CATO TO LORD BYRON. MY LORD, 66 Ir will probably occasion you no surprise that a poet who disregards decency should subject himself to animadversion. In assuming the liberty of this address, I claim but a common and conceded privilege. 'An author's works (as you have yourself remarked *) are public property. He who purchases may judge, and publish his opinion if he pleases." Generally speaking, indeed, we content ourselves with a silent judgment; but when the moral sense of mankind is attempted to be perverted, and their religious opinions and feelings are held up to contempt, a mere silent judgment can no longer be rested in. Our duty then runs in a higher form, and, where offence is crying, reprehension becomes virtuous. That you have afforded but too just a field for severe discussion, even your warmest admirers *Preface to Childe Harold. |