"I enclose you an Italian abstract of the German translator of Manfred's Appendix, in which you will perceive quoted what Goethe says of the _whole body_ of English poetry (and _not_ of me in particular). On this the Dedication is founded, as you will perceive, though I had thought of it before, for I look upon him as a great man." * * * * * The very singular Dedication transmitted with this letter has never before been published, nor, as far as I can learn, ever reached the hands of the illustrious German. It is written in the poet's most whimsical and mocking mood; and the unmeasured severity poured out in it upon the two favourite objects of his wrath and ridicule compels me to deprive the reader of some of its most amusing passages. DEDICATION TO BARON GOETHE, &c. &c. &c. "Sir,--In the Appendix to an English work lately translated into German and published at Leipsic, a judgment of yours upon English poetry is quoted as follows: 'That in English poetry, great genius, universal power, a feeling of profundity, with sufficient tenderness and force, are to be found; but that _altogether these do not constitute poets_,' &c. &c. "I regret to see a great man falling into a great mistake. This opinion of yours only proves that the '_Dictionary of ten thousand living English Authors_' has not been translated into German. You will have read, in your friend Schlegel's version, the dialogue in Macbeth-- "'There are _ten thousand_! _Macbeth_. _Geese_, villain? _Answer_. _Authors_, sir.' Now, of these 'ten thousand authors,' there are actually nineteen hundred and eighty-seven poets, all alive at this moment, whatever their works may be, as their booksellers well know; and amongst these there are several who possess a far greater reputation than mine, although considerably less than yours. It is owing to this neglect on the part of your German translators that you are not aware of the works of * * *. "There is also another, named * * * * "I mention these poets by way of sample to enlighten you. They form but two bricks of our Babel, (WINDSOR bricks, by the way,) but may serve for a specimen of the building.