His was an ense rescindendum; but that of
Horace was a pleasant cure, with all the limbs preserved entire,
and, as our mountebanks tell us in their bills, without keeping the
patient within doors for a day. What they promise only, Horace has
effectually performed. Yet I contradict not the proposition which I
formerly advanced. Juvenal's times required a more painful kind of
operation; but if he had lived in the age of Horace, I must needs
affirm that he had it not about him. He took the method which was
prescribed him by his own genius, which was sharp and eager; he
could not railly, but he could declaim: and as his provocations
were great, he has revenged them tragically. This, notwithstanding
I am to say another word which, as true as it is, will yet displease
the partial admirers of our Horace; I have hinted it before, but it
is time for me now to speak more plainly.
This manner of Horace is indeed the best; but Horace has not
executed it altogether so happily--at least, not often. The manner
of Juvenal is confessed to be inferior to the former; but Juvenal
has excelled him in his performance.
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