From the manuscript of Pope’s translation of Homer’s Iliad we select a passage, with its alterations and emendations, characteristic, like those of the foregoing, of the taste and precision of the author. It is interesting to note the variety of epithets, the imperfect idea, the gradual embellishment, and the critical erasures. But in their contemplation, rather than say, with Waller,—
Poets lose half the praise they should have got,
Could it be known what they discreetly blot,
we should feel with Dr. Johnson, who remarked, upon examining the MSS. of Milton, that “such relics show how excellence is acquired: what we hope ever to do with ease we must learn first to do with diligence.” Johnson himself employed the limæ laborem on The Rambler to an extent almost incredible, and, according to Boswell, unknown in the annals of literature.
Dr. Nash remarks that it is more difficult, and requires a greater mastery of art, in painting to foreshorten a figure exactly than to draw three at their just length; so it is more difficult in writing, to express any thing naturally and briefly than to enlarge and dilate.
And therefore a judicious author’s blots
Are more ingenious than his first free thoughts.
Thus having spoke, the illustrious chief of Troy
Extends his eager arms to embrace his boy,
lovely