Part 34 (1/2)

'267-280'

In these lines Pope speaks of G.o.d as the soul of the world in an outburst of really exalted enthusiasm that is rare enough in his work.

'269 That:'

a relative p.r.o.noun referring to ”soul,” l. 268.

'270 th' ethereal frame:' the heavens.

'276 as perfect in a hair as heart:'

this has been called ”a vile ant.i.thesis,” on the ground that there is no reason why hair and heart should be contrasted. But Pope may have had in mind the saying of Christ. ”the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” The hairs are spoken of here as the least important part of the body; the heart, on the other hand, has always been thought of as the most important organ. There is, therefore, a real ant.i.thesis between the two.

'278 Seraph ... burns:'

the seraphim according to old commentators are on fire with the love of G.o.d.

'280 equals all:'

makes all things equal. This does not seem consistent with the idea of the gradations of existence which Pope has been preaching throughout this Epistle. Possibly it means that all things high and low are filled alike with the divine spirit and in this sense all things are equal. But one must not expect to find exact and consistent philosophy in the 'Essay on Man'.

'281-294'

Here Pope sums up the argument of this Epistle, urging man to recognize his ignorance, to be content with his seeming imperfections, and to realize that ”whatever is, is right.”

'282 Our proper bliss:'

our happiness as men.

'283 point:'

appointed place in the universe.

'286 Secure:'

sure.

'289'

Hobbes, an English philosopher with whose work Pope was, no doubt, acquainted, says, ”Nature is the art whereby G.o.d governs the world.”