Analysis of LX. Life compared to a Walk

Ellis Walker

Ellis Walker 1650- 1700 An English poet who published his poets by writing letters to his Uncle: To my Honoured Uncle Mr. Samuel Walker of York. When I fled to you for shelter, at the breaking out of the present troubles in Ireland, I took Epictetus for my companion; and found that both I, and my friend were welcome. You were then pleas'd to express an high esteem for the author, as he very well deserves it: you prais'd his notions as great, noble, and sublime, and much exceeding the pitch of other thinkers. You may remember, I then told you, that as they seem'd such to me, so I thought they would very well take a poetical dress: you said the attempt was bold, but withal wish'd it well done. I, hurry'd on with zeal for an author belov'd by you, and admi red by all, have made the essay a grateful diversion to me, though perhaps I may have pleas'd you better in admiring the author, than in translating him. However having attempted it, to whom should I dedicate my endeavours but to you, whose goodness gave me so kind a reception, whose bounty relieved me in an undone condition, and afforded me the leisure and opportunity to shew my desire of pleasing you, if such a trifle as this can any way pretend to please. Epistles of this kind are for the most part tokens of gratitude; I know no one in the world, to whom I am so much oblig'd as I am to you, and I make it my request, that you will accept of this, as an hearty and thankful acknowledgement, from Your most humble Servant, and affectionate nephew Ellis Walker. more…

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