Speaking of the narrowed use of the word satire in French and English, he adds, "For amongst the Romans it was not only used for those discourses which decried vice, or exposed folly, but for others also where virtue was recommended. But in our modern languages we apply it only to invective poems, * * * for in English, to say Satire, is to mean reflection, as we use that word in its worst sense; or as the French call it, more properly, medisance." Defoe[1] adds to the two a third, but in a somewhat casual enumeration:
"Speak, Satire; for there's none can tell like thee Whether 'tis folly, pride, or knavery That makes this discontented land appear Less happy now in times of peace than war?"
Swift[2] echoes the old duality:
"His vein, ironically grave, Exposed the fool, and lash'd the knave."
And Fielding,[3] though he actually finds good game in folly, evidently considers vice the prime object:]
- ↑ Trueborn Englishman.
- ↑ Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift.
He adds, as to motive:
"Yet malice never was his aim;
He lash'd the vice, but spared the name;
His satire points at no defect,
But what all mortals may correct;
For he abhorr'd that senseless tribe
Who call it humour when they gibe:
True genuine dullness moved his pity,
Unless it offer'd to be witty." - ↑ Preface to The Intriguing Chambermaid: Epistle to Mrs. Clive.
