Today we turned the page.

At this day, as much company as I have kept, and as much as I love it, I love reading better.

Alexander Pope

Before we being today’s discussion of the Daily Readings, let me just put it out there– for all the world to see– that I really like Mr. Big Food.

The “Den,” to which I refer from time to time, is in fact the master bed room suite that has a television, turntable, the LP record collection, crappy old books on shelves, my desk, and– in front of a patio door– a glass breakfast table. We do not always eat lunch together (that’s nothing new), but frequently when we do, I eat at my desk and Mr. Big Food, at the table. The table is a premium surface area on which I have things that are in need of surface area and am currently working with (paper cutter, laminator, etc.). Today Mr. Big Food asked about the bookmarks in the Pocket U. Collection on the table. I explained the whole set up of Pocket U. and mentioned that today in 1688 Alexander Pope was born.

Mr. Big Food said, “Pierian Spring.”

I know that millions and millions of people know Pope’s “An Essay on Criticism.” But that Mr. Big Food is among then is pretty cool.

Born today in the year 1688, Alexander Pope.

Died today in the year 1650, James Graham, Marquis of Montrose. [No. We all went down to Montreux.]

Daily Readings May 21

• “On a Certain Lady at Court“
• “The Dying Christian to His Soul” “Oh Death! where is thy Sting?”
• “The Universal Prayer“
• Aytoun’s “The Execution of Montrose“

Oh my God. I laughed out loud.

On a Certain Lady at Court

I know the thing that's most uncommon;
(Envy be silent and attend!)
I know a Reasonable Woman,
Handsome and witty, yet a Friend.
Not warp'd by Passion, aw'd by Rumour,
Not grave thro' Pride, or gay thro' Folly,
An equal Mixture of good Humour,
And sensible soft Melancholy.
`Has she no Faults then (Envy says) Sir?'
Yes she has one, I must aver:
When all the World comspires to praise her,
The Woman's deaf, and does not hear.

Finally, An Essay on Criticism