notes.]
* * * * *
THE PURSUITS OF LITERATURE.
Many years ago, the satirical poem, entitled _The Pursuits of
Literature_, engaged public attention for a very considerable time; the
author concealed his name; and from 1796 at least to 1800, the world
continued guessing at who could be the author. Amongst the names to
which the poem was ascribed were those of Anstey, Colman, Jun., Coombe,
Cumberland, Harry Dampier, Goodall, Hudderford, Knapp, MATHIAS, Mansell,
Wrangham, Stephen Weston, and many others, chiefly Etonians. George
Steevens, it is believed, fixed upon the real author at an early period:
at least in the _St. James's Chronicle_, from Tuesday, May 1. to
Thursday, May 3. 1798, we find--
"THE PURSUER OF LITERATURE PURSUED
"_Hic niger est_.
"With learned jargon and conceit,
With tongue as prompt to lie as
The veriest mountebank and cheat,
Steps forth the black ----.
"At first the world was all astounded,
Some said it was _Elias_;
But when the riddle was expounded,
'Twas little black ----.
"This labour'd work would seem the job
Of hundred-handed _Gyas_;
But proves to issue from the nob
Of little black ----.
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