If we suppose him, half
consciously, it may be, taking up the manner of the great master of
translation, Dryden, who was at all times so much a favourite with him,
he would at least, in so marked a peculiarity, be less apt to fall short
than to err perhaps a little on the side of excess. Though I am far from
thinking such to be the result in the present instance. The effect of
the whole translation is pleasing to me, and the mock-heroic effect I
think not a little assisted by the reiterated use of the triplet and
alexandrine. As to any evidence of authorship derivable from the
appearance of the manuscript, I will only add another word. The lines in
the translation have been carefully counted, and the number is marked in
Goldsmith's hand at the close of his transcription. Such a fact is, of
course, only to be taken in aid of other proof; but a man is not
generally at the pains of counting, still less, I should say in such a
case as Goldsmith's, of elaborately transcribing, lines which are not
his own.
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