[Alexander Pope by Leslie Stephen]@TWC D-Link book
Alexander Pope

CHAPTER II
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Some attempts seem to have been made at a reconciliation.

Jervas, Pope's teacher in painting--a bad artist, but a kindly man--tells Pope on August 20, 1714, of a conversation with Addison.

It would have been worth while, he says, for Pope to have been hidden behind a wainscot or a half-length picture to have heard it.
Addison expressed a wish for friendly relations, was glad that Pope had not been "carried too far among the enemy" by Swift, and hoped to be of use to him at Court--for Queen Anne died on August 1st; the wheel had turned; and the Whigs were once more the distributors of patronage.
Pope's answer to Jervas is in the dignified tone; he attributes Addison's coolness to the ill offices of Philips, and is ready to be on friendly terms whenever Addison recognizes his true character and independence of party.

Another letter follows, as addressed by Pope to Addison himself; but here alas! if not in the preceding letters, we are upon doubtful ground.

In fact, it is impossible to doubt that the letter has been manipulated after Pope's fashion, if not actually fabricated.
It is so dignified as to be insulting.


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