31. Marzo. 1827.
[4267,3]
Τhe ancients (to say the least of them) had as
much genius as we; they constantly applied themselves not only to that
art, but to that single branch of an art, to which their talent was most
powerfully bent; and it was the business of their lives to correct and
finish their works for posterity. If we can pretend to have used the
same industry, let us expect the same immortality: Though, if we took
the same care, we should still lie under a farther misfortune: Τhey writ
in languages that became universal and everlasting, while ours are
extremely limited both in extent and {in}
duration. A mighty foundation for our pride! when the utmost we can
hope, is but to be read in one island, and to be thrown aside at the end
of an age.
*
4268
Pope
Prefazione generale alla Collezione delle sue
Opere
{giovanili (Collezione pubblicata nel 1717.)} data
Nov. 10. 1716.
Pope era nato del 1688.
[4268,1]
Τhe muses are amicae omnium
horarum; and, like our gay acquaintance, the best company in
the world, as long as one expects no real service from them.
*
Ibid.
[4268,2]
We spend our youth in pursuit of riches or fame,
in hopes to enjoy them when we are old; and when we are old, we find it
is too late to enjoy any thing.
*
Ibid.
(31. Marzo. 1827.).
