fourthly and above all,

"that he has a great mind every thing that is good in our tongue should be Shakespear's."

I allow these reasons to be truly critical; but what I am infinitely concern'd at is, that so many Errors have escaped the learned Edi∣tor: a few whereof we shall here amend out of a much greater number, as an instance of our regard to this dear relick.

ACT 1. SCENE 1.I have his letters of a modern date, Wherein by Julio, good Camillo's son (Who as he says, [] shall follow hard upon, And whom I with the growing hour [] expect) He doth sollicit the return of gold, To purchafe certain horse that like him well.

This place is corrupted: the epithet good is a meer in∣significant expletive, but the alteration of that single word restores a clear light to the whole context, thus,

I have his letters of a modern date, Wherein, by July, (by Camillo's son, Who, as he saith, shall follow hard upon, And whom I with the growing hours expect) He doth sollicit the return of gold.

Here you have not only the Person specify'd, by whose hands the return was to be made, but the most neces∣sary part, the Time by which it was required. Ca∣millo's son was to follow hard upon—what? why upon July.—Horse that like him well, is very absurd: Read it, without contradiction,

—Horse, that he likes well.

ACT 1. at the end.—I must stoop to gain her, Throw all my gay Comparisons aside And turn my proud additions out of service:

Saith Henriquez of a maiden of low condition, object∣ing

his high quality: What have his Comparisons here to do? Correct it boldly,

Throw all my gay Caparisons aside, And turn my proud additions out of service.

ACT 2. SCENE 1.All the verse of this Scene is confounded with prose. —O that a man Could reason down this Feaver of the blood, Or sooth with words the tumult in his heart! Then Julio, I might be indeed thy friend. Read—this fervor of the blood, Then Julio, I might be in deed thy friend. marking the just opposition of deeds and words.

ACT 4. SCENE 1.

How his eyes shake fire!—said by Violante, obser∣ving how the lustful shepherd looks at her. It must be, as the sense plainly demands,

—How his eyes take fire! And measure every piece of youth about me!

Ibid. That, tho' I wore disguises for some ends. She had but one disguse, and wore it but for one end. Restore it, with the alteration but of two letters, That, tho' I were disguised for some end.

ACT 4. SCENE 2.—To oaths no more give credit, To tears, to vows; false both!

False Grammar I'm sure. Both can relate but to two things: And see! how easy a change sets it right?

To tears, to vows, false troth—

I could shew you that very word Troth, in Shakespear a hundred times.

Ib. For there is nothing left thee now to look for,

That can bring comfort, but a quiet grave.

This I fear is of a piece with None but itself can be its parallel: for the grave puts an end to all sorrow, it can then need no comfort. Yet let us vindicate Shakespear where we can: I make no doubt but he wrote thus,

For there is nothing left thee now to look for, Nothing that can bring quiet, but the grave.

Which reduplication of the word gives a much stronger emphasis to Violante's concern. This figure is call'd Anadyplosis. I could shew you a hundred just such in him, if I had nothing else to do. SCRIBLERUS.

V. 280. Annual trophies, on the Lord Mayor's Day; and monthly wars, in the Artillery Ground,

V. 281.

Tho' long my Party.]

Settle, like most Partywriters, was very uncertain in his political principles. He was employ'd to hold the pen in the Character of a Popish successor, but afterwards printed his Narra∣tive

on the contrary side. He had manag'd the cere∣mony of a famous Pope-burning on Nov. 17. 1680: then became a trooper in King James's army at Hounslow-heath. After the Revolution he kept a Booth at Bartlemew-fair, where in the Droll call'd St. George for England, he acted in his old age in a Dragon of green leather of his own invention. He was at last taken into the Charter-house, and there dyed, aged about 60 years.

V. 286.

To Dulness, Ridpath is as dear as Mist.]

George Ridpath, author for several years of the Flying-Post, a Whig-paper; Nathaniel Mist, publisher of the Weekly Journal, a Tory-paper.

V. 299.

Thy dragons Magistrates and Peers shall taste.]

It stood in the first edition with blanks, Thy dragons ** and ***. Concanen was sure

"they must needs mean no-body but King GEORGE and

Queen CAROLINE, and said he would insist it was so, till the poet clear'd himself by filling up the blanks otherwise, agreeably to the context, and consistent with his allegiance."

Pref. to a collection of verses, essays, letters, &c. against Mr. P. printed for A. Moore, pag. 6.]

V. 307.

—Faustus is thy friend, Pluto with Cato, &c.]

Names of miserable farces of Tibbald and others, which it was their custom to get acted at the end of the best tragedies, to spoil the digestion of the audience.

V. 310.

—ensure it but from fire.]

In Tibbald's farce of Proserpine a corn-field was set on fire; where-upon the other playhouse had a barn burnt down for the recreation of the spectators. They also rival'd each other in showing the burnings of hell-fire, in Dr. Faustus.

V. 311.

Another Aeschylus appears! &c.]

It is re∣ported of Aeschylus, that when his tragedy of the Furies was acted, the audience were so terrify'd that the children fell into fits, and the big-bellied women miscarried. Tibbald is translating this author: he print∣ed a specimen of him many years ago, of which I only remember that the first note contains some com∣parison between Promotheus and Christ crucisy'd.

V. 317.

Eusden wear the bays.]

See Book 1. verse 102. I have before observ'd something like prophecy in our author. Eusden, whom he here couples with Cibber, no sooner died but his place of Laureate was supply'd by Cibber, in the year 1730, on which was made the ensuing epigram.

In merry old England it once was a rule, The King had his poet, and also his fool: But now we're so frugal, I'd have you to know it, That Cibber can serve both for fool and for poet.

V. 321.

Benson sole judge of architecture sit.]

W—m Benson (late surveyor of the buildings to his Ma∣jesty King George I.) gave in a report to the Lords, that their house and the painted chamber adjoining were in immediate danger of falling. Whereupon the Lords met in a committee, to appoint some other place to fit in, while the house should be taken down. But it being proposed to cause some other builders first to inspect it, they found it in very good condition. The Lords, upon this, were going upon an address to the King against Benson, for such a misrepresentation; but the Earl of Sunderland, then secretary, gave them an assurance that his Majesty would remove him, which was done accordingly. In favour of this man, the famous Sir Christopher Wren, who had been architect to the crown for above fifty years, who built most of the Churches in London, laid the first stone of St. Paul's, and lived to finish it, had been displac'd from his employment at the age of near ninety years.

V. 322. And Ambrose Philips.] He was (saith Mr. JACOB)

"one of the wits at Button's, and a justice of the peace."

But since he hath met with higher preferment in Ireland: and a much greater character we have of him in Mr. Gildon's compleat Art of poe∣try, v. 1. p. 157.

"Indeed he confesses, he dares not set him quite on the same foot with Virgil, lest it should seem flattery: but he is much mistaken if posterity does not afford him a greater esteem than

he at present enjoys."

He endeavour'd to create some mis-understanding between our author and Mr. Addison, whom also soon after he abused as much. His constant cry was, that Mr. P. was an Enemy to the government; and in particular he was the avowed author of a report very industriously spread, that he had a hand in a party-paper call'd the Examiner: A falshood well known to those yet living, who had the direction and publication of it.

Qui meprise Cotin, n'estime point son Roy, Et n'a, (selon Cotin,) ni Dieu, ni Foy, ni Loy.

V. 323.

Dormitory wall.]

The dormitory in West∣minster was a building intended for the lodging of the King's scholars; toward which a sum was left by Dr. Edw. Hannes, the rest was raised by contributions pro∣cured from several eminent persons by the interest of Francis late Bishop of Rochester, and Dean of West∣minster. He requested the Earl of Burlington to be the Architect, who carry'd on the work till the bill against that learned prelate was brought in, which ended in his banishment. The shell being finished ac∣cording to his design, the succeeding Dean and Chap∣ter employ'd a common builder to do the inside, which is perform'd accordingly.

V. 324.

And Jones and Boyle 's united labours fall.]

At the time when this poem was written, the ban∣queting-house of Whitehall, the church and piazza of Covent-garden, and the palace and chappel of Se∣merset-house,

the works of the famous Inigo Jones, had been for many years so neglected as to be in danger of ruin. The portico of Covent-garden church had been just then restor'd and beautify'd at the expence of the Earl of Burlington; who, at the same time, by his publication of the designs of that great Master and Palladio, as well as by many noble buildings of his own, revived the true taste of Architecture in this Kingdom.

V. 326.

Gay dies unpension'd, &c.]

See Mr. Gay's fable of the Hare and Many Friends. This gentleman was early in the friendship of our author, which con∣tinued to his death. He wrote several works of hu∣mour with great success, the Shepherd's Week, Trivia, the What-d'ye-call-it, Fables, and lastly, the celebrated Beggars Opera; a piece of satire which hit all tastes and degrees of men, from those of the highest quality to the very rabble: That verse of Horace

Primotes populi arripuit, populumque tributim,

could never be so justly applied as to this. The vast success of it was unprecedented, and almost incredible: What is related of the wonderful effects of the ancient music or tragedy hardly came up to it: Sophocles and Euripides were less follow'd and famous. It was acted in London sixty-three days, uninterrupted; and renew'd the next season with equal applauses. It spread into all the great towns of England, was play'd in many places to the 30th, and 40th time, at Rath and Bristol 50, &c. It made its progress into Wales, Scotland, and

Ireland, where it was performed 24 days together It was lastly acted in Minorca. The fame of it was not confin'd to the author only; the ladies carry'd about with 'em the favourite songs of it in fans; and houses were furnish'd with it in screens. The person who acted Polly, till then obscure, became all at once the favourite of the town; her pictures were ingraved and sold in great numbers; her life written; books of letters and verses to her publish'd; and pamphlets made even of her sayings and jests.

Furthermore, it drove out of England for that sea∣son the Italian Opera, which had carry'd all before it for ten years: That idol of the Nobility and the peo∣ple, which the great Critic Mr. Dennis by the la∣bours and outcries of a whole life could not over∣throw, was demolish'd by a single stroke of this gen∣tleman's pen. This remarkable period happen'd in the year 1728. Yet so great was his modesty, that he constantly prefixed to all the editions of it this motto, Nos haec novimus esse nibil.

V. 327.

Hibernian politicks, O Swift! thy doom.]

See book 1. vers. 24.

V. 328.

And Pope's translating three whole years with Broome.]

He concludes his irony with a stroke upon himself; For whoever imagines this is a sarcasm on the other ingenious person, is surely mistaken. The opinion our author had of him was sufficiently shown, by his joining him in the undertaking of the Odyssey: in which Mr. Broome having ingaged with∣out

any previous agreement, discharged his part so much to Mr. Pope's satisfaction, that he gratified him with the full sum of Five hundred pounds, and a pre∣sent of all those books for which his own interest could procure him Subscribers, to the value of One hundred more. The author only seems to lament, that he was so long imploy'd in translation.

V. 337, &c.

She comes! the cloud-compelling pow'r, behold! &c.]

Here the muse, like Jove's eagle, after a sudden stoop at ignoble game, soareth again to the skies. As prophecy hath ever been one of the chief provinces of poesy, our poet here foretells from what we feel, what we are to fear; and in the style of other prophets, hath used the future tense for the preterit:

since what he says shall be, is already to be seen, in the writings of some even of our most adored authors, in divinity, philosophy, physics, metaphysics, &c. (who are too good indeed to be named in such com∣pany.) Do not gentle reader, rest too secure in thy contempt of the instruments for such a revolution in learning, or despise such weak agents as have been de∣scribed in our poem, but remember what the Dutch stories somewhere relate, that a great part of their provinces was once over-flow'd, by a small opening made in one of their dykes by a single water-rat.

However, that such is not seriously the judgment of our poet, but that he conceiveth better hopes from the diligence of our schools, from the regularity of our universities, the discernment of our great men, the encouragement of our patrons, and the genius of our writers in all kinds, (notwithstanding some few exceptions in each) may plainly be seen from his con∣clusion;

where by causing all this vision to pass thro' the Ivory gate, he expresly in the language of poesy declares all such imaginations to be wild, ungrounded, and fictitious. SCRIBLERUS.

V. 347.

Truth in her old cavern lye.]

Alludes to the saying of Democritus, that truth lay at the bot∣tom of a deep well.

V. 8.

Hence from the straw where Bedlam's Prophet nods, He hears loud Oracles, and talks with Gods.

Virg. Aen. 7. Et varias audit voces, fruiturque deorum Colloquio—

V. 15.

There in a dusky vale, &c.]

Virg. Aen. 6. —Videt Aeneas in valle reducta Seclusum nemus— Lethaeumque domos placidas qui praenatat amnem, &c. Hunc circum innumerae gentes, &c.

V. 16. Old Bavius sits, to dip poetic souls.] Alluding to the story of Thetis dipping Achilles to render him impenetrable.

At pater Anchises penitus convalle virenti Inclusas animas, superumque ad lumen ituras, Lustrabat— Virg. Aen. 6.

V. 20.

Unbar the gates of Light.]

Milton.

V. 23.

Millions and millions—Thick as the stars, &c.]

Virg. 6. Quam multa in sylvis autumni frigore primo Lapsa cadunt folia, aut ad terram gurgite ab alto Quam multae glomerantur aves, &c.

V. 46.

Mix'd the Owl's Ivy with the Poet's Bays.]

Virg. Ec. 8. —fine tempora circum Inter victrices hederam tibi serpere lauros.

V. 53.

For this, our Queen unfolds to vision true Thy mental eye, for thou hast much to view.]

This has a resemblance to that passage in Milton, l. 11. where the Angel

To nobler sights from Adam's eye remov'd The film; then purg'd with Euphrasie and Rue The visual nerve—For he had much to see.

There is a general allusion in what follows to that whole Episode.

V. 110.

Happy—had Easter never been.]

Virg. Ecl. 6. Et fortunatam, si nunquam armenta fuissent.

V. 119, 121.

Now look thro' Fate—See all her Progeny—&c.

Virg. Aen. 6. Nunc age, Dardaniam prolem quae deinde sequatur Gloria, qui maneant Itala de gente nepotes, Illustres animas, nostrumque in nomen ituras, Expediam.

V. 123.

As Berecynthia, &c.]

Virg. ib. Felix prole virum, qualis Berecynthia mater Invehitur curru Phrygias turrita per urbes, Laeta deum partu, centum complexa nepotes, Omnes coelicolas, omnes supera alta tenentes.

V. 131.

Mark first the youth, &c.]

Virg. Aen. 6. Ille vides, pura juvenis qui nititur hasta, Proxima sorte tenet lucis loca.—

V. 133.

With all thy Father's virtues blest, be born!]

A manner of expression used by Virgil, Ecl. 8.

Nascere! praeque diem veniens, age Lucifer—

As also that of patriis virtutibus. Ecl. 4.

V 137.

From the strong fate of drams if thou get free, &c.]

Virg. Aen. 6. —si qua fata aspera rumpas, Tu Marcellus eris!—

V. 139.

Thee shall each Ale-house, &c.]

Aen. 7. Te nemus Angitiae, vitreâ te Fucinus unda, Te liquidi flevere lacus. Virgil again, Ecl. 10. Illum etiam lauri, illum flevere myricae, &c.

V. 150.] Virg. Aen. 6.

—duo fulmina belli Scipiadas, cladem Lybiae!

V. 163.

Flow Welsted, flow! &c.]

Parody on Denham, Cooper's Hill.

O could I flow like thee, and make thy stream My great example, as it is my theme. Tho' deep, yet clear; tho' gentle, yet not dull; Strong without rage; without o'erflowing, full.

V. 171.

Embrace, embrace my Sons! be foes no more.]

Virg. Aen. 6. —Ne tanta animis assuescite bella, Neu patriae validas in viscera vertite vires: Tuque prior, tu parce—sanguis mous!—

V. 181.

But who is he, &c.]

Virg. Aen. 6. que∣stions and answers in this manner, of Numa,

Quis procul ille autem ramis insignis olivae Sacra ferens?—nosco crines, incanaque menta, &c.

V. 240.

And other planets.]

Virg. Aen. 6. —solemque suum, sua sydera norunt.

V. 242.

Whales sport in woods, and dolphins in the skies.]

Hor. Delphinum sylvis appingit, fluctibus aprum.

V. 247.

Son! what thou seek'st is in thee.]

Quod petis in te est—Ne te quaesiveris extra. Pers.

V. 252.

Wings the red lightning, &c.]

Like Sas∣moneus in Aen. 6.

Dum flammas Jovis, & sonitus imitatur olympi. —nimbos, & non imitabile fulmen, Aere & cornipedum cursu simularat Equorum.

V. 254.

—o'er all unclassic ground.]

alludes to Mr. Addison's verse in the praises of Italy,

Poetic fields incompass me around, And still I seem to tread on Classic ground.

As verse 260 is a Parody on a noble one of the same Author in the Campaign; and verse 255, 256. on two sublime verses of Dr. Y.

V. 283-84.

—With equal grace Our Goddess smiles on Whig and Tory race.]

Virg. Aen. 10. Tros Rutulusve fuat, nullo discrimine habebo. —Rex Jupiter omnibus idem.

V. 305.

—If heav'n thou canst not bend, Hell thou shalt move—]

Virg. Aen. 7. Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.

V. 315

—Like Semeles—]

See Ovid, Met. 3.

V. 317.

This, this is he, foretold by ancient rhymes, Th' Augustus, &c.]

Virg. Aen. 6. Hic vir, hic est! tibi quem promitti saepius audis, Augustus Caesar, divum genus; aurea condet Saecula qui rursus Latio, regnata per arva Saturno quondam—

Saturnian here relates to the age of Lead, mention'd book 1. ver. 26.

V. 329.

Proceed great days.]

Virg. Ecl. 4. —Incipiunt magni procedere menses.

V. 343.

As Argus' eyes by Hermes wand opprest.]

Ovid. Met. 2. Et quamvis sopor est oculorum parte receptus, Parte tamen vigilat—Vidit Cyllenius omnes Succubuisse oculos, &c. ibid.

V. 358.

And thro' the Ivory gate the vision flies.]

Virg. Aen. 6. Sunt geminae somni portae; quarum altera fertur Cornea, qua veris facilis datur exitus umbris; Altera, candenti perfecta nintens elephanto, Sed falsa ad coelum mittunt insomnia manes.

FINIS.