His grand charge is against 'The Pilgrim's Progress' being read, which, he says, is directly levelled at Cato's reading Plato.

To back this censure he goes on to tell you that 'The Pilgrim's Progress' being mentioned to be the eighth edition makes the reflection evident, the tragedy of 'Cato' being just eight times printed.

He has also endeavoured to show that every particular passage of the play alludes to some fine part of the tragedy, which he says I have injudiciously and profanely abused."[4] Still, Gay could really afford to laugh at those who attacked or parodied him, for the play brought him, if not fame, at least notoriety.

It also brought him some much-needed money.

Pope told Caryll in March that Gay "will have made about L100 out of this farce"; and it is known that for the publishing rights Lintott gave him on February 14th L16 2s.