rank high among the most opulent of our publishers, were to lead the way, by relinquishing your Puffing system? Your example would, doubtless, soon be imitated by the minor publishers; and then, instead of the mock "freedom of the press" being daily libelled by countless Puffs, good books would carry with them their own recommendation, fair criticism would analyze them for the public, nonsense would find its level, and talent its appropriate

rank.

Puffinburgh, 1828.

I remain, sir,

Your most obedient servant,

THE AUTHOR.

ARGUMENTUM.

THE Poet commenceth with a respectful announcement of his subject, and invoketh the Muse to afford him a sufficient quantum of inspiration. Inasmuch as the times must be in a rotten state to patronize Puffery, it has been deemed proper, in the first place, to take a rapid survey of them, particularly as regards their literary character-the delightful subject of national refinement -march of learning-literature degraded by a host of dabblersincondite twaddle daily produced-corruption of the English language want of originality-polite lamentation over the "divine art," &c.

с

THE PUFFIA D.

PART I.

"Et nos ergo manum ferulæ subduximus, et nos Consilium dedimus Sullæ, privatus ut altum Dormiret.-Stulta est clementia."-Juv. 1.

Of puffs defrauding, and the puffing race,

The curse of learning, and the land's disgrace,

I sing.* Accomplish'd Heliconian Miss,

Descend, and aid a task divine as this!

"Of man's first disobedience, &c.”—Milton.

"The mighty mother, and her son, who brings

The Smithfield muses to the ear of kings,

I sing !"

c 2

Dunciad.