VARIATIONS.
VER. 185 in the MS.—
I grant it, sir; and further, 'tis agreed,
Japhet writ not, and Chartres scarce could read.
After VER. 227 in the MS.—
Where's now the star that lighted Charles to rise?
—With that which follow'd Julius to the skies
Angels that watch'd the Royal Oak so well,
How chanced ye nod, when luckless Sorel fell?
Hence, lying miracles! reduced so low
As to the regal-touch, and papal-toe;
Hence haughty Edgar's title to the main,
Britain's to France, and thine to India, Spain!
VER. 255 in the MS.—
Quit, quit these themes, and write 'Essays on Man.'
FOOTNOTES:
1 ([return])
[ We may mention that Roscoe and Dr Croly (in his admirable Life of Pope, prefixed to an excellent edition of his works) take a different view, and defend the poet.]
2 ([return])
[ 'Preface:' to the miscellaneous works of Pope, 1716.]
3 ([return])
[ Written at sixteen years of age.]