Johannes Secundus—Parnel—Dr. Johnson

In Dr. Johnson's *Life of Parnel* we find the following passage:— "I would add that the description of *Barrenness*, in his verses to Pope, was borrowed from Secundus; but lately searching for the passage which I had formerly read, I could not find it." I will first extract Parnel's description, and then the passage of Secundus; to which, I suppose, Dr. Johnson referred. "This to my friend—and when a friend inspires, My silent harp its master's hand requires, Shakes off the dust, and makes these rocks resound, For fortune placed me in unfertile ground; Far from the joys that with my soul agree…