WE are sorry that an incidental compliment paid to Mr Young's Note on the Plague in Malta in 1813, should have given any one offence. When we made this extract from Mr Young's performance, we were not aware that any thing had previously been published on the same subject in the EDINBURGH MAGAZINE, and could not, therefore, intend to establish any contrast between the two narratives, unfavourable to the former. But the complainer should remember, that his statement is anonymous, whereas Mr Young's was vouched by his name, and therefore, in the strictest sense of the word, more "authentic." "In essential points, the two narratives do not differ." With regard to the allegation, that Mr Young's account is “embellished," and the insinuation, that he wrote the notice of his own poem, the Editor deems it sufficent to state, that the Review of "Antonia" was written by himself, that he has the honour to enjoy Mr Young's friendship, and that he believes him a man of unimpeachable honour and veracity. We have to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Gower's expostulatory letter, the temper, moderation, and good sense displayed in which do him infinite honour. When he produces any thing really good, we shall be more prompt to praise than we were to blame him. The accompanying verses are respectable. We have not had time to peruse " The Prophecy," by Miss Landon. She may rest assured it shall meet with all favour and consideration. By an inconceivable fatality, we are again compelled to defer inserting the judicious remarks of our correspondent on Dr Chalmers's "Christian and Civic Economy." The curious Narrative respecting an English Dissenting Preacher shall appear in our next. We really beg the author of “Original Poetry for the EDINBURGH MAGAZINE” to discontinue her labours. We cannot insert such trash; and we do not know why we should be pestered with vindications of character, when the suppositious accused is to us a perfect nonentity. We shall in future take no notice whatever of her lucubra- ' tions. “The Naval Christmas Dinner" is very clever, and very humorous, but better adapted to the boisterous jovialty of the Gun-Room, than to our sober pages. “An Autumnal Excursion" in our next. The author will observe, by this Number, that we are pleased with him. "The Country Clergyman" we have not yet found leisure to peruse. We shall, by-and-by. We have not lost sight of the "Fairy Legends." We cannot help thinking, however, that the learned author might do better than merely translate. We shall be happy to receive an original paper from him. The Review of Dr Hibbert's very valuable work on Zetland will appear, in February. "A Summer Frolic in the North" has merit, but it is, upon the whole, rather tame, and not so interesting as it might have been easily rendered. "Rory MacVurich, the Murderer," is very striking, and ought to have been turned to The incident relative to better account. We shall be happy to hear again from the author, whose modesty and want of pretension are very becoming. "The true art of Reviewing,” like every thing from the pen of its author, displays both sense and talent; but it is too grave, and too formally didactic. We think he might have accomplished his object in a pleasanter form. We have too much poetry in this Number already, and are therefore necessitated to reserve "Love" for our next. “Reflections on Chevy Chace" is very well as the production of a gardener's muse, but it is a great deal too flowery for the EDINBURGH MAGAZINE. The "Song" sent us from Jedburgh manifests poetical feeling, but is too loosely and carelessly composed. The communication on the "Great Improvement in Iron Bridges" is an advertisement, not an article. The verses on " Caledonia," &c. transmitted us from Perth, are tolerable. We request the author to read attentively the "Tale of the Secret Tribunal," that he may acquire some notion of the poetry we can command, and, of course, of what is likely to be admitted into our Miscellany. The account of an Indian Wedding probably in our next. It is certainly curious enough. In our February Number-and if the thing be physically possible-we shall try to favour our readers with an intelligible account of " Attraction, Adaptation, and Va riety;" for which, if we succeed, (and we have some misgivings,) we will establish a claim to the lasting gratitude of the author. We have in types an article in the Scottish dialect, which, we are sure, must puzzle every living being, Dr Jamieson only excepted. We intend to publish it. J. R. P. has our thanks and our esteem. We shall certainly avail ourselves of part, at least, of his communication. He will do us a favour by writing us frequently. The graphic legal portraits taken in "WESTMINSTER HALL," by our ingenious and accomplished friend, will occupy a conspicuous place in our next publication. The "Abstract of Report to the British Parliament, relative to the Hindoo Widows, and other voluntary immolations in India," though highly interesting and important, reached us too late for this month. It will appear in February. Being anxious to dispose at once of all Lord Byron's new creations, or abortions, we are therefore necessitated to decline the able Review of Sardanapalus, transmitted by our ingenious correspondent at M The correct version of the anecdote of Dr Carlyle in our next. "L" wont do at present. Another effort may have better success." That's all.” We shall be glad to be favoured with a call from the author of the paper on Private Tuition,, when we shall explain to his satisfaction the reason of his excellent article not appearing in the present number. The author of "ILL TAM" must not be displeased that the second part of his ingenious paper forms no part of this month's bill of fare. It came too late for publication, but shall assuredly appear in February. Since the above was written, a great variety of papers has been received. We have not yet had time to peruse them. Their respective authors may rest assured that none of them will be overlooked. |