wish no less; and (had it been any way in my power) should have been very glad to have contributed to its introduction into the world. His verses to Lintot* have put a whim into my head, which you are like to be troubled with in the opposite page take it as you find it, the production of half an hour t'other morning. I design very soon to put a task of a more serious nature upon you, in reviewing a piece of mine that may better deserve criticism; and by that time you have done with it, I hope to tell you in person with how much fidelity I am your, &c. * These verses are printed in Dr. Swift's and our author's Miscellanies. Warburton. THE ensuing correspondence demonstrates that the style of levity which Pope seemed inclined to adopt in his letters to Mr. Cromwell was not of long duration, and that at a very early period of life he had formed an acquaintance with the most distinguished literary characters of the age. These letters are written in a free and confidential strain, and evince that the friendship between Addison and Pope began under the most favourable auspices, and that it received no interruption from any advice given by Addison respecting the machinery of the Rape of the Lock, as has generally been supposed. That Steele should have been anxious to engage the assistance of a young man of such distinguished talents, in the support of his Guardian, was naturally to be expected; and to his solicitations we are indebted for several excellent papers, and for some very interesting poetical pieces. Dr. Warton has observed, that "throughout all the letters of Pope to Addison, there is a stiffness and study, that seem to shew that they did not contain sentiments that flowed freely and unreservedly from his heart." This remark, which extends further than to style, is scarcely justified by any thing that appears in the letters; throughout which it is impossible to discover a shadow of coolness or distrust, till we arrive at the letter of the 10th Oct. 1714, the last in the collection; which was written after some misunderstanding had occurred between them, and is as manly, open, and conciliatory, as his former letters are friendly, confidential, and respectful. I HAVE received your very kind letter. That part of it which is grounded upon your belief that I have much affection and friendship for you, I receive with great pleasure. That which acknowledges the honour done to your Essay,* I have no pretence to. It was written by one whom I will make you acquainted with, which is the best return I can make to you for your favour to, Sir, Your, &c. SIR, LETTER II. FROM MR. STEELE. July 26, 1711. I WRIT to you the other day, and hope you have received my letter. This is for the same end, * The Essay on Criticism, published in 1711, which was mentioned with great commendation in the Spectator, by Addison, (253) with whom Steele promises Pope to make him acquainted, which he accordingly did shortly afterwards. to know whether you are at leisure to help Mr. Clayton, that is, me, to some words for music against winter. Your answer to me at Will's, will be a great favour to, Sir, Your, &c. LETTER III, FROM MR. STEELE. June 1, 1712, I AM at a solitude, a house between Hampstead and London, wherein Sir Charles Sedley died. This circumstance set me a thinking and ruminating upon the employments in which men of wit* exercise themselves. It was said of Sir Charles, who breathed his last in this room, Sedley has that prevailing gentle art, Which can with a resistless charm impart Till the poor vanquish'd maid dissolves away This was a happy talent to a man of the town; but I dare say, without presuming to make uncharitable conjectures on the author's present con * Pope said of Steele, that though he led a careless and vicious life, yet he had, nevertheless, a love and reverence of virtue. It is said George I. sent five hundred guineas to Steele for the Dedication of his Conscious Lovers. Dennis wrote against this comedy, and called Steele a two-penny author, alluding to the price of his Tatler. Warton. |