538 APPENDIX OF NOTES. 



without lapsing into the absolute mannerism of either of them. Now 

 that this style has become unpopular, there is nothing to induce 

 people to read his many historical works. They were written 

 chiefly to rival and supplant the standard works of the day, and 

 with the idea that he would accomplish this by the mere force of 

 genius without research. Much of his hatred was expended on 

 Dr Robertson, but much more on Dr Henry, the respectable author 

 of the ' History of Great Britain.' David Hume had written a 

 good-humoured review on this book, though it professed to be a 

 rival of his own history. His desire to get it inserted in a magazine 

 over which Stuart exercised some influence brought out the follow- 

 ing paroxysm of literary fury : " David Hume wants to review 

 Henry, but that task is so precious that I will undertake it myself. 

 Moses, were he to ask it as a favour, should not have it yea, not 

 even the man after God's own heart. I wish I could transport 

 myself to London to review him for the monthly ; a fire there and 

 in the critical, would perfectly annihilate him. Could you do 

 nothing in the latter ? To the former, I suppose, David Hume has 

 transcribed the criticism he intended for us. It is precious, and 

 would divert you ; I keep a proof of it in my cabinet for the 

 amusement of friends. This great philosopher begins to dote. 

 To-morrow morning Henry sets off for London with immense hopes 

 of selling his History. I wish sincerely that I could enter Holborn 

 the same hour with him he should have a repeated fire to combat 

 with. I entreat that you may be so kind as to let him feel some of 

 your thunder. I shall never forget the favour. If Whitaker is in 

 London he could give a blow. Paterson will give him a knock. 

 Strike by all means. The wretch will tremble, grow pale, and 

 return with a consciousness of his debility. I have a thousand 

 thanks to give you for your insertion of the paper in the ' London 

 Chronicle,' and for the part you propose to act in regard to Henry. 

 I could wish that you knew for certain his being in London before 

 you strike the first blow. An inquiry at CadelTs will give this. 

 When you have an enemy to attack, I shall in return give my best 

 assistance, and aim at him a mortal blow, and rush forward to his 

 overthrow, though the flames of hell should start up to oppose me." 

 Calamities of Authors, ii. 67. 



