Intelligencer, No. 3

Summary

Ipse per Omnes ibit Personas,

Et turbam reddet in uno.

Headnote

Published c. 25 May 1728; copy text 1728 (see Textual Account).

Swift's next contribution to the journal was a brief account of his friend John Gay's Beggar's Opera, which had, since the success of its London premiere in January, been received equally enthusiastically in Dublin, when it opened there in March. This provides Swift with opportunities for observations on the distinction between wit and humour, and on the nature of satire.

THE INTELLIGENCER.

The Players having now almost done with the Comedy, called The Beggar's Opera for this Season, it may be no unpleasant Speculation, to reflect a little upon this Dramatick Piece, so singular in the Subject, and the manner, so much an Original, and which hath frequently given so very agreeable an Entertainment.

Although an evil Tast be very apt to prevail, both here, and in London, yet there is a point which whoever can rightly Touch, will never fail of pleasing a very great Majority; so great, that the Dislikers, out of Dulness or Affectation will be silent, and forced to fall in with the Herd; the point I mean, is what we call Humour, which in its Perfection is allowed to be much preferable to Wit, if it be not rather the most useful, and agreeable Species of it.

I agreewith Sir William Temple, that the Word is peculiar to our English Tongue, but I differ from him in the Opinion, that the thing it self is peculiar to the English Nation, because the contrary may be found in many Spanish, Italian, and French Productions, and particularly, whoever hath a Tast for True Humour, will find a Hundred Instances of it in those Volumes Printed in France, under the Name of Le Theatre Italien, to say nothing of Rabelais, Cervantes, and many others.

Now I take the Comedy or Farce, (or whatever Name the Criticks will allow it) called the Beggars Opera; to excel in this Article of Humour. And, upon that Merit, to have met with such prodigious success both here, and in England.