In tracing his rapid ascent, we shall certainly find reason to doubt his proud assertion,-- That, if he pleased, he pleased by manly ways, but it is impossible for any lover of literature to grudge admiration to this singular triumph of pure intellect over external disadvantages, and the still more depressing influences of incessant physical suffering.
Pope had indeed certain special advantages which he was not slow in turning to account.

In one respect even his religion helped him to emerge into fame.

There was naturally a certain free-masonry amongst the Catholics allied by fellow-feeling under the general antipathy.

The relations between Pope and his co-religionists exercised a material influence upon his later life.

Within a few miles of Binfield lived the Blounts of Mapledurham, a fine old Elizabethan mansion on the banks of the Thames, near Reading, which had been held by a royalist Blount in the civil war against a parliamentary assault.