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Dennis, Remarks on Pr. Arthur.

I CANNOT but think it the most reasonable thing in the world, to distinguish good writers, by discouraging the bad. Nor is it an ill-natured thing, in relation even to the very persons upon whom the reflections are made. It is true, it may deprive them, a little the fooner, of a short profit and a transitory reputation; but then it may have a good effect, and oblige them (before it be too late) to decline that for which they are fo very unfit, and to have recourse to fomething in which they may be more fuccefsful.

Character of Mr. P. 1716.

THE Perfons whom Boileau has attacked in his writings, have been for the most part Authors, and most of those Authors, Poets: And the cenfures he hath paffed upon them have been confirmed by all Europe.

Gildon, Pref. to his New Rehearsal.

IT is the common cry of the Poetafters of the town, and their fautors, that it is an ill-natured thing to expose the Pretenders to wit and poetry. The Judges and Magiftrates may with full as good reafon be reproached with Ill-nature for putting the laws in execution against a thief or impoftor.—The fame will hold in the republic of Letters, if the Critics and Judges will let every ignorant pretender to fcribbling pass on the world.

Theobald, Lett. to Mift, June 22, 1728.

ATTACKS may be levelled, either against Failures in Genius, or against the Pretenfions of writing without one.

Concanen, Ded. to the Author of the Dunciad.

A Satire upon Dullness is a thing that has been ufed and allowed in all ages.

Out of thine own Mouth will I judge thee, wicked Scribbler.