The Thirteenth Edition_,
_Corrected and much Amended_. London, _Printed for Eben. Tracey_, _at
the Three Bibles on London-Bridge_. _1708_. In the underworld of
literature Romance never died out. The Revival of Romance took its
special character from a gradual and powerful reaction against Dryden and
Pope and all those masters of Classical method who, during half a
century, had legislated for English poetry. It began very early in the
eighteenth century, long before the death of Pope. No sooner did a
dynasty of moralists and satirists claim possession of the high places,
and speak in the name of English literature, than all the other interests
and kinds, which survived among the people, began to range themselves in
opposition, and to assert their right to be heard. The supremacy of
Dryden and Pope was the most despotic rule that English poetry has ever
known, and the revolt was strong in proportion. Satire and morality very
easily becomes tedious, especially when they are in close alliance.
Despotism may be tempered by epigrams, and so become tolerable, but it is
important that the epigrams should not be made by the despot. Outside
the charmed circle of his friendships, Pope was ready enough to use his
wit against any pretender.
The change began gradually, and in very innocent fashion. Poetry had
been taught to be scholarly, self-conscious, experimental; and it showed
its skill in half-playful imitations of the older English masters.
Pages:
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47