said that neither the plot nor the incidents were considered sufficiently striking for the boards of

Drury. I looked on Elliston's note as a mere matter of theatrical formality-a civil excuse for returning the MS. unread. The judgment I formed of "Ethelwolf," was the very reverse of what the manager had pronounced it: the plot appeared to me natural and unencumbered, many of the situations seemed exceedingly well contrived, and the incidents sufficiently striking; while the language was in general dramatic and highly poetical. On the whole, perhaps, it abounds with too much of the descriptive for the stage, and, therefore, a little pruning might be of service, particularly in curtailing some of the long speeches in the first act. 'The character of Elwina, I think, is excellently drawn and well kept up, and, in the hands of such an actress as Mrs. West, it could not fail to tell admirably. But it is a tragedy that requires the aid of several good performers to insure its success. You have not hung all the bells on one horse, which, I am told, it is indispensable to do, in order to insure powerful support behind the curtain; for, unless the lion of the day has all the best points reserved for himself, an author's chance of success is very problematical.

I beg to add, that I am truly happy to hear of your good fortune; and doubt not that your merits and your sufferings will at length meet with their just reward. I can assure you, in perfect truth, that I have been so occupied since this business commenced, that this is the first long letter I have been able to find time to write.

I am,

Very truly yours,
S M

LETTER C.

From the Rev. Mr. Allport to Sylvaticus.

MY DEAR

Chippenham Vicarage.

Ar length I have a letter from Mr. Britton, unfavourable as it respects the recovery of the RM, but very favourable and containing important communications in other respects. As it will speak best for itself, I will transcribe the whole that relates to you.

"I have called on P

and M, and had

half an hour's conference with them respecting Mr. -; but could not obtain any specific reply in regard It appears that they

to re-selling the R

M

have sold a share of this edition to some other bookseller. From what I learned from them and other publishers, I do not think it advisable to purchase the work on the author's account; for no other booksellers will give more than P. and M. have already paid for it. Nor do I think the author or his friends could sell them equally well with the present parties. They will,

most probably, dispose of this edition, when the author can make his own and perhaps better terms for another edition."

Now here I am puzzled. I thought by your disposing of the copyright, you could not have any control over future editions; but if this be not so, and if you can make any arrangement for a new one, why then I should say, trouble no more about this matter. But to Mr. Britton.

"I have sent a copy to Gifford for the Quarterly Review, and propitiated him amd other professed critics in behalf of the RM- I have succeeded in

getting a new and substantial friend for

; the famed philanthropist, Francis Webb. Knowing his kind benevolent disposition, I wrote him a letter inclosing the statement, MS. Memoirs, &c. and yesterday he sent me a note to call on him. The result was, he proposed to give his £5 a year for two years, or even more, towards an annuity: Mr.

to come to

London, live retired, and study to qualify himself for literary life; also to make himself acquainted with the public world, and ways and wants of literature. Mr. W. says there can be no doubt but we can raise a subscription for two years for this purpose. Now if you approve of this plan, you will of course consult with some of -'s friends and patrons,-see what they are willing to do, and draw up a short statement

of his case for Mr. Webb and some other gentlemen to confirm and act upon here."

Mr. Britton further adds respecting you,

"My time is wholly and incessantly devoted to literature, and I am generally occupied from nine in the morning till eleven or twelve at night. I cannot therefore afford much time for irrelevant pursuits, or to initiate -; but still I will regularly give a stated hour per week, and will also promote his views and introduce him to the trade."

Mr. Britton requested me to write my thoughts to Mr. Webb on the subject. Seeing the importance of the proposal, and the vast utility that must result from it in furnishing you with every thing you want, raising up and securing to you suitable, and substantial, and efficient aid in every possible way, and conceiving also that you will view the proposal in the same light, I could not but write somewhat confidently on the subject. After a little necessary preamble, I thus expressed myself to him. "This hitherto unfortunate and neglected author cannot subsist by any other means than what may accrue to him from the produce of his literary attainments and poetic genius; and both need that friendly aid and fostering care which you recommend, and that experienced