124
The Dunciad.
Book III.
Demand new bodies, and in Calf's array,
30 Rush to the world, impatient for the day.
Millions and millions on these banks he views,
Thick as the stars of night, or morning dews,[I 1]
As thick as bees o'er vernal blossoms fly,
As thick as eggs at Ward in Pillory.[R 1]
35 Wond'ring he gaz'd: When lo! a Sage appears,
By his broad shoulders known, and length of ears,[R 2]
30 Rush to the world, impatient for the day.
Millions and millions on these banks he views,
Thick as the stars of night, or morning dews,[I 1]
As thick as bees o'er vernal blossoms fly,
As thick as eggs at Ward in Pillory.[R 1]
35 Wond'ring he gaz'd: When lo! a Sage appears,
By his broad shoulders known, and length of ears,[R 2]
Remarks
- ↑ Ver. 34. Ward in Pillory.] John Ward of Hackney Esq. Member of Parliament, being convicted of forgery, was first expelled the House, and then sentenced to the Pillory on the 17th of February 1727. Mr. Curl (having likewise stood there) looks upon the mention of such a Gentleman in a satyr, as a great act of barbarity, Key to the Dunc. 3d edit. p. 16. And another author reasons thus upon it. Durgen. 8vo. p. 11, 12. "How unworthy is it of Christian Charity to animate the rabble to abuse a worthy man in such a situation? what could move the Poet thus to mention a brave sufferer, a gallant prisoner, exposed to the view of all mankind! It was laying aside his Senses, it was committing a Crime, for which the Law is deficient not to punish him! nay, a Crime which Man can scarce forgive, or Time efface! Nothing surely could have induced him to it but being bribed by a great Lady, &c." (to whom this brave, honest, worthy Gentleman was guilty of no offence but Forgery, proved in open Court.) But it is evident this verse could not be meant of him; it being notorious, that no Eggs were thrown at that Gentleman. Perhaps therefore it might be intended of Mr. Edward Ward the Poet when he stood there.
- ↑ Ver. 36. And length of ears,] This is a sophisticated reading. I think I may venture to affirm all the Copyists, are mistaken here: I believe I may say the same of the Critics; Dennis, Oldmixon, Welsted have passed it in silence. I have also stumbled at it, and wondered how an error so manifest could escape such ac-
numbers by Booksellers, is sufficiently intelligible.
Imitations
- ↑ Ver. 31, 32. Millions and millions—Thick as the stars, &c.]Quam multa in sylvis autumni frigore primo
Lapsa cadunt folia, aut ad terram gurgite ab alto
Quam multæ glomerantur aves, &c.Virg. Æn. vi.
