The Rape of the Lock: and an Essay On

Home , An Essay on Man

ECLECTIC EN G LISH CLASSICS

TH E RA PE OF TH E LOCK

A N D

AN ES S AY ON MAN

BY ALE XAN DE R EOP E

TE D BY A . M . VAN E DI DY K E , M . A .

DE PARTME N T OF E N G LIS H , CINCI NNATI H IG H SCH OOL

N E W YORK CIN CIN N A TI CH ICA G O

A M E R I C A N B O O K C O M P A N Y

1 898 w 1 m “H iram i m ” . atis m LIbr ar y BOWL of EGUC TRANS FE HML D I O RAIN MID COL LEG E H a m! 1 192 1 J U . ‘

Co r i h t 1 8 8 b py g , 9 , y A M E R I AN Boox O A C C M P N Y . I N T R O D U CT I O N .

A D E R OP E wa s n n A L E X N P bor in Lombard Street , Lo don , May

fa h er wa wh o 2 1 1 68 8 . t s , His a linen draper had amassed a considerable fortune , and his mother, Edith , was one of the sev

i n n enteen ch ldren of William Turner, a Roman Catholic ge tlema ,

’ th e e e e lord of a manor in Yorks hire . Both of po t s par nts wer

Roman Catholics .

On account of his extremely delicate health , he was, at the age

th e n of eight , put under tuitio of the family priest, who taught him the rudiments of Latin and Greek . He had early been

n e taught by a n aunt to read and write . Whe he was twelve y ars

a t b ut old , he was sent to a Catholic school Twyford , was soon expelled for having written a lampoon upon one of his teachers .

’ s His father retired from busine s soon after the poet s birth , and

in eld n B ﬁ r . removed to , on the borde s of Wi dsor Forest Here ,

u after his expulsion from school , other t tors were provided for

b ut n a r e n him ; , his progress being u satisf cto y to hims lf, he aba doned u e a nd this method of st dy, and laid out for hims lf a wide

r e . varied cou se of reading, which he pursued with great dilig nce

b u He egan to write verse at an early age , prod cing his Ode to Solitude when but twelve year s old . He says of himself 5 I N TR OD U C TI ON

I a nd n . lisped in numbers , the umbers came At the age of

” w th e sixteen he rote the Pastorals, and boldly announced to

I n 1 1 1 e world that he was a poet . 7 he publish d his Essay on

r c . 1 1 2 a C iticism , whi h was much praised by Addison In 7 p

“ ear ed - p the mock heroic poem The Rape of the Lock, which

a n a nd r ised him to the highest pin acle of fame, the Messiah ,

’ n l n w in imitatio of Vergi s Fourth Eclogue . Though he was o

l et n the most popu ar poet of his day, y the pecu iary proﬁts de w rived from the publication of his orks had been small ; and , as

e n 1 1 his father had nearly exhaust d his fortu e , Pope , in 7 3 , took

a a n d u a n n advant ge of his popularity, iss ed propos ls for a tra slatio

1 1 8- 1 2 0 of the Iliad of Homer . The work was ﬁnished in 7 7 , and he received for it over £5 00 0 :

a a w n With p rt of this sum he purch sed the villa of T icke ham , w e e in 1 1 8 a n hith r he repaired with his moth r 7 , his father h vi g

e e w k enh a m th e r e died the y ar before . He resid d at T ic for

i d e e m n m a n er of his life . Here he amused hims lf by bellishi g his

n e a m en a nd grou ds , receiv d the hom ge of the famous women of

e w w wa s I n n n e his tim , ith hom he co stant i t rcourse , and busied

l w w n himse f ith his riti gs . ” n a his ~ s uc c es s I E cour ged by with the liad, he put forth , in ”

1 2 in n n o n t F n e . 7 5 , co ju cti wi h Boone and e ton , the Odyss y In — 1 7 2 7 1 7 2 8 he a n d Swift together wrote the Miscellanies . In

1 2 8 u n u wa 7 The D nciad was published a onymo sly, but there s

n a nd wa s . no mistaki g the author, it universally ascribed to Pope

This poem is a vindictive satire against th e sma ll celebrities of

l A nd n a . his day, prompted by liter ry jea ousy agai st whom is

h r ? A u a m t is petty i ritation felt gainst feeble jo rnalists, brutal p

hleteer s a n p , st rving rimesters , a crew of hack ey authors, Bohe m ians of ink and paper below literature . To sting and wound I N TR OD UC TI ON 7

u s these unfort nate gave Pope pleasure as he sat, meditating stabs , in ! his elegant villa, the resort of the rich and the noble By

t w r A TT I S ON . attacking hese, he lo ers himself to thei level (P )

In 1 7 3 2 - 1 7 34 appeared An Essay on Man ; a nd in the last year s of his life Pope de voted himself to writing the Moral

” ” e Essays, the Imitations of Horace, the Satir s, the Epis

” ” tles , and the fourth book of The Dunciad .

’ in r e Pope s mother died 7 33 , and after that, although surround d

m e . by any close fri nds, he began to feel himself alone He had a lways been in ill health, and as he grew older he developed a fretfulness and irritability of disposition which taxed the patience of his companions to the utmost .

i : Dr . Johnson thus describes the last days of his l fe In May, h 1 his . O n 6t 744 , death was approaching the he was all day

ir r fh del ious, which he mentioned, fou days afterwards , as a su

u cient h miliation of the vanity of man . He afterwards com

d h u u n plaine of seeing things as t ro gh a c rtai , and in false colors ;

da the s D ods le ar m and one y , in pre ence of y , asked what it was

i n that came out from the wall . He said that his greatest nco

‘ v enienc e was inability to think . He died in the evening of the t 1 hirtieth day of May, 744 , so placidly that the attendants did

n not discern the exact time of his expiratio . He was buried at

m a nd m e Twickenha , near his father other, where a monum nt has b a een erected to him by his commentator, W rburton , bishop of ” Gloucester .

’ Inas much a s the study of Pope s works is the study of the m a n

i n b beh nd them , it is but just to consider his physical conditio e

“ r Bom fo e pas sing judgment . to a life that was one long dis ca s e h u e , owever m ch he may have been to some an obj ct of

was contempt , he a ﬁt subject for charity, if not for pity . A 8 I N TR OD UC TI ON

t i v b e dwarf in s ature, crooked in form , weak of const tution , ain

of e r ri cause precocity too much ﬂatter d , i table from ill health , he was hampered greatly in the race of life . In his childhood he was amiable and sweet-tempered ; in his maturer year s he was

“ ” the wasp of Twickenham . Even as a child he saw that he was different from other children ; later he brooded over this ff u . was di erence , and perhaps accused Nat re of injustice If he

n w crafty and maligna t, vain and conceited , himsical and pas s ionate h , it may ave been but the reaction of his futile resent

e th e ment against fate , in an end avor to re venge. himself upon

could — e enemies he attack men . Had he be n of a brave or heroical nature , he would not have sought to recompense his own m th defects by i pairing e virtue of others .

C We must not , however, overlook the good side of his harac t I er . Bolingbroke said of him never in my life knew a man wh o had so tender a heart for his particular friends ; and Adol

h us C a I n m p Ward , in summing up his h racter, says co pensa

inﬁr mities h a d tion for his bodily , Nature bestowed upon him a

th e h br illiant eye and a melodious voice . To counteract de ili

n ff tati g e ects of his miserable health , he had been gifted with an

a . indefatigable activity of mind , aided by an extr ordinary memory

t ff a Bu he also possessed an a ectionate he rt , to whose promptings he listened in all the dearest relations of life . He was the best

a nd of sons to both his parents , a kind brother, to those who

ff u d n . had once engaged his a ections , a faithf l and evoted frie d

N o suspicion perv erted the attachment which united him to the

. e r a nd associat s of his youth , to the Ca ylls Cromwells and Blounts,

to and to the friends of his manhood , Swift and Arbuthnot and

G a n e y , and to Boli gbroke , whom he thought sup rior to anything

’ in n a he had seen huma natur e . Nor was h e friend in sunshine I N TR OD UC TI ON 9

e wa s b a and only . The exil of many cheered y his symp thy ;

e u e Swift predicted that, among all his . friends , Pop wo ld griev

e e longest for his death . His relations to women wer thos of ff tender fr iendship or a ected gallantry, but they exercised no momentous inﬂuence up on his life . Lastly , a true generosity of

’ spirit held him fast to his father s faith ; and as h e became the

r ar u tool of no political faction , so he pe mitted no g ments of ” - a ff s elf inter es t to weigh against the dictates of an un ected piety .

u m t Pope was ndoubtedly the greatest poet of his ti e , hat is, of

u r wa th e ﬁr s t half of th e eighteenth cent ry . But this pe iod s not

u char acterized by what is truly great in creative literat re . Pope ” d a n a d does not hol the mirror up to nature , but he reﬂects in

e mirable way the moral and social id as of his time .

e The literature of the Augustan Age , or, as it is som times

“ ” ” ueen A nne a called , the Age of Q , or the Classic l Period ,

u s e so ght to ﬂatter and to plea e , but never attempted to el vate, and ﬁxed for English poetry that factitious and stilted poetic dic tion which was echoed and reechoed by imitators till it bec ame f ash amed and vexed at its own empty reiterations . Its per ec

r its n t tion of fo m far from compensated for wa t of in ense feeling, its felicity of diction for the absence of the natura lness of expres sion and the Splendor of imagination which had characterized the

a a n preceding age . In state of society void of e rnest es s and

s as ms nt lofty enthu i , given over to conve ionalities, gayeties , and

fr i t s e s s r voli ie , we might xpect to ﬁnd a cla of write s acute , but

r r r an not p ofound , sententious, but without t ue sentiment , b illi t ,

n s n r c o s e i but i capable of su tained elega ce , sati i al fr m in inc r ty , th not rough moral indignation , witty , but lacking kindly humor,

a nd r s now then pathetic with an artiﬁcial pathos lacking tea .

th s s rs a was Of is cla of write Pope st nds at the head . H e 1 0 I N TR OD UC TI ON empha tically the poet of the highly artiﬁcial age in which he

i a l ved ; and his excellence lay in , or at le st was fostered and per fected a ' of all s by, the accord nce his tastes and talent , of his

u r whole moral and intellectual constit tion , with the spi it of that i . u condition of things Not touches of nat ral emot on , but the

i n — b ut tit llatio of wit and fancy, not tones of natural music , the

e - his t tone of good soci ty, make up the charm of poe ry, the pol is h n , pu gency, and brilliancy of which , however, in its most

u n t happily exec ted passages, leave othing in hat style to be de

R I sired (C A K ) . N o writer who neglected the graces of style b h could gain acceptance y the public . T is fastidiousness of the

r i b public ear required on the part of w ters greatly increased la or . It was no longer possible to ta ke a sheet of paper and write out

‘ ur t u b yo ho ghts as fast as the pen would move . The mo of

as gentlemen who wrote with e e were distanced in the race . It

e i n ew n was v dent that, under the sta dard thus set up , the p rize would be to him who should be willing to take most trouble

e in wr about his style . Pope at once took the l ad the race of iters, because he took more pains than they. He labored day and

e h . a night to form himself for his purpos , t at, viz , of becoming

i . n e wr ter of ﬁnished verse To improve his mind , to e larg his — view of the world, to store up knowledge , these were things

u . nknown to him Any ideas , any thoughts , such as custom , t chance, socie y, or sect may suggest , are good enough ; but each idea must be turned over till it has been reduced to its neatest and most epigrammatic expression

a If to be a great poet is to be the best poet of a cert in kind , ” e b then Pope is a great poet . Yet he is not a po t born , ut a

“ ” u t o wn ff poet made , and is the prod c of his e orts, as Words H worth is said to be the poetic product of his own ideas . e I N TR OD UC TI ON 1 !

u e r a s ed ‘ ideas and e i s t di d the old poets with avidity, g p sugg st ons

i ar a w th acuteness , p aphr sed with rare skill , and polished with

u r b s exq isite art whatever he bo rowed from others, eing alway more mindful of the brilliancy of the polish than of the solid

I n worth of the metal . his method he was slow and deliberate , and he rewrote and corrected his work so often that the ﬁnished d l ver se seemed entirely different from the ﬁr st raft . Swift cal ed

“ ” - n him paper savi g Pope, because he carried about with him scraps of paper upon which to jot down felicitous thoughts b e

e his fore they should escap him . By method he succeeds in

r l dressing ideas and sentiments in b i liant colors and correct style .

s u e He is ter e sometimes to obsc rity, abounds in antith ses , is per fec t m in n al in har ony , graceful and polished dictio , though not i iﬁ a n . r t ce w ys perfect rime He employs all the known poetic a s ,

u producing thus an artf l as opposed to an artistic style . It is a n oticeable fact that he wrote nothing in blank verse , and that much the greater part of his work is in the ten-syllabled verse

r a with riming couplets . But he carried this fo m of ver se to

n n higher degree of perfectio than did his master, Dryde , from the study of whose works he professed to have learned the art of v er s iﬁca tion a nd ar tiﬁ , he is therefore called the prince of the ” c ial school of poetry .

al As a translator Pope is not together inconspicuous , even if

t a his transla ions do not exh le the spirit of the original . The mercenar y motive was probably a s much an incentive as th e ar t hi - h d is tic idea in s s o called translation of Homer . He a in his mind the writing of an epic, but his physical condition would not

n t b e have admitted such a strain upo his vitality . Nei her was qualiﬁed by classical learnin g for the a dequate performance of

t s h e n such a a k , whereas all that eeded for his translation was a I 3 I N TR OD UC TI ON

C th e et s lew to sense , which he could g from older ver ions and by

. ou the aid of friends . A pretty poem, said Mr Bentley, but y

” “ ” u n m st not call it Homer. But pretty thi gs please ; hence the poem was accepted by his contemporar ies and immediate suc

“ ces s or s as of ar t a c a masterpiece poetic , and it became the ” ce ted p standard of style for nearly a century .

The Rape of the Lock was founded on a local incident .

off Lord Petre having, in a moment of audacity , cut a lock of

’ F er mor s Miss Arabella hair, her resentment knew no bounds , and

r l led r . to a bitter qua rel between the two families John Ca y l, ’ d an intimate friend of Pope s, suggested to him that he embo y

the incident in a humorous poem , so that the tragedy might be

“ ” a nd laughed away . Pope was pleased with the suggestion ,

- n wrote in mock heroic vein two ca tos , describing the robbery and

h e the ensuing battle . This was so well received that added to

th e it, increasing it to ﬁve cantos by introducing the machinery of

was sylphs and the description of the game at omber . The poem unsuccessful in its purpose of making peace between th e two

n families . Sir George Brown (Sir Plume) was annoyed at bei g

F er m or ff made to talk only nonsense , and Miss was more o ended by her characterization as Belinda than pleased at th e ﬂattery

th e tendered her in the dedication . But critics of the day and

e is the public at lar ge hailed the poem as a mas t rpiece . It gen

er ally considered the most brillian t mock-heroic poem ever pro

duced . a n In this , more than in y other of his works, Pope shows

something of the creative power . Hazlitt calls it an exquisite ” i w v . Specimen of f ligree ork , made of gauze and sil er spangles The reﬂection of social life and manners which The Rape of

’ T h e the Lock offers is not conﬁned to superﬁcial forms only .

e e most intimate sentiments of the time ﬁnd their repr s ntation here. T T 1 I N R OD UC I ON . 3

of n As an instance we may point to the mean estimation wom e .

e m er of Contempt veiled under the show of deferenc , a ock y

its — is th e t as e chivalry, form without its spirit, this at itude sum d

th e A TT I N towar ds women by e po t in this piece (P S O ) . The world of fashion is displayed in its most gorgeous and attractive

e r e e th e hu s, and eve y wher the emptiness is visible b neath outward

i et ndor . Th e t s of sple beau y of Belinda, the detail her to l , her

s i r s ar e u r a e and troop of adm re , all set forth with nrivaled g c

as ati all s and e n . f cin on , and bear the impre s of vanity v xatio Nothing ca n exceed the ar t with which th e satire is blended with th e om — n w u un u s an a p p mocki g, itho t disturbing, the s b t ti l gew

Th e h gaw . double vein is kept up with sus tained skill in t e pic tur e t a s th e a li f men of the ou w rd charm and inw rd frivo ty o wo .

With va r yin g va n ities fr om ever y pa r t

T h e s h if th e ovin o s h o of h ei h ea r y t m g t y p t r t,

t is is h u . r s ar e o e h the tone t ro ghout Their hea t toys h ps . Th y rever s e the relative importance of things ; the little within them

is r E L WI N . g eat, and the great little ( ) The Rape of the Lock is condemned for its gr os s nes s and its ar s h n uff a s as its mis h , scor ful, indelicate b oonery , well for “ i repres entation of women . But the exquisite raillery with wh ch th e oem er tual ar ar h h p p pe ly sp kles , the famili ity whic it ex ibits

i cs u th e us e a mil ar w th the epi of antiq ity , and to which th t fa i ity is r n s tu ed , the ﬁnished ease of its tyle , all contribute to make

’ ' it eu d a n t at leas t aj y entirely unique .

its r s led mem m r a l r e and In ﬁ t form Addison cal it (pu wit) , advised against th e subsequent addition of th e machiner y of

s s . sylph , gnomes, and nymph Pope ignored the advice, and

ti r h s employed these in the edi on of 7 1 4 . T e immens e s ucce s of 1 4 I N TR OD UC TI ON

the poem with the additions led Pope to believe that th e advice

of Addison was not sincere ; and this belief was one of th e ele

th e u e t ments in famo s quarrel betwe n hese two eminent men . The poem is not read to -day with the same enjoyment as when

’ ﬁr n it was st written . Times have cha ged , and with them men s

r minds and manne s . An Essay on Man assumes to be a theodicy having for its

“ purpose the vindication of the ways of God to man and this

l for expression wou d have been an apter title the poem . In

’ u men s minds during the eighteenth cent ry , the philosophy of religion was as much a matter of interesting controversy and

conversation as was politics or mere abstract morality . It h as been asserted very positively by at least two trustworthy auth or i

“ n ties that the Essay was furnished in prose by Lord Boli gbroke,

’ e and that Pope merely put St . John s ideas into v rse , supplying,

a nd of course , the poetic imagery diction , though often , indeed , not departing far from the very language employed by Boling ” broke . Its primary proposition is that whatever is, is right .

a nd It aims to be didactic , succeeds only in being dogmatic .

Pope had no philosophical bent , and , lacking intellectual power,

was incapable of connected logical dissertation . His imagination could not rise to a sublime conception of the relations of the

Creator to his universe . He seems to have been out of sympathy

r with his theme , and possibly in this case , as in othe s , he chose

not b ut his subject because of any enthusiasm on his own part ,

n because it interested others . He aimed simply at putting i to

and perfect formal expression , elaborated by brilliant epigram

r i n l st king antitheses , such of the sayi gs of the wits and po emics of the time as he had come upon in his reading and conversa

tion . That it excited a widespread interest is shown by the fact N TR O T O 1 I D UC I N . 5

u that it was translated into all the languages of modern E rope , an d called forth several imitations ; but the poem is no longer

s o- a favorite with the general reader. Its called philosophy is a

a e has relic of an g that passed, and whose inﬂuence has passed with it . By the student, however, it is to be read as an example

i e of a dist nct speci s in the evolution of our literature .

’ s th e wa i Pope s admirer still, as in days when he s the dom nant

r a was leader in lette s, m intain that he the embodiment of all that

“ ” “ is n th e n excelle t in style , pri ce of lyric poets , the poet of

as o e al re on , c mmon sens , true mor ity, and playful fancy while

r his r his detracto s condemn poetry as false , unnatu al , stilted , and hi m s . e s altogether viciou The stud nt, after reading ost char

’ a cter is tic o w rks , will probably reach Mr. Blair s decision that

within a certain limited r egion he has been outdone by no

v poet and , whate er may be his verdict , he must not forget that ,

n l n n ur in the judgment of E g a d in the eighteenth ce t y, the reputation of Pope was the most dazzling in English literature .

h h as It was a newer sun t an Dryden , Milton , S akespeare ; for

” and e e . Spenser Chauc r, they were little better than ﬁx d stars I N TR OD UC TI ON

H R N L C O O OG I CA L TABLE .

1 688 . 6 1 88 . h . t The Revolution of James II de roned .

o r t n 2 1 Pope b rn in Lomba d S reet, Lo don , May .

1 Death of John Bunyan, August 3 .

1 00 . 1 7 Death of John Dryden , May .

Pope wrote his Ode to Solitude .

’ ’ 1 0 2 7 . Pope wrote tr anslations of Sta tius s Thebais ; Ovid s ” Epistle ; Sappho to Phaon . Modernized Chau

’ ’ ” cer s Merchant s Tale .

1 0 . 1 7 4 Battle of Blenheim, August 3 .

’ n th e Publication of Addison s Campaign , celebrati g

victory of the Duke of Marlborough .

2 8 Death of John Locke , October

u d b The ﬁrst number of The Tatler appeared, fo nde y

Richar d Steele .

Pope published his Pastorals .

r 1 7 1 1 . Pope published the Essay on C iticism . ” 1 The ﬁrst number of The Spectator appeared March ,

founded by Addison and Steele . ” The Messiah appeared as a number of The Specta

tor .

Publication of The Rape of the Lock in its ﬁr st form .

’ Pope s Iliad begun .

’ Addison s tragedy Cato was produced .

’ ” Publication of Pope s Windsor Forest . I N TR OD C TI N I U O . 7

1 t 1 . . 1 7 4 . Dea h of Queen Anne, August Accession of George I

Enlarged edition of The Rape of the Lock published .

’ ” 1 1 7 5 . Publication of Pope s Temple of Fame .

’ 1 1 7 7 . Death of Pope s father. ’ i Publication of Pope s Elo sa to Abelard . h 1 1 8 P e . 7 . ope r moved to Twicken am

1 1 1 . 7 9 . Death of Addison , June 7

’

1 2 D e e . 7 5 . Publication of Fo s Robinson Crusoe

’ Publication of Pope s Odyssey .

1 2 6 e e . 7 . Pop published an edition of Shakespear

’ ’ s Publication of Swift s Gulliver s Travel .

’ ’

1 2 e r . 7 7 . Gay s The Beggar s Op ra appea ed

I I . I . 1 1 . Death of George , June Accession of George

“ ” The Dunciad begun . - Pope and Swift wr ote the Miscellanies ( 1 7 2 7 1 7 2 8 )

r b 1 2 . 2 1 . 7 9 Death of Richa d Steele , Septem er — ” 1 0 0 . i . 73 4 Pope wrote Moral Essays, Epistles , and Sat res

A r 1 1 2 6 . 7 3 . Death of De Foe , p il D 1 2 . . 7 3 Death of Gay, ecember 4 Ess ay on Man begun (completed in

’ I 733 Death of Pope s mother .

2 . ”3 5 Death of Dr. Arbuthnot , February 7

1 . 74 1 . The Dunciad completed

1 2 ea 1 . 74 . D th of Richard Bentley, July 4

1 eat 0 . 744 . D h of Pope , May 3

D E D I CA T I ON

1 F E R M R MRS . ARABELLA O .

MA D A M : I t will be in vain to deny that I have some regard

s . a for this piece , ince I dedicate it to you Yet you may be r me s was e e d witne s , it int nd d only to ivert a few young ladies , who h ave good s ense and good humor enough to laugh not only at ’

e t . as th ir sex s li tle unguarded follies, but at their own But it w mm air of its as co unicated with the a secret , it soon found way th e ff into world . An imperfect copy having been o ered to a d bookseller, you had the goo nature , for my sake , to consent to

th e publication of one more correct . This I was forced to before es n th e hi I had executed half my d ig , for mac nery was entirely

wanting to complete it . a The m chinery, Madam , is a term invented by the critics to

n n sig ify that part which the deities , angels , or demo s are made

ne to act in a poem . For the ancient poets are in o respect like

: n r many modern ladies let an action be ever so t ivial in itself, al they ways make it appear of the utmost importance . These

’ 1 I n P e e e h e n a e a e a p s time th e title M r s . was pr ﬁx d to t m s of m rri d as P i we as a e r r . n a e . A a el a F er m o ar e M e n n ll u m rri d l di s r b l m ri d rki s 1 7 1 4,

a is two ea a e th e ﬁ a ea an e e . th t , y rs ft r rst pp r c of this po m 2 1 2 2 D E D I CA TI ON

e machines I determined to rais on a very new and odd foundation , u the Rosicr cian doctrine of spirits . I know how disagreeable it is to make use of hard words b e ’ fore a lady ; but tis so much the concern of a poet to have his

u works understood, and particularly by yo r sex, that you must ﬁ give me leave to explain two or three dif cult terms . The Rosicrucians are a people I must bring you acquainted with . The best account I know of them is in a French book ” G a b alis z called Le Comte de , which , both in its title and si e , is so like a novel that many of the fair sex have read it for one

u by mistake . According to these gentlemen , the fo r elements are

s l lzr nomes n m /zr a nd inhabited by spirits which they call y p , g , y p , s a la ma nder s . The gnomes, or demons of earth, delight in mis th e ar e chief but sylphs , whose habitation is in the air, the best conditioned creatures imaginable . For they say any mortals may

e enjoy the most intimate familiarities with th se gentle spirits , upon as a condition very e y to all true adepts, an inviolate preservation of chastity . to ar e As the following Cantos, all the passages of them as

n n fabulous as the vision at the begin i g, or the transformation at

u n the end , except the loss of yo r hair, which I always mentio

T h e r with reverence . human pe sons are as ﬁctitious as the airy

now ones ; and the character of Belinda, as it is managed, resem bles you in nothing but in beauty . in u If this poem had as many graces as there are yo r person , u or in y our mind , yet I could never hope it should pass thro gh the world half so uncensured as you have done . But let its for

i v tune be what it will , m ne is happy enough , to have gi en me this occasion of assuring you that I am , with the truest esteem ,

Madam , b Your most o edient, humble servant,

OP E . A . P T H E R A P E O F T H E L OC K .

CA N T O I .

s s s WH A T dire offense from amorous caus e pring , s What mighty contests rise from trivial thing ,

1 — s ! : I sing this ver e to Caryll, Muse is due h ’ a to T is , ev n Belinda may vouchs fe view ; th e e Slight is the subject, but not so prais , 2 o If she inspire , and he appr ve my lays . ! o Say what strange motive , goddess could c mpel A well-bred lord to assault a gentle belle ? u O say what stranger cause , yet nexplored, Could make a gentle belle reject a lord ?

s ca n t In ta ks so bold, lit le men engage , And in soft bosoms dwells such mighty rage ? 3 ‘ Sol through white curtains shot a timorous ray , And oped those eyes that must eclipse the day

1 ’ ’ H e Il a an an a n . ne 1 O e ! n th e Cf. om r s i d, Bry t s tr sl tio , I li godd ss si g ’ ” ’ A th e en n P e a . wra th of P eleus s on . lso op i g lines of op s tran sl tion A lso ’ ” V I E neid I . n e 1 A a v ir um ue an . e rgil s , li rm , q c o ’ ’ 3 n a an n a e en P e wh o a e th e a e a en n Joh C ryll , i tim t fri d of op s , c ll d l tt r s tt tio h e a e e ween M F er m or and L P e e an d as e to t qu rr l b t iss ord tr , k d him to smooth

a it aw y by his humor . 3 ’ ’ . e I E neid Conn in ton s an a n . ne 1 8 1 Cf V rgil s , g tr sl tio , I li s , 9 Can heavenly n atures nourish ha te ” ﬁe e in as na e ? So rc , so bl dly p sio t

4 Th e tenden cy of th e age was to employ classical names and titles for th e

s un as S ol t b us T an etc . , , , it , 2 A E XA N D E R P P E . CAN O 4 L O [ T 1 .

Now lapdogs give themselves the rousing shake , 1 w 1 And sleepless lovers , just at twelve , a ake u Thrice r ng the bell, the slipper knocked the ground , 2 And the pressed watch returned a silver sound .

Belinda still her downy pillow pressed, 3 H er guardian sylph p rolonged the balmy rest ’ Twas he had summoned to her silent b ed

’ The morning dream that hovered o er her head ; A youth more glittering than a birthnight beau 4 (That even in slumber caused her cheek to glow)

n n Seemed to her ear his win i g lips to lay,

And thus in whispers said , or seemed to say

Fairest of mortals , thou distinguished care Of thousand bright inhabitants of air ! ’ If e er one vision touched thy infant thought , 5 Of all the nur se and all the pr iest 5 have taught ;

n Of airy elves by moo light shadows seen , T h e 6 th e 7 silver token , and e circl d green , 01 w virgins visited by angel po ers, With golden crowns and wreaths of heavenly ﬂower s ; b ! Hear and elieve thy own importance know, 3 b Nor bound thy nar row views to things elow .

1 N ote sleepless and awake . 2 h e e a e n ed P e e wa i. e . a e ea e . n t s u r ss d tch , , r p t r By pushi g st m, b ll o d - th e quarters an d half hours . 3 S ee p . 2 2 . 4 m an e en at th e e e a n a . e . a n e Birthn ight be u, i , you g soci ty pr s t c l br tio E e na ﬁne e we e in honor of a royal birthday anniversa ry . xc ptio lly cloth s r

a worn on such occ sions . ’ 5 en T h e H n d th e P an e : Th e e n n e w a t Cf. D ryd s i d an th r pri st co ti u s h ” th e nurs e began . 5 T h e silver pen n y which th e tidy housemaid in fairy mythology found in ’ ’ e . e T h e F a e F a ewe . h er sho . Cf Bishop Corb t s iri s r ll 7 Th e a n on th e a e a th e w e e a r es f iry ri g gr ss, suppos d to m rk spot h r f i i

ha ve danced . 8 ew th e N ar row belon gs to things as well as to vi s . What is eff ect ? CA TO TH E R A P E OF TH E 2 N LOCK . 5

r u ar ne e Some secret t ths, from le d pride conc aled , 1 To maids alone and children are revealed : What though no credit doubting wits may give ? i The fair and innocent shall st ll believe . r Know , then , unnumbered spi its round thee ﬂy , The light militia 2 of the lower sky w These , though unseen , are ever on the ing, ’ 3 ‘ n e n . Ha g o er the box , and hov r rou d the ring

Think what an equipage thou hast in air, 5 And view with scorn two pages and a chair. 6 As now your own , our beings were of old , ’ A nd once inclosed in woman s beauteous mold ;

Thence , by a soft transition , we repair

e From arthly vehicles to these of air . h ’ Think not , w en woman s transient breath is ﬂed, That all her vanities at once are dead ;

va Succeeding nities she still regards, ’ l k o er oo s . And though she plays no more , the cards

Her joy in gilded chariots, when alive ,

e v . And love of omber, aft r death sur ive t For when the fair in all heir pride expire , To their ﬁrst elements their souls retire

1 L ine 8 . F w a a e ? s 37 , 3 rom h t is this p rodi d ‘ 3 There was scarcely y et that shar p antithesis between th e militia and

th e arm y which prevailed a fterwards ( H ALES) . 3 ” i. e . at th e e a . Box , , op r 4 ” w H P . a e a e h un R n . e . th e R o i e a T i g, i , n yd rk his p rk mbr c s four

e a e h e e th e wn w en dred acr es in th e west of L ondon . It b c m t prop rty of cro h

H en VI I I . e th e na e e b e n a th e din ry dissolv d mo st ri s , it i g p rt of hol gs of

e n e A e Th e a P a e i a . W stmi st r bb y. Cr yst l lac is n this p rk 5 A e an a s d ch ir. ” 4 A s ow o an n wn e c. H e e ake e R e your , t h re fors s th osicruci syst m,

W in a e a a an e en e and i e a ea hich this p rt is too xtr v g t v for po try, g v s b utiful ﬁction of his own on th e P latonic theology of th e contin uance of th e passions

in a noth er s ta te w en th e in b e e ea n t/zir h as no een e , h m d, for its l vi g , t b purg d an d puriﬁed by philosophy which fur nishes an occasion for much use ful e WAR B R TON satir ( U ) . 2 6 A L E XA N D E R P OP E . AN O [C T 1 .

1 The sprites of ﬁer y termagants 2 in ﬂame ’ 3 a . Mount up , and take a salamander s n me

Soft yielding minds to water glide away, s 4 And sip, with nymph , their elemental tea. ls The graver prude sinks downward to a gnome, on In search of mischief still earth to roam . i The light coquettes in sylphs aloft repa r,

And sport and ﬂutter in the ﬁelds of air . W n ith varyi gvanities, from every part, They shift the moving toyshop of their hear t ; 6 s t i Where wig with wigs , with sword knots sword knots s r ve,

b ea n s . 0 Beaus banish , and coaches coaches drive 7 This erring mortals levity may call ; 7 ! Oh blind to truth the sylphs contrive it all .

am C Of these I , who thy protection laim,

A watchful sprite , and Ariel is my name . L r d ate , as I ranged the c ystal wil s of air, In the Clear mirror 8 of thy ruling star as ! I saw , al some dread event impend, 9 Ere to th e main this morning s un descend ;

But Heaven reveals not what , or how, or where a s 1 ° ! W rned by the sylph , oh , piou maid , beware

1 Spirits . 3 ‘ e A nam e given by ea rly Chr istians to a M ohammedan deity. I n th T miracle plays and moralities h e appears as a boisterous chara cter. h e name

w a is no pplied to a turbulent woman .

3 a a a h e was an e n A n mphibious nim l allied to t frog. It old sup rstitio that it could endure ﬁr e without harm . 4 ’ 5 e . . I n P ope s time tea was pronounced toy . S e p 2 2 4 ” T e h e n etc. i. e . ea an e e affec h y shift t movi g toyshop, , r dily ch g th ir e a was n n a tions from on e obj ect to an other . Th he rt othi g but toyshop ’ ( A D D IS ON S S pectator) .

7 e th e o N ot ambiguity. 8 ua h e P at n th e w e s I n th e clear mir ror Th e lan g ge of t l o ists , rit r of ” e w P O . h e n e etc. t i t lligibl orld of spirits , ( PE) 9 Wha t is th e mean ing of this word ? 1 ° What diff er ent meanin gs h as pious What does it s ignify here ?

A L E X N D R r 1 . A E P OP E . [eu o

N owawful beauty puts on all its arms ;

The fair each moment rises in her charms, r Repairs her smiles , awakens eve y grace, And calls forth all the wonders of her face e r Sees by degr es a purer blush a ise ,

n And keener lightnings quicke in her eyes . b d a The usy sylphs surroun their d rling care, r These set the head, and those divide the hai ,

Some fold the sleeve , while others plait the gown ; ’ And Betty s praised for labors not her own . A N T C O II .

N OT l th e l with more g ories, in ethereal plain , ’ 2 Th e s un r th e ﬁrst ises o er purpled main, 3 Than , issuing forth , the rival of his beams 4 n n 5 Lau ched o the bosom of the silver Thames . s - h r Fair nymph and well dressed yout s a ound her shone, 5

But every eye was ﬁxed on her alone . b r On her white reast a spa kling cross she wore,

inﬁdels Which Jews might kiss, and adore .

n Her lively looks a sprightly mi d disclose , as as unﬁxed Quick her eyes , and as those

Favors to none , to all she smiles extends ;

oﬂends Oft she rejects, but never once .

Bright as the sun, her eyes the gazers strike,

And, like the sun, they shine on all alike .

Yet graceful ease, and sweetness void of pride, ul Might hide her fa ts, if belles had faults to hide

If to her share some female errors fall , ’ ’ Look on her face , and you ll forget em all . of This nymph, to the destruction mankind , 5 u b Nourished two locks, which graceful h ng ehind

1 E e ea e e n ? th r l plain . What is mean t by this xpr ssio 3 U e an 3 o ean ? s d tr sitively. Wh is m t 4 I n what sen se here employed ?

5 A n na e e ? or m ntal epith t. What is its signiﬁcation 5 Cherished . AN T 1 1 . A LE XA N D E R P OP E . [C O

In equal curls, and well conspired to deck ,

n With shini g ringlets, the smooth ivory neck .

r n 1 Love in these laby i ths his slaves detains , in And mighty hearts are held slender chains . ir S r 3 b With ha y p inges we the irds betray, ﬁnn Slight lines of hair surprise the y prey, ’ n Fair tresses man s imperial race i snare,

w a And beauty draws us ith a single h ir. 3 The adventurous Baron the bright locks admired ;

s a w th e a . He , he wished , and to prize spired

Resolved to win , he meditates the way ,

By force to ravish , or by fraud betray ; ’ For when success a lover s toil attends ,

n 4 Few ask if fraud or force attained his e ds .

oe 5 h a d For this , ere Ph bus rose, he implored

e Propitious Heaven, and every pow r adored ;

e — But chi ﬂy Love to Love an altar built , 6 Of twelve vast French romances , neatly gilt .

There lay three garters , half a pair of gloves ; And all th e trophi es of his former lo ves - h With tender billets doux he lig ts the pyre ,

And breathes three amorous sighs to rais e the ﬁre .

a nd wr th n Then prostrate falls , begs arde t eyes

n s Soon to obtain , and lo g po sess the prize

a nd n The powers gave ear, gra ted half his prayer,

th e in . The rest, winds dispersed empty air

e But now secure the paint d vessel glides, 7 The sunbea ms trembling on th e ﬂoating tides ;

1 What labyrinths ? What is th e allusion ? 3 ’ ake ea e H a e . n e a w . Cf. Sh sp r s ml t, i iii Spri g s to c tch oodcocks 3 ee I n n . 1 2 . L ord P etre . S troductio , p 4 ” T h e end justiﬁ es th e means . 5 S ee N e . 2 . ot 4, p 3 ” 6 Clelie a F en an e was in ten e o n , r ch rom c , put forth volum s f eight hu a dred p ges each . 7 e el i. e . h e e h a a th e e e . U s d transitiv y, , t tid s t t ﬂo t v ss l 1 CAN TO TH E R A P E OF TH E LOCK . 3

1 n , While melti g music steals upon the sky . And softened sounds along the waters die ;

Smooth ﬂow the waves , the zephyrs gently play,

was . Belinda smiled , and all the world gay — O All but the sylph with careful thoughts ppressed,

The impending woe sat heavy on his breast . He summons straight his denize ns 3 of air ; The lucid 3 squadrons round the sails repair ’ 4 e Soft o er the shrouds a rial whispers breathe ,

That seemed but zephyrs to the train beneath . n n Some to the sun their i sect wings u fold , 5 Waft on the breeze , or sink in clouds of gold ;

Transparent forms, too fine for mortal sight , r Thei fluid bodies half dissolved in light . m Loose to the wind their airy gar ents flew ,

r r Thin glitte ing textu es of the ﬁlmy dew,

r Dipped in the ichest tincture of the skies , Where light disports in ever-mingling dyes ;

r r ﬂin s While eve y beam new transient colo s g , ’ ° Colors that change whene er they wave their wings .

Amid the circle, on the gilded mast,

r r Supe ior by the head , was A iel placed ; ! His purple pinions opening to the sun , r s He raised his azu e wand , and thu begun 3 u ear ! Ye sylphs and sylphids, to yo r chief give !3 Fays, fairies , genii , elves , and demons, hear

’ . a P r e P e ne 6. Cf Gr y s rog ss of o sy, li 3

P e we e wit/t in e n n e e n a an . rop rly, d ll rs ; by xte sio it b com s i h bit ts ” a 6 ne . th e ean n e e ? . a . 2 Wh t is m i g h r Cf cryst l, p , li 75 ai 5 S ls . Wha t is mean t by clouds of gold A a ch rmin g description of th e iride scence of insect win gs . P e ur pl here suggests his r ega l position . Th e e na n -id e t rmi tio is f minin e . ’ . M n P a a e L V . ne 600 60 1 Cf ilto s r dis ost, li s ,

H ear all e an e e , y g ls , prog ny of light,

Th ne na e i es ovver s . ro s , domi tions , princ doms, v rtu , p 2 A L E XA I VD E R P OP E . CA TO II 3 [ N .

ne Ye know the spheres, and various tasks as sig d er By laws eternal to the a ial kind .

Some in the ﬁelds of purest ether play,

And bask and whiten in the blaze of day . a r 1 Some guide the course of w nde ing orbs on high,

Or roll the planets through the boundless sky . ’ s s t Some , le reﬁned , beneath the moon s pale ligh

ur r a P sue the sta s that shoot athw rt the night ,

Or suck the mists in grosser air below, 2 Or dip their pinions in the painted bow,

w s n n Or bre ﬁerce tempe ts on the wi try mai , ’ n Or o er the glebe distill the ki dly rain . ’ e o er n Oth rs on earth huma race preside ,

Watch all their ways , and all their actions guide 3 Of these the chief the care of nations own , m r e And guard with ar s divine the British th on . O ur humbler province is to tend the fair,

a e r Not a less ple sing, though l ss glo ious care ;

u To save the powder from too r de a gale , Nor let the impr isoned essences exhale ; To draw fresh colors from the vernal ﬂowers ;

To steal from rainbows, ere they drop in showers, w A brighter ash ; to curl their waving hairs , 4 Assist their blushes and inspire their airs ; ‘ I we Nay oft, in dreams, nvention bestow,

n ﬂounce a dd . r o o To cha ge a , or a furbelow a This day, black omens thre t the brightest fair

’ ’ That e er deserved a watchful spir it s care ;

” 1 ee e e e ane Wan derin g orbs here s ms to m an m t ors , for pl ts is

e n used in th e n xt li e . ’ 3 M n n e 00 0 1 Cf. ilto s Comus , li s 3 , 3

T a th e a n w l e h t in th e colors of r i bo iv , ’ ” A nd play 1 th e plighted clouds .

3 N e th e a ot mbiguity. 4 A ir s Why used ? What does it mean here ? CA TO TH E A P E OF T OC N R H E L K . 3 3

e s 1 b Some dir di aster, or y force, or slight ;

a in n . But what , or where , the Fates h ve wrapped ight ’ Whether the nymph shall break Diana s law, Or some frail China jar receive a ﬂaw ; 2 2 Or lose her heart, or necklace, at a ball ;

01 whether Heaven has doomed that Shock mus t fall .

n s ! : Haste , the , ye spirit to your charge repair ’ 3 T h e ﬂutter ing fan be Zeph y r etta s care ; 1 no

4 n The drops to thee, Brillante , we co sign ;

M om entilla And , , let the watch be thine ;

Cr is is s a Do thou, p , tend her favorite lock ; r A iel himself shall be the guard of Shock .

C Whatever spirit, careless of his harge,

th e a t His post neglects , or leaves fair large , ’ e o er tak e Shall feel sharp v ngeance soon his sins ,

n Be stopped in vials , or tra sﬁxed with pins ; 01 plunged in lakes of bitter washes lie , Or wedged whole ages in a bodkin ’ s 5 eye

Gums and pomatums shall his flight restrain , While clogged he beats his silken wings in vain Or alum styptics with contracting power Shrink his thin essence like a riveled flower 5 e Or, as Ixion fixed , the wretch shall f el

n The giddy motion of the whirli g mill ,

b um in In fumes of g chocolate shall glow, ” A nd tremble at the sea that froths below !

1 What is th e history of this word ?

3 N e th e e n a h er ea an d n e a e we e e a an e ot sugg stio th t h rt ckl c r of qu l import c . 3 — ” L ne 1 1 0 1 1 . Ze N e na e . h r etta etc. e th e a n e e i s 4 p y , ot pt ss of th s m s 4 D a ear i mond pen dants . 5 i ’ Or nal a a a e . . a e ea e H a e . gi ly sm ll d gg r Cf Sh k sp r s ml t, iii i

When h e himself might his quietus make a e k With bar bod in .

5 A ee n wh o a n e was n e n th e we w Gr k ki g, , for bo stful ss , pu ish d i lo r orld by

e n as ene azen an s an e e -e b i g f t d by br b d to v r r volvin g wheel . A L E X N D E R P OP E . m 34 A [cu 1 1 .

He s poke : the spirits from the s ails descend ; 1 Some , orb in orb , around the nymph extend ; Some thrid the mazy ringlets of her hair ; Some hang upon the pendants of her ear ai With beating hearts the dire event they w t , 2 th e b . Anxious, and trembling for irth of Fate

1 I n C e ircl s .

’ 3 a F a t e L a n a n eak h e b e . e h Wh t t e issu will t is from ti , f , to sp , a a s o en in th e e innin and e e e n an e and means th t which w s p k b g g, is th r for u ch g able.

A XA L E N D E R P OP E . A TO [C N 1 1 1 .

h ur The merc ant from the Exchange ret ns in peace,

And the long labors of the toilet cease . 1 Belinda now, whom thirst of fame invites, n t wo e u Bur s to encounter adv nt rous knights, At omber singly to decide their doom ;

And swells her breast with conquests yet to come .

Straight the three bands prepare in arms to join , 2 n th e ne Each ba d the number of sacred ni .

er Soon as she spreads her hand, the a ial guard

a nd e Descend, sit on ach important card :

e 3 First Ariel p rched upon a Matadore, Then each according to the rank they bore ;

l n t n For sy phs, yet mi dful of heir a cient race , Ar e h , as w en women , wondrous fond of place. r Behold , fou Kings in majesty revered , With hoary whiskers a n d a forky beard ; r And four fai Queens , whose hands sustain a ﬂower, The expressive emblem of their softer power ; 4 Four Knaves in garbs succinct, a trusty band ;

o n 5 r Caps their heads , and halberts in thei hand ; - And party colored troops, a shining train , 5 Draw forth to combat on the velvet plain . The skillful nymph reviews her force with care

7 h e tr ! s . Let Spades be umps said, and trumps they were

1 F a e n m is an objective ge itive. 2 a a e A N ine h as lw ys been conside red a mystic n umb r. ccordin g to th e P y

th a or eans m an e e en e a e n e a nd D e th e n n . g , r pr s t d full chord, or ight ot s, ity i th

3 T he ee e in e - a e an e and a ar e thr high st trumps omb r ( sp dill , m ill , b sto) — a e a a e . F th e e e in th e a e e a e c ll d m t dor s rom t rms us d g m of omb r, sp dill , — a a a e n etc . e e can a e b e a a th e e b sto, m t dor , pu to, , th r sc rc ly doubt th t oth r nations of western E urope derived their knowledge of it from th e Spaniards 4 ATTO T ke . ( CH ) . uc d up 5 s e T h e w e an n : H elle A nother form is halb rds . ord is of G rm origi

6a r te an ax a Izelmet. , to split 5 What is meant by velvet plain 7 ” T a cor r u tion . rump , p of triumph CA TO TH E R A P E OF TH C N E LO K . 3 7

N ow e war b 1 mov to her sa le Matadores, r In show like leader s of the swarthy Moo s . 3 r ! Spadillio ﬁ st, unconquerable lord off t a Led two captive rumps , and swept the bo rd . M anillio 3 to As many more forced yield, ﬁ eld 4 And marched a victor from the verdant . 5 Him Basto followed ; but his fate more hard 5 Gained but one trump and one plebeian card . his With broad saber next , a chief in years, r r The hoa y Majesty of Spades appea s ,

Puts forth one manly leg, to sight revealed , h i - n t s . The res , many colored robe co cealed 7 The rebel Knave , who dares his prince engage,

Proves the just victim of his royal rage . ’ ’ 8 o er thr ew Ev n mighty Pam, that kings and queens , 3 w a And mo ed down rmies in the ﬁghts of Loo , ! Sad chance of war now destitute of aid, Falls undistinguished by the victor Spa de ! Thus far both armies to Belinda yield ; r ” Now to the Ba on fate inclines the ﬁeld . H is 1 1 warlike Amazon her host invades, T h e imperial consort of the crown of Spades .

1 Th e whole idea of this description of a game at omber is taken from ’ a e n a a e a e in e en e a a L Vid s d scriptio of g m t ch ss , his po m titl d Sc cchi udus

( WARBU RTON) . ” 3 P er s onified th e a e th e a ce ade th fi form of e t rm sp dill , of sp s , e rst i tru mp n omber. ” 3 P er s on ified th e e an e th e e e w en form of t rm m ill , d uc of trumps h

u ar e a th e e en w en e ar e r ed th e e n in . tr mps bl ck, s v h th y ; s co d trump omber 4 Wha t is mean t by verdant ﬁeld S ee also lin e 44 . 5 Th e ace th e e . of clubs , third trump in omb r Why plebe ian

7 n e th a Commo ly ca ll d e j ck . 9 I n certain gam es th e knave of clubs is called pam . 9 Th e ame 100 in w t m h e e ar . g of , hich h e p is t high st c d 1 5 T h e b a ttle .

1 1 an ? a Why is warlike redund t E xpl in A mazon . X N A L E A D E R P OP . CA TO E [ N 1 11 .

’ 1 a i The Club s bl ck tyrant ﬁrst her vict m died, mi ba s Spite of his haughty en , and bar rou pride 3 3 on What boots the regal circle his head , n His giant limbs, in state u wieldy spread ; tr ails b That long behind he his pompous ro e, And of all monarchs only 4 grasps the globe ? The Baron now his Diamonds pour s apace ! Th e h a embroidered King who s ows but h lf his face, t s And his refulgen Queen , with power combined,

Of broken troops an easy conquest ﬁnd .

Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts , in wild disorder seen , 5 With throngs promiscuous strow the level green .

Thus when dispersed a routed army runs, ’ ’ Of Asia s troops, and Afric s sable sons, ff With like confusion di erent nations ﬂy, ar r Of v ious habit, and of va ious dye ;

e l The pierc d battalions disunited fal , ’ one o er wh elm s In heaps on heaps ; fate them all . r The Knave of Diamonds tries his wily a ts,

n n 5 And wins ( 0 shameful cha ce !) the Quee of Hear ts . ’ C r s At this , the blood the virgin s heek fo ook, ’ A livid paleness spreads o er all her look ;

She sees , and trembles at the approaching ill, 7 w n . Just in the ja s of rui , and Codille And now (as oft in some distempered state) On one nice trick depends the general fate An Ace of Hearts steps forth : the King unseen

in r Lurked her hand , and mou ned his captive Queen

He springs to vengeance with an eager pace ,

And falls like thunder on the prostrate Ace .

’ ” 1 e W a ean ? Th e tc. Club s , h t is m t 2 3 ” R e al e wn . A vails ; used persona lly. g circl , cro 4 5 ” A ne L e e een . S ee ne 2 . lo . v l gr li s 44, 5 5 n etc . a th e e n ? T h e K n ave of D iamonds wi s , Wh t is sugg stio 7 A term used in omber when th e Opponents made more tricks than t h e

m er wh o en th e . o b , th lost pool CAN TO TH E R A P E OF TH E LOCK . 39

The nymph exulting ﬁlls with shouts the sky ; 1 lls th nal . The wa , e woods, and long ca s reply ! b e 0 thoughtless mortals ever lind to fat , e Too soon dejected, and too soon late .

Sudden these honors shall be snatched away,

And cursed forever this victorious day . b is wn 1 0 For 10 ! the oard with cups and spoons cro ed, 5 3 3 r s : The berries crackle , and the mill tu n round On shining altar s of Japan 4 th ey raise 5 The silver lamp ; the ﬁer y spirits blaze s the i From silver pouts grateful l quors glide, ’ 5 While China s earth receives the smoking tide 1 1 0

At once they gratify their scent and taste,

n And frequent cups prolo g the rich repast . Straight hover r ound the fair her airy band ;

Some , as she sipped , the fuming liquor fanned, ’ Some o er her lap their careful plumes displayed ,

Trembling, and conscious of the rich brocade . ff w Co ee (which makes the politician ise , 7 A nd see through all things with his half-shut eyes) ’ Sen t up in vapor s to the Baron s brain

h i 1 2 0 r s t e . New st atagem , radiant lock to ga n ’ s a ! t Ah, cea e , r sh youth desist ere tis too la e, ’ ! Fear the just gods, and think of Scylla s fate b ﬂit Changed to a ird, and sent to in air, ’ She dearly pays for Nisus 3 injur ed hair !

1 T h e w e e n a e e o na e hol d scriptio is burl squ n th e tour m nts of romance. 3 wa h e n i e ee . I s t a h e ffee n th Coff t f shio to grind t co room . 3 What kind of word is cra ckle

4 A a a a a n e n E n an lt rs of Japan . J p n ware was prob bly i troduc d i to gl d

u n th e e d ri g s ven teen th century. 5 What is meant by ﬁery spir its 4 Chin a ware was introduced into E urope in th e early part of th e sixteen th c e ntury. 7 P e e V an e ffee n e . op , lik oltaire, was in ordina t co dri k r 5 N is n M e a a h ad on ea a e lock a and was us , ki g of g r , his h d purpl of h ir, it 1 ° A L E XA N D E R P OP E . CAN O 4 [ T 1 1 1 .

al n i But when to mischief mort s be d the r will, How soon they ﬁnd ﬁt instruments of ill ! s s Ju t then , Claris a drew with tempting grace 1 A two-edged weapon from her shining cas e

So ladies in romance assist their knight, and ar m him Present the spear, for the ﬁght .

He takes the gift with reverence, and extends ’ The little engine on his ﬁngers ends ; ’ n 3 This just behind Beli da s neck he spread , ’ a As o er the fragrant ste ms she bends her head . th e s t Swift to lock a thou and spri es repair, u A thousand wings, by t rns, blow back the hair ; And thrice they twitched th e diamond in her ear ; b h t e . Thrice she looked ack, and thrice foe drew near t s Just in hat instant , anxiou Ariel sought ’ The close recesses of the Virgin s thought

As on the nosegay in her breast reclined , w He atched the ideas rising in her mind, v Sudden he iewed , in spite of all her art, a An earthly lover lurking t her heart . ze n us Ama d, co f ed, he found his power expired , w Resigned to fate, and ith a sigh retired .

The peer now spreads the glittering forfex wide ,

To inclose the lock ; now joins it, to divide . ’ C Ev n then , before the fatal engine losed , A wretched sylph too fondly interposed ;

a r a nd th e s F te urged the shea s, cut ylph in twain (But air y substance soon unites again) ; 3 The meeting points the sacred hair dissever ai ! From the f r head, forever, and forever decreed that his city should never b e conquered while that lock remained on

ea . H is a e a in e a ene M n n his h d d ught r Scyll , ord r to f vor his my, i os , ki g of

e e w w s e was in e off th e w e h e la as ee . I n Cr t , ith hom h lov , cut lock hil y l p 1 pun ishment for this c rime s h e was tran sformed into a bird . Scissors . z 3 ’ L VI . n e 0 1 . ead w a ? . M n P a a e s t Spr h t Cf ilto s r dis o , li s 33 , 33 CA T 1 1 1 TH E R A P E OF TH E CK . N 0 . ] LO

s e m h er Then ﬂa h d the living lightning fro eyes , ffr And screams of horror rend the a ighted skies . r i Not louder sh eks to pitying heaven are cast, When husbands or when lapdogs breathe th eir las t ; 1

Or when rich China vessels , fallen from high, In glittering dust and painted fragments lie ! m Let wreaths of triumph now my te ples twine, th e r s ! (The victor cried , ) glo iou prize is mine

What time would spare , from steel receives its date , o l k m t ! And m numents , i e men, sub it to fa e

e r Steel could the labor of the gods d st oy, And strike to dust the imper ial towers of Troy ; w s n Steel could the ork of mortal pride co found, a And hew triumphal rches to the ground . i ! What wonder then , fa r nymph thy hairs should feel The conquering force of unresisted steel ?

1 N e th e i ot suggestion n this antithesis . CA N T O IV .

BU T e anxious cares the pensive nymph oppr s s ed,

And secret passions labored in her breast .

Not youthful kings in battle seized alive ,

s Not scornful virgins who their charm survive,

ar s Not dent lovers robbed of all their blis ,

Not ancient ladies when refused a kiss ,

n Not tyrants ﬁerce that u repenting die,

’ n n s r Not Cynthia whe her ma teau pinned aw y, ’ n E er felt such rage , resentme t, and despair, n ! As thou, sad virgi for thy ravished hair. dr w For, that sad moment, when the sylphs with e ,

ﬂe w And Ariel weeping from Belinda , 1 Umbriel , a dusky , melancholy sprite,

a As ever sullied the fair f ce of light,

n Dow to the central earth , his proper scene , 3 Repaired to search the gloomy Cave of Spleen .

n Swift on his sooty pinio s ﬂits the gnome ,

And in a vapor reached the dismal dome . C No heerful breeze this sullen region knows, 3 4 The dreaded east is all the wind that blows . C Here in a grotto , sheltered lose from air, ’ And screened in shades from day s detested glare,

1 Why is th e name appropriate ? 3 a e e n th e a e leen w n a tan Wh t trop is this d scriptio of C v of Sp , ith its i h bi ts ,

etc.

“ ” 3 w n ? 4 A ll n th e ea . Why st i d , o ly

A V. 44 L E XA N D E R P OP E . [eu r o I

s as i b Safe pa sed the gnome through this fant t c and, al 1 A branch of he ing spleenwort in his hand . 54

u : a ! Then th s addressed the power Hail, wayw rd Queen

Who rule the sex to . ﬁfty from ﬁfteen ;

Parent of vapors, and of female wit, e Who give the hysteric or po tic ﬁt,

a s a ct On v rious temper by various ways , r Make some take physic , othe s scribble plays ; i Who cause the proud the r visits to delay, And send the godly in a pet to pray ;

o n A nymph there is, that all thy p wer disdai s ,

And thousands more in equal mirth maintains . ! ’ But oh if e er thy gnome could spoil a grace, b Or raise a pimple on a eauteous face , C 3 ’ Like itron waters matrons cheeks inﬂame , Or Change complexions at a losing game ; ’ If e er with airy horns I planted heads, 01 m ‘ d ru pled petticoats , or tumble beds,

u Or caused suspicion when no soul was r de, th e Or discomposed headdress of a prude, ’ as Or e er to lazy lapdog gave dise e , Which not the tears of brightest eyes could ease ;

C n 3 Hear me , and touch Belinda with hagri ,

That single act gives half the world the spleen . The Goddess 4 with a discontented air

r . Seems to reject him, though she g ants his prayer

A wondrous bag with both her hands she binds , 5 Like that where once Ulysses held the winds ; e al Ther she collects the force of fem e lungs,

s s th e war u . Sighs , sobs , and pa sion , and of tong es

1 A e n t e e — na e e a an e f r of h g n us A splenium as th e m sugg sts , pl t us d for e e e r m dy of disord rs of th e spleen.

3 us e was a a na e Spirits distilled from th e rin d of citron s . Its f shio bl 3 ” 4 n en e . a n a een . E a n th e e a n . ? i dulg c Ch gri , sh gr xpl i r l tio Who 5 R e T e n e e on th e tur nin g to Gree ce after th e fall of roy, U lyss s fou d sh lt r C TO v TH E R A P E OF TH E OCK . A N 1 . ] L 45

t ai ear s A vial next she ﬁlls wi h f nting f ,

s e t tea . Soft sorrow , m l ing griefs, and ﬂowing rs i ars The gnome rejoic ng be her gifts away,

o s . Spreads his black wings, and sl wly mount to day ’ T h ales tr is 1 a m Sunk in rms the ny ph he found,

Her eyes dejected, and her hair unbound . ’ th e Full o er their heads e swelling bag he r nt,

And all the Furies issued at the vent . r n Belinda bu s with more than mortal ire ,

And fierce T h ales tr is fans the rising fire . ” ! s h e a nd 0 wr etched maid spread her hands , cried ’ ” h e ! (While Hampton s echoes, Wretc d maid replied) , Was it for this you took such constant car e a ? The bodkin , comb , and essence to prep re 3 For this yo ur locks in paper durance bound ? 3 For th is with tort uring irons wreathed around ? 4 fillets s e For this with trained your t nder head , And bravely bore th e double loads of lead ? 5 ! v r ai Gods shall the ra isher display you h r, While the fops envy and th e ladies stare ! Honor forbid ! at whose unrivaled shrine

s . Ease , pleasure, virtue , all our sex re ign h a s Met inks already I your te rs urvey , e r h t s a Already h ar the hor id t ings hey y , l s ee s 5 A ready you a degraded toa t, And all your honor in a whisper lost ! t ur l e ? How shall I , hen , yo he pless fam defend ’ Twill then be infamy to seem your frien d !

an B olus th e od th e w . n e a e h e was i en a isl d of , g of inds U po his d p rtur g v w b a g in which were in clos ed all th e winds except th e estern . 1 M r s . M e e e e wn wh o th e P e orl y, sist r of Sir G org Bro , is Sir lum e m en tion d below. 3 a 3 Wh t is m eant here ? Curlin g tongs . 4 H e 5 a e e r a ne ea . adbands . Cu l p p rs f st d with l d 5 I t was customary in s o-called high society for fops to toast a lady of o their s et wh was a noted beauty. 6 A L E XA N D E R P OP E . v 4 [c m r o 1 .

is z s i ri And shall th pri e , the ine t mable p ze ,

Exposed through crystal to the gazing eyes, ’ i And heightened by the diamond s c rcling rays , On that rapacious hand forever blaze ? r Sooner shall g ass in Hyde Park Circus grow , 1 And wits take lodgings in th e sound of Bow ; C Sooner let earth , air, sea, to haos fall, !” Men , monkeys, lapdogs, parrots , perish all 3 : r She said then raging to Sir Plume repai s, And bids her beau demand the precious ha ir s u ff (Sir Pl me , of amber snu box justly vain , And the nice conduct of a clouded cane) a s With e rnest eye , and round unthinking face ,

n ff n He ﬁrst the s u box ope ed , then the case , t e d i ! And hen brok out My Lor , why , what the dev l

’ Z— ds l ! b e l ! damn the lock fore Gad , you must civi ’ ’ ! s — ! Plague on t tis past a je t nay prithee , pox

— h e his Give her the hair spoke , and rapped box . It grieves me much (replied the peer again)

Who speaks so well should ever speak in vain, h 3 But by this lock, t is sacred lock, I swear (Which nevermore shall join its parted hair ;

Which nevermore its honors shall renew, h r Clipped from t e lovely head where late it g ew) ,

That while my nostrils draw the vital air,

it . This hand , which won , shall forever wear

e He spoke , and sp aking , in proud triumph spread - The long contended honors of her head .

1 Th e I n h e Bow . . in th e ne ee . t sound of , i e , ighborhood of Grub Str t city was b u t one large butt for th e je sts of th e wits ; while its immedia te ' suburbs were th e headquarters of tha t pin ched and starved frater n ity o f scribblers between whom and P ope there was neve r peace ( H ALES ) . ’ 3 was an a th e e t e e wn M r s . M e t e . H e Sir G org Bro , orl y s bro h r gry th t po

a e a k n n n en e and in one not we should m k him t l nothi g but o s s ; , truth, could ll bla me him ( WARBU RTON) . 3 ’ ’ ” I n al n A e a in H e I I . P O . lusio to chill s o th om r s liad, ( PE) CA O TH E R A P E OF TH E CK . N T I V. ) LO 4 7

! But U mbriel, hateful gnome forbears not so ;

He breaks the vial whence th e sor rows ﬂow .

Then see ! the nymph in beauteous grief appears,

Her eyes half languishing , half drowned in tears

On her heaved bosom hung her drooping head,

Which , with a sigh , she raised ; and thus she said

Forever cursed be this detested day, r ! Which snatched my best, my favorite cu l away ! Happy ah , ten times happy had I been , If Hampton Court these eyes had never seen !

Yet am not I the ﬁrst mistaken maid ,

By love of courts to numerous ills betrayed . Oh had I rather unadmired remained

In some lone isle, or distant northern land ;

Where the gilt chariot never marks the way, ’ ! Where none learn omber, none e er taste bohea C There kept my harms concealed from mortal eye ,

Like roses that in deserts bloom and die . What moved my mind with youthful lords to roam ? ‘ ! Oh had I stayed , and said my prayers at home ’ Twas this the morning omens seemed to tell : Thrice from my trembling hand the patch box fell ;

The tottering China shook without a wind , ! Nay , Poll sat mute , and Shock was most unkind

A sylph too warned me of the threats of Fate , ! In mystic visions, now believed too late S ee the poor remnants of these slighted hair s ! ’ My hands shall rend what ev n thy rapine spares t wo These in sable ringlets taught to break , Once gave new beauties to the snowy neck ;

The sister lock now sits uncouth , alone, ’ And in its fellow s fate foresees its own r Uncurled it hangs, the fatal shea s demands , d And tempts, once more, thy sacrilegious han s . V CANTO .

S H E said : the pitying audience melt in tear s

’ e a nd d But Fat Jove had stoppe the Baron s ears . T h ales tr is In vain with reproach assails, For who can move when fair Belinda fails? 1 Not half so ﬁxed the Trojan could remain , 3 While Anna begged and Dido raged in vain . Then grave Clarissa gr aceful waved her fan

Silence ensued , and thus the nymph began :

Say, why are Beauties praised and honored most , ’ ’ a nd ? The wise man s passion , the vain man s toast f Why decked with all that land and sea a ford, - ? Why angels called, and angel like adored Why round our coach es crowd the white-gloved b ea us ? Why bows the side box from its inmost rows ? 3 s our How vain are all these glorie , all pains, Unless good sense preserve what beauty gains ;

r That men may say , when we the front box g ace , Behold the ﬁrst in virtue as in face !’ ! Oh if to dance all night , and dress all day,

Charmed the smallpox , or chased old age away ; ’ Who would not scorn what housewife s cares produce , Or who would learn one earthly thing of use ? ai To patch , nay ogle, might become a s nt ,

Nor could it sure be such a sin to paint .

! a But since , alas fr il beauty must decay,

u r Curled or unc rled , since locks will turn to g ay ;

1 Th e T roj an hero I E neas .

3 a een D e E n ea n ot a an n th e A nn , th e sister of Qu ido, b sought s to b do

. I E n eid V. ne 0 et s e . een wh o h ad a en in e w t . qu , f ll lov i h him Cf , I li 3 5 q 3 h e a and th e women T h e m en occupied th e side rows of boxes at t pl y, ,

w e ne 1 . ee th e n . e it s ms , fro t ro s S li 7 48 C TO TH E R A P OF TH E CK . A N v . ) E LO 49

a t ai s our o er to us e Wh then rem n , but well p w , ’ k e o o s t e e ? And ep go d hum r ill, what r we lose r ! o can And t ust me, dear go d humor prevail,

ai s and a nd and When r , ﬂights, screams, scolding Beauties in vain their pretty eyes may roll ;

r t s s . Cha ms s rike the ight, but merit wins the oul no la s e So spoke the dame , but app u e ensu d ; l i n ne T ha s tr s e . Beli da frow d, e call d her prude ” s a ! th e o To arm , to rms ﬁerce virag cries,

And swift as lightning to the combat ﬂies. in ar th e All side p ties, and begin attack

Fans clap, silks rustle, and tough whalebones crack ; ’ ’ e e t s Hero s and heroin s shou s confu edly rise, ri And bass a nd tr eble voices st ke the skies .

0 n th ar e N commo weapons in eir hands found ,

e . Like gods th y ﬁght, nor dread a mortal wound h m e o s a So w en bold Ho er mak s the g d eng ge, And heavenly breasts with human pas sions rage ; ’ i s a e m Ga nst Palla , Mars ; L tona, H r es arms ; And all Olympus r ings with loud al arms : ’ r s Jove s thunder roa , heaven trembles all around , e r Blue Neptun sto ms , the bellowing deeps resound a e her no r Earth sh k s dding towe s, the ground gives way, ‘ And the pale ghosts start at the ﬂash of day ! ’ Triumphant Umbriel on a sconce s height

Clapped his glad wings , and sate to view the ﬁght u Propped on their bodkin spears , the sprites s rvey n The growi g combat , or assist the fray . h e T h a les tri s While throug the pr ss enraged ﬂies, a And scatters death round from both her eyes, o A beau and witling perished in the thr ng, d 1 One ied in metaphor, and one in song . 0 ! cruel nymph a living death I bear, a r wit and i D e d . Cried pp , sunk besi e his cha r

1 or Which died in metaphor P oin t out th e metaph . ° A L E XA N D E R P OP E . v 5 [cm o .

Sir o lin a c A mournful glance F p g upw rd ast , - Those eyes are made so killing was his las t . ’ Thus on M ae a nder s 1 ﬂowery margin lies

n as . The expiri g swan , and he sings he dies

n When bold Sir Plume had drawn Clarissa dow ,

e d in Chlo steppe , and killed him with a frown ; s She miled to see the doughty hero slain ,

b ea n But , at her smile , the revived again . air 3 Now Jove suspends his golden scales in , ’ ’ Weighs the men s wits against the lady s hair : The doubtful beam long nods from side to side ;

n h At length the wits mou t up , the airs subside .

See ﬁerce Belinda on the Baron ﬂies, With more than usual lightning in her eyes

a tr Nor fe red the chief the unequal ﬁght to y , die Who sought no more than on his foe to .

w m t n But this bold lord ith anly streng h e dued , She with one ﬁnger a nd a thumb subd ued : l w Just where the breath of life his nostri s dre , A charge of snuff the wily virgin threw ;

n r The g omes direct , to eve y atom just,

n i The pu gent grains of tit llating dust . ’ o e r ﬂows Sudden , with starting tears each eye ,

And the high dome reechoes to his nose . m ” d Now eet thy fate , incensed Belin a cried ,

And drewa deadly bodkin from her side .

n t e (The same, his a cien p rsonage to deck , - r ea ~ an d ir e Her great g t gr s wore about his neck , h w In three seal rings ; w ich after, melted do n , ’ Formed a vas t buckle for his widow s gown : ’ d n Her infant gran am s whistle ext it grew , and The bells she jingled, the whistle blew ;

1 a e e ? A river in A thens . Wh t word is d riv d from it ’ 3 H n in H ea en . M n P a a e L . ne : Cf ilto s r dis ost , IV li 99 7 u g forth v ” ’ ’ en e I an an a n VI I I . lines 8 gold sca l s ; al s o H omer s liad , Bry t s tr sl tio , 3,

3 A L E XA N D E R P OP E . A O 5 [C N T v .

s en a s h air A udd st r, it hot t rough liquid , r n r And d ew behind a radia t t ail of hair. ’ 1 r r s o b Not Berenice s locks ﬁ st ose right, T h e e t s 3 heavens b spangling wi h di heveled light . T h e a s sylphs behold it kindling it ﬂies, r s its s And pleased pu ue progres through the skies . mo 3 r This the beau nde shall from the M all su vey, And hail with music its propitious ray ; s th e b s s e s Thi le d lover shall for Venu take , ’ R os monda s 4 And send up vows from a lake . 5 es s ies This Partridge soon shall view in cloudl sk , ’ 5 When next he looks thro ugh Galileo s eyes ; And hence the egregious wizar d shall foredoom L th e The fate of ouis , and fall of Rome . bri ! u av s h Then cease , ght nymph to mo rn thy r i ed Which adds new glory to the s hining sphere ! Not all the tresses that fair head can boast

r n Shall d aw such e vy as the lock you lost. all For after the murders of your eye , u l dre When , after millions slain , yo rself sha l i s mus t When those fa r uns shall set, as set they , s l s And all those tres es shall be aid in du t, th s s a e This lock, e Mu e hall consecrate to f m , ’ ’ And midst the star s inscribe Belinda s name .

1 a e en e an an en a e . Com B r ic s , ci t st rism 3 L e a w h s e e h a . it r lly, it di ord r d ir 3 ” ’ a e ar k. Th e M all was on th e north side of St . J m s s P ’ ” ’ 4 ame P a w e e now s tan th e R os amonda s lake was in St . J s s rk, h r d

' a was ﬁ e u in 1 0. Th e ne a es th e ac Wellin gton B rracks . I t ll d p 77 li llud to f t that man y suicides by drownin g occurred there . 5 Sta a e wh o in a ana ev e r John P artridge was a ridiculous rg z r, his lm cs y h e n F an ce year never failed to predict th e down fall of th e pope and t ki g of r , then at war with th e E nglish ( P OPE) . ’ ” ' 5 What is meant by Galileo s eyes i

T H E D E I N S G .

H AVI G e w te e e e on e an e s N propos d to ri som pi c s human lif and m n r , s uch ’ 1 ’ as ( to us e my L ord Bacon s expression ) come home to men s busines s and ” I e a a e n w n e n m bosoms , thought it mor s tisf ctory to b gi ith co sid ri g an in th e

a a na e and a e n e e an al e e bstr ct, his tur his st t , si c , to prov y mor duty, to nforc

a n a e e e a ne th e e e n e e n an y mor l pr c pt, or to x mi p rf ctio or imp rf ctio of y crea e ne e a n w w a n ture whatsoev r, it is c ss ry ﬁrst to k o h t co dition and relation it

in and w a th e e en d an d e is placed , h t is prop r purpos of its being.

en e an na e is e all e en e Th e sci c of hum tur , lik oth r sci c s , reduced to a few

n : e e ar e not an e a n in w clear poi ts th r m y c rt i truths this orld . It is therefore in th e anatomy of th e mind as in that of th e body : more good will a ccrue to

an k n a en n th e a e en and e e e a an m i d by tt di g to l rg , op , p rc ptibl p rts th by study n ﬁne ne e and e e th e n a n and i g too much such r rv s v ss ls , co form tio s uses of

a Th e e all which will forever escape our observ tion . disput s ar e upon these

a a d w en e s a e a e e a ene th e w an th e l st, n I ill v tur to y th y h v l ss sh rp d its th ea m en a a n ea e and a e n e th e a e e an h rts of g i st ch oth r, h v dimi ish d pr ctic mor th

a an e th e e a I a e e a E a h as dv c d th ory of mor lity. f I could ﬂ tt r mys lf th t this ss y

a n e in ee n w e e e e ne ee n l o y m rit, it is st ri g bet ixt th xtr m s of doctri s s mi g y p o s ite in a n e e e un n e e and in r m n a e e a e p , p ssi g ov r t rms utt rly i t lligibl , fo i g t mp r t

et not n n en and a et n ot e e e e . y i co sist t, short y imp rf ct, syst m of thics

T h a e i e I e e e an d e en e his I mig t h v done n pros ; but chos v rs , v rim , for

two eas n . T e : a n e a m r e r o s h one will appea r obvious th t pri cipl s , m xi s , or p copts so written both strike th e reader more strongly at ﬁrst and ar e more

e a e a ne a e wa T h e e m a ee e : sily r t i d by him ft r rds . oth r y s m odd , but is tru I found I could e xpress them more shortly this wa y than in prose itself ; an d n othin g is more certain than that much of th e force as well as gra ce of argu m en I was na e ea ts or in structions depends on their concis eness . u bl to tr t t a and e his p rt of my subject more in detail without becoming dry t dious, or e e a w ﬁ na en w wan e mor po tic lly ithout sa cri cin g perspicuity to or m t, ithout d r in e an m an can g from th precision or breaking th e chain of reason ing. I f y

n e all e e w n e I ee n e h e wl u it th s ithout diminution of a y of th m, fr ly co f ss i l as a n a comp s thi g bove my capa city . a no a a ene a m a m an Wh t is w published is only to b e con sidered s g r l p of ,

m a n no r a e a e e en e and rki g out mo e th an th e gre t r p rts , th ir xt t, th ir limits ,

e nne n a a a b e e e nea e in th e th ir co ctio , but le vin g th e p rticul r to mor fully d li t d a w e e if ar e w. n e en e e E e in ch rts hich to follo Co s qu tly, th s pistl s th ir progr ss ( I have health an d leisure to ma ke an y progre ss) will b e less dry an d m ore e e e a am e e n en n th e n a n and susc ptibl of po tic l ornament. I h r o ly op i g fou t i s

ea n t T w e in t e e h e a a e . e th e e cl ri g p ss g o d duce riv rs , to follo th m h ir cours ,

a nd e e e effe m a b e a a m e a eea e. to obs rv th ir cts , y t sk or gr bl

1 L a V a n A an 1 6 1 H is n a n e u . ord B co , B ro r l m, Viscou t St lb s ( 5 two greatest works ar e his E ssays and N ovum Organum . 55 6 O E lk I . 5 A L E XA N D E R P P E . [

A R GU M E N T OF E P IST L E I .

o r THE NATU RE A N D STATE O F M A N WITH RES PEC T T o THE U N IVERSE.

— I T a we can e n w e ar Of M an in th e abstract . h t judg o ly ith r g d to our

e e n an th e e a n e and n v e e 1 own syst m, b i g ign or t of r l tio of syst ms thi gs ( rs 7,

I I T a an not e ee e e a e n te . h t m is to b d med imp rf ct, but b i g sui d to his

a n e eat n a eea e th e ene a e n s and place and r nk i th cr io , gr bl to g r l ord r of thi g ,

en an e a n n kn wn e e I I I . con formable to ds d r l tio s to him u o ( v rs 35,

T a n n an e e e en an d a n th e hat it is p rtly upo his ig or c of futur v ts , p rtly upo

0 e a e a e a all a ne in th e e en e en e e h p of futur st t , th t his h ppi ss pr s t d p ds ( v rs 77, I e e a n at e n w e e a nd e en n o e V . T h prid of imi g mor k o l dg , pr t di g to m r ’ e n t e a e an e an d e . T h e e t n perf ctio , h c us of m s rror mis ry impi y of putti g

e a e and n th e ﬁ nes un ﬁtnes s e e on himself in th pl c of God , judgi g of t s or , p rf cti

e e n e n e H is en a n e e 1 1 or imp rf ctio , justic or i justic , of disp s tio s ( v rs 3 ,

T h e a n e n e th e ﬁna a e of th e ea n e x V. bsurdity of co c iti g hims lf l c us cr tio , or pectin g that perfection in th e moral world which is not in th e n atural ( verse

1 1 I . T h e n eas na ene a n a a n P e n e 3 , V u r o bl ss of his compl i ts g i st rovid c , w e on th e one an h e e an s h e e e n e an e an on th e hil h d d m d t p rf ctio s of th g ls , d

e th e a ﬁ a n th e b te e n o f th e oth r bodily qu li c tio s of ru s , though to poss ss a y

en e a e in a e e ee w en e e a e e e 1 s sitiv f culti s high r d gr ould r d r him mis r bl ( v rs 73 , T VI I . hat throughout th e whole visible world an universal order and

' a a n in th e en a and m en tal a e e e a a gr d tio s su l f culti s is obs rv d, which c us e s

na n ea e ea e an d all ea e m an . Th e subordi tio of cr tur to cr tur , of cr tur s to

a a n en e n n h e e n eas n h a ea n al ne gr d tio s of s s , i sti ct , t ought, r ﬂ ctio , r o ; t t r s o o

n e a all th e e a e e e VI I H ow e cou t rv ils oth r f culti s ( v rs I . much furth r

e an d na n n ea e m a e en a e and e w this ord r subordi tio of livi g cr tur s y xt d, bov b lo

we e an a o f w ken n ot a a n th e w e con us ; r y p rt hich bro , th t p rt o ly, but hol

cted ea n b e e e e e I X. T h e e a a an e ne cr tio , must d stroy d ( v rs xtr v g c ,

e an d e a e e e e X. Th e n e en e of madn ss , prid of such d sir ( v rs co s qu c l th e a s e n due o P en e as e en and al , b olut submissio rovid c , both to our pr s t

2 8 e . Jen d . e e 1 t c e future sta te ( v rs , , to t ) A N E S S A Y O N N M A .

EPISTLE I .

W !1 A K E . A , my St John leave all meaner things 3 a nd ri To low ambition the p de of kings .

ca n Let us , since life little more supply,

n 3 Tha just to look about us, and to die , 4 ’ Expatiate free o er all this scene of Man ; 5 A mighty maze ! but not without a plan ;

w e 5 A ild, where we ds and ﬂowers promiscuous shoot ;

7 e Or garden , tempting with forbidd n fruit .

ﬁeld 3 Together let us beat this ample ,

n e Try what the ope , what the covert yi ld ;

1 ’ H en t . n n n e S in on n n e. I e ry S Joh (pro ou c d j ) , Viscou t Boli gbrok n th

A nne h e was e e a a e on th e a es s n e e . r eign of s cr t ry of st t , but cc io of G org I

w e e e n a n e h e n e x e e e a e a a . e e il d hims lf to sc p ors f t B i g p rdo d, r tur d from

a d ene we h is n a w P e wi t a nd e an e in 1 2 n S en . F r c 7 3 , r d i tim cy ith op , f , oth r fri ds

H is e i n an d a n e e n n philosophy, both of r lig o of mor ls , is co sid r d u sou d, but

a e his style is admir bl . 3 L ow a i n etc. T h e far e w th e a w mb tio , pursuit of it is b lo ch rms hich belon g to ph iIOS Ophic pursuits . 3 L ne . A e as e e n th e e e . i s 3 , 4 p riphr tic xpr ssio for br vity of lif 4 t m Wan der a d I ibi u . 5 Origin ally A m ighty maze of walks without a plan . Why was it changed ? 5 7 ” r en etc . a th e a n ? E a th e e a . O a xpl in m t phors g rd , Wh t is llusio 3 M etaphors dra wn from ﬁeld sports were frequent with older poe ts and

A r e in as e ? pros e writers . e th y good t t 57 8 E P . 1 . 5 A L E XA N D E R P OP E . [

The latent tracts, the giddy heights explore, a 1 Of all who blindly creep, or sightless so r ; e’ Eye Natur s walks, shoot folly as it ﬂies , And catch the manners livin g as they ris e;

u Laugh where we m st, be candid where we can ; 3 But vindicate the ways of God to man .

I . Say ﬁrst, of God above , or man below,

we e b ut k ? What can r ason , from what we now

m a n Of , what see we but his station here , 3 e ? 2 0 From which to r ason , or to which refer

n n w 4 Through worlds un umbered , though the God be k o n ,

’ wn Tis ours to trace Him only in our o .

c a n e He , who through vast immensity pierc ,

e See worlds on worlds compose one univ rse ,

n Observe how system i to system runs,

e n What oth r planets circle . other su s ,

a e What v ried Being peoples ev ry star,

e e h a May tell why H av n s made us as we are . 5 i n a nd But of th s frame the beari gs the ties ,

n The strong connectio s , nice dependencies ,

Gradations just , has thy pervading soul Looked through ? or ca n a part contain the whole ? n 5 w Is the great chai , that dra s all to agree ,

w ee ? 7 And dra n supports , upheld by God or th ’ ﬁnd . m a n ! II Presumptuous the reason would st thou , ? Why formed so weak, so little, and so blind

1 I a e a . S ee Ode on th e n n e mit t d by Gr y ( Spri g, li 3 B n a e etc. a P a a . ut e m M n . . e L vi dic t , Imit t d fro ilto Cf r dis ost, I e e line 2 6. This is a be tt r d scription of th e subje ct of th e E ssay than that e t e M P TTI S O of th itl ( ARK A N) . 3 N e th e b ad e in ne an a e a w. ot rim this li , d lso in oth rs th t follo

4 L - T e e a e e a m ines 2 1 32 . h s lin es con tain man y expression s t k n v rb ti from

Bolin gbroke .

5 T h e n ve e as u i rs an orderly system . 5 ’ T h e chain that s ﬁxed to th e throne of Jove ( WALLER) . 7 Wh y as k so foolish a question?

6 0 A L E XA N E R P OP . D E E . [ P . 1

u l e al To ches some whee , or verges to som go ; ’ a and Tis but a p rt we see , not a whole. When the proud steed shall know why man res trains 1 ’ s d ai His ﬁery cour e , or rives him o er the pl ns ;

C When the dull ox, why now he breaks the lod, ’ a nd no w d 3 Is now a victim , Egypt s go : ’ Then S hall man s pride and dullness comprehend ’ ’ ’ His actions , passions , being s , use and end ; f Why doing, suf ering , checked , impelled ; and why

This hour a slave , the next a deity .

’ Then say not man s imperfect , Heaven in fault ; ’ 3 r u : Say ather, man s as perfect as he o ght His knowledge measured to his state and place ;

n a e. His time a mome t , and a point his sp c

If to be perfect in a certain sphere, e ? 4 What matter, soon or late , or here or th re

e d - The bl sse to day is as completely so , a 5 As who began a thousand years go .

I I I . r th e Heaven from all creatu es hides book of Fate , e All but the pag prescribed, their present state f s From brutes what men , rom men what spirit know 01 who could suffer bein g 5 here below ?

1 — 8 ar L ne 6 1 6 e an e a e an a n b t not a en . i s x mpl of brilli t illustr tio , u of rgum t H ere a difﬁculty in th e sche me of human life is not met by other positions

' a m an a e in w n e t e diﬂicult two th t is pl c d , hich might re co cil us to h y , but by

a n e a n a n a n I . comp riso s po tic lly striki g, but logic lly u s tisfyi g ( BA N) 3 T h e a e ke at M e a e A th e ee . s cr d bull pt mphis , c ll d pis by Gr ks 3 ” ” ” A s h e b e . th ought . S upply to Ought for e sake of the r ime, ” h e 1 t being silen t in fa ult . 4 L ne ar e a e e e e e e . i s 73, 74, b dly xpr ss d an d th r fore obscur 5 ’ L ne 6. D en an a n L r e s A n th e F ea D ea i s 75, 7 ryd , tr sl ti g uc tiu gai st r of th, has

Th e man as all n en ea much to i t ts is d d,

Who e -da and w as n b e di s to y , ill lo g so, ” a o A s h e wh o died a thousand years g .

5 E e xis t nce. E P . I . A N E S A Y O 6 1 ] S N M A N .

- The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to day, th s 1 Had he y rea on , would he skip and play? t h e t r Pleased to las , he crops the ﬂowe y food , d And licks the hand just raised to she his blood .

in ! kindl ' iven Oh bl dness to the future y g , Th at each may ﬁll the circle 3 marked by Heaven

Who sees with equal eye , as God of all ,

A ri r 3 hero pe sh , or a spa row fall ,

A n toms or systems into rui hurled , A nd now a bubble burst, and now a world . 4 Hope humbly then ; with trembling pinions soar ; 5 Wait the great teacher, Death ; and God adore . 5 e What future bliss, He gives not the to know , But 7 gives that hope to be thy blessing now . Hope sprin gs eternal in th e human breast :

Man never Is, but always To be blessed .

n e The soul , uneasy, and co ﬁn d from home , m Re s ts and expatiates in a life to co e . m 5 Lo , the poor Indian ! whose untutored ind th e Sees God in clouds, or hears Him in wind ; 3 u n His soul, pro d Science ever taught to stray Far as the solar walk 15 or Milky Way ;

1 I n what sense used here ? 3 ” F w . th e e . e . his a n ed ill circl , i do ppoi t ork 3 e d v e e 1 . . a . . . ee no a e e e e Cf St . M tt x 2 9 P ope s ms t to h v r m mb r rs 3 4 ” T e E a n th e e a . a h as in th e E e r mbling pinions . xpl i m t phor Gr y , l gy,

ne 1 2 e n h O e . li 7 , tr mbli g p 5 . I . . . Cf Cor xiii . 1 2 5 ” a a b e in w a a n . Wh t future bliss sh ll , or h t it sh ll co sist

7 L i - 6 H O e e e w e e a n and e er na a ine nes 94 9 . p is d sir ith xp ct tio , t l h pp ss er a e h e ft r is its prope r object . 3 T h e - en e and e a e s e lines ( 99 1 1 2 ) have be much admir d, justly so, b c us ee a E e in them th e poet s eems to b e moved by a genuine emotion . S lso pistl IV ne . 1 1 . li s 73 , 74 9 What is th e idea ? 1 5 ” ” a wal th e a the s un . a has th e a ad P e Sol r k, p th of Gr y sol r ro , rogr ss

P e . of oes y, lin 54 A L E A D R P P X N E O E . [E P . 1.

l Yet s imp e Nature to his hope has given , - h n Behind the cloud topped hill, an umbler heave ;

Some safer world in depth of woods embraced , in Some happier island the watery waste, b Where slaves once more their native land ehold, 1 N o d h . ﬁen s torment, no Christians t irst for gold r s To Be, contents his natu al de ire , ’ ’ n n o 3 He asks no a gel s wings, seraph s ﬁre ;

n But thi ks , admitted to that equal sky, 3 S 4 His faithful dog hall bear him company .

. t u ! a S IV Go , wiser ho and in thy sc le of ense , Weigh thy opinion against Providence ; m e Call i perfection what thou fanci st such ,

Sa e y , Here He gives too littl , there too much u Destroy all creatures for thy sport or g st, ’ ’ cr m Yet y , If an s unhappy, God s unjust ; ’ m a n e If alone engross not Heaven s high car ,

Alone made perfect here , immortal there 5 Snatch from His hand the balance and the rod,

Rejudge His justice , be the god of God . e 5 r In pride , in reasoning prid , our e ror lies ;

All quit their sphere , and rush into the skies. 7 d e s Pri e still is aiming at the bl s ed abodes ,

Men would be angels, angels would be gods .

n e As piring to be gods , if a g ls fell,

ri Aspi ng to be angels , men rebel And who but wishes to invert the laws

1 0 Of Order, sins against the Eternal Cause . 3

1 Th e line was probably suggeste d by th e bloody Span ish conques ts in

South A me rica . 3 ’ ” e a ﬁr e . e . n e e a S r ph s , i , i t ll ctu l light ; wisdom . 3 Was th e dog native to th e N ew World ? 4 ee N e 8 1 . S ot , p . 6 5 ” Th e a an e and th e en and n men . b l c rod, judgm t pu ish t 5 Would n ot u n r eas on ing pr ide b e more exact ? 7 — 8 h e an e . P e owin L ines 1 2 5 1 2 allude to th e fall of t g ls op , foll g th e 6 up . I A N E S S A Y ON M A N . . ] 3

1 . w d e V Ask for hat end the heavenly bo i s shine , ’ ? s T Earth for whose use Pride answer , is for mine k n For me i d Nature wakes her genial power,

e e e e Suckl s each herb , and spr ads out v ry ﬂower ;

Annual for me, the grape , the rose renew

e e a nd m The juic nectar ous, the bal y dew ;

For me, the mine a thousand treasures brings ;

For me , health gushes from a thousand springs ;

n m e Seas roll to waft me , su s to light rise ; ” n e My footstool earth , my ca opy the ski s . m But errs not Nature fro this gracious end, n d n 3 From burni g suns when livid deaths esce d ,

3 e When earthquakes swallow , or when tempests swe p n ? Towns to one grave , whole natio s to the deep ’ h No ( tis replied) , the ﬁrst Almig ty Cause

r e Acts not by pa tial, but by g neral laws ; The exceptions few ; some change 4 sin ce all began And what created perfect ? Why then man ? r If the g eat end be human happiness, Then Nature deviates ; and c a n man do less ? A S much that end a constant course re quires ’ d Of showers and sunshine , as of man s esires ;

e r r As much te nal sp ings and cloudless skies,

m en e e . As for ver temperate, calm, and wis

n n a a h e h a e th e al e . Opi io of m jority of th e fathers of t churc , scrib s f l to prid

M ilton makes Satan th e personiﬁca tion of pride . 1 — L ines 1 3 1 1 40 form one of th e most vivid pass a ges in th e poem . P ope .

I s a . . I e e n e is a ccuse d of b a d ta ste in line 1 40. ( S ee lxvi f th s bou ti s ’ na e we e not n en e an us e w a was e o e ? . of tur r i t d d for m s , h t th ir purp s Cf ’ — Whittier s T h e a e ne 8 68 . B r foot Boy, li s 4 ’ 3 L ne 1 2 —1 ar e an e a e en e e and P e anne i s 4 44 x mpl of rgy of styl , of op s m r of compressing together many ima ges without confusion and without super

ou s e ﬂu pithets ( WARTON) . 3 R e e th e ea h a e in e F e a 1 2 as n wen - e en f rs to rt qu k Chil , bru ry, 73 , l ti g t ty s v

a wa w n th e t . a o nd e e. d ys , s llo i g up city of S J g a most of its p opl 4 ” e an e etc . an awkwa e e n . Som ch g , , rd xpr ssio 6 A L N D R P OP E P E . 1 4 E XA E [ . .

’ 1 ea u e n 1 If plagues or rthq akes break not Heav n s desig , 5 5 3 n ? 3 Why then a Borgia, or a Catili e th e n Who knows but He , whose hand light ing forms , old n Who heaves Ocean, and who wi gs the storms ; ’ ae in Pours ﬁerce ambition in a C sar s m d, 4 Or turns young Ammon loose to scourge mankind ? 1 60 r From pride , from pride, our very reasoning sp ings ; Account for moral as for n atural things :

a in u ? Why ch rge we Heaven in those , these acq it

In both , to reason right is to submit . us h Better for , perhaps , it mig t appear,

r n all Were there all ha mo y, virtue here ; That never air or ocean felt the wind ;

That never passion discomposed the mind . 5 But all subsists by elemental strife ; 5

n n A n d passio s are the eleme ts of life . ( The general Order, since the whole began , Is kept in Nature , and is kept in Man . ? w VI . What would this Man Now upward ill he soar, s 7 And little les than angel , would be more ;

d r i v r Now looking ownward , just as g e ed appea s,

th e fur ar . To want the strength of bulls, of be s

1 Th e doctrine s et forth in lin es 1 55—1 70 h as been both stron gly con

m ed and e en e P e w e in a an e w th e ai at h e de n d f d d . op rot ccord c ith f th th e profe ss d . 3 a na ae a a a n a a s on P e A e an e V . was a C rdi l C s r Borgi , tur l of op l x d r I ,

an n e . H e k e e and a e e n we e hum mo st r ill d his broth r, tt mpt d to poiso t lv of

e a na . H e t e O e ke w Th e his broth r c rdi ls an d h p p by mista dran k of the ine .

e e h e e e e . H was k e e in a e 1 0 . pop di d, but r cov r d ill d b ttl , 5 7 3 L e a ne B . 1 08 a ucius S rgius C tili ( C . uthor of a conspiracy which a e his na e n a H e w m d m i f mous . as killed in battle . 4 A lexander th e G rea t . When h e vis ited th e temple of Jupiter A mmon i th e L an D e e th e e th e e e a e as th e s o ei n iby s rt , pri sts of t mpl s lut d him n of th r deity. 5 Th e n atural world or universe . 5 Th e n th e e emen air ﬁr e a e e . co ﬂict of l ts, , , w t r, arth 7 . P S . i . Cf v ii 5 . s p . I A N E S S A Y ON M A 6 . ] N . 5

ur Made for his use , all creat es if he call , h i ? Say w at the r use , had he the powers of all ur t Nat e to hese, without profusion kind, r an The p oper org s , proper powers assigned ;

r Each seeming want compensated of cou se , 1 Here with degrees of swiftness , there of force ; All in exact proportion to the state

a dd n Nothing to , and nothi g to abate . s own Each bea t, each insect , happy in its ? Is Heaven unkind to man , and man alone l Shal he alone , whom rational we call,

n ot ? Be pleased with nothing, if blessed with all The bliss of m a n (could pride that blessing ﬁnd) Is not to act or think beyond mankind ; s r No power of body or of soul to sha e ,

c a n a But what his nature and his state be r. Why has not man a microscopic eye? 3

For this plain reason , man is not a ﬂy .

Say what the use, were ﬁner optics given , ? To inspect a mite , not comprehend the heaven ’ 3 Or touch , if tremblingly alive all o er, To smart and agonize at ever y pore ?

1 eﬂluvia 0 quick darting through the brain, Die of a rose in aromatic pain ? O n a If Nature thundered in his peni g e rs , 4 And stunned him with the music of the spheres ,

1 H e e e ee w ne etc . I a e ain a m in h e r with d gr s of s ift ss , t is c rt xio t

r a a in n as e ar e f e en e an a tomy of c e tures , th t proportio th y orm d for str gth th ir

n e e n e ar e e w ne e en th swift ss is l sse ed, or as th y form d for s ift ss th ir str g is ” a a e P O b t d ( PE) . ’ 3 T a e e and th e w e ea n n h t particular expression microscopic y , hol r so i g ’ a aken L ke E a on th e H m an of this stonishing piece of poetry, is t from oc s ss y u

U n e an n ok . a . . s ec. 1 2 K F I LD . d rst di g, Bo II ch p xxiii ( WA E E ) 3 - n an E x e L ines 1 97 2 00 ar e too elliptica l to b e entirely clear i me ing. pr ss a e th e thoughts in pl in t rms . 4 A a was a an th e P a ean th a h e f vorite poetic conceit . It f cy of yth gor s t t 66 A E XA N E R P P E L D O . [E P . 1 . How would he wish that Heaven had left him still

e a n d !1 The whispering z phyr, the purling rill

not Who ﬁnds Providence all good and wise,

e v a nd e ? Alik in what it gi es , what deni s VI ’ I . Far as creation s ample range extends, 3 n as cends z The scale of sensual , me tal powers ’ 3 a h ow m n M rk it ou ts to man s imperial race , From the green myriads in the peopled grass 2 1 0

e What modes of sight betwixt ach wide extreme, ’ ’ b : The mole s dim curtain , and the lynx s eam

n n 4 Of smell , the headlo g lioness betwee , And hound sa gacious on th e ta inted gr een

Of hearing , from the life that fills the flood , To that which warbles through the vernal wood ! ’ h e ! The spider s touc , how exquisit ly fine

n Feels at each thread , and lives along the li e u In the nice bee , what sense so subtly tr e From poisonous herbs extracts the healing dew ? 2 2 0

n r n n How insti ct va ies in the groveli g swi e ,

- e n ne ! Compared , half r aso ing elephant, with thi ’ 5 a nd ! Twixt that reason , what a nice barrier

er ! Forever separate , yet forev near

a ne in e e n n e a n e low a n pl ts , th ir r volutio s , sou d d ot , high or , ccordi g to

n ea n e th e s un ak n a e e a e . . S ake r ss to , thus m i g compl t oct v Cf h M e a n V en e . rch t of ic , v . i 1 3 O e e th e ea e . ne 8 . bs rv b uty of xpression . Cf li s 47 , 4 3 O e e h n in ne 2 0 —2 2 2 w I bs rv t e exquisite choice of expressio li s 9 , hich ea T h e a n b r comparison with th e most subtle pas s a ges of Vergil . h rmo f th e w e is n e e e ar in n e 2 2 th e e n a ccen hol i t rrupt d, to our , li 3 , by for ig ’ a e a w w a ze and a en e on b rri r , ord hich is n ow thoroughly natur li d, cc t d

ﬁ s a e P TTI S O r t syll bl ( A N) . 4 “ ' Th e man ner of th e lion s hunting their prey in th e deserts of is this : A t their ﬁrst goin g out in th e nighttime the y s et up a loud r o

en s en th e n e m a e th e ea in e n e th li t to ois d by b sts th ir ﬂight , pursui g th m by ’ th e ear and not th e I a e a th e th e a ka l s , by nostril . t is prob bl th t story of j c hunting for th e lion was occa sioned by observation of this defect of scen t in 5 a er e H a d n a e . th t t ribl animal ( P OPE) . r ly disti guish bl

6 8 E P . 1 . A L E XA N D E R P OP E . [

1 ea h Let rt , unbalanced , from her orbit ﬂy, Planets and suns r un lawless thr ough the sky e e Let ruling ang ls from their spheres be hurl d ,

n d Being on bei g wrecke , and world on world ;

’ nod Heaven s whole foundations to their center ,

e And Nature trembl to the throne of God . All this dread Order break — for whom ? for thee ? 3 Vile worm !— O madness ! pride ! impiety ! X I . What if the foot, ordained the dust to tread , ? Or hand, to toil , aspired to be the head d What if the hea , the eye, or ear repined To serve mere engines to the ruling min d ? Just as absurd for any part to claim h To be another, in t is general frame ; s Just as absurd , to mourn the tasks or pain 3 The great directing Mind of All ordains .

ar e b ut a 4 All p rts of one stupendous whole ,

Whose body Nature is , and God the soul ;

5 n That , cha ged through all , and yet in all the same ; a in h Great in the e rth , as the et ereal frame ; m War s in the sun , refreshes in the breeze ,

t e Glows in the stars , and blossoms in the r es,

u e Lives through all life , extends thro gh all xtent ,

n Spreads undivided , operates u spent ;

n Breathes in our soul , i forms our mortal part ,

ar As full , as perfect , in a hair as he t ;

1 I n and n e 2 th e w ee e e and ea u this , li 53 , ord s ms to b e conc ssiv , ch s c ceeding line is resultan t . 3 I n n e 2 2 8 P e e b e n n an and ee n in ein li s 57 , 5 op tri s to i dig t, succ ds o ly b g bombas tic . 3 “ as a etc. th e v e an d an a n a a Just bsurd , If ic s fr tic p ssio s of Borgi , ” a a ne a r e n e e a th e a n th e n e e wh th e or C tili , c ss ry to h rmo y of u iv rs , y should

e a n e etc . b e a ? mild r p ssio s , pity, gri f, , bsurd

4 T h e ne ne 2 6 -2 80 a e I i doctri of li s 7 is n xpr es s r on of pure pantheism . t s ” a e e a e s m rr d only by th n tith is hair a s heart . ” 5 What is th e antecedent of that ? 6 E P . I A N E S S A Y ON M A N . . ] 9

r As full, as perfect , in vile man that mou ns, 1 As th e rapt seraph that adores and burns :

To Him , no high , no low, no great, no small ; 3 He ﬁlls, He bounds, connects and equals all .

X e e n . C as then , nor Order Imperfection ame

Our proper bliss depends on what we blame .

: nd r Know thy own point this ki , this due deg ee

e w Of blindness , weakness , Heaven b sto s on thee .

: Submit in this, or any other sphere , Secure 3 to be as blessed as thou canst bear nd Safe in the ha of one disposing Power, r Or in the natal , or the mo tal hour. 4 All Nature is but Art , unknown to thee ;

All Chance , Direction , which thou canst not see ;

All Discord , Harmony not understood ; 5 : All partial Evil, universal Good ’ e in And , spit of Pride , erring Reason s spite , 5 One r . t uth is clear, Whatever is, is right

1 ” Th e a e a etc. S ee N e 2 . 62 . r pt s r ph , ot , p 3 S ee N e . 68 . ot 4, p 3 e e e e a n nﬁ en . S cur , sur ; c rt i ; co d t 4 - L ine s 2 89 2 9 2 ar e excellent e xamples of antithesis . 5 S ee . ne 1 6. p 63, li 4

S ee E e . ne 2 E e IV . ne 1 8 . a e e pistl I li 5 ; pistl li s 4 1 , 3 4 Wh t v r is , is ” a e en e an a ﬁe . r ight, r th r sil c s th s tis s 0 XA N A L E D E R P OP E . E P 1 1. 7 [ .

A R M E N T F G U O E P ISTL E I I .

O F T H E T U A N D S TAT O F M A N IT S CT T O IM S LF NA RE E W H RE PE H E , A S A N I N D A I VI D U L .

. T he ne M n ot n e . H is I busi ss of an to pry i to God, but to study hims lf middle n ature ; his powers and fra ilties ( verses 1 Th e limits of his

w n e m e - e a a e e 1 I I . T h e t o an an d c p city (v rs 9 , pri cipl s of , s lf lov e a - h e d w ea n ne e e etc. e t n e an h r so , both c ss ry (v rs 53 , Self lov stro g r, y

e e 6 T e end th e a e e e 8 1 I I I . Th e P a n s (v rs 7 , h ir s m ( v rs , ssio , and e us e e e T h e nan a n and its e th ir ( v rs s 93 predomi t. p ssio , forc ( vers es 1 32 Its necessity in directing m en to different purposes ( verse

1 6 en a us e in ﬁ n n e and a e tain n 5 , Its provid ti l xi g our pri cipl sc r i g our

e e e I V e and e ne in e na e h e virtu (v rs V. irtu vic joi d our mix d tur ; t

nea et th e n e a a e and e en w a th e oﬂice eas n limits r, y thi gs s p r t vid t ; h t is of r o

e e 2 02 . H ow e in e and h ow we ece e ( v rs s V odious vic its lf, d iv our e e n it e e T a we e th e en P e e and s lv s i to ( v rs VI . h t, ho v r, ds of rovid nc

ene a a r e an w a n and e e n e e 1 g r l good s ered in our p ssio s imp rf ctio s ( v rs 2 3 , H ow usefully thes e ar e distributed to all orders of m en (verse H ow useful they ar e to society ( verse a nd to individuals ( vers e in e very a e and e e a e e e e 2 st t v ry g of lif ( v rs 73, EPISTLE II .

1 . K N OW e e u e G od to a I th n thyself, pr s m not sc n , M The proper study of mankind is an . d 3 Place on this isthmus of a middle state ,

r A Being da kly wise , and rudely great 3 With too much knowledge for the Skeptic side, ’ m n 4 With too uch weak ess for the Stoic s pride, a e He h ngs b tween ; in doubt to act, or rest ;

In doubt to deem himself a god , or beast ; In doubt his mind or body to prefer ;

a nd n Born but to die , reasoni g but to err ; a 5 Alike in ignorance , his re son such ,

Whether he thinks too little , or too much

a nd 5 Chaos of Thought Passion , all confused ; 7 Still by himself abused or disabused ;

e and 8 Created half to ris , half to fall ;

n Great lord of all thi gs, yet a prey to all ;

Sole judge of truth , in endless error hurled

T h e r ! glo y, jest , and riddle of the world

1 K e e a n e e in . n owthen thyself. Th is is th old st s yi g r cord d philosophy 3 M an is th e con necting lin k between God an d th e brute creation .

3 n e a e e all n O th t prof ss s to doubt thi gs . 4 One wh o acce pted thin gs as the y ha ppened and made th e best of his

h a i t e e surroundings . T e Stoic considered himself as part ker n h nat ur of

God ; hence pride . 5 T his line is too conden sed to b e perfectly clea r . 5 — L n . a a e w a e 1 1 8 n r as H a e . . : e i s 3 Co t t ml t, ii ii Wh t pi c of ork is ” man ! e tc . 7 3 D e e e . H a e etc . . c iv d lf to ris , , soul, body 7 1 2 E P . 1 1 . 7 A L E XA N D E R P OP E . [

! s Go , wondrous creature mount where Science guide , h th e Go , measure eart , weigh air, and state tides ;

Instruct the planets in what orbs to run , 1 Correct old Time , and regulate the sun ; 3 Go , soar with Plato to the empyreal sphere, 3 r To the fi st good , first perfect, and first fair ;

1 a his r 0 tr ead the m zy round followe s trod, 4 And quitting sense call imitating God ; 5 r s C As Eastern p iest in giddy ircles run,

And turn their heads to imitate the s un.

Go , teach Eternal Wisdom how to rule 5 a nd ! Then drop into thyself, be a fool 7 r Supe ior beings, when of late they saw ’ A mortal man unfold all Nature s law,

Admired such wisdom in an earthly shape,

And showed a Newton as we show an ape . 8 h e i Could , whose rules the rapid comet b nd , Des cr ibe or ﬁx one mo vement of his mind ?

Who saw its ﬁres here rise, and there descend, Explain his own beginning or his end ? ’ 3 Alas what wonder ! Man s superior part

0 Unchecked may rise , and climb from art to art ; 4

1 ” . e Correct old Time R efers to th e reform of th e calendar . Th N e w

was a e in e an in 1 00 in E n an not n 1 2 . S tyle dopt d G rm y 7 , but gl d u til 75 3 ” E r ea S e e . e . th e e en e e ea en w was mpy l ph r , i , s v th sph r , or h v , hich of was h e e na e of ﬁr e . I t a th e tur t hom of th e soul fter death . 3 ” F n all th e . irst, origi of others

4 A n a n th e N eo latonic w n n w od llusio to p philosophy, hich sought u io ith G

n e a n and e a e a h by co t mpl tio cst sy, through disr g rd of th e promptings of t e 5 en e . e th e s un s s s Worship rs of god . 5 ’ N otice P ope s frequent us e of this word . 7 L ines 3 1 -34 ar e intended as a satire on th e N ewtonian theory of th e un i ’ N e n n a was ﬁ e T he ar n in e e . w P in 1 68 v rs to s ri cipi rst publish d 7 . comp iso

th e last of these lines is not pleasin g. 3 aa N ew n 1 6 2 a e h Sir Is c to ( 4 th e f mous E n glish philosoph r, w o discovered th e la w of unive r sal gra vita tion ; h e determined also th e orbits of com e 9 T h e n e e ts . i t ll ct. u p . A N E S S A 0 V Y 1 M A N . 73

b But when his own great work is but egun, as What re on weaves , by passion is undone . 1 u Trace Science then , with modesty thy g ide ; Fir s t strip off all her equipage of pride ; 2

Deduct what is but vanity or dress, ’ r Or learning s luxu y, or idleness ;

b ai Or tricks to show the stretch of human r n , Mere curious pleasure or ingenious pain ; Expunge the whole or lop the excrescent parts Of all our vices have created arts ; 3

Then see how little the remaining sum ,

Which served the past , and must the times to come ! r II . Two p inciples in human nature reign ;

l - r a nd Se f love to u ge , Reason , to restrain ; t b Nor his a good , nor that a ad we call,

Each works its end, to move or govern all

r a And to their p oper oper tions still, r Asc ibe all good ; to their improper, ill . ‘ 5 l - v r of s u Se f lo e , the sp ing motion , acts the o l ; ’ as n Re on s compari g balance rules the whole . ° Man , but for that , no action could attend, 7 end And , but for this , were active to no 8 Fixed like a plant on his peculiar spot,

n a To draw nutritio , prop gate , and rot - Or, meteor like , ﬂame lawless through the void,

r . Dest oying others , by himself destroyed Most strength th e movin g principle 9 requires ;

its . Active task , it prompts, impels , inspires

1 T a e en e . e . w ea n n . r c Sci c , i , follo l r i g

3 L e - H ad P e wan e an e a e th e a e ea n n in s 45 52 . op t d x mpl of bus of l r i g,

a e a could h v found one t home . 3 Th a e e w i e a e r ea e n ar . t is, of thos luxuri s hich our v c s h v c t d i to ts 4 ” 5 A a e . n n . e . e a n . Spri g of motio , i , motiv of ctio ctu t s 5 - 7 e e . R ea n S lf lov so . — T h e grammatical connections in lines 63 66 ar e not very close . 9 - Self love . A L E XA N D E R P P E . . 7 4 O [E P . 1 1

1 a nd Sedate quiet the comparing lies,

e Formed but to ch ck, deliberate, and advise .

° 2 e - v e e S lf lo e still strong r, as its obj cts nigh ’ Reason s at dista nce and in prospect lie That sees immedia te good by present sense ;

e r R ason , the futu e and the consequence .

n h Thicker tha arguments , temptations t rong,

u . At best more watchf l this , but that more strong

n The actio of the stronger to suspend ,

Reason still use , to reason still attend .

n n 3 Attention , habit and experie ce gai s ;

n a n - d s . Each strengthens reaso , self love re trains 4 Let subtle schoolmen teach these friends to ﬁght , More studious to divide than to unite ; 5 6 And grace and virtue , sense and reason split,

With all the rash dexterity of wit .

Wits , just like fools , at war about a name ,

Have full as oft no meaning, or the same . - Self love and reason to one end aspire ,

n a Pai their version , pleasure their desire ;

v But greedy that , its object would de our,

n fl This taste the ho ey, and not wound the ower i Pleasure , or wrong or r ghtly understood ,

e e e . Our gr at st evil, or our gr atest good - III . Modes of self love the Passions we may call ’ Tis real good, or seeming, moves them all 7 n ca n But si ce not every good we divide,

n And reaso bids us for our own provide,

1 Th e a n i. e. ea n . comp ri g, , r so 2 T h e ean n ne 1 2 e a ne in th e cee n e . m i g of li s 7 , 7 , is xpl i d suc di g coupl t ” 3 Wh at is th e subject of gains P ” e A e Schoolmen . N ot th e school divines of th e M iddl g s , but moralis ts . 5 Sen s es .

5 Th e m e th e n ri is o ly excuse for th e wor d.

7 a e w an e Sh r ith oth r .

E P E . E . A L E XA N D R P O [ P . 1 1

’ a Love , hope , and joy , fair Pleasure s smiling tr in , r Hate, fear, and g ief, the family of Pain ,

These mixed with art , and to due bounds conﬁned , 1 Make and m aintain the balance of the mind :

- e The lights and shades , whose well accorded strif

Gives all the str ength and color of our life . 2 Pleasures are ever in our hands or eyes ; r s And when in act they cease, in prospect i e

u Present to grasp , and fut re still to ﬁnd, 3 The whole employ of body and of mind .

a All spread their charms , but ch rm not all alike ; ff ff On di erent senses, di erent objects strike ; ff s Hence di erent pa sions more or less inﬂame , As strong or weak the organs of the frame ;

And hence one Master Passion in the breast , ’ l 4 i . L ke Aaron s serpent , swa lows up the rest

a 5 As man , perh ps, the moment of his breath , Receives the lurking principle of death ;

1 The young disease , that must subdue at length ; 3 5 his e Grows with his growth , and strengthens with s tr ngth :

So , cast and mingled with his very frame , i ’ The m nd s disease , its Ruling Passion , came ;

Each vital humor which should feed the whole, in Soon ﬂows to this , in body and soul h Whatever warms the heart , or ﬁlls the ead , s d As the mind opens , and its functions prea ,

n Imagi ation plies her dangerous art,

And pours it all upon the peccant part .

1 ee N e . . S ot 9 , p 75 2 ” P ea e ar e e e e c. ee E e 1 . ne 6 ° l sur s v r, t S pistl li s 9 5 . 9 3 ” Th e w e e etc. e e we e e e eas e hol mploy, Wh th r pursu virtu or vic , pl ur is th e end in view. 4 A lluding to th e contest in ma gic between M ose s and th e ma gicians of

T h ee a e een e a in a P haraoh . e former s ms to h v b mor ccomplished m gic. ( Cf.

E xod . vii . ) 5 ” e . w a a T e men a . e ﬁ h e t ir . mo t of his br th, i , ith his rst br th ; b th E P . A N E S S A Y 01V M A N . 7 7

tu ur s Na re its mother , habit is its n e ;

a Wit, spirit, faculties, but m ke it worse ; Reason itself but gives it edge and power ; ’ u As Heaven s blessed beam t rns vinegar more sour .

r u We , w etched subjects , though to lawf l sway , 1 In this weak queen some favorite still obey 2 ! a as e Ah if she lend not rms , well as rul s , What can she more than tell us we are fools ?

our n Teach us to mourn ature , not to mend, ! A sharp accuser, but a helpless friend

u Or from a judge t rn pleader, to persuade

The choice we make , or justify it made ;

Proud of an easy conquest all along, She but removes weak passions for the str ong

So , when small humors gather to a gout,

‘ n dr e h The doctor fa cies he has iv n t em out . ’ Yes, Nature s road must ever be preferred

Reason is here no guide , but still a guard ; ’ Tis hers to rectify, not overthrow, And treat this passion more as friend than foe ; m w 3 A ightier po er the strong direction sends, And several 4 men impels to several ends :

Like varying winds , by other passions tossed , 5 This drives them constant to a certain coast .

e Let power or knowledge , gold or glory, pl ase , Or (oft more strong than all) the love of ease ; ’ ’ Through life tis followed , even at life s expense ’ ’ n n e The merchant s toil , the sage s i dole c , ’ ’ The monk s humility, the hero s pride ,

l n All, all a ike, ﬁnd reaso on their side .

e The Eternal Art , ducing good from ill, Grafts on this passion our best principle

' 2 R e s h e e not e en as we a s e . ason . If do s d f d ll dir ct 4 D ff e en . Th e R uling P as s ion . i r t Th e w mightier po er. 8 E P . 1 1 . 7 A L E XA N D E R P OP E . [

’ r 1 Tis thus the mercu y of man is ﬁxed , Strong grows the virtue with his nature mixed

T h e s e en w dros c m ts hat else were too reﬁned,

A nd in n o e interest body acts with mind . ’ n te As fruits , u gra ful to the planter s care, On s ava ge stocks in serted lear n to bear ;

T h e u e s r st virtues thus from passions shoot,

’ Wild Natur e s v igor working at the root . Wha t crops of wit and honesty appear

s n c e ! From plee , from obstina y, hate , or f ar

S ee a n e e a nd t d g r, z al , for itu e supply ;

’ E v n a a r e v rice , p ud nce ; sloth , philosophy ;

s h r h r w Lu t , t oug some ce tain strainers ell reﬁned,

n v Is ge tle lo e , and charms all womankind ;

’ n w h n a E vy , to hic the ig oble mind s slave, Is emulati on in the le arned or brave ;

v u a e Nor irt e , m le or femal , can we name ,

w w r w d . But hat ill g o on pri e , or grow on shame Thus N a ture gives us (let it ch eck our pride) The v irtue nearest to our vice allied

e a R ason the bi s turns to good from ill,

e 2 e n 3 And N ro r ig s a Titus, if he will .

T h e ﬁ r in n 4 ery soul abho red Catili e , 5 6 7 In Decius charms , in Curtius is divine

1 M e m an . e . n a . rcury of , i his i st bility 2 N e A . D . R an e e n e r ann . ro ( 54 om mp ror, ot d for his ty y 3 T Ves as ian us A . D . 0 R an e a e th e e itus p ( 4 om emp ror, c ll d d light ” of an k n 4 m . S ee N e . 6 . i d ot 3 , p 4 5 P . D e M us a is ea in R an n wh o i B . . e h cius , om co sul , n C 337 , rush d to d th a e e a b ttl b c use victory was foretold for th e army whos e general should fall . 6 ’ M a one R e e en a e e . A a a in een rcus Curtius , of om s l g d ry h ro s ch sm h v g b ene in th F k was ann n e th e e an ea a e in B . C . 6 op d orum by rthqu 3 2 , it ou c d by ’ soothsayers that it could n ot b e closed till R ome s greatest trea sure was cast

in . e a n a a a e i zen in a s was th e ea e ea e Curtius , d cl ri g th t br v c ti rm gr t st tr sur th e a e e ea e n th e a w e a e . st t could poss ss , l p d i to ch sm , hich clos d ft r him 7 - T her e is n o special propriety of allusion in lines 1 98 2 00 ; hence the N M A N A N E S S A Y O . 7 9

b a The same am ition can destroy or s ve ,

e And makes a patriot as it makes a knav .

a n IV . This light and darkness in our ch os joi ed , 1 What shall divide ? The God within the mind . 2 r u Extremes in Natu e eq al ends produce, In man they join to some mysterious use ; ’ o e Though each by turns the other s b unds invad , - As , in some well wrought picture , light and shade , ff And oft so mix , the di erence is too nice

n . 2 1 0 Where ends the virtue, or begi s the vice Fools ! who from hence into the notion fall

‘ l h at n a ll L vice or virtue there is no e at .

If white and black blend , soften , and unite ? A thousand ways, is there no black or white

Ask your own heart , and nothing is so plain ; ’ Tis to mistake them costs the time and pain .

V . Vice is a monster of so frightful mien ,

As, to be hated , needs but to be seen ;

Yet seen too oft , familiar with her face , 3 r n n o We ﬁ st endure , then pity, the embrace . ’ wa s But where the extreme of vice , ne er agreed ’ ? ’ w 4 Ask where s the North at York , tis on the T eed ;

Or cades In Scotland , at the ; and there , 5 a Zem bla . At Greenl nd , , or the Lord knows where

No creature owns it in the ﬁrst degree , But thinks h lS ne1 ghb or further gone than he ’ a Ev n those who dwell bene th its very zone,

Or never feel the rage, or never own ;

We ee a n e n a e w a e e e th e passa ge is weak . f l th t ma y oth r m s ould h v s rv d purpose as well ( P ATTIS ON) . 1 ” Th w n h e n . e . n en e a e an ea n . e God ithi t mi d , i , co sci c r th r th r so 3 Give some examples of this . 3 There a r e better m en and greater poets than P ope wh o do n ot think so . ’ . D en H n and P an e . . Cf ryd s i d th r , I 33 4 F rom this illustra tion P ope suggests that vir tue a nd vice ar e n ot ab s o 5 n w w e e in b ad as e . e n e a e . T h e L lut , but o ly r l tiv ord k o s h r is t t A L E XA P OP E . E P N D E R . 1 1 [ .

a a ﬁ r i ht What h ppier natures shrink at with g ,

The hard inhabitant contends is r ight .

VI . Virtuous and vicious every man must be ,

in Few in the extreme , but all the degree ; The rogue and fool by ﬁts is fair and wise ; ’ And ev n the best , by ﬁts, what they despise . ’ Tis but by parts we follow good or ill ;

For, vice or virtue, self directs it still ; Each individual seeks a several goal ;

’ But Heaven s great view is one , and that the whole . That counterworks each folly a nd caprice ; That disappoints the effect of ever y vice :

1 e That , happy frailties to all ranks appli d ,

Shame to the virgin , to the matron pride ,

h e Fear to the statesman , rashness to the c i f,

e To kings presumption , and to crowds beli f ’ ca n That , virtue s ends from vanity raise ,

Which seeks no interest , no reward but praise ;

And build on wants, and on defects of mind ,

r o The joy, the peace, the glo y f mankind .

n e Heaven formi g each on other to d pend , s d A ma ter, or a servant , or a frien ,

a Bids each on other for assistance c ll , ’ w Till one man s weakness gro s the strength of all .

Wants, frailties , passions , closer still ally

The common interest , or endear the tie .

n To these we owe true friendship , love si cere, Each home-felt joy that life inherits here ;

m we n Yet from the sa e lear , in its decline ,

n Those joys , those loves , those interests to resig ;

Taught half by reason , half by mere decay, w To elcome death , and calmly pass away . ’ a Whate er the p ssion , knowledge , fame, or pelf,

e Not one will change his n ighbor with himself.

1 ' P a e as L a n elzx not bea ms . ropitious , s m ti f , - ~ ~ 81 A N E S S A Y oN M A N .

The learned is happy nature to explore , The fool is happy that he knows no more ; r i The ich is happy in the plenty g ven ,

n The poor co tents him with the care of Heaven . b See the blind eggar dance , the cripple sing,

The sot a hero , lunatic a king ; The sta rving chemist in his golden views

Supremely blessed, the poet in his Muse .

See some strange comfort every state attend,

r r And p ide bestowed on all , a common f iend

See some ﬁt passion every age supply ,

H ope travels through , nor quits us when we die . ’ d 1 Behold the child , by Nature s kin ly law,

s e Plea ed with a rattl , tickled with a straw

n Some livelier playthi g gives his youth delight, l A ittle louder, but as empty quite 2 Sc 3 4 a arfs, garters , gold , amuse his riper st ge , 15 And beads a nd pra yer books are the toys of age s Plea ed with this bauble still , as that before ; ’ ’ r Till ti ed he sleeps, and life s poor play is o er . Meanwhile Opinion gilds with varying rays Those pa inted clouds that beautify our days ;

Each want of happiness by hope supplied , And each vacuity of sense by pride These build as fast as knowledge c a n destr oy ; ’ c u a In folly s p still l ughs the bubble , joy ;

a n e a n One prospect lost , oth r still we g i ; And not a vanity is given in vain ; ’ - e Ev n mean self lov becomes, by force divine , ’ The scale to meas ur e oth er s wants by thine . ! l r See and confess, one comfort sti l must ise ; ’ ’ Tis this, Though man s a fool, yet God is wise .

- L ines 2 75 2 82 would have made an admirable ending for th e epistle . 3 a e n n nia n o . B dg s of ho or . I sig of k ightho d 5 ea T h e a . W lth . ros ry 6 8 z 1 1 . A L E XA N D E R P OP E . [m 1

A R GU M E N T OF E P IST L E III .

? S r A W 01 THE NATU RE A N D TATE o M N ITH RES PECT T o s oc r aTv .

T h e w e n e e one e e e e N n I . hol u iv rs syst m of soci ty ( v rs 7 , othi g

a e w for e nor et w an e e e T h e a n m d holly its lf, y holly for oth r ( v rs h ppi ess

R a n a nd n e a of an imals mutual ( vers e II . e so i stinct op r te alike to th e

I R ea n and n n e a e a good of each individua l ( verse II . so i sti ct op r t lso to society in all animals (verse H owfar society carried by instinct ( vers e H o f a w much further by reas on ( verse IV. O th t which is called th e state of nature (verse R eason instructed by instin ct in th e

n en n a e e and i h e ie e i v tio of rts ( v rs n t forms of soc ty ( v rse V . Origin of politica l societies (verse Origin of monarchy ( verse P a a n VI . tri rchal governme t ( vers e Origin of true religion and gove rn

en th e a e n e e e e 2 2 etc . n e o n m t, from s m pri cipl of lov ( v rs 9 , Origi of sup rstiti and ann th e a e n e ea e e 2 Th e en e tyr y, from s m pri cipl of f r ( v rs 39 , inﬂu c of se lf-love operating to th e social an d public good ( verse R estoratio n of tr ue religion and government on their ﬁrst principle ( ver s e M ixe d e n en e e a e e e d gov r m t ( v rs V rious forms of ach, and th tru en of a ll e e 0 1 ( v rs 3 ,

A L E XA N D E R P OP E . [E P . 1 1 1 .

e b n w the Conn cts each ei g, greatest ith least ;

a nd Made beast in aid of man , man of beast ;

all : e All served , serving nothing stands alon 1 The chain holds on , and where it ends , unknown . ! Has God, thou fool worked solely for thy good , th ? Thy joy, thy pastime , y attire, thy food feed th e w Who for thy table s wanton fa n , For him as kindly spread the ﬂowery lawn Is it for thee the lark ascends a nd sings ?

u e . Joy t nes his voice , joy elevat s his wings 2 Is it for thee the linnet pours h is throat ?

wn u e w Loves of his o and rapt r s s ell the note .

The bounding steed you pompously bestride ,

e e Shares with his lord th e pl asur and the pride . Is thine alone the seed that strews the plain ?

n i The birds of heaven shall vi d cate their grain . Thine th e full harvest of the golden year?

a a nd e e n Part p ys; justly , the d s rvi g steer

T he n or hog , that plows not , obeys thy call ,

s Lives on the labors of thi lord of all . ’ e e d Know, Natur s childr n shall ivide her care

T h e a e . fur that warms a mon rch , warmed a b ar ” e S ee ! Wh il man exclaims , all things for my use ” See man for mine ! replies a pa mpered goose

u m And j st as short of reason he ust fall ,

n Who thi ks all made for one , not one for all . Grant that the powerful still the weak control ; Be Man the wit and tyran t of the whole

u e n Nat re that tyrant ch cks ; he o ly knows, ’ e a e And h lps , another cre tur s wants and woes . l Say, wil the falcon , stooping from above,

e ? Smit with her varying plumage , spare the dov

1 ’ m ’ . D en P alamon an d A e I . ne 1 0 0 and H e Cf ryd s rcit , I I li 3 , o r s ’ - an an a n I . nes 2 0 1 . Bry t s tr sl tio , VII li 3 3 ’ . a Ode on th e n ne . Cf Gr y s Spri g, li 5 a s . A N E S S A Y ON M A 8 N . 5

’ Admires the jay th e insect s gilded wings ? Or hears the hawk when Philomela 1 sings ?

: r Man cares for all to bi ds he gives his woods,

To beasts his pastures , and to ﬁsh his ﬂoods ;

For some his interest prompts him to provide ,

For more his pleasure , yet for more his pride : one All feed on vain patron , and enjoy

e n The extensive bl ssi g of his luxury .

That very life his learned hunger craves,

v He saves from famine , from the savage s a es N a e m h i y , f asts the ani al he dooms s feast,

l n m e t b And , til he e ds the being , ak s i les sed no e Which sees more the strok , or feels the pain ,

e e 9 Than favored man by touch ther al slain . The creature had his feas t of life before ; ’ f as ! Thou too must perish , when thy e t is o er

eav en 3 To each unthinking being, H en , a fri d , Gives n ot the useless knowledge of its e nd To man imparts it ; but with such a view

e d m As, while he dr a s it , akes him hope it too

e e The hour concealed , and so r mote the f ar,

a t n e D e th s ill draws earer, never se ming near . 4 Great standin g miracle ! that Heaven assigned

l n Its on y thinki g thing this turn of mind . 5 I I . Whether with Reason or with Instinct blessed , w a ll we Kno , enjoy that po r which suits them best ;

1 ” P h e a th e n tin a e . R ea th e e en P ne and P ela . ilom l , igh g l d l g d of roc hilom ” ’ 3 h e a n en T e a i. . k e e a t e e e th e n n e . S ouch th r l , , light i g s stro v r l of ci ts, a n d an th e O en a n e e ee e s e wh o we e s m y of ri t ls si c , st m d tho r truck by light P e n in g as s a cr ed pe rs ons and th e particular fa vorites of H e aven ( P OPE) . op s e ems to have ove r looked th e fact tha t th e L a tin word r a cer mean s also ac ” T h e n th e w a c ursed . e Greeks rega rded lightnin g as an expr ssio of r th of

e Z us . 5 S ee E e . ne th e a e ea. pistl I li 77 , for s m id 4 P a radox would b e more exact tha n miracle. 5 Th e difference betwee n r eason and in s tinc t is very elaborately s et forth 6 P . 1 1 1 . 8 A L E XA N D E R P O E . [E P

i l r To bl ss a ike by that di ection tend , t And ﬁn d the means proportioned to heir end .

u n Say , where f ll i stinct is the unerring guide, What Pope or Council can they need beside ?

e Reason , however abl , cool at best ,

ar C es not for service , or but serves when pressed, e Stays till we call, and then not oft n near ;

But honest instinct comes a volunteer, ’ o er s h oot u Sure never to , but j st to hit ; While still too wide or short is human wit ; u k n n Sure by q ic nature happi ess to gai ,

Which heavier reason labors at in vain .

v w This too ser es al ays , reason never long ;

One must go right , the other may go wrong . See then the acting and comparing powers

n ar e in One in their ature , which two ours ;

’ a n ou ca n And re so raise o er instinct as y , ’ ’ r M a n In this tis God di ects, in that tis . Who taught the nations of the ﬁeld and ﬂood

n ? r o o To shun their poiso , and to choose their food e or e n Pr scient , the tides t mpests to withsta d , 1 en ? Build on the wave , or arch b eath the sand

a Who made the spider p rallels design ,

a s 2 ? Sure Demoivre , without rule or line -l Who bid the stork , Columbus ike , explore ? Heavens not his own, and worlds unknown before

ne w e n a e n e a in th e eighteen li s follo in g. Th e felicity of expr ssio l rg ly cou t rv ils

ne e L ne ea e n as th e tedious ss of d tail . i 94 is as n otic bl for its dictio for its

ter s eness .

1 T h e an en a th e a n k n ﬁs e ne on ci ts thought th t h lcyo , or i g h r , built its st

th e waves . 9 D e n A n emin en t m athematician ( 1 667 a F rench H uguenot . riv

F an e th e e a n h e E N an es h e k e from r c by r voc tio of t dict of t , too up his r si

e w n and a F e o w n e in L n n . e e an a e r en N e d c o do H b came intim t f i d of to , ll ’ th e R N e h e es a o e of oyal Society . wton had t high t admir tion f r D moivr e s ability and learning. E P . A N E S S Y O 8 A N M A N . 7

al 1 th e a Who c ls the council , states cert in day,

r n w ? Who fo ms the phalanx , and who poi ts the ay

. h b III God , in the nature of eac eing, founds

i s Its proper bliss, and sets t proper bounds 1 1 0 a w b But as He fr med a hole , the whole to less , On mutual wants built mutual happiness

r a n So from the ﬁrst , eternal Order ,

A nd r m an . creatu e linked to creature , man to ’ - 2 3 Whate er of life all quickening ether keeps, e Or breath s through air, or shoots beneath the deeps,

Or pours profuse on earth , one nature feeds

a nd The vital ﬂame , swells the genial seeds .

Not man alone, but all that roam the wood,

n Or wi g the sky, or roll along the ﬂood,

Each loves itself, but not itself alone , w t o . Each sex desires alike , till are one a Thus beast and bird their common ch rge attend , i The mothers nurse it , and the s res defend ;

n a t The you g dismissed to wander e r h or air,

n n There stops the i sti ct, and there ends the care

The link dissolves , each seeks a fresh embrace ,

Another love succeeds , another race . ’ A longer care man s helpless kind demands ; That longer care contracts more lasting bands

n Reﬂectio , reason , still the ties improve ,

a nd At once extend the interest, the love h With c oice we ﬁx, with sympathy we burn ; 4 Each virtue in each passio n takes its turn ;

1 T h e congr egatin g of th e storks be fore their departure for southern climes

a an e en en n is str g ph om o . 3 I n a n a c e e e e a e S a e . A n en stro omic l physi s , th r is suppos d to p rv d p c ci t ’ e e a e as n e e . . Ve E ne . philosoph rs r g rd d it th e pri cipl of lif Cf rgil s id, VI 2 8 line 7 .

5 N e n — — A en en e n a n n e e ot li es 1 1 5 1 1 8 and 1 1 9 1 2 2 . s t c co t i i g four v rs s is

nu a n e ar e not ea e e e . u su lly lo g for P ope . I n these two th thoughts cl rly xpr ss d 4 E e . I I ne 1 8 . Cf pistl . li 3 A R 1 11 L E XA N D E P OP E . [E P . 5

A nd s t n ew n ew ill new needs, helps, habits rise , a af n n 1 Th t gr t be evole ce on charities . til S l as one brood , and as another rose ,

n n These atural love mai tained , habitual those

The last , scarce ripened into perfect man , Saw helpless him from whom their life began

a nd Memory forecast just returns engage ,

hi a That pointed back to youth , t s on to ge ;

While pleasure , gratitude , and hope combined ,

n a Still spread the i terest nd preserved the kind . ’ n t r IV . Nor thi k in Na u e s state they blindly trod ; The state of Nature was the reign of God - Self love and social at her birth began ,

n a n d 2 Union the bond of all thi gs , of man .

Pride then was not ; nor arts , that pride to aid ;

n o f 3 Man walked with beast , joi t tenant the shade ;

The same his table , and the same his bed ;

No murder clothed him , and no murder fed .

In the same temple, the resounding wood , All vocal beings hymned their equal God :

n n d The shrine with gore unstai ed , with gold u dresse ,

e Unbribed , unbloody, stood the blamel ss priest

’ n v r a Heave s attribute was uni e sal c re, ’

A nd r . man s prerogative, to ule , but spare

1 A ﬂections .

3 n h e a T h e social in stinct was th e cohesiv e attractio of t mor l world . 3 ’ M an wa ke w ea n enan th e a e . T h e e ll l d ith b st , joi t t t of sh d po t sti

a e a a a i n e P a n ea . P a h ad t k s his im g ry from l to ic id s l to s id , from old tr d tio , that during th e Golden A ge and unde r th e re ign of S a turn th e primitive lan

a e in us e wa M a l e gu g s common to m e n and beasts . or l phi osoph rs took this in th e a en e and n en e e a e w e ee h e popul r s s , so i v t d thos f bl s hich giv sp ch to t w e a n a n hole brute crea tion . Th n turalists u derstood th e tr ditio to signify tha t in th e ﬁrst a ges m en us ed in articula te so unds like bea sts to express their wan and n a n and a wa s w e ee t e a e ts s e s tio s , th t it by slo d gr s h y c m to th e us e

ee . T n n was a e a e L e D iodor us icu u of sp ch his opi io ft rwrds h ld by ucr tius , S l s , ” and Gregory of N yssa ( WARB U RTON) . up . A E S A ON 8 N S Y M A N . 9

Ah ! how un like th e man of times to come !1 Of half that live the butcher a nd the tomb a s Who , foe to Nature , he r the general groan , r Mu ders their species, and betrays his own .

s u But ju t dis ease to lux ry succeeds, And every death its own avenger breeds ; 9 ur o The f y passions from that blo d began , ﬁer er c . And turned on man a savage, man See him from Natur e rising slow to Art ! ’ To copy instinct then was reason s part ; Thus then to man the voice of Nature spake r Go , from the creatu es thy instructions take Le arn from th e birds what food the thickets yield Learn from the beas ts the physic of the ﬁeld ; Thy arts of building from the bee receive ; r w r Lea n of the mole to plow , the o m to weave ; i u 3 Learn of the little naut l s to sail,

oar Spread the thin , and catch the driving gale . l Here too all forms of socia union ﬁnd ,

n n And hence let reaso , late , instruct ma kind H ere subterranean works and cities see ;

n There towns aerial o the waving tree . ’ n u Learn each small people s ge i s , policies, ’ b i The ants repu l c , and the realm of bees ;

n a ll t How those in commo their weal h bestow , And anarchy without confusion know ;

u a n And these forever, tho gh monarch reig ,

Their separa te cells a nd properties maintain .

’ 1 I m a P et e n e in ne 1 -1 66 a a n t y suit ope s po ic purpos to i v igh , li s 59 , g i st th e u s e of an imal food ; but it is well kn own that h e en tertain ed no such views

e e e We m a e n a e of n e r en n n e . as he r xpr ssed . y suppos it is i dic tiv his i h t i si c rity 3 ” ’ 6 h i F a n . . a Ode on E t n e e ne 1 a s ury p ssio s Cf Gr y s o Coll g , li ; lso

e P e ne 1 6. P rogr ss of o sy, li

' 3 T h e idea tha t th e na utilus lifts its fe et and spreads a membr ane to act as

s o e e e a e . e e u e ee e er a a . a s ail i n long r nt rt in d I t som tim s s s its f t, howv . s o rs A X A D P . L E N E R P O E . [E P . 1 1 1

a r M rk what unva ied laws preserve each state ,

as a a Laws wise Nature, and as ﬁxed s F te .

s r In vain thy rea on ﬁner webs shall d aw , n us E tangle j tice in her net of law, ar And right , too rigid , h den into wrong ;

t n Still for the s rong too weak , the weak too stro g. ’ Y et ! go and thus o er all the creatures sway, Thus let the wiser make the rest obey for h os e ts n ul ff And t ar mere insti ct co d a ord ,

wn Be cro ed as Monarchs, or as Gods adored .

V . Great Nature spoke ; observant man obeyed ;

Cities were built, societies were made Here rose one little state ; another near

e Grew by like means, and joined through love or f ar. t r Did here the rees with ruddier bu dens bend , And there the streams in purer rills descen d ? war What could ravish , commerce could bestow,

And he returned a friend , who came a foe . r a n d r w Conve se love mankind might st ongly dra , a nd When love was liberty, Nature law . r w Thus states we e formed ; the name of King unkno n ,

th e one Till common interest placed sway in , ’ a Twas Virtue only (or in rts or arms ,

ff n r 2 1 0 Di using blessi gs, or averting ha ms) , h The same whic in a sire the sons obeyed , e A prince the fath r of a people made . w . a VI Till then , by Nature cro ned , e ch patriarch sate ,

n n Ki g , priest, and parent of his growi g state ;

On him, their second Providence , they hung,

Their law his eye , their oracle his tongue .

1 u w a He from the wondering f rro c lled the food ,

ﬁr e Taught to command the , control the ﬂood , 2 Draw forth the monsters of the abyss profound,

n o Or fetch the aér ial eagle to the ground .

1 - 3 W n e w n . A n a M n e e n . o d r orki g by ss profou d, ilto ic xpr ssio

A L E XA N D E R P OP E . E P . 1 1 [ 1 .

n She , from the re ding earth , and bursting skies ,

n n i : Saw gods descend , and ﬁends i fer al r se

Here ﬁxed the dreadful , there the blessed abodes m Fear ade her devils, and weak hope her gods ;

d a Go s partial, changeful, passion te , unjust ,

n Whose attributes were rage , reve ge , or lust ;

n v Such as the souls of cowards might co cei e , t And , formed like tyran s, tyrants would believe . Z th eal en , not charity, became the guide ;

a nd And hell was built on spite , heaven on pride . The n sacred seemed the ethereal vault n o more

and : Altars grew marble then , reeked with gore 1 Then ﬁrst the Flamen tasted living food ; Next his gu m idol smeared with human blood ; ’ With Heaven s own thunders shook the world below ,

n n And played the god an e gine o his foe .

e - and So drives s lf love , through just through unjust , ’ n To one man s power, ambitio , lucre , lust

a - o in The s me self l ve , all , becomes the cause

o r an d w Of what restrains him, g ve nment la s .

w on e w For, hat likes, if others like as ell , 2 w n w s ? What serves one will , hen ma y ill rebel

H o w n shall he keep , what , sleepi g or awake , ? A weaker may surprise , a stronger take His safety m ust his liberty restra in

w n All join to guard hat each desires to gai .

n u e - e Forced i to virt e thus, by s lf defens , ’ Ev n kings learned justice a n d ben evole nce

- o u ed Self love forso k the path it ﬁrst p rsu ,

A d in n found the private the public good . ’ e u nd Twas then the studious h ad or genero s mi ,

n n nd Follower of God, or frie d of huma ki ,

1 A prie st devoted to th e service of a particular god ; here simply a priest . 3 a A v ils . . S a! A N E S A Y ON . M A N .

Poet or patriot, rose but to restore 1 The faith and moral Nature gave before ; n d new Relumed her ancient light, not ki dle ;

’ not m w w If God s i age, yet His shado dre ; ’ e Taught power s due use to p ople and to kings ,

to e t Taught nor slack , nor strain its t nder s rings,

The less , or greater, set so justly true , That touching o ne mus t strike the other too Till jarring interests of themsel ves create - The according music of a well mixed state .

’ a n Such is the world s great h rmony , that spri gs

n n n n From order, u io , full conse t of thi gs

e m a nd w w m h Wh re s all great, here eak and ig ty, made

n ot ffe S t n ot To serve , su r, rengthen , invade ;

w r More po e ful each as needful to the rest,

A nd in s s , proportion as it bles e , blessed ;

one n n Draw to point , and to one ce ter bri g

s n e v n . Bea t , man , or a g l , ser ant, lord , or ki g For forms of go v ern m ent let fools contest ;

’ Whate er is best adm inistere d is best

e a let e a h For mod s of f ith , gracel ss ze lots ﬁg t ;

’ His can t be wrong whose life is in th e right ;

a nd th e d a In faith hope world will is gree ,

’ But all mankind s co ncern is charity All must be false tha t thwart this one great end d a ll t e . And of God hat bl ss mankin , or mend

th e ne v ne u v Man , like ge rous i , s pported li es

m e The strength he gains is fro the embrace he giv s .

o wn n On their axis as the pla ets run , Yet make at once their circle round the sun ; So two consiste nt motions a c t the soul ;

o e a nd . And n regards itself, one the whole a n d r i n e Thus God Natu e l nked the ge ral frame , - A nd bade self love and S ocia l b e the same .

1 Given. A L E XA N D E R P OP E . E P v 94 [ . x .

F T I V A R GU M E N T O E P I S L E .

o T AT A N D S TAT O F M N WIT S CT T o I S S r H E N U RE E A H RE PE HAPP NE .

F a we 1 . a e n n a ne a nd a an e ls otio s of h ppi ss , philosophic l popul r , s r d from

2 6. . th e end a ll m en and a a na e all e e ve rse 1 9 to II It is of , tt i bl by ( v rs

n en a ne b e e a and b e b e a S n e a ll God i t ds h ppi ss to qu l ; to so it must soci l , i c

a a a ne e en on ene a and n e H e e n ene a not p rticul r h ppi ss d p ds g r l , si c gov r s by g r l ,

a aw e e A s n e e a e and th e ea e an d particul r, l s ( v rs it is c ss ry for ord r p c

e a e e a e e na b e n e a a n e n ot w lf r of soci ty th t xt r l goods should u qu l , h ppi ss is

a e n in e e e e n w an n a ne a m d to co sist th s ( v rs But ot ithst di g th t i qu lity ,

a an e a ne a n an n e e en P en e th th e b l c of h ppi ss mo g m ki d is k pt v by rovid c , by e two passions of hope an d fear ( verse III . What th e happiness of in

i idu ls as far as n en w th e n n s w an d d v a is , is co sist t ith co stitutio of thi orld ; that th e good m an h as here th e a dvan ta ge (vers e T h e error of imputin g

V e w a ar e n th e a am t e N a e F ne e e to irtu h t o ly c l i i s of tur , or of ortu ( v rs

T h e e e n a a o f IV. folly of xp cti g th t God should alter H is general laws in f vor a e pa rticul rs ( v rse V . T ha t we ar e not judges wh o a r e good ; but tha t w e e e ar e e b e a e e e 2 I . T a e x ho v r th y , th y must h ppi st ( v rs 1 7 , V h t

er na ar e not th e e ewa n n en w d e t l goods prop r r rds , but ofte i consist t ith, or

e v e e e T c an k m a structiv of, irtu ( v rs hat even these ma e no an h pp y without virtue : instan ced in riches ( vers e honors ( vers e nobility ( vers e greatness ( vers e 2 07 ) fame ( vers e 2 2 7) superior talents ( ver s e

2 e an n e in m en e e t e a ll 49 , With pictur s of hum i f licity poss ss d of h m

e e 2 etc . . T a v e n a ne w e e ( v rs 59 , VII h t irtu o ly constitutes a h ppi ss hos obj c t is universal and wh ose prospect e ter na l ( verse T ha t th e perfe ction o f

e an d a ne n s s in a on th e e P en e e e virtu h ppi ss co ist c formity to ord r of rovid c h r , an d a e na n e e and e ea e e e 1 r sig tio to it h r h r ft r ( v rs 3 7 , EPISTLE IV .

’ 0 Ha ppiness ! our being s end and aim ! ! ’ Good , Pleasure , Ease , Content whate er thy name

l S 1 That something sti l which prompts the eternal igh,

For which we bear to live , or dare to die ; t 2 Which still so near us, y e beyond us lies, ’ O er look ed , seen double, by the fool and wise . a ! w3 Plant of celesti l seed if dropped belo , ’ dei n s t r w? Say, in what mortal soil thou g to g o ’ s n 4 Fair opening to some Court s propitiou shi e , Or deep with diamonds in the ﬂaming mine ? 5 P am a s s ia n ‘1 Twined with the wreaths laurels yield , 7 Or reaped in iron har vests of the ﬁeld ?

h r — ? our W ere g ows where grows it not If vain toil,

: We ought to blame the culture, not the soil 3 Fixed to no spot is happiness sincere , ’ d Tis nowhere to be foun , or everywhere ’ Tis never to be bought, but always free ; ! a . . And, ﬂed from mon rchs, St John dwells with thee

1 ” Th e e e na . th e e . E e . ne a t r l sigh , i e. , hop (cf pistl I li 9 5) th t ” 3 s n e e na in th e an ea . . E e I I ne 1 2 . pri gs t r l hum br st Cf pistl . li 5 3 N e th e e a a a ? ot m t phor . Is it s tisf ctory 4 ” h ne a an e een th e e. S i , subst tiv ; sh but for rim ” 5 I n th e a n ne a e an a th e iam n l na e th e ﬂ mi g mi , po tic f cy th t d o d i lumi t s

m m e. 3 P e a . a n a n in eece a e A l and o tic f me P ar nassus was mou t i Gr , s cr d to po lo M t h e uses . 7 ” ’ D A ll L e . 1 I n a e etc . l ta . . en ro h rv sts, , mi i ry glory Cf ryd s for ov , i ” T he noble harvest of th e ﬁeld . 3 ” n e e . e . r e na o e . Si c r , i , pu ; u ll y d 9 5 6 L E X N D A A E R P OP E . V. 9 [E P . I

’ ’ le I . Ask of the ar n d the way ? the lea r n d are blind ;

a nd n 1 This bids to serve , that to shun manki d ;

in Some place the bliss in action, some ease , a n d s Those call it pleasure , contentment the e ;

in Some sunk to beasts, ﬁnd pleasure end pain ; w ’ Some s elled to gods, confess e en virtue vain ; e r m Or indolent , to ach ext e e they fall ,

h n To trust in everyt i g , or doubt of all . d n t Who thus eﬁ e it , say hey more or less a h ? Th n t is , that happiness is happiness

’ ’ . a a nd n I I T ke Nature s path , mad Opinio s leave 3 a c a n it 3 4 All st tes reach , and all heads conceive

we Obvious her goods, in no extreme they d ll ;

b ut n There needs thinking right , and meani g well ;

And , mourn our various portions as we please , m s . Equal is common sense , and co mon ea e “ er Remember, Man , the Univ sal Cause

Acts not by partial , but by general laws ; And makes what happiness we justly call

Subsist , not in the good of one , but all . ’ nd ﬁnd There s not a blessing i ividuals , But someway leans and hearkens to th e kind

m a d d No bandit ﬁerce , no tyrant with pri e ,

-s a tis ﬁed No caverned hermit , rests self

m n Who most to shun or hate anki d pretend ,

' S would ﬁx n eek an admirer, or a frie d

a f e h r in Abstract wh t others e l, w at othe s th k ,

ea n r S : All pl sures sicke , and all glo ies ink

a nd r n Each has his share ; who would mo e obtai ,

Shall ﬁnd , the pleasure pays not half the pain .

” 1 T hough all th e schools wer e a greed th at h appine ss was th e s uprem e

et e e was a as v a e n n as w a h a n e n good, y th r v t ri ty of opi io to h t ppi ss co siste d — - in . V B . 1 6 2 8 e one two n e and e e ff arro ( . C 1 ) r ck d hu dr d ighty ight di eren t ” n n w h ad een h b e e on th e n P TTIS O . opi io s hich b , or mig t , h ld poi t ( A N) 3 3 ” ’ ” 4 n n . i. e . a e . In e ec Co ditio s It , , N tur s path t ll ts . P 1 v . A N E S S A Y ON M A N . E . ] 9 7

’ r s s Order is Heaven s ﬁ st law ; and this confe ed ,

Some are , and must be, greater than the rest , w n More rich, more ise ; but who i fers from hence u S That s ch are happier, hocks all common sense . a Heaven to mankind imp rtial we confess , If all are equal in their happiness But mutual wants this happiness increas e ; ’ ff ’ 1 All Nature s di erence keeps all Nature s peace. 2 Condition , circumstance , is not the thing ;

n Bliss is the same in subject or in ki g,

n n wh o In who obtai defe se, or defend , wh o s In him is, or him who ﬁnd a friend Heaven breathes through every member of the whole

n One common blessi g, as one common soul . ’ But fortune s gifts , if each alike possessed ,

u all ? And each wer e eq al , must not contest h If then to all men appiness was meant, 3 in x m l God e te a s could no t place content .

m a Fortune her gifts y variously dispose ,

And these be happy called , unhappy those ; ’ v e a a a But Hea en s just balance qu l will ppe r,

h ar e W ile those placed in hope , and these in fear

Not present good or ill , the joy or curse, r But future views of better, or of wo se .

0 a ! m sons of e rth atte pt ye still to rise , n d ? 4 By mountai s pile on mountains, to the skies

n Heave still with laughter the vain toil surveys ,

And bur ies madmen in the heaps they raise .

1 3 . E e . ne 6 R an k . Cf pistl I li 1 9 . ” ' 3 n en in h en e a n n e con tm t e a a Co t t t is s s usu lly pro ou c d lit r lly , th t w n a ne en e th e a e w n e th e ean n a hich is co t i d ; h c , ttribut s hich co stitut m i g of

T e s e i a n a ne th e thin g. hus th e old Gre k philo ophers were a gre d n c lli g h ppi ss e n d an e e ffe e n e e ﬁn n a nes at of hum lif , but th y di r d i th ir d itio of h ppi s , th is , — 6 in n e e n n en . ee ne 1 2 8 and N e 1 . . i t rpr ti g its co t t S li s 9 , ot , p 9 4 ’ A lludin g to th e T itan s a ttempt to scal e Olympus . XA N E R A L E D P OP E . P . v [E 1 .

. u III Know, all the good that individ als ﬁnd , n n d Or God and Nature mea t to mere ma kin , ’ R s r ea on s whole pleasu e , all the joys of sense , l Lie in three words , hea th, peace , and competence . But health cons ists with temper ance alone ;

0 ! . And peace, Virtue peace is all thy own The good or bad th e gifts of fortune gain ; 1 3 3 But these less taste them, as they worse obtain . Sa r y , in pu suit of proﬁt or delight,

t n ? Who risk the most, hat take wro g means, or right

Of vice or virtue , whether blessed or cursed , w ? Which meets contempt, or hich compassion ﬁrst n all 4 u a n Cou t the advantage prospero s vice att i s, ’ Tis but what virtue ﬂies from and disdains : th e And grant bad what happiness they would ,

O ne h . t ey must want, which is , to pass for good ’ Oh blind to truth, and God s whole scheme below , b !5 Who fancy liss to vice , to virtue woe and Who sees follows that great scheme the best ,

b b s d . Best knows the lessing , and will most be le se th e 3 But fools good alone unhappy call,

For ills or accidents that chance to all . 7 ! See Falkland dies , the virtuous and the just 3 See godlike Turenne 9 prostrate o n the dus t ! m o

1 3 Th e b ad . E njoy . 3 ” e e e an a e n a n ean w e ean . Wors , h r dv rb limiti g obt i , m s by ors m s 4 M e e e a r t mpor l success . 5 T a a a an e e and woe e . h t is , th t bliss ccomp i s vic , , virtu 5 N e th e a ot mbiguity of th e line .

7 L F a an 1 6 1 0 an E n ian at ﬁ e w th e ord lkl d ( glish politic , rst sid d ith

a a a a n t e a e wa e e e a ar . H e popul r p rty g i st h king, but ft r rds s c d d from th t p ty was le at th e ﬁ a kil d rst b ttle of N ewb ur y . 3 T he e pithet is of doubtful propriety. 9 H en V e de T enn e 6 1 1 a F ance a e r : ry, icomt ur ( 1 marsh l of r , ft ’ co an d n ea War mm i g th e F rench a rmies in th e latter part of th e Thirty Y rs , a e h is a a e th e e t w e e n n a r m r is d milit ry f m to high st pi ch, ithout pr s r vi g it i t ct f o

1 oo A L A O E X N D E R P P E . E P i v [ . .

n E e 1 Shall burni g tna, if a sage requir s,

a nd l ? 1 2 0 Forget to thunder, recal her ﬁres

On air or sea new motions be impressed , Oh blameless Bethel !3 to relieve thy breast ?

n When the loose mountai trembles from on high , ? Shall gravitation cease, if you go by

n Or some old temple , noddi g to its fall , ’ 3 For Chartres head reserve the hanging wall ?

V . But still this world (so ﬁtted for the knave)

n t a ? Conte s us not . A better sh ll we have A kingdom of the just then let it be

n u But ﬁrst co sider how those j st agree . ’ The good must merit God s peculiar care ;

G od us wh o ? But who , but , can tell they are ’ O ne thinks on Calvin 4 H e aven s own spirit fell ; An other deems h im instrum ent of hell ;

1 On e of man y accounts of th e dea th of th e philosophe r E mpedocles

w a s e n on e th e a te fE na . B u B C . as h e e w t t ( . 444) th t thr him lf i to of cr rs of

h e w a a e e a r e not a a e th e E e e t ords if s g requir s ppropri t to story of mp docl s, wh o n ot a a th e an t was an b e aken did ppro ch volc o from curiosi y, but xious to t

a . Th e e e n w s P n the R an na a wh o l for god xpr ssio ould uit li y, om tur list, ost

D . a a e s h is life ( A . 79 ) by ppro chin g too clos to th e sulphuric fume during an

e n . e n was not E n a e w was a a P n ruptio But th it t , but V suvius , hich f t l to li y,

n th e ea e n w I l r P e w i gr t ruptio by hich e culaneum and omp ii ere destroyed.

s e a we a e e e a n e a n two d ff e en a It is pos ibl th t h v h r co fus d llusio to i r t f cts ,

th e e en E e e and th e a en a n th e ea t P n to l g d of mp docl s , uth tic ccou t of d h of li y P TTI S O N ( A ) . ’ 3 H e e Y e on e P e n en H e was ugh B th l, of orkshir , of op s i timate fri ds . a ff e w as a P a lict d ith thm . ope lludes to this passa ge in a letter writ ten to M r . ’ Bethel shortly after th e death of P ope s mother I ha ve now too much m e]. an ch ol e e an d n o t e a e ﬁ m a o M e e n E n a n . T y l isur , o h r c r but to ish y ss y h r w b e in b u t one ne a w ff en e a and et w not ill it li th t ill o d you ( I f r) , y I ill ” a e n es s e wn and e en . lt r it or omit it , u l you com to to pr v t it

3 A m a n n a for all anne e wh o a e a n n e i f mous m r of vic s , cquir d imme s ” n e a n s tan t a en n th e e wan and l e of an n fortu by co tt tio to vic s , ts , fol i s m ki d

p . H d i 1 ( P o s ) e ied n 73 1 .

4 n a n 1 0 e e a e P e a n e e and e ian Joh C lvi ( 5 9 c l br t d rot st t r form r th olog , a w a n in P F ance . H e as a m an e a e e n . bor ic rdy , r of r m rk bl ruditio E P . 1 v . A N E S S A Y ON M A N 1 0 1 ] .

’ ' b les s in or If Calvin feel Heaven s g, its rod,

h e a nd T is cri s , There is, that , There is no God . S What hocks one part will edify the rest ,

one s m ca n Nor with yste they all be blessed .

e The very best will variously inclin , w And what re ards your virtue , punish mine . ’ e — d Whatev r is , is right . This worl , tis true , - 1 Was made for Ca sar but for Titus too ; w ? And hich more blessed who chained his country , say , 3 Or he wh ose vir tue sighed to lose a da y ? t m But some i es virtue starves, while vice is fed . What then ? is the reward of virtue bread ? ’ That vice may merit, tis the price of toil ;

n d s The k ave e erves it when he tills the soil ,

e The knav deserves it when he tempts the main ,

n v n Where folly ﬁghts for ki gs, or di es for gai . m a n w The good may be eak , be indolent ;

n Nor is his claim to plenty, but conte t .

’ r n r ich es u ? But g a t him , yo r demand is o er o o — h th e w n n ? N s all good a t health , the good wa t power

a a nd v n 1 Add he lth and power, e ery earthly thi g 5 5 Why bounded power ? why private ? why no king ? 3

N a e ter ? y , why x nal for internal given

Wh m a n a a nd e e ? y is not god , arth a h aven

a s k and u c v e Who reason th s , will scarce oncei

G od v e n w H e h a s v gi s e ough , hile more to gi e ;

e n e e m n w th e d m Imm s the pow r, im e se ere e and ;

w a r w t n ? Say , at hat part of n tu e ill hey sta d

1 d o 8 h e d . a a th e e th e b ad an T s ee N e . t C s r is typ of , itus ( t 3 , p 7 ) of goo ’

T h e a n A n a . . llusio is to ddiso s C to, v i 3 S e n L e T 8 e a e a e e t n at e h a h e u to ius ( if of itus , 6 ) r l t s th t , r coll c i g supp r t t h ad n e e no a on a n one n th e da T e a e M co f rr d f vor y duri g y , itus xcl im d y ” en a e s a da ! fri ds , I h v lo t y ” 3 a Wh h e a a e e n ? Wh no e etc. h t Why priv t , y is priv t p rso y is e a 1 0 2 A L E XA N D E R P O E v 1 . P . [E P .

n a VI . What othing e rthly gives, or can destroy , ’ a n d 1 The soul s calm sunshine , the heartfelt joy , ’ e Is virtue s priz . A better would you ﬁx ?

n h The give humility a coac and six , ’ e n t Justic a co queror s sword , or ruth a gown , 2 n Or public spirit its great cure , a crow .

s ! Weak , fooli h man will Heaven reward us there 3 With the same trash m a d mortals wish for here ?

vi e 4 The Boy and Man an indi dual mak s , ’ Yet S igh s t thou now for a pples a nd for cakes ?

G 0 in n e 5 , like the Indian , a oth r life

e Expect thy dog, thy bottl , and thy wife ;

tr iﬂes e As well as dream such are assign d , A S toys and empires , for a godlike mind .

Rewards, that either would to virtue bring

v : No joy , or be destructi e of the thing How oft by these at sixty are undone The virtues of a saint at twenty-on e !

can v To whom Riches gi e repute , or trust ,

u s ? Content, or pleas re , but the good and ju t

u Judges and senates have been bo ght for gold,

n Esteem and love were ever to be sold . 0 ! n h fool to thi k God ates the worthy mind ,

v n The lover and the lo e of huma kind , w a Whose life is healthful and hose conscience cle r,

n 5 s n nd Because he wa ts a thou a d pou s a year . Honor and shame from n o condition rise :

e Act well your part, there all the honor li s .

1 ’ a Ode on E n e e ne . Cf. Gr y s to Coll g , li 44 3 ” P ublic spirit seems to b e here used in th e sense of ambition . D esire for a crown is cured by its poss ession . 3 ” s w w . T h a T a . e . a and w n n e a e a r h , i , co ch six, s ord, go , cro p ss g s vors ff of a ectation . 4 M ake i. e . e m e n a . s , , b co s ; rightly si gul r 5 5 . E e . ne a Cf pistl I li 99 . L cks .

1 0 w A A D P E . E P . 4 L E X N E R P O [ .

The whole strange purpose of their lives, to ﬁnd, Or make an enemy of all mankind ! w Not one looks back ard , onward still he goes ,

’ r 1 Y e t ne er looks forward fu ther than his nose . N0 less alike the politic and wise ;

All sly slow things , with circumspective eyes

Men in their loose unguarded hours they take, m r . Not that the selves are wise, but othe s weak

n ca n n h But gra t that those co quer, t ese can cheat ; ’ Tis phr ase absurd to call a villain great

Who wickedly is wise , or madly brave , 3 n Is but the more a fool , the more a k ave .

nds a Who noble e by noble me ns obtains, x Or failing, smiles in e ile or in chains,

r 3 Like good Au elius let him reign , or bleed 4 h . Like Socrates , t at man is great indeed

’ ’ ? r What s Fame A fancied life in othe s breath , ’ A thing beyond us, ev n before our death . ’ w n wn Just what you hear, you have , and hat s unk o , d ’ r . The same (my Lor ) if Tully s , or you own All that we feel of it begins a nd ends In the small circle of our foes or friends ; To all beside as much an empty shade A n n 5 n ae Euge e livi g, as a C sar dead ;

1 P e en ea e s n e h e ee ed n in e n If op d vor d to expre s co t m pt, succ d o ly b i g

A a a a . vulgar . lexan der was a m an of farsee in g politic l s g city 3 T h e wickedly wise is th e more a knave th e madly brave is

th e more a fool . 3 R 6 M a A . e e m e 1 rcus urelius A ntonin us ( A D . 1 2 1 mp ror of o from 1

m a a e t o his death . Whatever y h ve been th e errors of judgment in to which h was led a e a n o i of , his ch ra cter r m i s ne of th e purest and noblest n th e history th e e mpire of which h e witnessed th e ﬁrst decline ( WARD ) .

4 a e a as e anne of ea ? S ocr t s did not bleed . Wh t w th m r his d th

5 P n e E ene a 1 66 e e a e A a ri c ug of S voy ( 3 a c l br t d ustrian gener l . H e was th e commander of th e imperial a rmies in th e War of th e S panish

e n and th e n M en e and M l l Succ ssio , joi t hero with arlborough of Bl h im a p a ” e qu t ( WARD ) . E P . 1 v . N E S S N M 1 0 ] A A Y O A N . 5

s Alike or when , or where they shone, or hine, R Or on the ubicon , or on the Rhine . ’ w a nd 1 A it s a feather, a chief a rod ; ’ th e An honest man s noblest work of God . ’ i a a 3 Fame but from death a v ll in s n me can save, As Justice tears his body from the gr ave ; n When what to oblivion better were resig ed , I S hung on high , to poison half mankind .

All fame is foreign , but of true desert ;

Plays round the head , but comes not to the heart One self-approving hour whole years outweighs

u Of st pid starers, and of loud huzzas ; 4 s And more true joy Marcellu exiled feels, ae Than C sar with a senate at his heels . 5 In Parts superior what advantage lies ? Tell (for you can) what is' it to be wise ? ’ Tis but to know how little c a n be known ’ and our To see all others faults, feel own

1 A n th e en w w th e wit w e and th e a t n w lludi g to p ith hich rit s , b o hich ” was h E w n e a t e symbol of a uthority of th e general ( P ATTIS ON ) . l i giv s ffe en n e e a n . e a : e e n a e in ene al an d di r t i t rpr t tio H s ys P op is d ridi g f m g r , ’ i i e a e w e h w e ar e m en n t o a e e e and th . T e d v d s f mous i to w cl ss s , h ro s is is

a e ea e w ar e and w and th e e e wh o ar e comp r d to f th rs , hich ﬂimsy sho y h ro s ,

th e e an n ar e m a e . T h e ne u en scourg s of m ki d, co p r d to rods li , tho gh oft

e n en e b e ea . quot d, is too co d s d to cl r ’ 3 I n This line is copied by Burns in T h e Cotter s S aturda y N ight . t is o e a e a n w e a e ei n ar e s a k en of multitud of s yi gs hich, b c us of th r striki g form , mi t ly a e e cc pt d for truth .

3 L ne 2 -2 2 a e we a aw and e n w e e i s 39 4 llud to Crom ll , Br dsh , Ir to , hos bodi s

we e n e e a o e an a 0 1 06 1 . m a wel b e r disi t rr d nd han ged n a gibb t, J u ry 3 , It y l

e e e a P e b li v d th t op ha ted them .

4 M M a e one th e e e ne nen a a . rc llus , of most d t rmi d oppo ts of Julius C s r , h ad ﬂed to M itylene a fte r th e battle of P harsalus ; and as h e dared not him

e a n was as ke th e a en e m a n s lf solicit p rdo , it d of dict tor by his fri ds , Cic ro ki g in his behalf an oration con ceived in a very diff e rent spirit from that which ’ P e a e th e a en en nene h as we e een op ttribut s to or tor s cli t . Its g ui ss , ho v r, b

e e as as as na e at A en on wa e D . doubt d. M arc llus w s si t d th s his y hom (WAR ) 5 ” P a t i. e . n e e a a e en . r s , , i t ll ctu l cquir m ts 1 06 A XA N E L E D R P OP E . v [E P . 1 .

Condemned in business or in arts to drudge,

Without a second, or without a judge :

S n Truths would you teach , or save a inki g land ?

r n few All fea , one aid you , and understand .

' ’ Painful preeminence ! yourself to view

’ e w Above lif s eakness, and its comforts too . Bring then these blessings to a strict account ; Make fair deductions ; see to wh at they mount How much of other each is sure to cost ; How each for other oft is wholly lost ; How inconsisten t greater goods with these ; s How sometimes life is risked , and always ea e

n Think , and if still the thi gs thy envy call , ’ ? Say , would st thou be the man to whom they fall

To sigh for ribands if thou art so silly,

e 1 1 Mark how th y grace Lord Umbra , or Sir Billy . Is yellow dirt the pas sion of thy life ; ’ G r i us G r i 3 us . Look but on p , or on p wife

ar 3 ne If p ts allure thee , think how Bacon shi d , 4 w : The isest, brightest, meanest of mankind

n e Or ravished with the whistling of a am ,

n n ! See Cromwell, dam ed to everlasti g fame

1 o n wn wh o e e It is n t k o w re m ant by L ord U mbra and Sir Billy . “ ” ’ ” 3 G r i us G r i us w e th e D ke an d D e M a bo p , p if , u uch ss of rl rough, - n e e a a e . S ee n e 2 8 2 8 . R ea n a n as ot d for th ir v ric li s 5 9 d, for i form tio to ’ M a a ee and a a e A H th e E n P e e rlborough s c r r ch r ct r, Short istory of glish opl ,

n R a een by Joh ich rd Gr . 3 ” a n . S ee N e 1 H an e in 1 6 1 8 . B co ot , p . 5 5 . e became lord ch c llor

H a v n een a e n in oﬂi e h e a e was ﬁne i g b ccus d of corruptio c , ple d d guilty, d

en en e n and en e e n a a n an ffi e s t c d to priso , r d r d i c p ble of holdi g y o c n e um e of ho or or mol nt . 4 H ere a gain P ope sacriﬁces truth to his fondness for effect to b e produced

a e e n . a n was h e H is enal by form l xpr ssio B co t victim of partis an hatred . v ity was a e e m e e r th r an rror of judg nt than e vidence of corruption . John M orl y ” a a h e h ad no a e e in a L a e n e a n a e s ys th t ctiv vil his ch ract er. t r i v stig tio s h v relieved his reputation of much of th e odium that rested upon it in th e early a th e e een en p rt of ight th c tury .

1 08 A N E P OP E m w. A L E X D R . [

e Where only merit constant pay receiv s , w 1 Is blessed in what it takes , and hat it gives ;

u 3 The joy uneq aled , if its end it gain, n And if it lose, atte ded with no pain t ’ Without sa iety , though e er so blessed, And but more relished as the more distressed e n The broadest mirth unfe li g folly wears , ’ Less pleasin g far than virtue s very tears

Good , from each object , from each place acquired , e Forever exercised , yet never tir d ; ’ n ° Never elated , while one ma s oppressed ’ e Never dejected , while another s bless d

no w n And where wants , no ishes can remai ,

t . Since but to wish more vir ue , is to gain See the sole bliss H eaven could on all bestow ; c a n w Which who but feels taste , but thinks can kno

e n n nd Yet poor with fortune , and with l ar i g bli ,

ﬁnd The bad must miss , the good , untaught, will ; d Slave to no sect , who takes no private roa , ’ 3 G od : But looks through Nature , up to Nature s

’ u e e e P rsu s that chain which links the imm nse d sign ,

r t e Joins heaven and ea h , and mortal and divin ;

t a n c a n Sees tha no being y bliss know , 4 e But touches some above , and som below ;

Learns , from this union of the rising whole, th e n The ﬁrst , last purpose of huma soul ; n And k ows where faith , law , morals, all began ,

A l nd l G od a . end , in Love of , Love of Man

a For him alone , hope leads from goal to go l,

a nd And opens still , opens on his soul ;

1 . M e an en e . Cf rch t of V ic , iv . i 3 L ne — 8 T h e e e a d a e e a s e i s 305 30 . styl is lliptic l an c r l ss ; it l ck di ﬁrst e e en e — a n e l m t of good styl cle r ss . 3 ’ Verba tim from Bolingbroke s letters to P ope ( WARBU RTO N) . 4 ” e i. e . a e no . But touch s , , th t do s t touch 1 0 A N E S S A Y ON M A N . 9

T ill n n le gthened on to faith , and unco ﬁned ,

It pours the bliss that ﬁlls up all the mind . He sees why Nature plants in m a n alone

n in n Hope of k own bliss , and faith bliss unknow

o d e (Nature , wh se ictat s to no other kind

v in ﬁnd Are gi en vain , but what they seek they Wise is her present ; Sh e connects in this His greatest virtue with his gr eatest bliss ; 1

n his own At o ce bright prospect to be blessed,

n t h e And stro ges motive to assist t e r st .

- h s Self love t u pushed to social , to divine, ’ n l n n Gives thee to m ake thy eighbor s b essi g thi e . Is this too little for the boundless heart ?

e let n e h v Ext nd it , thy e mies a e part

th e e ld n e Grasp whol wor s of reaso , life , and sens , In one close system of benevolence ’ e n e e e Happi r as ki d r, in whate er d gr e ,

And height of bliss but height of charity . God loves from whole to parts : but human soul

n w Must rise from i div idual to the hole .

e - r s m n d S lf love but se ves the virtuou i to wake , 3 As the small pebble stirs th e peac e ful lake ;

en e m a e d The c t r oved , a circle str ight succ e s ,

n l a nd A other sti l , still another spreads ;

e n n s e Fri nd , pare t , eighbor, ﬁr t it will mbrace ; His cbuntr y ne xt ; and n ext all h uma n ra ce ; ’ 3 Wide a n d more wide the o er ﬂowin gs of the mind

e v e u in e n Tak e ry creat re , of very ki d ; nd n Earth smiles around , with bou less bou ty blessed ,

And H eave n beholds its image in his breas t .

1 e m m a w b e e e H is greates t blis s is th e hop of i ort lity, hich is to s cur d ” e r ea es e ene en e . through th e op ra tion of his g t t virtu , b vol c 2 H ” e en w e s . P e A s th e m a e e etc . T h e e s ll p bbl , simil is fr qu t ith po t op use s it s e vera l tim e s . 3 ’ T h e o er ﬂowings of th e mind in its benevolence . 1 1 0 A L E XA N D E R P OP v E . [E P . x .

1 e ! ! Come , then , my fri nd my genius come along ; 0 n ! master of the poet, and the so g

e And while the Mus now stoops, or now ascends , ’ lo w s To man s pas ions, or their glorious ends

v n Teach me , like thee , in arious ature wise, 2 t e To fall wi h dignity, with t mper rise ;

n h Formed by thy co verse, appily to steer

a e e From grave to g y , from liv ly to s vere ;

e n t e e Corr ct with spirit, eloque t wi h as ,

n e e I tent to reason , or polit to pl ase . Oh ! while along th e stream of time thy n am e

ed a n d e a Expand ﬂies, gath rs all its f me ;

m a en a Say , shall y little bark tt dant s il,

a a th e ? Pursue the triumph , and p rt ke gale

n in When statesmen , heroes , ki gs , dust repose ,

t e e Whose sons shall blush their fa h rs w re thy foes , 3 Shall then this verse to future a ge pretend

h we u s e a nd ? T ou rt my g ide , philo oph r, friend 4 e u n th e n e That, urged by the , I t r ed tu ful art ,

n s a nc th e t From sou d to things , from f y to hear ; ’ ’ e m e a u e For Wit s fals irror, h ld up N t r s light ;

we n e a e e 1 5 Sho d erri g Prid , Wh t v r , is right ;

n n n o n e That Reaso , Passio , a swer great aim ; That true Self-lov e a nd Social a r e th e same ; Th at Virtue only makes our bliss below !

w e e u s e n . And all our Kno l dg is , O r lves to k ow

1 n . e h e a a n e e e S ee N e 1 . . o a t e Boli gbrok ot , p 5 7 C mp r dmir tio xpr ss d for B n ke in on d e w h e a e M a oli gbro this c clu in g addr ss to him , ith t bus of rl

u in th e as n w an n a e ne 8 8 . T h e a e boro gh p s g li s 2 5 to 2 9 l tt r, ot ithst di g his

e e e e et e . vic s , d s rv d b t r of his coun try than th e former 3 ” T o a w n t wi e m e s e a e th e a n ca f ll ith dig i y, th t p r ri , llud s to v ryi g politi l ” n n ke . . a e e . e te e i e . w t e e fortu s of Boli gbro With mp r, , i h qu bl t mp r 3 P ” e en i. e . s e t . r t d , , forth ” 4 P e e th a e U rged by thee . op is sa id to ha ve receiv d e subj ect m tt r of A n E a o k ss y n M an from Bolin gbro e .

An I ntr oduction to t he

St u dy o f A m er ic a n L it e r a t ur e

BRANDER MATTHEWS P r ofes s o r o f L ite r a t ur e in C olumbia U niver s ity

oth i2mo 25 6 a e P r ice Cl , . p g s ,

A e -b k er a t e on a n na a n a nd n t xt oo of lit ur origi l pl , co for ming with t a th e b e st methods of e ching .

A a de ne e s e en a nd s a e h dmir bly sig d to guid , to uppl m t , to timul t t e ’ ea n A e a n a studen t s r di g of m ric uthors .

a e wi a ﬁne e n a e a nu a Illustr t d th coll ctio of f csimil m scripts , portr its ws he e a n a h a nd e d a e . of ut ors , vi of t ir hom s birthpl c s

ea a nd a na n e a e a r w a n k Bright , cl r , f sci ti g , it is its lf lit r y ork of high r . T h e book con sists mostly of de lightfully rea da b le a nd y et compre h ens iv e little biogra phies of th e ﬁfteen greatest a nd most represen ta tive

E a h th e ke e n a n s a a e a A mer ica n wr iter s . c of s tch s co t i critic l stim te of

h e a th a nd w k wh th e e a a e n a s d e t u or his or s , ich is mor v lu bl comi g , it o s ,

on who h e a T h e w is n e from e is ims lf ma ster . ork rou d d out by four gene ra l cha pters which take up other prominen t a uthor s a nd dis cus s th e his tory a nd conditions of our litera ture as a whole ; a nd there is a t th e end of th e book a complete chronology of th e best A merica n litera ture m th e e nn n wn 1 8 6 fro b gi i g do to 9 . E a ch of th e ﬁfteen biogra phica l sketches is illustra te d by a ﬁne portr a it of its subject a nd views of his birthpla ce or residence a nd in ’ T e a r e a a a n e ea a some cas es of both . h y lso ccomp i d by ch uthor s

a s a ver n o e two a e T h e bo k n a n f c imile m nuscript co i g n or p g s . o co t i s a s n A e a i e a excellent portra its of m ny oth er a uthors fa mou i m ric n l t r ture .

’ Copies Of B r a nder M a tt/zews I n tr oduction to tir e S tudy Of A m er ica n

iter a tu r e will be s en t r e a id to a n a ddr es s on r ecei t O til e r ice L p p y , p f p , by th e P u blis /zer s

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