The question whether Flatman borrowed from Pope or Pope from Flatman
(the former seems far more probable) may perhaps be decided by the date
of Flatman's composition, if that can be ascertained. Pope's ode was
composed in November, 1712, as recorded in the interesting series of
letters in the correspondence between Pope and Steele (_Letters_ iv. to
ix.) and in the 532nd number of the _Spectator_. From Steele's letter it
appears that the stanzas were composed for music: is any setting of them
known, anterior to that by Harwood, which has obtained such universal
popularity, in spite of its many undeniable errors in harmony? Is
anything known of this composer? he certainly was not deficient either
in invention or taste, and must have written other pieces worthy to be
remembered.