himself the author.

These translations, published at the same time, were certainly meant as
rivals to one another. We cannot convey a more adequate idea of this,
than in the words of Mr. Pope, in a Letter to James Craggs, Esq.; dated
July the 15th, 1715.

'Sir,

'They tell me, the busy part of the nation are not more busy about Whig
and Tory; than these idle-fellows of the feather, about Mr. Tickell's
and my translation. I (like the Tories) have the town in general, that
is, the mob on my side; but it is usual with the smaller part to make up
in industry, what they want in number; and that is the case with the
little senate of Cato. However, if our principles be well considered, I
must appear a brave Whig, and Mr. Tickell a rank Tory. I translated
Homer, for the public in general, he to gratify the inordinate desires
of one man only. We have, it seems, a great Turk in poetry, who can
never bear a brother on the throne; and has his Mutes too, a set of
Medlers, Winkers, and Whisperers, whose business 'tis to strangle all
other offsprings of wit in their birth. The new translator of Homer, is
the humblest slave he has, that is to say, his first minister; let him
receive the honours he gives me, but receive them with fear and
trembling; let him be proud of the approbation of his absolute lord, I
appeal to the people, as my rightful judges, and masters; and if they
are not inclined to condemn me, I fear no arbitrary high-flying
proceeding, from the Court faction at Button's. But after all I have
said of this great man, there is no rupture between us. We are each of
us so civil, and obliging, that neither thinks he's obliged: And I for
my part, treat with him, as we do with the Grand Monarch; who has too