either weary with toiling upon another's thoughts, or having heard,
as Ruffhead relates, that Fenton and Broome had already begun the
work, and liking better to have them confederates than rivals. In
the patent, instead of saying that he had "translated" the
"Odyssey," as he had said of the "Iliad," he says that he had
"undertaken" a translation: and in the proposals, the subscription
is said to be not solely for his own use, but for that of "two of
his friends who have assisted him in his work."

In 1723, while he was engaged in this new version, he appeared
before the Lords at the memorable trial of Bishop Atterbury, with
whom he had lived in great familiarity, and frequent correspondence.
Atterbury had honestly recommended to him the study of the Popish
controversy, in hope of his conversion; to which Pope answered in a
manner that cannot much recommend his principles or his judgment.
In questions and projects of learning they agree better. He was
called at the trial to give an account of Atterbury's domestic life
and private employment, that it might appear how little time he had
left for plots. Pope had but few words to utter, and in those few
he made several blunders.

His letters to Atterbury express the utmost esteem, tenderness, and
gratitude. "Perhaps," says he, "it is not only in this world that I
may have cause to remember the Bishop of Rochester." At their last
interview in the Tower, Atterbury presented him with a Bible.

Of the "Odyssey" Pope translated only twelve books. The rest were
the work of Broome and Fenton: the notes were written wholly by
Broome, who was not over liberally rewarded. The public was
carefully kept ignorant of the several shares; and an account was