in rhyme; and I should be sorry and ashamed, to go on jingling to the last step, like a waggoner's horse, in the same road, and so leave my bells to the next silly animal that will be proud of them. That man makes a mean figure in the eyes of reason, who is measuring syllables and coupling rhymes, when he should be mending his own soul, and securing his own immortality. If I had not this opinion, I should be unworthy even of those small and limited parts which God has given me; and unworthy of the friendship of such a man as you.

Your, &c.

LETTER IX.

TO THE HON. JAMES CRAGGS.

July 15, 1715,

I LAY hold of the opportunity given me by my Lord Duke of Shrewsbury, to assure you of the continuance of that esteem and affection I have long borne you, and the memory of so many agreeable conversations as we have passed together. I wish it were a compliment to say, such conversations as are not to be found on this side of the water; for the spirit of dissension is gone forth among us: nor is it a wonder that Button's is no longer Button's, when old England is no longer old England, that region of hospitality, society, and good humour. Party affects us all, even the wits, though they gain as little by politics as they

I

do by their wit. We talk much of fine sense, refined sense, and exalted sense; but for use and happiness, give me a little common sense. I say this in regard to some gentlemen, professed wits of our acquaintance, who fancy they can make poetry of consequence at this time of day, in the midst of this raging fit of politics. For they tell me, the busy part of the nation are not more divided about Whig and Tory, than these idle fellows of the feather about Mr. T's and my translation. (like the Tories) have the town in general, that is, the mob, on my side; but it is usual with the smaller party to make up in industry what they want in number, and that is the case with the little Senate of Cato. However, if our principles be well considered, I must appear a brave Whig, and Mr. T* a rank Tory: I translated Homer for the public in general, he to gratify the inordinate desires of one man only. We have, it seems, a great Turk* in poetry, who can never bear a brother on the throne; and has his mutes too, a set of nodders, winkers, and whisperers, whose business is to strangle all other offsprings of wit in their birth. The new translator of Homer is the humblest slave he has, that is to say, his first minister; let him receive the honours he gives me, but receive them with fear and trembling; let him be proud of the approbation of his absolute Lord, I appeal

* He afterwards versified this thought, and indeed many others from his letters. Milton did the same from his prose works.

Warton

to the people, as my rightful judges and masters; and if they are not inclined to condemn me, I fear no arbitrary high-flying proceeding from the small court-faction at Button's. But after all I have said of this great man, there is no rupture between us. We are each of us so civil and obliging, that neither thinks he is obliged: and I, for my part, treat with him, as we do with the Grand Monarch; who has too many great qualities not to be respected, though we know he watches any occasion to oppress us.

When I talk of Homer, I must not forget the early present you made me of Monsieur de la Motte's book: and I cannot conclude this letter without telling you a melancholy piece of news, which affects our very entrails, L* is dead, and soupes are no more! You see I write in the old familiar way. "This is not to the minister, but to the friend."* However, it is some mark of uncommon regard to the minister that I steal an expression from a Secretary of State.

*

I am, &c.

Alluding to St. John's Letter to Prior, published in the Report of the Secret Committee.

Warburton.

LETTER X.

FROM THE HON. JAMES CRAGGS.

LAST post brought me the

Paris, Sept. 2, 1716.

favour of your let

It would be taking

ter of the 19th August, O. S. too much upon me to decide that it was a witty one. I never pretend to more judgment than to know what pleases me, and can assure you, it was a very agreeable one. The proof I can give you of my sincerity in this opinion is, that I hope and desire you would not stop at this, but continue more of them.

I am in a place where pleasure is continually flowing. The princes set the example, and the subjects follow at a distance. The ladies are of all parties,* by which means the conversation of the men is very much softened and fashioned from those blunt disputes on politics and rough jests, we are so guilty of, while the freedom of the women takes away all formality and constraint. I must own, at the same time, these beauties are a little too artificial for my taste. You have seen a French picture; the original is more painted; and such a crust of powder and essence in their hair, that you can see no difference between black and red. By disusing stays, and indulging themselves at table, they run out of all shape; but as to that, they may give you a good reason; they prefer con* i. e. In all companies.

Warburton.

veniency to parade, and are, by this means, as ready, as they are generally willing to be charitable.

I am surprized to find I have wrote so much scandal; I fancy I am either setting up for a wit, or imagine I must write in this style to a wit. I hope you will prove a good-natured one, and not only let me hear from you sometimes, but forgive the small encouragement you meet with. I will not trouble myself to finish finely; a true compliment is better than a good one; and I can assure you, without any, that I am very sincerely, Sir,

Your, &c.

LETTER XI.

FROM THE HON. JAMES CRAGGS.

Cockpit, Oct. 1, 1719.

I was yesterday out of town, and came directly here this morning, where I received your letter, inclosed in a very fine one from Sir Godfrey Kneller. You will easily imagine how much I am concerned at the accident which has befallen him; but I comfort myself, since his hand and head, which I could least have spared, remain in their former vigour and condition. I do not see why this misfortune is to be completed by the loss of Dr. Arbuthnot's and your good company, which you will give me leave to expect to-morrow at Battersea; when we will drink Sir Godfrey's health, and make a new appointment against his recovery. I am entirely, Dear Sir, Yours.