Alexander Pope,
The Dunciad — Book the Second
(1743)
“ Hither flock the Poets and Critics, attended, as is but just, with their Patrons and Booksellers. The Goddess is first pleased, for her disport, to propose games to the Booksellers, and setteth up the Phantom of a Poet, which they contend to overtake. The Races described, with their divers accidents. ”
Alexander Pope,
The Dunciad — Book the Second
(1743)
“ Unlucky Welsted! thy unfeeling master, The more thou ticklest, gripes his fist the faster.210 While thus each hand promotes the pleasing pain, And quick sensations skip from vein to vein; A youth unknown to Phœbus, in despair, [R 40] Puts his last refuge all in heav'n and pray'r. What force have pious vows! The Queen of Love 215 His sister sends, her vot'ress, from above. As taught by Venus, Paris learnt the art To touch Achilles' only tender part; Secure, thro' her, the noble prize to carry, He marches off, his Grace's Secretary. ”
Alexander Pope,
The Dunciad — Book the Second
(1743)
“ Thro' half the heav'ns he pours th'exalted urn; [R 35] His rapid waters in their passage burn. [I 28] Swift as it mounts, all follow with their eyes: 185 Still happy Impudence obtains the prize. Thou triumph'st, Victor of the high-wrought day, [R 36] And the pleas'd dame, soft-smiling, lead'st away. Osborne, thro' perfect modesty o'ercome, Crown'd with the Jordan, walks contented home.190 But now for Authors nobler palms remain; Room for my Lord! three jockeys in his train; Six huntsmen with a shout precede his chair: He grins, and looks broad nonsense with a stare. ”
