"_A critical age called for symmetry, and exquisite finish had to be
studied as much as nobility of thought. . . . POPE aimed to take first
place as a writer of polished verse. Any knowledge he gained of the
world, or any suggestion that came to him from his intercourse with
society, was utilized to accomplish his main purpose. To put his
thoughts into choice language was not enough. Each idea had to be put
in its neatest and most epigrammatic form._"
Why did I write? what sin to me unknown
Dipt me in ink, my parents', or my own?
As yet a child, nor yet a fool to fame,
I lisped in numbers, for the numbers came.
The muse but served to ease some friend, not wife,
To help me through this long disease, my life.
* * * * * *
Who shames a scribbler? break one cobweb through,
He spins the slight, self-pleasing thread anew;
Destroy his fib or sophistry in vain,
The creature's at his foolish work again,
Throned in the centre of his thin designs,
Proud of a vast extent of flimsy lines!
ALEXANDER POPE.--_Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot_.