...dictate but rather (as in Steele's letter above) let his minions do that for him. Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer, And without sneering, teach the rest to sneer. (TE, iv, p. 11o) Addison was among Pope's early friends but by the time of Cato both were aware the...

...scornful yet with jealous eyes, And hate, for arts that caused himself to rise; Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer, And without sneering, teach...to strike, Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike; Alike reserved to blame as to commend, A timorous foe and a suspicious friend; Dreading even fools,...