Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 4.djvu/337

Rh While Young, who, in his "Love of Fame," complains grievously how often "dedications wash an Æthiop white,' was painting an amiable Duke of Wharton in perishable prose, Pope was, perhaps, beginning to describe the "scorn and wonder of his days," in lasting. verse.

To the patronage of such a character, had Young studied men as much as Pope, he would have known how little to have trusted. Young, however, was certainly indebted to it for something material; and the Duke's regard for Young, added to his "Lust of Praise," procured to All Souls College a donation which was not forgotten by the poet when he dedicated "The Revenge."

It will surprize you to see me cite second Atkins, Case 136, Stiles versus the Attorney General, 14 March, 1740; as authority for the life of a poet. But biographers do not always find such certain guides as the oaths of the persons whom they record. Chancellor Hardwicke was to determine whether two annuities, granted by the Duke of Wharton to Young, were for legal considerations. One was dated the 24th of March, 1719, and accounted for his Grace's bounty in a style princely and commendable, if not legal Rh