E-text prepared by Delphine Lettau
and the
Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team
(http://www.pgdpcanada.net)
The author of this tragedy, to whose vigorousmind the English are indebted for theirchoicest moral works, came into the worldwith a frame so weak, that he was christenedimmediately on his birth, in consequence ofthe symptoms he gave of a speedy dissolution.The hand which reared him did amore than ordinary service to the age inwhich he lived, and to succeeding generations.Addison's pious writings, untaintedby the rigour of superstition, have softenedthe harsh spirit of ancient religion, whilstthey have confirmed all its principles.
He was the son of the Reverend LauncelotAddison, Rector of Milston, in the countyof Wilts, at which place he was born, on the6th of May, 1672.
After passing through some inferior schools,he was placed at the Charter-House; wherehe contracted that intimacy with Steele,which grew to a friendship honourable tothem both, from its duration, and the instructionswhich their joint labour bestowedon mankind.
At the age of fifteen, young Addison wasentered at Queen's College, Oxford, wherehe applied himself so closely to study, that,in a few years, his Latin poetry gained himhigh reputation in both universities, and, atthe age of twenty-two, he became known tothe nation at large by his English compositions.
He was now pressed by his father to takeholy orders; which, notwithstanding his sedateturn of mind, and his habits of piety,he positively refused. Mr. Tickell has alleged,that it was Addison's extreme modesty,a constitutional timidity, which madehim resolve against being in the church—buthe became a statesman; and, surely, that isa character which requires as much courageas a clergyman's, when the church is notunder persecution.
The first dramatic work from the pen ofAddison, was an opera called "Rosamond,"which having but indifferent success, he nextassisted Steele in his play of "The TenderHusband;" for which the author surprisedhim by a dedication, openly to avow theobligation.
These two friends now united their effortsin that well-known periodical work, "TheSpectator;" by which they reformed themanners, as well as the morals, of theirreaders, and established their own literaryfame. But, as the talents of Addison weresuperior to those of Steele, so are the papersin this work which were written by himesteemed above the rest;—and, as a mark ofdistinction, he had the laudable, or his friendSteele the honest pride, to affix a letter atthe end of every such paper, by which itshould be known for his. The Muse Cliofurnished the four letters which have beenthus used in "The Spectator," as Addison'shonourable stamp of authorship.
In the periodical work of "The Guardian"he had likewise some share; and, in 1713,he produced, what Dr. Johnson has called"the noblest work of Addison's genius"—"Cato."
Notwithstanding the merit of this play, itis certain that it was indebted to the politicalcircumstances of the times, for that enthusiasticapplause with which it was receivedby the town.
The joy or s