 the little
regard which is, in this age, paid to every species of poetic composition, in
which neither satire nor obscenity occurs, he produced an imitation of Juvenal,
and lashed some conspicuous characters, with equal truth, spirit, and severity.
Though his name did not appear in the title-page of this production, he managed
matters so, as that the work was universally imputed to the true author, who was
not altogether disappointed in his expectations of success; for the impression
was immediately sold off, and the piece became the subject of conversation in
all assemblies of taste.
    This happy exordium not only attracted the addresses of the booksellers, who
made interest for his acquaintance, but also roused the notice of a society of
authors, who stiled themselves the college, from which he was honoured with a
deputation, offering to enroll him a member, by unanimous consent. The person
employed for this purpose being a bard who had formerly tasted of our hero's
bounty, used all his eloquence to persuade him to comply with the advances of
their fraternity, which he described in such a manner, as inflamed the curiosity
of Pickle, who dismissed the embassador, with an acknowledgement of the great
honour they conferred upon him, and a faithful promise of endeavouring to merit
the continuance of their approbation.
    He was afterwards, by the same minister, instructed in the ceremonies of the
college; and, in consequence of his information, composed an ode, to be
publickly recited on the evening of his introduction. He understood, that this
constitution was no other than a body of authors, incorporated by mutual
consent, for their joint advantage and satisfaction, opposed to another assembly
of the same kind, their avowed enemies and detractors. No wonder then, that they
sought to strengthen themselves with such a valuable acquisition as our hero was
like to prove. The college consisted of authors only, and these of all degrees
in point of reputation, from the fabricator of a song set to music, and sung at
Mary-bone, to the dramatic bard who had appeared in buskins upon the stage: nay,
one of the members had actually finished eight books of an epic poem, for the
publication of which, he was, at that time, soliciting subscriptions.
    It cannot be supposed that such a congregation of the sons of Apollo would
sit a whole evening with order and decorum, unless they were under the check of
some established authority: and this inconvenience having been foreseen, they
had elected a president, vested with full power to silence any member or
members, that should attempt to disturb the harmony
