The explanation is--if the phrase explains anything--that he was a man of genius, or that he brought to a task, not of the highest class, a keenness of sensibility, a conscientious desire to do his very best, and a capacity for taking pains with his work, which enabled him to be as indisputably the first in his own peculiar line, as our greatest men have been in far more lofty undertakings.
The man who could not publish Pastorals without getting into quarrels, was hardly likely to become a professed satirist without giving offence.
Besides numerous stabs administered to old enemies, Pope opened some fresh animosities by passages in these poems.

Some pointed ridicule was aimed at Montagu, Earl of Halifax, in the Prologue; for there can be no doubt that Halifax[26] was pointed out in the character of Bufo.

Pope told a story in later days of an introduction to Halifax, the great patron of the early years of the century, who wished to hear him read his Homer.

After the reading Halifax suggested that one passage should be improved.

Pope retired rather puzzled by his vague remarks, but, by Garth's advice, returned some time afterwards, and read the same passage without alteration.