The sexagenarian; or, the recollections of a literary life (Volume 1 of 2)Beloe, William
General
The sexagenarian; or, the recollections of a literary life (Volume 1 of 2)
Beloe, William
Authors, English; Beloe, William, 1756-1817; English literature -- Anecdotes
His connection with Porson commenced at the university, and was only
interrupted by that which breaks all human bonds asunder—a summons
to the grave. Different as they were in the powers of intellect, and
attainments of learning, properly so called, though it is by no means
intended to insinuate, that this gentleman’s talents and learning were
not very highly reputable, yet there was a certain congeniality of mind
and sentiment between him and Porson, which tended to confirm and cement
their intimacy. They took the same decided line in politics; both were
strenuous advocates, at first, at least, of the French Revolution, both
associated intimately with its warmest defenders, and both were alike
sceptical on certain points of ecclesiastical controversy. Of the subject
of this article, it was facetiously remarked by a Barrister, who was
one of his auditors, that having engaged to preach at Lincoln’s Inn, on
Trinity Sunday, he preached against the Trinity. But perhaps by this
remark no more was intended, than that the preacher did not enter very
profoundly into the question, but rather permitted it to escape in a
vapour of generality.
Both these worthies were deluded enough to think Fox the true lover,
and Pitt the decided enemy of his country. But what will not the spirit
of party do? Now, in our opinion, and in more instances than one, Fox
was the enemy of his country. But we are well aware that these may be
called prejudices on the other side; and it is not intended to throw down
the glove for political hostility in this narrative. To show, however,
our candour, the following ingenious nonsense is inserted, which some
have given to Porson, others to ⸺. It is more probable to have been the
production of the former, who had a great talent for splendid trifles;
for trifles they certainly are, even when such a genius sports with them.
ORACULA ECHUS
DE BELLO ET STATU NATIONIS.
Huc ades, huc ades prestò, resonabilis Echo
ἨΚΩ.
Romanam credidi—οἶσθα καὶ ελληνιστι ΛΑΛΕΙΝ
ΛΑΛΕΙΝ.
Forsan & Gallicè, polyglolta, possis loqui?
O QU’OUI.
Et Anglica nostra non sit tibi prorsus igNOTA?
NOTA.
Benè, τετραφωνήσς καγω—si tibi non dis-PLICET.
LICET.
Quid tibi videtur, Dea! de hocce Gallico BELLO?
HELL, O.
Ignoscas, Cara, dicendum Anglicè, O, HELL!
O, HELL!
Scilicet auctor hujus Belli est ipse ΔιαΒΟΛΟΣ.
ὉΛΟΣ.
Et instrumenta Diaboli boni regis Ministri sunt?
I SUNT.
Num isti regis Ministri sciunt quid FACIUNT?
SCIUNT.
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