Page:Biographical and critical studies by James Thomson ("B.V.").djvu/164

 148 BIOGRAPHICAL STUDIES of ill parts which raigne in him, a bragger of some good that he wanteth; thinketh nothing well hot what either he himself or some of his friends and countrymen hath said or done; he is passionately kynde and angry; carelesse either to give or keep; vindicative, but, if he be well answered, at himself. " For any religion, as being versed in both. Inter- preteth best sayings and deeds often to the worst. Oppressed with fantasie, which hath over-mastered his reason, a generall disease in many Poets. His inventions are smooth and easie; but above all he excelleth in a Translation." This is indeed a bright testimonial from "your loving friend, W. D.," who had written two days before, " there is nothing I wish more than to be in the calendar of those who love you ! " " Save me from my friends ! " said the wise Italian ; "against my enemies I can guard myself." Let us consider this magnanimous eulogium somewhat in detail : " He is a great lover and praiser of himself." That Jonson, like every other man, loved and praised himself (such as make show of most humility praising themselves most intolerably), I do not deny ; but that he was a great lover and praiser of himself, exceeding common men in these respects, I find no proof. True, he had a full share of self-esteem, to which he frankly gave voice when occasion demanded; but this self- esteem was firmly based on solid merits. High- minded, brave, sincere, never writing from unworthy motives, or with intentions other than honourable, planning with patient care, and working out with con- scientious thoroughness ; aware, as he could not but be aware, that in classical learning, and in the sober