A true critic ought to dwell upon excellencies rather than imperfections, to discover the concealed beauties of a writer, and communicate to the world such things as are worth their observation.

It continued to grow in popularity especially in the American colonies for several generations. The noble sons of Cato Portius and Marcus are both in love with Lucia the daughter of Lucius a senatorial ally of Cato. A second letter to his friend Sir Richard Steele was also found concerning the Tatler and other matters.

He was the eldest son of reverend Lancelot Addison. Joseph Addison (1 May 1672 – 17 June 1719) was an English essayist poet playwright and politician.