V. THE QUEEN ANNE PERIOD. 1700-1745. GENERAL SURVEY. It is not easy to characterize this period. Various names have been applied to it. In view of the elegant form and wide influence of literature, it has been called the Augustan age. It has been thought to resemble the flourishing period of Roman literature under Augustus, when Ovid, Horace, Cicero, and Virgil produced their immortal works. If we consider the attention given to literary expression and the perfection of style exhibited by writers of this time, we may properly designate it as the first critical period of our literature. Prior to the beginning of the eighteenth century, our literature was creative rather than critical. The chief aim of Pope, the most representative writer of this age, was to attain correctness of form and style, which he believed had not been sufficiently regarded by previous writers. Instead of adopting, however, either of the names indicated, it has seemed better to connect literature with the social, political, and religious conditions by which it was largely moulded, and to name the period under consideration after its representative sovereign, Queen Anne. She ascended the throne in 1702, and reigned till 1714; but inasmuch as the same general influences continued operative for a longer time, the period is extended to the death of Swift in 1745. It thus includes the reign of George I., and a part of the reign of George II. In this period the political principles of the Revolution became predominant. Absolutism gave place to constitutional government. The Tories and the Whigs became well-marked parties, and in turn succeeded to the government. Corrupt political methods were frequently resorted to in order to gain party ascendency. Walpole boasted that every man had his price. An unselfish patriotism was too often looked on as youthful enthusiasm, which the coolness of age would cure. Leading statesmen led impure and dissipated lives. Yet in spite of these conditions, England attained to great influence in Continental affairs. Victory attended her arms on the Continent under the leadership of Marlborough. The battles of Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, and Malplaquet brought the power of Louis XIV. to the verge of destruction. The balance of power was restored to Europe. The union of England and Scotland was effected in 1707, and English sovereigns henceforth reigned over the kingdom of Great Britain. The power of English thought, as well as of English arms, was felt abroad. Buffon found inspiration in its science; Montesquieu studied the institutions of England with great care; and Rousseau borrowed many of his thoughts from Locke. The English people once more became conscious of their strength, and felt the uplifting power of great hopes and splendid purposes. In several particulars the state of society does not present a pleasing picture. Education was confined to a comparatively limited circle. Addison complained that there were families in which not a single person could spell, "unless it be by chance the butler or one of the footmen." Cock-fighting was the favorite sport of schoolboys, and bull-baiting twice a week delighted the populace of London. The theatres were not yet fully redeemed from the licentiousness of the preceding period. Gambling was a common vice; and, what appears strange to us, the women of the time showed a strong passion for this excitement. Speaking of Will's Coffee-house, the Tatler says: "This place is very much altered since Mr. Dryden frequented it. Where you used to see songs, epigrams, and satires in the hands of every one you met, you have now only a pack of cards." Fashionable hours became later; and a considerable part of the night was frequently given to dissipation. Drunkenness increased with the introduction of gin. The police was not able to control. the lawless classes, and in the cities mobs not infrequently vented their rage in conflagration and pillage. When Sir Roger de Coverley, as portrayed by Addison, went to the theatre, he armed his servants with cudgels for protection. Woman had not yet found her true sphere; and, in wealthy or fashionable circles, her time was devoted chiefly to dress, frivolity, and scandal. In the "Rape of the Lock," Pope gives us a glimpse of conversation in court circles: "In various talk th' instructive hours they pass'd, Snuff, or the fan, supplies each pause of chat, |