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much I feel indebted to them, while their openhearted and cordial friendship I shall never forget. Mr. Carrington is a true child of the Muses, and possesses the immortal fire of a lofty genius; the world must, ere long, hear of his great poetical talents. I cannot say as much for the author of a new forthcoming History of Cornwall; to further which, Mr. Carrington is translating for him everything connected with it, that is not to be found in his mother tongue. I waited on him for the high honour of having his name added to my list of subscribers; but he could not condescend so far. His haughtiness appeared to me only equalled by his illiberality; "but what is to be expected from one, whose life has been employed in the edifying and enlightening exercitation of rolling pills, spreading plaisters, compounding quack medicines, and fabricating boluses? Who expects the colossal strides of a giant from the puny dimensions of a dwarf, or hopes to see the stately march of the war-horse in the wriggling of a worm?"

Before I quit the west, I intend proceeding as far as Falmouth, from whence I shall return to this place; when you may expect to hear from me again. Till then, my friend, adieu.

SYLVATICUS.

LETTER LXXIX.

From Mr. R. to Sylvaticus.

DEAR SIR,

Plymouth Dock.

I HAVE been anxious the whole of the past week to write respecting your concerns, which to say the least, interest me very much: but professional duties, over which I could have no controul, prevented me till now.

On Monday week I was at Teignmouth and saw Dr. Turton: we conversed about you largely. The Dr. regrets exceedingly that he did not know, had it been only half, the merits of your excellent work; for then he would have paid you every attention, even to the neglect of other business. "When the author presented his book, I bought it," says the Dr. " merely because you desired him to call on me, thinking it money thrown away on one of the numberless class of ephemeral productions that almost daily infest us. It lay on the table neglected four or five days, until I had the curiosity to read two or three

pages, when I was most forcibly struck with the appearance of genius and merit, which we have since found so fully displayed throughout the work. His images and figures are very fine; he has an uncommonly vivid imagination; in short, I consider it one of the very best works that has come out the last forty years. I think I can introduce him to some families of wealth and merit, who would feel honoured in patronising the author of such a work." He also added a desire, that you would write him a note with your address, &c. which I must beg, my dear sir, you will do as soon as possible. The Dr. has canvassed for you, and defended your work; and Mrs. Turton, a very clever lady, has read it twice over.

I hope you are agreeably surprised by the first page of my letter: my mind has been full of writing to you many days. Mr. W. delivered me your letter: I forgot to begin mine with acknowledging it. He told me of the ill reception your work met with from the tasteless parsons at Dartmouth. I cannot describe to you how indignant I felt, when he told me of their unfeeling conduct; it stamps an indelible disgrace on their stupid characters. But never regard them, or any other conceited blockheads.

weeks. When I was again able to get out, I did not sell more than three copies in the whole city.

At Crediton, I drank tea and spent some hours

with a clergyman of the name of Lightfoot, a particular college friend of Mr. Southey, some of whose letters he read to me, giving an interesting account of his being introduced at Court, and created Poet Laureate. He tells his friend that he did not dream of the high honour conferred upon him, which was first offered by the Prince Regent to Sir Walter Scott, who generously and strongly recommended Southey. Mr. Lightfoot informed me that this laurel-crowned chief of the bards in the outset of his poetical career, had many and great difficulties to struggle with, and numerous obstacles to overcome; but that by perseverance he conquered every thing, and at last achieved the sunny mountain of fame.

In the neighbourhood of Teignmouth, I became acquainted with Mr. R, a young man of great professional talent and general knowledge, who introduced me by letter to Dr. Turton, well known in the literary world as a translator of Linnæus, and the author of many other scientific and valuable works. Being so near, I determined once more to visit Paington. I hired a horse, and with my new friend rode thither incog. I

cannot express to you, Frank, what were my feelings on visiting again, after so long an absence, the vicinity of my worthy and generous friends. I soon found that length of years had entirely obliterated all remembrance of my person from every inhabitant of the place, and I determined not to make myself known. Even my friend Metherel, with whom I sat some minutes in the bar of the inn, recognised me not. Learning that both himself and Mrs. M. were well, I was satisfied; and with a feeling of romantic pleasure, quitted the place without making myself known to any one.

From Totness I sailed down the river Dart, famed for the variety and pleasantness of the views on its banks; but the Spring was not far enough advanced to exhibit the usual beauties. The weather was likewise extremely boisterous, and the latter part of the voyage was not unattended with danger. At Dartmouth, during my stay, was held a convocation of dissenting ministers from different parts of the county, some of whom had seen my poem. One of them, Mr. W- of N B friend of mine and a man of good sound sense, but who happening to be very poor was considered of little importance among them, told me how unfeelingly some of

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