An Essay Upon Satire

by John Dryden — a poem card from Justes Mots

Dryden and Mulgrave's essay on satire argues that the most effective satire targets subtle faults in wise minds rather than obvious follies, and should be delivered with wit and laughter rather than harsh denunciation. This is a meta-literary work on the nature and proper practice of satirical poetry. It serves those interested in understanding literary criticism and the philosophy of wit.

By Me Dryden And The Earl Of Mulgrave,[1] 1679.

How dull, and how insensible a beast
Is man, who yet would lord it o'er the rest!
Philosophers and poets vainly strove
In every age the lumpish mass to move:
But those were pedants, when compared with these,
Who know not only to instruct, but please.…

Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship