quiet opposition, a silent assertion of empire, distinguished this great man. Addison's ministers were Budgell, Tickell, Philips, Carey; his master of the horse, honest Dick Steele, who was what Duroc was to Napoleon, or Hardy[errata 1] to Nelson; the man who performed his master's bidding, and would have cheerfully died in his quarrel. Addison lived with these people for seven or eight hours every day. The male society passed over their punch-bowls and tobacco-pipes, about as much time as ladies of that age spent over Spadille and Manille.
For a brief space, upon coming up to town, Pope formed part of King Joseph's court, and was his rather too eager and obsequious humble servant.[1] Dick Steele, the editor of the "Tatler," Mr, Addison's man, and his own man too,—a person of no little figure in the world of letters, patronised the young poet; and set him a task or two. Young Mr. Pope did the tasks very quickly and smartly (he had been at the feet quite as
- ↑ "My acquaintance with Mr. Addison commenced in 1712: I liked him then as well as I liked any man, and was very fond of his conversation. It was very soon after that Mr. Addison advised me 'not to be content with the applause of half the nation.' He used to talk much and often to me, of moderation in parties: and used to blame his dear friend Steele for being too much of a party man. He encouraged me in my design of translating the 'Iliad,' which was begun that year, and finished in 1718."—Pope (Spence's Anecdotes.)
"Addison had Budgell, and I think Phillips, in the house with him.—Gay, they would call one of my élèves—They were angry with me for keeping so much with Dr. Swift, and some of the late ministry."—Pope (Spence's Anecdotes.)
Errata
