Epistle XI. To Maximus.
by
Mr. Henley.
[_]
He is pleas'd at an Action carry'd with Applause by two young Advocates,
in Imitation of his way of Pleading.
O Joyful Day! The Præfect of the City having taken me in for one of his Assessors,
I heard two young Men of extraordinary Hopes and Talents, pleading one against the other,
Fuscus Salinator, and Numidius Quadratus; a shining Pair,
that will do Honour, not only to our Age, but to Learn
ing it self. Both are of wonderful Probity, a judicious Firmness, a graceful Mien;
their Language is pure, their Voice manly, their Memory tenacious, their Wit extensive,
their Discernment equal to it: All this was a Pleasure to me; and this,
chiefly among the rest, that they look'd upon me as their Director, as their Master;
and appear'd to the Audience, as copying after me, and treading in my Steps.
Oh happy Day! for I cannot help repeating it; which I shall ever mark with the fairest White;
For what can be more agreeable in a publick Sense, than to find young Men of a distinguishing Character,
aspire to a Name and a brighter Reputation by their Studies? Or, what can be more grateful to me,
than to be propos'd my self as a Pattern by such as take a right Pursuit! Heaven grant this Joy be lasting to me;
and I appeal to you, that I invoke the same Powers, to give all, who shall value me so as to imitate me,
the Preeminence above me.
