то Alexander Pope, Efq; SIR, HAVE fo great a Truft in your Indulgence towards me, as to believe you cannot but patronize this Imitation, fo much in your own Manner, and whofe Birth I may truly fay is owing to you. In that Confidence, I would not fupprefs the Criticisms made upon it by the Reverend Doctor; the rather, fince he has promised to mend the Faults in the next Edition, with the fame Goodnefs he has practifed to Milton. I hope you will believe that while I exprefs my Regard for you, it is only out of Modefty I conceal my Name; fince, tho' perhaps I may not profess myself your Admirer fo much as fome 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. * i. e. Alexander Pope, Efq; to Himself. This Affertion proves moft True. There farther runs a Rumour, that Mr. Pope challenged Dr. Bentley's Son, to a Piftol Combat on this Occafion, but how true this is I know not. E. C. |