I must subjoin to this last kind of wit the double rhymes, which are used in doggrel poetry, and generally applauded by ignorant readers. If the thought of the couplet in such compositions is good, the rhyme adds little to it; and if bad, it will not be in the power of the rhyme to recommend it. I am afraid that great numbers of those who admire the incomparable "Hudibras," do it more on account of these doggrel rhymes than of the parts that really deserve admiration. I am sure I have heard the Pulpit, drum ecclesiastic, Was beat with fist, instead of a stick (Canto I, II), and-- There was an ancient philosopher Who had read Alexander Ross over (_Part_ I., _Canto_ 2, 1), more frequently quoted than the finest pieces of wit in the whole poem. Fourth Paper. _Non equidem hoc studeo bullatis ut mihi nugis_ _Pagina turgescat_, _dare pondus idonea fumo_. PERS., _Sat._ v. 19. 'Tis not indeed my talent to engage In lofty trifles, or to swell my page With wind and noise. DRYDEN. There is no kind of false wit which has been so recommended by the practice of all ages as that which consists in a jingle of words, and is comprehended under the general name of punning. It is indeed impossible to kill a weed which the soil has a natural disposition to produce. The seeds of punning are in the minds of all men, and though they may be subdued by reason, reflection, and good sense, they will be very apt to shoot up in the greatest genius that is not broken and cultivated by the rules of art. Imitation is natural to us, and when it does not raise the mind to poetry, painting, music, or other more noble arts, it often breaks out in puns and quibbles.