Mr. DRYDEN trick'd his Subscribers.
I wonder that any man, who could not but be conscious of his own unfitness for it, should go to amuse the learned world with such an undertaking! A man ought to value his Reputation more than Money; and not to hope that those who can read for themselves, will be imposed upon, merely by a partially and unseasonably celebrated Name[1]. Poetis quidlibet audendi shall be Mr. Dryden's Motto, tho' it should extend to Picking of Pockets[2].
Names bestow'd on Mr. DRYDEN.
An Ape] A crafty Ape drest up in a gaudy gown—Whips put into an Ape's paw, to play pranks with—None but Apish and Papish brats will heed him[3].
An Ass.] A Camel will take upon him no more burden than is sufficient for his strength, but there is another beast that crouches under all[4].
A Frog.] Poet Squab endued with Poet Maro's Spirit! an ugly, croaking kind of Vermin, which would swell to the bulk of an Ox[5].
A Coward.] A Clinias or a Damætas, or a man of Mr. Dryden's own Courage[6].
A Knave.] Mr. Dryden has heard of Paul, the Knave of Jesus Christ: And if I mistake not, I've read somewhere of John Dryden, Servant to his Majesty[7].
A Fool.] Had he not been such a self-conceited Fool[8].—Some great Poets are positive Blockheads[9].
A Thing.] So little a Thing as Mr. Dryden[10].
