round another gentleman, who was railing in like manner, and showing his snuff-box and cane to prove he was satirized in the same character. I asked this gentleman's name, and was told he was a Roman catholick lord.
A day or two after I happened to be in company with the young lady, to whom the poem is dedicated. She also took up the character of Belinda with much frankness and good humour, though the author has given us a hint, in his dedication[1], that he meant something farther. This lady is also a Roman catholick. At the same time others of the characters were claimed by some persons in the room; and all of them Roman catholicks.
But to proceed to the work itself.
In all things which are intricate, as allegories in their own nature are, and especially those that are industriously made so, it is not to be expected we should find the clew at first sight: but when once we have laid hold on that, we shall trace this our author through all the labyrinths, doublings, and turnings of his intricate composition.
First then let it be observed, that in the most demonstrative sciences some postulata are to be granted, upon which the rest is naturally founded.
The only postulatum or concession which I desire to be made me, is, that by the lock is meant
- ↑ "The character of Belinda (as it is here managed) resembles you in nothing but beauty." Dedication to the Rape of the Lock.
- ↑ For a full account of the political transactions relating to this treaty, see The Conduct of the Allies, and Remarks on the Barrier Treaty.
