But Pope went further; and the full extent of his audacious changes was not seen until Mr.Dilke became possessed of the Caryll correspondence.

On comparing the copies preserved by Caryll with the letters published by Pope, it became evident that Pope had regarded these letters as so much raw material, which he might carve into shape at pleasure, and with such alterations of date and address as might be convenient, to the confusion of all biographers and editors ignorant of his peculiar method of editing.

The details of these very disgraceful falsifications have been fully described by Mr.Elwin,[19] but I turn gladly from this lamentable narrative to say something of the literary value of the correspondence.

Every critic has made the obvious remark that Pope's letters are artificial and self-conscious.

Pope claimed the opposite merit.