Blackmore's dulness, or solidity of temper, rendered him absolutely impenetrable to the shafts of ridicule, which were aimed at him from all quarters; and, consoling himself with the excellence of his intentions, he wrote on till the catalogue of his works gave room for Swift's burlesque inscription, to be placed under his picture:
See, who ne'er was, or will be half read,
Who first sung Arthur, then sung Alfred(a).
Praised great Eliza(b) in God's anger,
Till all true Englishmen cried, hang her:
Made William's virtues wipe the bare a—,
And hanged up Marlborough in arras;(c)
Then hissed from earth, grown heavenly quite,
Made every reader curse the light(d).
Mauled human wit in one thick satire(e);