Quod quis deridet, quàm quod probat et veneratur.
Nil moror "officium, quod me gravat: ac neque ficto
In pejus vultu proponi cereus usquam,
Nec pravè factis decorari versibus opto :
Ne Prubeam pingui donatus munere, et unà
Cum scriptore meo capsâ porrectus aperta,
Deferar in vicum vendentem thus, et odores,
Et piper, et quicquid chartis amicitur ineptis.

NOTES.

Ver. 409. they say I bite.] If any key had been wanting to the artful irony contained in this imitation, especially in the last sixteen lines, this one verse would have been sufficient to fix the poet's intention. Neither Dr. Warburton nor Dr. Hurd take the least notice of any irony being intended in this imitation. To what motive shall we ascribe this cautious silence? Warton.

Undoubtedly to their supposing it to be impossible for any person to misunderstand it.

The Satire, however, is not directed so much against the monarch, who frequently cannot avoid the ridiculous praises and gross flatteries which are so abundantly poured out upon him, as against those writers who sacrifice their conscience and debase their talents in commending a sovereign for qualifications which he does not possess, and to which perhaps' he does not even pretend.

m

410

Besides, a fate attends on all I write,
That when I aim at praise, they say "I bite.
A vile "encomium doubly ridicules:
There's nothing blackens like the ink of fools.
If true, a woful likeness; and if lies,
"Praise undeserved is scandal in disguise:"
Well may he blush, who gives it, or receives;
And when I flatter, let my dirty leaves
(Like 'Journals, Odes, and such forgotten things
As Eusden, Philips, Settle, writ of kings)
Clothe spice, line trunks, or fluttering in a row,
Befringe the rails of Bedlam and Soho.

415

THE SECOND EPISTLE

OF THE

SECOND BOOK OF HORACE.

Ludentis speciem dabit, et torquebitur.