Patrons, whether single
individuals or nations, have too often proved but indifferent friends,
careless and forgetful of those whom they proudly pretend to foster.
But leaving the poor poet, with his sorrows, to the regular
biographer, we choose rather the lighter task of relating the history
of the letter itself; a man's works are often preferred before himself,
and it is believed that in this, the day of autographs, no further
apology will be needed for the course taken on the present occasion.
We hold ourselves, indeed, entitled to the especial gratitude of
collectors for the following sketch of a document maintaining so high
a rank in their estimation.
And justly might the Lumley Letter claim a full share of literary
homage. Boasting a distinguished signature, it possessed the first
essential of a superior autograph; for, although a rose under any
other name may smell as sweet, yet it is clear that with regard to
every thing coming from the pen, whether folio or billet doux,
imaginative poem, or matter-of-fact note of hand, there is a vast
deal in this important item, which is often the very life and stamina
of the whole production. Then again, the subject of extreme want is
one of general interest, while the allusion to the unpublished poem
must always prove an especial attraction to the curious. Such were
the intrinsic merits of the document, in addition to which, sober Time
lent his aid to enhance its value, and capricious Fortune added a
peculiar charm of mystery, which few papers of the kind could claim
to the same extent.
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