to Mr. Arthur Aikin. £53 



timately hope that, from the kind countenance of the pub- 

 lic, my Temple of Flora and Philosophy of Botany will sur- 

 mount the assaults of mv enemies, and pass down to pos- 

 terity approved. Yet am I still conscious that T have no 

 other merit but that of patient industrv, and that my works 

 will be found to be established chietiy by the genius of 

 others ; and all f assume is taste, surncient to feel, and 

 judgment, to discriminate where true merit lies, and a 

 capacity* to blend it- with my labours. Those, sir, who 

 know me personally, see nothing in me of the arrogant 

 coxcomb, nothing of empty vanity, but only a laudable 

 zeal, such as have inspired the Aikins *, to amuse and in- 

 struct 



thiir taste. Sorry am I to say, that in consequence of this review, many 

 of my subscribers have relinquished my work, many impertinent anony- 

 mous letters have been written to me, and I am reluctantly obliged to 

 come forward in my own vindication, and claim a merit which I had 

 much rather leave to others than puolish myself. But the occssion de- 

 mands some answer, and I endeavour to acquit myself as wed as I am 

 able. Thus it was Pope overcame by his Dunctad his rancorous and 

 numerous enemies. 



* Dr. Aikin has even Lteiy condescended to publish a Series of Letters 

 to a young Lady on a Course of English Poetry. " To the many and 

 substantial obligations which the rising generation owes to Dr. Aikin, he 

 has now added another t namely, chis publication. The correctness of Dr. 

 Aikin's taste, poetical and moral, united to his sound and discriminating 

 judgment ; , admirably qualifies him as a guide through the mazy and se- 

 ductive paths of poetry. The utility of such a work as the present must 

 forcibly impress any one who reflects on the vast and increasing number 

 of English poets, whose volumes solicit the perusal of young persons. 

 To have the best aurhors pointed out, their beauties and defects exa- 

 mined and unfolded, and the tendency of their works expose.!, are im- 

 mense advantages to young persons who are entering on a course of Eng- 

 lish poetry. Dr. Aikin does not assume the office of a master y requiring 

 that his pupils should damn where he censures, and extol when he ap- 

 proves : his object is to form their judgment and improve their lasre, in 

 order that they m ly themselves be trusted with the delicate task of selec- 

 tion ; at the same time pointing out those sources from which the finest 

 sentiments may be imbibed, and the most pure, harmonious, and appro- 

 priate language learnt." — From the Retrospect of Domestic Literature in 

 tbe Montblv Magazine for July 1804. — To all which praise ! cordially 

 assent, and, from my heart, have the highest opinion of Dr. Aikin and 

 his family. It has ever been a privilege allowed to authors so sell their 

 publications, for reports to be made on tliem, and these to be circulated*. 

 Without vanity being imputed on that score. Also it may be said: 

 Sweet is the concord of harmonious sounds, 

 When the soft lute or pealing organ strikes 

 The well-attemper'd ear ; sweet is the breath 

 Of honest love, when nymph and gentle swain 

 Waft sighs alternate to each other's heart: 

 But not the concord of harmonious sounds, 

 When the soft lute or pealing organ strikes 

 The well-attemper'd ear j nor the sweet breath 



Qf 



