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"Ben Franklin"
Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography: Page 32
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to improve one's language, but no farther.
On this it was propos'd that we should each of us, at our next meeting, produce
a piece of our own composing, in order to improve by our mutual observations,
criticisms, and corrections. As language and expression were what we had in
view, we excluded all considerations of invention by agreeing that the task
should be a version of the eighteenth Psalm, which describes the descent of a
Deity. When the time of our meeting drew nigh, Ralph called on me first, and let
me know his piece was ready. I told him I had been busy, and, having little
inclination, had done nothing. He then show'd me his piece for my opinion, and I
much approv'd it, as it appear'd to me to have great merit. "Now," says he,
"Osborne never will allow the least merit in any thing of mine, but makes 1000
criticisms out of mere envy. He is not so jealous of you; I wish, therefore, you
would take this piece, and produce it as yours; I will pretend not to have had
time, and so produce nothing. We shall then see what he will say to it." It was
agreed, and I immediately transcrib'd it, that it might appear in my own hand.
We met; Watson's performance was read; there were some beauties in it, but many
defects. Osborne's was read; it was much better; Ralph did it justice; remarked
some faults, but applauded the beauties. He himself had nothing to produce. I
was backward; seemed desirous of being excused; had not had sufficient time to
correct, etc.; but no excuse could be admitted; produce I must. It was read and
repeated; Watson and Osborne gave up the contest, and join'd in applauding it.
Ralph only made some criticisms, and propos'd some amendments; but I defended my
text. Osborne was against Ralph, and told him he was no better a critic than
poet, so he dropt the argument. As they two went home together, Osborne
expressed himself still more strongly in favor of what he thought my production;
having restrain'd himself before, as he said, lest I should think it flattery.
"But who would have imagin'd," said he, "that Franklin had been capable of such
a performance; such painting, such force, such fire! He has even improv'd the
original. In his common conversation he seems to have no choice of words; he
hesitates and blunders; and yet, good God! how he writes!" When we next met,
Ralph discovered the trick we had plaid him, and Osborne was a little laught at.
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