THE LITERARY CHARACTER; OR THE HISTORY OF MEN OF GENIUS, DRAWN FROM THEIR OWN FEELINGS AND CONFESSIONS. VOL. III.-1 ΤΟ ROBERT SOUTHEY, LL.D. &c. &c. &c. IN Dedicating this Work to one of the most eminent literary characters of the age, I am experiencing a peculiar gratification, in which few, perhaps none, of my contemporaries can participate: for I am addressing him, whose earliest effusions attracted my regard, near half a century past; and during that awful interval of time, for fifty years is a trial of life of whatever may be good in us, you have multiplied your talents, and have never lost a virtue. When I turn from the uninterrupted studies of your domestic solitude to our metropolitan authors, the contrast, if not encouraging, is at least extraordinary. You are not unaware that the revolutions of Society have operated on our literature, and that new classes of readers have called forth new classes of writers. The causes, and the consequences, of the present state of this fugitive literature, might form an inquiry which would include some of the important topics which concern the PUBLIC MIND,-but an inquiry which might be invidious shall not disturb a page consecrated to the record of excellence. They who draw their inspiration from the hour must not, however, complain if with that hour they pass away. March, 1839, I. D'ISRAELI. |