The Remarks of Zoilus.
one's Memory. Thus, if a Dutch Critick were to introduce for Example Martial, he wou'd, instead of naming him, say, Ingeniosus ille Epigrammaticus Bilbilicus. Or, if one of our own were to quote from among ourselves, he wou'd tell us how it has been remark'd in the Works of a learned Writer, to whom the World is oblig'd for many excellent Productions, &c. All which Proceeding is like boasting of our great Friends, when it is to do our selves an Honour, or the Shift of dressing up one who might otherwise be disregarded, to make him pass upon the World for a responsible Voucher to our own Assertions.
Book II. Verse 81. But now where Jove's.] At this fine Episode, in which the Gods are introduced, Zoilus has no Patience left him to remark; but runs some Lines with a long String of such Expressions as Triffler, Fabler, Lyar, foolish, impious, all which he lavishly heaps upon the Poet. From this Knack of calling Names, joyn'd with the several Arts of finding Fault, it is to be suspected, that our Zoilus's might make very able Libellers, and dangerous Men to the Government, if they did not rather turn themselves to be ridiculous Censors: For which Reason I cannot but reckon the State oblig'd to Men of Wit; and under a Kind of Debt in Gratitude, when they take off so much Spleen, Turbulency, and Ill-nature, as might otherwise spend it self to the Detriment of the Publick.
Book II. Verse 98. If my Daughter's Mind.] This Speech, which Jupiter speaks to Pallas with a pleasantKind
