Pope has reached independence, and become the acknowledged head of the literary world; and it will be convenient here to take a brief survey of his position, before following out two or three different series of events, which can scarcely be given in chronological order.

Pope, when he first came to town and followed Wycherley about like a dog, had tried to assume the airs of a rake.

The same tone is adopted in many of his earlier letters.

At Binfield he became demure, correct, and respectful to the religious scruples of his parents.

In his visits to London and Bath he is little better than one of the wicked.