The sexagenarian; or, the recollections of a literary life (Volume 2 of 2)Beloe, William
General
The sexagenarian; or, the recollections of a literary life (Volume 2 of 2)
Beloe, William
Authors, English; Beloe, William, 1756-1817; English literature -- Anecdotes
You describe the character of our Satirist very accurately. I know not
which of his qualities inspires most approbation, the placid, instructive
tenor of his conversation in private society, or the dignified and
spirited demeanour with which he mounts his Pegasus, to restrain folly,
chastise error, and disperse the gaudy mob of poetasters.
Who next? though these two are of themselves a host.
Why we will have ONE NOBLE AUTHOR.
I cannot be much at a loss to know whom you intend, as our acquaintance
in that line is not very extensive. What is the cause of your partiality
to him?
I like him, in the first place, because he never presumes upon his rank
and title; because he descends to easy and elegant familiarity with every
guest; and, moreover, because he has seen much, travelled much, and knows
much; he neither arrogantly intrudes in conversation, or petulantly
withholds the information he is so qualified to communicate.
We get on so smoothly now that it seems necessary to remind you of the
smallness of our apartment. Have you any body else to name?
Oh yes, by all means, let us have the FACETIOUS AUTHOR.
Mean you a writer of facetious books?
Why, yes, that may be said, and said truly. He has been a _projector_ of
many truly facetious and original schemes, which he has detailed for the
advantage, as well as amusement, of the public. I rather, however, thus
designated him on account of the unvaried pleasantry and good-humour of
his conversation. This has long been the delight of his friends, for it
is always the same, always flows in the same even channel of ingenuous
mirth. He never fatigues you with the repetition of what you have heard
a thousand times before, but has a perpetual supply from his stores of
memory for the promotion of cheerfulness.
Now you have proceeded thus far without interruption or contradiction,
you will, I hope, permit me to name one of our guests, to whom I think it
impossible you should object.
I don’t know that. But—
You know how I abominate that monosyllable _But_—I must insist upon
asking my very old friend, and your’s also, Sylvanus Urban.
You really anticipate me. He is worthy of a place at any table, and
I should no more think of selecting a party from those whom I most
esteemed, and best love, without soliciting his presence, than I would
have our turbot (_Husband_ aside—_mem_, there _must_ be a turbot!)
without lobster, or partridges without bread-sauce.
You are perfectly right, yet pray tell me under what description of
authors would you rank our old friend? What epithet would you apply to
him?
Why I think Sylvanus Urban may be termed the UNIVERSAL AUTHOR.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account