Pope and Translations of Plutarch's Moralia

Abstract

since it either does not contain, or contains only in barely recognizable form, the passages to which Pope alludes. Pope makes an allusion to Plutarch's essay on tranquillity of mind in a letter to Henry Cromwell that he transfers to a formal letter to Steele published in The Spectator, a, letter he reproduces when publishing his own edition of his correspondence. This textual history indicates that this was the kind of glib learnecl remark for which Pope wished to be known, and Steele the kind of person to whom he wished to be known to make such remarks. I quote all three versions of the allusion: Human Life (as Plutarch just now told me[)], is like a Game at Tables, where every one may wish for the best Cast; but after all he is to make his best of that which happens, and go on contentedly. (Pope to Cromwell, 18 March 1707/8; Correspondence, I, 42) Plutarchjust now told me, that 'tis in humane Life as in a Game at Tables, one may wish he had the highest Cast, but if his Chance be otherwise, he is e'en to play it as well as he can, and make the best of it. (Prose Works, I, 43; Spectator 406, 16June 1712) Plutarch just now told me, that 'tis in human life as in a game at tables, where a man may wish for the highest cast, but if his chance be otherwise, he is e'en to play it as well as he can and to make the best of it. (Pope to Steele, 18 June 1712; Correspondence, I, 147) 6 Joseph Spence, Observations, Anecdotes, and Characters of Books and Men, edited by James M. Osborne, 2 vols (Oxford, 1966), I, 14, no. 30: 'Ogilby's translation of Homer was one of the first large poems that ever Mr. Pope read.'