Such is my case: like most of theirs who teach,
I ill may practise what I well may preach.
Myself not trying, or not turn'd to please,
May lay the line, and measure out the ways.
The Mulcibers, who in the minories sweat,
And massive bars on stubborn anvils beat,
Deform'd themselves, yet forge those stays of steel,
Which arm Aurelia with a shape to kill.

So Macer and Mundungus school the times,
And write in rugged prose the rules of softer rhymes,
Well do they play the careful critic's part,
Instructing doubly by their matchless art:
Rules for good verse they first with pains indite,
Then show us what is bad by what they write.

LIFE OF FENTON.

ELIJAH FENTON, the son of an attorney, was born at Shelton, near Newcastle, in Staffordshire, May 20, 1683. He was entered of Jesus College, in Cambridge; but it does not appear to be settled, whether he took a degree or not. With many other wise and virtuous men, (says Dr. Johnson,) who, at that time of discord and debate, consulted conscience, whether well or ill-informed, more than interest, he doubted the legality of the government, and refusing to qualify himself for public employment by the oaths required, left the University without a degree.' When Milton consulted conscience,' and refused to take a fellowship 'bought and begun with servitude and forswearing,' Dr. Johnson was far from shewing him the same mercy. These expressions are, I find, (says he), applied to the subscription of the articles; but it seems more probable that they relate to canonical obedience. I know not any of the articles which seem to thwart his opinions; but the thoughts of obedience, whether canonical or civil, raised his indig