Page:The Dunciad - Alexander Pope (1743).djvu/51

xx Of both which opinions

seems also to be; declaring, in Mist's Journal of June 22, 1718. "That, if he is not shrewdly abused, he made it his practice to cackle to both parties in their own sentiments." But, as to his pique against People of quality, the same Journalist doth not agree, but saith (May 8, 1728.) "He had, by some means or other, the acquaintance and friendship of the whole body of our nobility."

However contradictory this may appear, Mr. Dennis and Gildon, in the character last cited, make it all plain, by assuring us, "That he is a creature that reconciles all contradictions; he is a beast, and a man; a Whig, and a Tory; a writer (at one and the same time) of Guardians and Examiners; an Assertor of liberty, and of the dispensing power of kings; a Jesuitical professor of truth; a base and a foul pretender to candour." So that, upon the whole account, we must conclude him either to have been a great hypocrite, or a very honest man; a terrible imposer upon both parties, or very moderate to either.

Be it as to the judicious reader shall seem good. Sure it is, he is little favoured of certain authors, whose wrath is perilous: For one declares he ought to have a price set on his head, and to be hunted down as a wild beast. Another protests that he does not know what may happen; advises him to insure bis person; says he has bitter enemies, and expresly declares it will be well if he escapes with his life. One desires he would cut his own throat, or hang himself. But Pasquin seemed rather inclined it should be done by the Government, representing him engaged in grievous designs with a Lord of Parliament, then under prosecution. Mr. Dennis himself hath written to a Minister, that he is one of the most dangerous persons in this kingdom ; and assureth the public, that he is an open and mortal enemy to his country; a monster, that will, one day, shew as daring a soul as a mad Indian, who runs a muck to kill the first Christian he meets. Another gives information of Treason discovered in his poem. Mr. Curl boldly supplies an imperfect verse with Kings and Princesses. And one Matthew