You see how admirably it runs all upon the Christian Scheme! Sometimes they are _Half-Devils_, and sometimes _Hopeful-Devils_, and what you please to make sport with. _Grimbald_ is afraid of being _whooped through Hell at his return_, for miscarrying in his Business. It seems there is great Leisure for Diversion! There's _Whooping_ in Hell, instead of _Weeping_ and _Wailing_! One would fancy Mr. _Dryden_ had Daylight and Company, when these Lines were written. I know his Courage is extraordinary; But sure such Thoughts could never bear up against Solitude and a Candle! And now since he has diverted himself with the _Terrors_ of _Christianity_, I dont wonder he, should treat those that Preach them with so much Civility! enter _Poet_ in the Habit of a _Peasant_. _We ha' cheated the Parson we'el cheat him again, For why should a Blockhead have one in ten? For prating so long like a Booklearned Sot, Till Pudding, and Dumpling burn to pot._ These are fine comprehensive stroaks! Here you have the _Iliads_ in a Nutshell! Two or three courtly words take in the whole Clergy; And what is wanting in Wit, is made up in Abuse, and that's as well. This is an admirable _Harvest Catch_, and the poor Tith-stealers stand highly indebted. They might have been tired with Cheating in _Prose_, had not they not been thus seasonably releiv'd in Doggrell! But now there is Musick in playing the Knave. A Countryman now may fill his Barn, and humour his ill Manners, and sing his Conscience asleep, and all under one. I dont question but these _four Lines_ steal many a Pound in the year. Whether the _Muse_ stands indictable or not, the Law must determine: But after all, I must say the Design is notably laid. For Place and Person, for Relish and Convenience; nothing could have been better. The Method is very short, clear, and Practicable. 'Tis a fine portable Infection, and costs no more Carriage than the Plague. Well! the Clergy must be contented: It might possibly have been worse for them if they had been in his favour: For he has sometimes a very unlucky way of showing his Kindness. He commends the _Earl of Leicester for considering the Friend, more than the Cause_;[371] that is, for his Partiality; The Marquess of _Halifax_ for _quitting the Helm, at the approach of a Storm_;[372] As if Pilots were made only for fair Weather. 'Tis Presum'd these Noble Persons are unconcern'd in this Character. However the _Poet_ has shown his skill in Panegyrick, and 'tis only for that I mention it. He commends _Atticus_ for his Trimming, and _Tally_ for his Cowardize, and speaks meanly of the Bravery of _Cato_.[373] Afterwards he professes his Zeal for the Publick welfare, and is pleas'd to _see the Nation so well secur'd from Foreign Attempts_ &c.[374] However he is in some pain about the Coming of the _Gauls_; 'Tis possible for fear they should invade the _Muses_, and carry the _Opera's_ into Captivity, and deprive us of _the Ornaments of Peace_.