He had, in fact, conspired with Pope to attract the public by the use of the most popular name, and could not even claim his own afterwards.

He had, indeed, talked too much, according to Pope; and the poet's morality is oddly illustrated in a letter, in which he complains of Broome's indiscretion for letting out the secret; and explains that, as the facts are so far known, it would now be "unjust and dishonourable" to continue the concealment.

It would be impossible to accept more frankly the theory that lying is wrong when it is found out.

Meanwhile Pope's conduct to his victims or accomplices was not over-generous.

He made over 3500_l._ after paying Broome 500_l._ (including 100_l._ for notes) and Fenton 200_l._, that is, 50_l._ a book.