I gave the unknown author his
due commendation, I must confess; but who can answer for me, and for
the rest of the poets who heard me read the poem, whether we should
not have been better pleased to have seen our own names at the
bottom of the title-page? Perhaps we commended it the more that we
might seem to be above the censure. We are naturally displeased
with an unknown critic, as the ladies are with a lampooner, because
we are bitten in the dark, and know not where to fasten our revenge;
but great excellences will work their way through all sorts of
opposition. I applauded rather out of decency than affection; and
was ambitious, as some yet can witness, to be acquainted with a man
with whom I had the honour to converse, and that almost daily, for
so many years together. Heaven knows if I have heartily forgiven
you this deceit. You extorted a praise, which I should willingly
have given had I known you. Nothing had been more easy than to
commend a patron of a long standing. The world would join with me
if the encomiums were just, and if unjust would excuse a grateful
flatterer.
Pages:
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195