Poetry. 199 



and weakens his meaning; and after all, his notes 

 are so much more spirited and valuable than his 

 poetry, that the latter will seldom be read except 

 as an introduction to the former/ 



Under the head of Satire falls that mock-heroic 

 poetry, which is a species of composition almost 

 wholly peculiar to modern times, and of which the 

 last age has been abundantly prolific. Of this 

 kind of poetry The Rape of the Lock, by Pope, is 

 a specimen of first-rate excellence. In this work, 

 novelty of imagery, fertility of invention, felicity 

 of wit, and sweetness of versification, are combined 

 in an exquisite degree. The Triumphs of Temper, 

 by Mr. Hayley, may be considered as belonging 

 to the same class. And though far from being 

 equal to the immortal production of Pope, it dis- 

 plays a degree of genius, taste, and humour highly 

 honourable to the author. 



The greater part of the poetry of a certain Bri- 

 tish satirist, who calls himself Peter Pindar, 

 also belongs to this class. His writings abound 

 in humour, which, though frequently gross, in- 

 dicates talents of no common grade; and in wit, 

 which though generally eccentric, and frequently 

 devoted to the worst purposes, manifests extent 

 of learning and force of imagination. Aware that 

 quaint phrases, whimsical allusions, and laughable 

 conceits, when presented unmixed, will soon 

 cease to please, he has taken care to infuse into 



y The author of this singular work is still unknown. That he has great 

 learning, and a comprehensive and vigorous mind, cannot be doubted ; 

 and that in prose he expresses himself with much force, vivacity, and taste, 

 is no less evident. But I must be permitted, on many subjects, to call in 

 question both the candour of his temper, and the rectitude of his judg- 

 ment ; and as a poet, notwithstanding all the applause which has been 

 heaped upon him, I must consider him far below the great masters among 

 whom he affects to take his station, and with whom he has the presump- 

 tion to compare himself. His work is one of those which derive their chief 

 importance and popularity from the praise and aspersion of living characters 

 with which they abound; and which, in a few years, must fall into ob- 

 livion. 



