(It was by Providence they think,)

For your damn'd Stucco has no chink.

"An't please your Honour," quoth the Peasant,

"This same Dessert is not so pleasant:

Give me again my hollow Tree,

A Crust of Bread, and Liberty!"

220

SOBER ADVICE

FROM

HORACE

TO THE

YOUNG GENTLEMEN ABOUT TOWN,

AS DELIVERED IN HIS SECOND SERMON.

IMITATED IN THE MANNER OF MR. POPE.

Together with the Original Text, as restored by the

REV. RICHARD BENTLEY, D. D.

37

ΤΟ

ALEXANDER POPE, ESQ.

SIR,

I HAVE SO great a trust in your indulgence towards me, as to believe you cannot but patronize this Imitation, so much in your own manner, and whose birth I may truly say is owing to you. In that confidence I would not suppress the criticisms made upon it by the Reverend Doctor; the rather, since he has promised to mend the faults in the next edition, with the same goodness he has practised to Milton. I hope you will believe that while I express my regard for you, it is only out of modesty I conceal my name; since, though perhaps I may not profess myself your admirer so much as some others, I cannot but be, with as much inward respect, good-will, and zeal, as any man,

Dear Sir,

Your most affectionate,

And faithful servant.

They are here omitted.