The Rape of the Lock and Other Poems by Alexander Pope
page 113 of 289 (39%)
page 113 of 289 (39%)
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And _St. John's_ self (great _Dryden's_ friends before)
With open arms receiv'd one Poet more. 140 Happy my studies, when by these approv'd! Happier their author, when by these belov'd! From these the world will judge of men and books, Not from the _Burnets, Oldmixons_, and _Cookes_. Soft were my numbers; who could take offence, 145 While pure Description held the place of Sense? Like gentle _Fanny's_ was my flow'ry theme, A painted mistress, or a purling stream. Yet then did _Gildon_ draw his venal quill;-- I wish'd the man a dinner, and sat still. 150 Yet then did _Dennis_ rave in furious fret; I never answer'd,--I was not in debt. If want provok'd, or madness made them print, I wag'd no war with _Bedlam_ or the _Mint_. Did some more sober Critic come abroad; 155 If wrong, I smil'd; if right, I kiss'd the rod. Pains, reading, study, are their just pretence, And all they want is spirit, taste, and sense. Commas and points they set exactly right, And 'twere a sin to rob them of their mite. 160 Yet ne'er one sprig of laurel grac'd these ribalds, From slashing _Bentley_ down to pidling _Tibalds_: Each wight, who reads not, and but scans and spells, Each Word-catcher, that lives on syllables, Ev'n such small Critics some regard may claim, 165 Preserv'd in _Milton's_ or in _Shakespeare's_ name. |
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