was never contradicted by his enemies. Of those with whom interest
or opinion united him he had not only the esteem, but the kindness;
and of others whom the violence of opposition drove against him,
though he might lose the love, he retained the reverence.

It is justly observed by Tickell that he employed wit on the side of
virtue and religion. He not only made the proper use of wit
himself, but taught it to others; and from his time it has been
generally subservient to the cause of reason and of truth. He has
dissipated the prejudice that had long connected gaiety with vice,
and easiness of manners with laxity of principles. He has restored
virtue to its dignity, and taught innocence not to be ashamed. This
is an elevation of literary character "above all Greek, above all
Roman fame." No greater felicity can genius attain than that of
having purified intellectual pleasure, separated mirth from
indecency, and wit from licentiousness; of having taught a
succession of writers to bring elegance and gaiety to the aid of
goodness; and, if I may use expressions yet more awful, of having
"turned many to righteousness."

Addison, in his life and for some time afterwards, was considered by
a greater part of readers as supremely excelling both in poetry and
criticism. Part of his reputation may be probably ascribed to the
advancement of his fortune; when, as Swift observes, he became a
statesman, and saw poets waiting at his levee, it was no wonder that
praise was accumulated upon him. Much likewise may be more
honourably ascribed to his personal character: he who, if he had
claimed it, might have obtained the diadem, was not likely to be
denied the laurel. But time quickly puts an end to artificial and
accidental fame; and Addison is to pass through futurity protected