used in doggrel poetry, and generally applauded by ignorant readers.
If the thought of the couplet in such compositions is good, the
rhyme adds little to it; and if bad, it will not be in the power of
the rhyme to recommend it. I am afraid that great numbers of those
who admire the incomparable "Hudibras," do it more on account of
these doggrel rhymes than of the parts that really deserve
admiration. I am sure I have heard the


Pulpit, drum ecclesiastic,
Was beat with fist, instead of a stick (Canto I, II),

and--


There was an ancient philosopher
Who had read Alexander Ross over
(Part I., Canto 2, 1),


more frequently quoted than the finest pieces of wit in the whole
poem.



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Non equidem hoc studeo bullatis ut mihi nugis