less glorious in France, was scorned by the eighteenth-century poet-
gardeners. Why? Because it was "artificial," and the eighteenth
century must have "nature"--nay passion. There seems to be some
plan of passion in Pope's grotto, stuck with spar and little shells.
Truly the age of the "Rape of the Lock" and the "Elegy" was an age
of great wit and great poetry. Yet it was untrue to itself. I
think no other century has cherished so persistent a self-conscious
incongruity. As the century of good sense and good couplets it
might have kept uncompromised the dignity we honour. But such
inappropriate pranks have come to pass in history now and again.
The Bishop of Hereford, in merry Barnsdale, "danced in his boots";
but he was coerced by Robin Hood.
End of the Project Gutenberg eText of Hearts of Controversy