He does not mean to insinuate a want of merit in the poem, but rather a want of attention in the public.'" All this was sufficiently discouraging, and the next day's record is one of even worse omen.

The poet thanks Heaven that his spirits are not affected by Mr.Dodsley's refusal, and that he is already preparing another poem for another bookseller, Mr.Becket.He adds, however: "I find myself under the disagreeable necessity of vending or pawning some of my more useless articles: accordingly have put into a paper such as cost about two or three guineas, and, being silver, have not greatly lessened in their value.

The conscientious pawnbroker allowed me--'he _thought_ he _might'_--half a guinea for them.

I took it very readily, being determined to call for them very soon, and then, if I afterwards wanted, carry them to some less voracious animal of the kind." The entries during the next six weeks continue of the same tenor.

Mr.
Becket, for whose approval were sent "Poetical Epistles, with a preface by the learned Martinus Scriblerus" (he was still harping on the string of the Augustans), proved no more responsive than Dodsley, "'Twas a very pretty thing, but, sir, these little pieces the town do not regard." By May 16th he had "sold his wardrobe, pawned his watch, was in debt to his landlord, and finally at some loss how to eat a week longer." Two days later he had pawned his surgical instruments--redeemed and repawned his watch on more favourable terms--and was rejoiced to find himself still the possessor of ten shillings.