Part 23 (1/2)

This is the old threefold division of the human mind. Pope means that where one of these faculties is above the average in any individual, another of them is sure to fall below. Is this always the case?

'63 peculiar arts:'

special branches of knowledge.

'73'

In what sense can nature be called the source, the end, and the test of art?

'76 th' informing soul:'

the soul which not only dwells in, but animates and molds the body.

'80-81'

What two meanings are attached to ”wit” in this couplet?

'84 'Tis more:'

it is more important.

'the Muse's steed:'

Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology, was supposed to be the horse of the Muses and came to be considered a symbol of poetic genius.

'86 gen'rous:'

high-bred.

'88'

What is the difference between ”discovered” and ”devised”?

'94 Parna.s.sus' top:'

the Muses were supposed to dwell on the top of Parna.s.sus, a mountain in Greece. Great poets are here thought of as having climbed the mountain to dwell with the Muses.

'96'

What is (cf. text) ”the immortal prize”?