seven, after having not only stood long in the highest rank of wit
and literature, but filled one of the most important offices of
State.

The time in which he lived had reason to lament his obstinacy of
silence; "for he was," says Steele, "above all men in that talent
called humour, and enjoyed it in such perfection that I have often
reflected, after a night spent with him apart from all the world,
that I had had the pleasure of conversing with an intimate
acquaintance of Terence and Catullus, who had all their wit and
nature, heightened with humour more exquisite and delightful than
any other man ever possessed." This is the fondness of a friend;
let us hear what is told us by a rival. "Addison's conversation,"
says Pope, "had something in it more charming than I have found in
any other man. But this was only when familiar: before strangers,
or perhaps a single stranger, he preserved his dignity by a stiff
silence." This modesty was by no means inconsistent with a very
high opinion of his own merit. He demanded to be the first name in
modern wit; and, with Steele to echo him, used to depreciate Dryden,
whom Pope and Congreve defended against them. There is no reason to
doubt that he suffered too much pain from the prevalence of Pope's
poetical reputation; nor is it without strong reason suspected that
by some disingenuous acts he endeavoured to obstruct it; Pope was
not the only man whom he insidiously injured, though the only man of
whom he could be afraid. His own powers were such as might have
satisfied him with conscious excellence. Of very extensive learning
he has indeed given no proofs. He seems to have had small
acquaintance with the sciences, and to have read little except Latin
and French; but of the Latin poets his "Dialogues on Medals" show
that he had perused the works with great diligence and skill. The