1731
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
1733
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
abilitiesnounUS /əˈbɪlətiːz/
plural of “ability” — the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
absorbedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbd/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
abuseverbUS /əˈbjuːs/
treat badly
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
addingverbUS /ˈædɪŋ/
-ing form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
agenounUS /eɪdʒ/
how long something has existed
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading There is no reason to believe that Pope cherished any very bitter resentment toward Halifax.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
believeverbUS /bɪˈliːv/
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading There is no reason to believe that Pope cherished any very bitter resentment toward Halifax.
bitteradjectiveUS /ˈbɪtər/
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading There is no reason to believe that Pope cherished any very bitter resentment toward Halifax.
boastedverbUS /ˈboʊstəd/
past form of “boast” — show off
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
cherishedadjectiveUS /ˈtʃerɪʃt/
characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
From this reading There is no reason to believe that Pope cherished any very bitter resentment toward Halifax.
contraryadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːntreri/
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
criticismsnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəmz/
plural of “criticism” — disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
daysnounUS /deɪz/
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
declinedverbUS /dɪˈklaɪnd/
past form of “decline” — grow worse
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
dedicateverbUS /ˈdedəkeɪt/
give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
defensenounUS /dɪˈfens/
(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
devoidadjectiveUS /dɪˈvɔɪd/
completely wanting or lacking
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
diedverbUS /daɪd/
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
discussedverbUS /dɪˈskʌst/
past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
distinguishedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
dutiesnounUS /ˈduːtiz/
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
enemiesnounUS /ˈenəmiz/
plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
EpistlenounUS /ɪˈpɪsəl/
a specially long, formal letter
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
expectedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspektəd/
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
filialadjectiveUS /ˈfɪliəl/
designating the generation or the sequence of generations following the parental generation
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
foolishadjectiveUS /ˈfuːlɪʃ/
devoid of good sense or judgment
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
friendshipnounUS /ˈfrendʃɪp/
the state of being friends (or friendly)
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
HalifaxnounUS /ˈhælɪfæks/
provincial capital and largest city of Nova Scotia
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
heapingverbUS /ˈhiːpɪŋ/
-ing form of “heap” — bestow in large quantities
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
Hervey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
IliadnounUS /ˈɪliəd/
a Greek epic poem (attributed to Homer) describing the siege of Troy
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
incorporatedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkɔːrpəreɪtɪd/
formed or united into a whole
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
independencenounUS /ˌɪndɪˈpendəns/
freedom from control or influence of another or others
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
insertions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is no reason to believe that Pope cherished any very bitter resentment toward Halifax.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
LadynounUS /ˈleɪdi/
a polite name for any woman
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
leastadjectiveUS /liːst/
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
lessadverbUS /les/
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
lettersnounUS /ˈletərz/
the literary culture
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
lookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
LordnounUS /lɔːrd/
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
lovenounUS /lʌv/
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
Maecenas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
MarynounUS /ˈmeri/
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
monsternounUS /ˈmɑːnstər/
an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
namingnounUS /ˈneɪmɪŋ/
the verbal act of naming
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading There is no reason to believe that Pope cherished any very bitter resentment toward Halifax.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
notenounUS /noʊt/
a brief written record
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
offadverbUS /ɔːf/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
offerverbUS /ˈɔːfər/
make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
opportunitynounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
outrightadverbUS /ˈaʊˈtraɪt/
without restrictions or stipulations or further payments
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
ParliamentnounUS /ˈpɑːrləmənt/
a legislative assembly in certain countries
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
passagenounUS /ˈpæsədʒ/
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
patronagenounUS /ˈpætrənɪdʒ/
the act of providing approval and support
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
pensionnounUS /ˈpenʃən/
a regular payment to a person that is intended to allow them to subsist without working
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
picturenounUS /ˈpɪktʃər/
a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
poemnounUS /ˈpoʊəm/
a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
poetnounUS /ˈpoʊət/
a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
PopenounUS /poʊp/
the head of the Roman Catholic Church
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
Pope'snounUS /poʊps/
possessive form of “pope” — the head of the Roman Catholic Church
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
portraitnounUS /ˈpɔːrtrət/
a word picture of a person's appearance and character
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
publishedadjectiveUS /ˈpʌblɪʃt/
prepared and printed for distribution and sale
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
qualitiesnounUS /ˈkwɑːlətiz/
plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
reasonnounUS /ˈriːzən/
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading There is no reason to believe that Pope cherished any very bitter resentment toward Halifax.
referencenounUS /ˈrefərəns/
a remark that calls attention to something or someone
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
replynounUS /rɪˈplaɪ/
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
resentmentnounUS /rɪˈzentmənt/
a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
From this reading There is no reason to believe that Pope cherished any very bitter resentment toward Halifax.
returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
roundnounUS /raʊnd/
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
satiricadjectiveUS /səˈtɪrɪk/
exposing human folly to ridicule
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
sawverbUS /sɔː/
cut with a saw
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
seeverbUS /siː/
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
seemsverbUS /siːmz/
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
tenderadjectiveUS /ˈtendər/
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
ThereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is no reason to believe that Pope cherished any very bitter resentment toward Halifax.
thirdnounUS /θɜːrd/
one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading There is no reason to believe that Pope cherished any very bitter resentment toward Halifax.
translationnounUS /trænzˈleɪʃən/
a written communication in a second language having the same meaning as the written communication in a first language
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
variousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
venturedverbUS /ˈventʃərd/
past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading There is no reason to believe that Pope cherished any very bitter resentment toward Halifax.
vindicateverbUS /ˈvɪndəkeɪt/
show to be right by providing justification or proof
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
weaknessnounUS /ˈwiːknəs/
a flaw or weak point
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading And now having discussed the various insertions in the 'Epistle', let us look for a moment at the poem as a whole, and see what is the nature of Pope's defense of himself and of his reply to his enemies.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
workverbUS /wɜːrk/
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
workingadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːrkɪŋ/
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.
writtenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtən/
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading The third passage, a tender reference to his mother's age and weakness, was written at least as early as 1731,--Mrs. Pope died in 1733,--and was incorporated in the 'Epistle' to round it off with a picture of the poet absorbed in his filial duties at the very time that Hervey and Lady Mary were heaping abuse upon him, as a monster devoid of all good qualities.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading On the contrary, in a poem published some years after the 'Epistle' he boasted of his friendship with Halifax, naming him outright, and adding in a note that the noble lord was no less distinguished by his love of letters than his abilities in Parliament.
youngeradjectiveUS /ˈjʌŋɡər/
used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father
From this reading When Pope was working on the 'Epistle', however, he saw an opportunity to vindicate his own independence of patronage by a satiric portrait of the great Maecenas of his younger days, Lord Halifax, who had ventured some foolish criticisms on Pope's translation of the 'Iliad', and seems to have expected that the poet should dedicate the great work to him in return for an offer of a pension which he made and Pope declined.