with his Sermon, which made so much Noise; and for which he has frequently been term'd by others of his Enemies, as well as by this Author, a Dog: Or perhaps, by his Tongue, may be more literally meant his Speech at his Trial, since immediately thereupon, our Author says, her Eyes open'd on a Billet-doux; Billets-doux being Addresses to Ladies from Lovers, may be aptly interpreted those Addresses of Loving Subjects to her M———y, which ensued that Trial.
The other Instance is at the End of the third Canto.
And strike to Dust th'Imperial Tow'rs of Troy.
Steel could the Works of mortal Pride confound,
And hew triumphal Arches to the Ground.
Here he most impudently attributes the Demolition of Dunkirk, not to the Pleasure of her M———y, or her Ministry, but to the frequent Instigations of his Friend Mr. Steel; a very artful Pun to conceal his wicked Lampoonery!
Having now considered the general Intent and Scope of the Poem, and open'd the Characters, I shall next discover the Malice which is covered under the Episodes, and particular Passages of it.
The
